Decoding destination image: insights from Instagram content by residents, tourists, and influencers

[EN] Purpose: This study examines how Instagram shapes the destination image, focusing on the contributions of residents, tourists, and influencers. It aims to provide empirical evidence on the distinct impacts of these actors and offer insights for effective destination marketing. Methodology: A qu...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Blanco Moreno, Sofía, González Fernández, Ana María, Muñoz Gallego, Pablo Antonio
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad de León
Repositorio:BULERIA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de León
OAI Identifier:oai:buleria.unileon.es:10612/26476
Acceso en línea:https://www.emerald.com/cbth/article/doi/10.1108/CBTH-05-2024-0186/1248681/Decoding-destination-image-insights-from-Instagram
https://hdl.handle.net/10612/26476
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Economía
Marketing
Turismo
Destination image
Artificial intelligence
Deep learning
Destination Management Organizations
User-generated content
Big data
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] Purpose: This study examines how Instagram shapes the destination image, focusing on the contributions of residents, tourists, and influencers. It aims to provide empirical evidence on the distinct impacts of these actors and offer insights for effective destination marketing. Methodology: A quantitative approach was used, analysing approximately 142,000 Instagram posts using advanced data techniques (web scraping and deep learning) to assess visual and textual content. Statistical tests compared engagement metrics and content types between residents, tourists, and influencers. Findings: Significant differences were found in the content posted by residents and tourists. Residents' posts received more likes, indicating stronger community engagement, and featured more faces and happy emotions, suggesting a socially oriented and positive portrayal. Influencers' posts garnered more likes and comments and included more people and positive emotions compared to non-influencers. These findings underscore the unique contributions of each group to the destination image on Instagram. Originality: This study contributes to tourism marketing and social media research by providing a detailed analysis of how different actors influence the destination image on Instagram. It utilizes AI techniques to analyse large datasets, offering methodological innovations and nuanced insights. Practical implications: DMOs should leverage residents' authenticity and influencers' reach to create an engaging destination image. Collaborating with influencers can enhance visibility, while residents' content provides authenticity and depth.