Information Sources for Travel Decisions: Toward a Source Process Model

Abstract

This article contributes to the study of information sourcing behavior in the travel decision process. It focuses on the differences between information sourcing before and after a definite trip decision (characterized either by an irreversible choice with regard to destination or by a legal contract such as a reservation or purchase of one or multiple elements of a trip). The study identifies typical patterns of information search behavior for different travel types, grouped by means of clusters along two stages of the information sourcing process, thus forming paths of information sourcing. The data are representative for the case of Switzerland, serving as a model for a well-developed travel market. Descriptors such as type of trip, degree of packaging, choice of destination, and choice of accommodation showed significant explanatory power, while sociodemographic variables proved to be of less value. The results give the industry the possibility of improving information distribution systems throughout the travel decision process.

Online visit opinions about attractions of the religious heritage: an argumentative approach

“…WOM can be even considered as the primary enabler of economic and social activity in most of the ancient and medieval communities, which had not yet established formal law systems of contract enforcement. WOM has been showed to play a major role for customers' buying decisions, and WOM from friends and relatives has been found to be the most commonly used information source for travelers before they make a travel decision (Beiger and Laesser 2004;Inversini, Cantoni, and Buhalis 2009).…”

An Exploratory Study on the Use of Information Sources by Consumers to Select Australian Regional Travel Agencies

“…Information sources that consumers might use to assist in their selecting of travel agencies could vary and might differ in accordance to decision making situations. Studies have investigated models of information search behaviour and information source usage in different situations (for example Bieger & Laesser, 2004;Dodd, Laverie, Wilcox & Duhan, 2005;Fodness & Murray, 1999;Vogt & Fesenmaier, 1998). Whilst there is no single unique classification system for information sources, they can generally be classified as: (a) internal and external sources, (b) personal and impersonal sources, (c) informal and formal sources, and (d) commercial and non-commercial sources (for example Crotts, 1999;Dodd et al, 2005;Fodness & Murray, 1997;Raitz & Dakhil, 1989).…”

Combination of Information Sources in Travel Planning A Cross-national Study

“…The importance of friends and relatives as information sources is highlighted in previous studies (Fodness and Murray 1999;Bieger and Laesser 2004). Bieger and Laesser (2004) point out that informal information from friends and relatives is important in travel planning, and is even more important and discriminates travel behavior after a definite trip decision.…”

“…Bieger and Laesser (2004) point out that informal information from friends and relatives is important in travel planning, and is even more important and discriminates travel behavior after a definite trip decision. Travel programs and documentaries in television rank high utility as information sources.…”

“…Tourists are likely to refer to multiple publications by tour operators (such as brochures) for more detailed information on specific activities or attractions in the destination. Travel agents are often used as information source by those who want to reduce risks (Bieger and Laesser 2004). …”