Trustworthiness of travel information sources on Instagram and intentions to visit Gopeng Perak / Mazlina Mahdzar ... [et al.]

• Main Authors: Mahdzar, Mazlina (Author), Kamarulzaman, Nurul Dafiqah (Author), Michael Remy, Deirdre Serena Sendi (Author), Zainal, Zakina Izienty (Author), Mohd Shawal, Nurul Syafiqqah (Author), Osman, Nurul Faziera (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Faculty of Hotel & Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 2022-12.
• Subjects: Article; PeerReviewed
• Online Access: Link Metadata
• Notes: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/72337/1/72337.pdf
• Keywords: Travel and state. Tourism; Social networks

This study is particularly interested in examining the trustworthiness of travel information sources on Instagram, a popular social media platform as one of the tourism distribution channels. Travel information and attractions of Gopeng, a town in Perak, Malaysia was chosen and examined through an Instagram account. A total of 152 questionnaire was completed by '@gopengtravelgram' instagram followers. Descriptive, independent sample T-test, and regression analysis are performed to examine the differences in trustworthiness on Instagram based on gender and age and the relationship between followers' intentions to visit Gopeng as a tourism destination. The findings revealed that Instagram followers had a positive perceived trustworthiness of travel information sources on Instagram. Furthermore, trust in the information shared by the Instagram account could inspire followers to plan a trip to Gopeng. The findings of this study may be used by destination marketers employing Instagram accounts to strategize the information sources that encourage visitors to have a visit intention. This study also suggests that other Instagram travel accounts or influencers include and highlight important sources in their posting to benefit the followers.