Abstract
Despite the abundance of research in information technology and tourism, limited is known about online communication and networking in the tourism industry. Researchers have examined the overall structure of online destination network, but further investigation is needed to understand the networking patterns of different tourism stakeholders in cyberspace. This study constructed and analyzed a hyperlink network of 745 tourism stakeholders in Charleston, South Carolina. Link impact analysis, hyperlink network analysis, and statistical methods were employed for exploring the structural characteristics of the online networks among tourism stakeholders and their networking behaviors on the Web. The results revealed a sparse online network within the tourism industry of a destination, and suggested that tourism stakeholders’ online networking behaviors vary across sectors. The findings also confirmed destination marketing organizations’ central position in online tourism network, and validated the use of hyperlink network as an alternative and promising data source for destination network research.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
