The traces of ecotourism in a digital world: spatial and trend analysis of geotagged photographs on social media and Google search data for sustainable development

• DOI: 10.1108/jhtt-07-2019-0101
• Publication Date: 2020-06-16T11:07:09Z
• Authors: Hanyoung Go; Myunghwa Kang; Yunwoo Nam
• Keywords: Popularity

Purpose This paper aims to track how ecotourism has been presented in a digital world over time using geotagged photographs and internet search data. Ecotourism Google Trends data are used evaluate tourist perceptions of by developing categorization essential attributes, examining the relation sustainable development, measuring popularity sites. Design/methodology/approach The researchers collected from Flickr.com downloaded Trends. An integrative approach content, trend spatial analysis was applied develop categories investigate ecotourism. First, authors on social media comprehend key attributes Second, they examined related with development trends Third, GIS maps visualize spatial-temporal changes views throughout world. Findings study identified three primary themes 13 attributes. Interest about mostly as its definitions result indicates that tracked locations footprints not congruent popular regions search. Originality/value research follows changing decade evaluation global provides important insights for tourism actual perception. Analyzing is strategic assess achievement UN goals. Factual perspectives into tourists likely seek perceive natural attractions valuable range audiences, such industries governments.