Power of Social Media Influencers in Shaping Omani Tourists Decisions
Synopsis
With its extensive use and sales-focused reflections on purchasing decisions, social media has evolved into a major tourism marketing tool. Many tour businesses and destinations use social media and influencers to reach out to potential travellers. Besides, influencer marketing has grown in popularity, with social media influencers effectively reaching more people than other sources.
Aim: The main aim of the book was to determine the influence of social media influencers on the travel decisions of Omani consumers. Moreover, the role of trust in consumer decisions. In addition, this book also aims to determine the extent to which social media influences affect tourists' decisions to visit specific destinations.
Methodology: The book used a qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling was used, and structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants. All the interviews were conducted between January and April 2024. 17 questions were identified, and the same questions were asked to maintain consistency.
Results: The primary conclusion of the book is that social media influencers play a crucial role in tourists’ decisions to visit a destination, while credibility plays an important role. The research also indicates that consumers' decisions are not solely determined by influencers on social media platforms but also by the platforms themselves.
Conclusion: The presence of social media influencers (SMIs) radically changes customer behaviour in the tourism sector. Followers trust their influencers, and if they suggest something, they consider it. Trust is a critical element in influencer marketing, and it helps to establish and maintain effective long-term connections between organisations and customers. It is suggested that tour businesses utilise SMIs because they serve to boost people's interest in travelling. As consumers always seek information about their next trip, SMIs can effectively provide information and fill this gap.