Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/230515 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Citation: 
[Journal:] Journal of Tourism, Heritage & Services Marketing [ISSN:] 2529-1947 [Volume:] 7 [Issue:] 1 [Publisher:] International Hellenic University [Place:] Thessaloniki [Year:] 2021 [Pages:] 54-63
Publisher: 
International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki
Abstract: 
Purpose: This study examines the process by which eWOM susceptibility moderates the strength of indirect links between the perceived credibility of eWOM messages and the intention to visit a destination via the destination image and the perceived usefulness of these messages. Methods: The research hypotheses were tested according to structural equations modelling and Hayes procedure, which made it possible to study simultaneously and rigorously the mediating and moderating effects, and to have a clear view on the model fittness. Results: The results indicate that the mediation links of the destination image on the relationship between perceived credibility and intention to visit a destination, are moderated by the susceptibility of the eWOM (the comments generated by Internet users or the sharing of tourists' experiences on Facebook). This study also indicates that the relationship between the perceived credibility of the eWOM and the intentions to visit a destination is mediated by the usefulness of the eWOM messages and the destination image. Implications: Tourism practitioners seeking to attract tourists can use the eWOM as a communication technique for product and/or service recommendations. Given the powerful influence of the eWOM, it should not be ignored or misused, but managed to improve the effectiveness of marketing strategies in hospitality, tourism and travel.
Subjects: 
perceived credibility
eWOM susceptibility
perceived usefulness
intention to visit
destination image
JEL: 
L83
M31
Z33
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
URL of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
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Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version
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