Media Influences Determination of Tourist Destinations: Tourism Imaginaries Generated by Social Media Advertising

Technological developments have changed social aspects and influenced communication and marketing patterns in society. Social media has emerged as a bridge to the communication gaps that arise due to technology, especially in tourism marketing. Previously, tourism marketing was carried out through traditional methods such as print media, radio, and television advertisements. Social media offers a more efficient, modern, and accurate data-based method for analyzing consumer needs. Based on a survey of 16 informants aged 18-22 years, it was found that 80% of respondents preferred social media, such as Instagram and TikTok, as a source of tourism information compared to traditional media. This research also shows that non-commercial advertising, such as content shared by social media users, is more trustworthy because it presents more objective and detailed information about tourist destinations. Influencers, as part of the social media phenomenon, also play a big role in directing public interest in tourist destinations, although there is a risk of distrust regarding their credibility. Therefore, tourism managers need to work with highly integrity influencers to ensure the information's quality and authenticity. Additionally, comments and reviews from social media users are also an additional source of information that helps people make more informed travel decisions. This phenomenon also shows changes in modern tourism marketing, where community involvement through social media creates a space for interaction that enriches the tourist experience and increases public trust.