The Influence of Source Credibility and Inspiration on Tourists’ Travel Planning Through Travel Vlogs

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of viewing travel vlog experiences on online tourists’ travel planning behavior. Based on integrating cognitive emotion theory (CET) and the source credibility model (SCM), this study illuminates the mechanics of inspiration formation and its mediation role between credible vlogger characteristics and travel planning behavior. The study surveyed 423 online tourists in Vietnam who use travel vlogs to plan their travels. The study found that sincerity, professionalism, and attraction all positively affect inspiration, but attraction had the biggest effect. Inspiration partially mediated the relationship between sincerity and travel planning behavior, while the influence of professionalism and attraction on travel planning behavior was fully mediated by inspiration. The study suggests that travel vloggers need to create products that clearly portray their ethos and can connect emotionally with online tourists. Hospitality and tourism businesses should collaborate with travel vloggers to enhance their brand image.