Use and Impact of Online Travel Reviews

Ulrike Gretzel () and Kyung Hyan Yoo ()
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Ulrike Gretzel: Texas A&M University
Kyung Hyan Yoo: Texas A&M University

A chapter in Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2008, 2008, pp 35-46 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Consumer-generated content (CGC) is growing in importance. Especially online travel reviews written by consumers are ever more available and used to inform travel-related decisions. A Web-based survey of users of the most prominent travel review site, TripAdvisor, was conducted to investigate how other travellers’ reviews inform the trip planning process. Since current CGC statistics show generational and gender differences, the study also aimed at examining whether those carry over into the realm of travel review use. The results show that reviews are used mostly to inform accommodation decisions and are currently not used much for en route travel planning. Gender differences were found for perceived impacts of reviews, with females reaping greater benefits from using reviews, especially in terms of enjoyment and idea generation. Age differences occurred across a variety of perceptions and use behaviours. Implications for travel marketing and travel information systems design are provided.

Keywords: online travel reviews; consumer generated content; trip planning; age differences; gender differences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-211-77280-5_4

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