The Influence of SNS Characteristics on Tourist Attractions Preference : Focus on China

Purpose - The rapid spread of SNS and increase of SNS users have heralded great changes in the tourism industry. Therefore, this study focused on how SNS characteristics- usefulness, convenience, interactivity, and intimacy - influence diffusivity, reliability and, consequently, user's preference for tourist attractions. Research design, data, and methodology - This study is designed not only to collect data with a questionnaire survey but also to test hypotheses with SEM by SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0. Results - Usefulness, interactivity, and intimacy positively affect diffusivity, whereas convenience does not positively affect diffusivity. In addition, intimacy has a negative influence on reliability. However, diffusivity and reliability have positive impacts on the preference for tourist places. Conclusions - Certain characteristics of SNS facilitates the spreading of SNS tourist information. Usability and interactivity have positive impacts on the reliance of tourist information. Better communication can enhance the reliance of travel information. The influence of spreading tourist information has a positive influence on its reliance. Extension and reliance can have positive effects on the preference for tourist attractions.