Using Facebook for travel decision-making: an international study of antecedents
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
ISSN: 0959-6119
Article publication date: 15 January 2019
Issue publication date: 15 February 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate antecedents of using non-travel-specific social media (specifically Facebook) for travel decision-making before a leisure trip.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on an online survey of 426 young travel consumers from Italy and Sweden, this work applies structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.
Findings
The study finds support for most of the conventional TAM-related constructs: perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and intention, while ease of use is not found relevant in this context.
Research limitations/implications
Results shed light on the antecedents of using non-travel specific social media in two countries. Future research might focus on validating the factors identified and add others that might shape usage in the selected countries. Future studies could further investigate possible differences arising from culture, country of origin and age. The analysis can also be extended to other countries.
Practical implications
The analysis might help managers in the hospitality and tourism sector by providing an understanding of the cognitive factors which determine travelers’ decision to use Facebook for trip planning. Thus, managers should get to know these factors in their effort to influence social media in hospitality and tourism settings.
Originality/value
The findings offer interesting perspectives on the applicability of conventional models to the context of non-travel-specific social media platforms. The exploration of cross-cultural differences also adds to the extant body of knowledge.
Keywords
Citation
Mariani, M., Ek Styven, M. and Ayeh, J.K. (2019), "Using Facebook for travel decision-making: an international study of antecedents", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 1021-1044. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-02-2018-0158
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited