Travel vlogs influencing tourist decisions: information preferences and gender differences
Aslib Journal of Information Management
ISSN: 2050-3806
Article publication date: 6 January 2023
Issue publication date: 2 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
As independent travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, factors influencing users’ attitudes and behaviors should be explored. Besides, the rise of video platforms like YouTube, Bilibili and TikTok has led to the flourishing of user generated content (UGC), among which travel vlogs have become convenient and essential references for tourists before and while they travel on their own.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used quantitative analysis through a survey designed for young people, as most vlog viewers are in those age groups, to explore the attitudes and perceptions of vlog preference, attitudes and cognizance of travel vlogs among different gender, guided by the decision-making theory and preference theory with 455 participants.
Findings
Survey results showed that both genders have common choices regarding travel vlog preference, attitudes, sharing and cognizance. Yet, gender differences appear in some cognition of travel vlogs and specific preferences, such as information searching habits, trusty travel and information sources.
Originality/value
Existing studies focus on the influence of platforms on users, but scant studies focus on user perceptions of vlogs as a new information carrier for young people in East Asia, especially regarding gender differences, which is crucial in media-based marketing. This research provides practical suggestions to marketers and vloggers to attract and engage different genders of young people and theoretical implications on decision and preference theories.
Keywords
Citation
Cheng, W., Tian, R. and Chiu, D.K.W. (2024), "Travel vlogs influencing tourist decisions: information preferences and gender differences", Aslib Journal of Information Management, Vol. 76 No. 1, pp. 86-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-05-2022-0261
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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