Digital Economy in the Catering Service Industry: Photo Sharing Behavior on Social Media

• Published in: The international journal of tourism research Vol. 27; no. 2
• Main Authors: Hua, Yidi, Chen, Kuan‐Ting, Long, Zhiqian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.03.2025; Wiley Periodicals Inc
• Subjects: Attitudes; behavioral intentions; Catering; Digital economy; electronic word‐of‐mouth; food experience; photo sharing; Service industries; social media; Social networks; Tourism; China
• ISSN: 1099-2340; 1522-1970
• DOI: 10.1002/jtr.70024

ABSTRACT This study aims to (a) identify the primary factors that influence tourists' decisions to share their restaurant experiences; (b) investigate the motivations and determinants that drive tourists to share photographs on social media related to the catering industry; and (c) assess the impact of tourists' positive electronic word‐of‐mouth communication on restaurants and the broader tourism sector. The research analyzed data from 362 questionnaires predominantly collected from Chinese respondents, employing SPSS and AMOS for the analysis and validation of the relationships among the variables. The findings indicate that food quality, service quality, and the overall atmosphere of the dining experience exert a direct positive influence on tourists' attitudes toward sharing food photographs. Additionally, motivations for positive e‐WOM include concern for others and the expression of positive emotions. The results of this study offer recommendations for restaurant leaders regarding strategic development, enabling them to formulate market‐competitive policies that enhance their comparative advantage.