How Instagram has Replaced Travel
Instagram affects travel, the important thing to look at is the role of influencers and how their followers depend on the visual information supplied to them to make travel decisions. Instagram has enhanced businesses; it has linked people to the global market making trade efficient. Moreover, Instagram has replaced travel in the sense that people can view various landscapes, keep up with changing fashion at the convenience of their homes. Therefore, the use of Instagram has brought about many changes to the current day economy.
Every travelling destination requires marketing and Instagram has been a successful platform for this. When potential travellers see posts they are given a hint of what to expect and would most probably go to the destination to experience the pleasure advertised on the site. According to a survey held by the Intercontinental hotels and resorts, on how social media has affected travel, it was found out that most travellers rely on social media when travelling. Most business sectors. Therefore, rely on social media influencers other than going through the business’ websites to obtain information (Hanifah, 2019).
A good scenario is like when the glass bridge in China was constructed. Moreover, the place was empty and when influencers came and took pictures and posted, the place was so overpopulated that it had to be closed down. The effect of Instagram to travel has also been experienced negatively for example when influencers post pictures giving wrong information about their destinations. This is because travel media on Instagram has been dominated mostly by people who just travel aimlessly and post pictures without knowledge of the culture and background of what they are posting about (Terttunen, 2017)
In conclusion, Instagram has made the world a global village since people can access valuable information at the convenience of their various destinations. Moreover, Instagram has the power to shape up the travel industry either positively or negatively. Social media influencers should, therefore, post accurate destinations so as not to be misleading to travellers.
References
Hanifah, R. D. (2019). The Influence of Instagram Travel Influencer on Visiting Decision of Tourist Destinations for Generation. Tourism Proceeding, 235-247.
Terttunen, A. (2017). The influence of Instagram on consumers’ travel planning and destination choice.