TY - GEN
T1 - The role of web-based social media in the formation of a tourism destination image
AU - Lai, Linda S.L.
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - This research investigated the role of web-based social media in the formation of a tourism destination image. Textual information from 507 sampled travel blogs, web forums, and social networking sites was statistically content analysed. The formation of a destination image was studied from a cognitive, affective, and holistic perspective. The delivery of a desired affective image is believed to be the key to successful destination management in the experience economy. The findings suggest that web-based social media serve as a powerful agent in the formation of an affective image through the sharing of travel experiences and opinions of a destination. Therefore, a systematic analysis of social media content can be a useful way to determine visitors' perceptions, feelings, and impressions of a tourism destination. Further, the monitoring of user-generated content on the web is a cost-effective method for destination marketers to assess their service quality and improve travellers' overall experiences.
AB - This research investigated the role of web-based social media in the formation of a tourism destination image. Textual information from 507 sampled travel blogs, web forums, and social networking sites was statistically content analysed. The formation of a destination image was studied from a cognitive, affective, and holistic perspective. The delivery of a desired affective image is believed to be the key to successful destination management in the experience economy. The findings suggest that web-based social media serve as a powerful agent in the formation of an affective image through the sharing of travel experiences and opinions of a destination. Therefore, a systematic analysis of social media content can be a useful way to determine visitors' perceptions, feelings, and impressions of a tourism destination. Further, the monitoring of user-generated content on the web is a cost-effective method for destination marketers to assess their service quality and improve travellers' overall experiences.
KW - Content analysis
KW - Destination image
KW - Travel experience
KW - User-generated content
KW - Web-based social media
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79955164506&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:79955164506
SN - 9789728939212
T3 - Proc. of the IADIS Int. Conf. Collaborative Technologies 2010, Proc. of the IADIS Int. Conf. Web Based Communities 2010, Part of the MCCSIS 2010
SP - 3
EP - 12
BT - Proc. of the IADIS Int. Conf. Collaborative Technologies 2010,CT, IADIS Int. Conf. Web Based Communities 2010, Part of the MCCSIS 2010
T2 - IADIS Int. Conf. Collaborative Technologies 2010,CT, IADIS Int. Conf. Web Based Communities 2010,WBC, Part of the MCCSIS 2010
Y2 - 26 July 2010 through 31 July 2010
ER -