Influence of Social Networks on Responsible Behaviour by Smart Tourists

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to report on a research project that explores the perceptions of Chinese tourists about the influence of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) on responsible and sustainable behaviour by tourists within the context of smart tourism paradigm. To achieve this aim, first a research framework encompassing three hypotheses related to the influence of SNSs at the three main stages of travel cycle was designed. Then, an exploratory quantitative research was carried out (Sample size = 325), using the online survey technique. The study’s findings indicate that the influence of SNSs on Chinese consumers on adopting a responsible behaviour as smart tourists is determined by all stages of the travel cycle, the stronger influence being at the first two stages (before and during the consumption experience). This study constitutes the first theoretical/conceptual approach and empirical research into the influence of SNSs on responsible behaviour by smart tourists.