نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Abstract
Introduction
The rapid growth of social media has revolutionized marketing strategies in various industries, including tourism. Social media marketing has become a powerful tool for engaging tourists, influencing their perceptions, and shaping their decision-making processes. In rural tourism, especially in eco-lodges, social media platforms play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices, enhancing brand awareness, and creating value for tourists. This study focuses on rural tourism in Golestan Province, Iran, where eco-lodges blend cultural heritage with environmental conservation. The primary objective is to investigate the effects of social media marketing on tourists' intention to revisit eco-lodges, with a focus on the mediating roles of brand awareness and perceived value to understand how social media marketing contributes to sustainable tourism in rural areas.
Materials and Methods
This research employed a descriptive-survey and correlational design to analyze the relationships between social media marketing, brand awareness, perceived value, and revisit intention. The statistical population included tourists who visited eco-lodges in the eastern region of Golestan Province. A sample size of 384 individuals was determined using Morgan's table, and 400 questionnaires were distributed using a non-probability convenience sampling method, resulting in 365 valid responses. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire with items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS software was used to analyze the data, confirming construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability through Cronbach's alpha coefficients.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that social media marketing significantly influences tourists' intention to revisit eco-lodges, emphasizing the role of engaging content on social media platforms in fostering loyalty. Brand awareness mediated the relationship between social media marketing and revisit intention, indicating that effective campaigns enhance tourists' recognition and trust. Perceived value also acted as a significant mediator showing that higher perceived value leads to increased likelihood of return. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the impact of social media on consumer behavior in tourism.
Conclusions
This study provides empirical evidence that social media marketing influences tourists' intention to revisit eco-lodges directly and through the mediating effects of brand awareness and perceived value. By enhancing brand recognition and communicating unique value, social media marketing fosters trust, satisfaction, and loyalty among tourists. Social media is a strategic tool for promoting sustainable rural tourism and building long-term relationships with tourists. Leveraging social media can strengthen brand presence and convey the unique value of eco-lodges, ensuring sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
کلیدواژهها English