Wu, Mao-Ying, and Pearce, Philip L. (2016) Tourism blogging motivations: why do Chinese tourists create little "Lonely Planets"? Journal of Travel Research, 55 (4). pp. 537-549.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

Chinese tourists, who are increasingly traveling out of Asia independently, need trustworthy and readily available information sources. This study explores the motives of Chinese tourists who have invested considerable time (mostly more than a week) in creating information-rich, influential, and interactive online travel blogs—effectively creating personalized little "Lonely Planets" that serve these growing information needs. This study assesses the demographic characteristics of the "Lonely Planets" creators, the features of their blogging behavior, and the motivations for the involvement. It reveals six motive categories: "positive self-enhancement through online social connection," "altruism: being helpful to fellow travelers," "social status issues," "personal status and achievement," "self-documentation and sharing," and "hedonic enjoyment of blogging." Superficially, these motivations seem to be similar with previous Western studies of blogging behavior, but significant contextual and cultural issues exist and are explained. Management implications and future research arising from the current study are provided.

Item ID:	38154
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1552-6763
Keywords:	Chinese outbound tourists, independent travel, trust, blogging, motivation
Date Deposited:	26 May 2015 05:09
FoR Codes:	35 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 3508 Tourism > 350806 Tourist behaviour and visitor experience @ 100%
SEO Codes:	90 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 9003 Tourism > 900302 Socio-Cultural Issues in Tourism @ 100%
Downloads:	Total: 7
	More Statistics