Impact of Social Media on Tourism Industry

Social media and internet have proved to be the most powerful tool in directing the mindsets of the tourists. Face book, twitter, YouTube, blogs and many other web-based social media influence the decision of the travelers of where to go, when to go, how to go etc. It can be concluded undoubtedly that internet is a vital factor in our life which has been affecting the travel industry. This, in turn is directly influencing the purchase and experience of the travelers, both domestic and international.

The Scandinavian journal of hospitality and tourism recently published an article under the name of “Trust and Involvement in Tourism Social Media and Web-Based travel information sources.” It can be viewed online for free till 31st of September, 2013. This was mainly done to understand and realize the tourist social media adoption in technology. It investigated about the Scandinavian holiday makers who are staying in Mallorca, Spain utilizes their smart phones, internet and social media in taking decisions where to tour, how to tour, when to tour etc. 100 participants were being questioned and the survey was conducted to note the usage of social media in their lives especially in terms of touring. The recorded data showed how the increased use of this technology affects our decision.