Explaining travellers online information satisfaction: A complexity theory approach on information needs, barriers, sources and personal characteristics

Abstract

This study explores the online information-seeking behaviour of travellers aspiring to accumulate travel-related information during their vacation planning. A theoretical model comprising information needs, online information sources, information barriers and personal characteristics is proposed to explain high degrees of information satisfaction in the online information space. Our theoretical propositions are validated through a survey (N = 764). The results of a configurational analysis, based on fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, pinpointed 13 behavioural paths that equally explain travellers’ online information satisfaction. The paper includes a critical discussion on the theoretical and practical implication of the findings.