The Role of Digital Content Characteristics in Driving Consumer Engagement and Travel Decision: A Study on Malaysian Consumers

Authors

Nor Azreen Rozlan

Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Teknousahawanan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, (UTeM), Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Amizatulhawa Mat Sani

Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Teknousahawanan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, (UTeM), Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Nur Syafiqah A Rahim

Fakulti Pengurusan Teknologi dan Teknousahawanan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, (UTeM), Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Mansor Shah Wahid

Menara MATRADE, Tingkat 22, Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, 50480 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100800686

Subject Category: digital marketing

Volume/Issue: 10/8 | Page No: 10165-10170

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-08-26

Accepted: 2026-08-31

Published: 2026-09-16

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social media content characteristics on travel decision-making among Malaysian consumers. Specifically, it aims to determine which content characteristics significantly drive consumer engagement, involvement, and travel desire. By addressing key research gaps in digital content marketing, the study seeks to understand how various types of social media content influence consumer behavior and travel choices. Utilizing quantitative methods, data will be collected from social media users who have engaged with travel content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The research employs the S-O-R framework to examine the relationship between content characteristics and consumer responses, focusing on cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement, as well as the desire to travel and actual travel decisions. Purposive sampling will be used to target participants who have been influenced by travel content marketing. The study's findings are expected to provide actionable insights for optimizing digital content to enhance consumer engagement and foster travel intentions, ultimately informing more effective digital marketing strategies in the tourism industry.

Keywords

Digital Content Characteristics, Consumer Engagement, Consumer Involvement, Desire to Travel, Malaysian Tourism, S-O-R Model, Theory of Consumption Values

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