Hotel disintermediation in France: perceptions of students from Generation Y

Abstract

This study investigates students from Generation Y (Gen Y) perceptions of hotel disintermediation in France and also considers the influence of User Generated Content on travellers' choice of accommodation. A sample of 378 student travellers from France was used to uncover the underlying dimensions of disintermediation perceptions. T-test and cross tabulations indicated that demographics such as gender and age had a significant influence on perceptions. The results suggest that hotel managers and travel agencies should monitor Gen Y perceptions of the benefits and constraints of using the internet and travel agencies for hotel booking. Accommodation providers should create affective commitment in their young customers through online channels to maintain long-term relationships.

Keywords::

• disintermediation
• user generated content
• socio-demographic characteristics
• Generation Y
• France

Notes

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