Introduction to the Handbook on Tourism and Social Media

Abstract

Social media platforms have become critical mediums for information dissemination and gathering for both consumers and destination marketers and managers. In recent years, the role traditional media outlets play in destination selection and decision-making process has been decreasing rapidly. Social media and peer-to-peer information sharing sites have been playing increasingly critical roles in destination Selection and Decision Making processes. The influence of social media on tourists’ destination selection is complex and diverse and the components are very complex. destinations need to pay close attention to how and what type of information is being disseminated through social media mediums. The Handbook of Tourism and Social Media by Edward Elgar attempts to examine key social media issues and challenges faced by destinations. Our vision for this handbook is to create an international platform for balanced academic social media research in tourism with practical applications for destination managers and marketers. This handbook book includes 44 chapters originating from leading social media scholars in the field. It is our strong believe that the topics included in the handbook will appeal to both researchers and practitioners.