What is Tripographic Characteristics

Generation Y has been considered to be a sizeable new market. This study, based on a sample of 1131 Italian travellers from Gen Y, investigates their views for and against disintermediation, and analyses how their choices are influenced by user generated content (UGC), rather than by information provided by high street travel agencies. The factor analysis uncovers three dimensions: “Benefits of Travel Agency”, “Benefits of Online Reservation”, and “Online Trust & Search Behaviour”. Further, a series of statistical tests indicate that demographics such as age and education have a significant influence on the respondents' perceptions. Our findings suggest that hotel managers and travel agencies should monitor Gen Y perceptions of the benefits and constraints of using the Internet, UGC and travel agencies for hotel booking. Further, accommodation providers should use online channels to create affective commitment in their young customers. Limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions for further research are given.