Iranian Journal of Information Processing and Management

Iranian Journal of Information Processing and Management

Impact of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) on Travellers’ Green Hotel Booking Intentions and Policymaking

Authors
Elaheh Yadegaridehkordi 1
Saeedeh Momtazi 1
Mohd Hairul Nizam Bin Md Nasir 2
1 Amirkabir University of Technology
2 University of Malaya
10.35050/JIPM010.2022.043
Abstract
Nowadays, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) has become the primary source of tourism-related information. Travelers are increasingly seeking additional information provided in eWOM platforms to minimize the complexity and insecurity involved in making a purchase decision. However, there still is a lack of research on the impact of eWOM on travelers’ green hotel booking intentions. Therefore, this study aims to develop a theoretical model to examine the effects of positive and negative eWOM on travelers’ green hotel booking intentions and provide practical guidelines for hotel marketing and policymaking. To do this, a model was developed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) while positive and negative eWOM were linked to the model as two new factors. This study utilized a quantitative research approach and data collection was performed through an online survey questionnaire. Data was collected from 418 travelers who had the experience of searching on social media for collecting travel-related information. The statistical software SmartPLS and SPSS were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that customer attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral controls, and positive eWOM positively influenced
travelers’ green hotel booking intentions. In contrast, the influence of negative eWOM on travelers’ green hotel booking intentions was not supported. The findings of this study can assist hotel managers in social and content media policymaking. Meanwhile, they can help policymakers in the tourism industry develop optimum policies. This study can provide new capabilities for policymakers to address existing challenges and opportunities and promote green practices in the hotel sector.
Keywords
Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM)
Green Hotel
Policymaking
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Iranian Journal of Information Processing and Management
Volume 38, SPECIAL ISSUE
Autumn 2022
Pages 81-103

  • Receive Date 28 January 2023