The effect of prior destination experience on online information search behaviour

Authors: Lehto, Xinran Y.; Kim, Dae-Young

Source: Tourism and Hospitality Research, Volume 6, Number 2, February 2006 , pp. 160-178(19)

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

This research proposed and empirically tested a behavioural model of online tourist information search by integrating the consumer involvement concept, modes of cognitive processing and knowledge representation. The model identified two types of online information involvement: involvement measured by time spent online (degree of search) and by types of information sought (content of search). The results showed prior experience and knowledge with a destination influenced both by the content of search and the degree of search that a traveller engages in online while planning a trip. It appears that online search effort decreases and search content changes as a result of the different level of prior knowledge that a tourist brings to a search. The results will also have practical implications for the content, length and presentation of tourism websites that service iTravellers.

Keywords: information behaviour; online information search; prior destination experience; trip planning; information search degree; information search content

Document Type: Regular paper

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$43.00 plus tax Refund Policy