Social media and tourism: The influence of user-generated content's related elements on travelers' perceived destination

User-generated content has become the go-to source for travel information when planning for a trip. Consequently, online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TripAdvisor that are based on user-generated content have become popular among travelers. Various types of information are obtained on different platforms from different users, such as accommodation, eatery, tourist attractions, and travel risks present at the destination. This thesis examines the psychological process of travelers and the role familiarity towards reference groups plays in a traveler's pre-travel information search process to perceive their destination of interest.