A pentadic analysis of TikTok marketing in tourism: The case of Penang, Malaysia

Several destinations have jumped on the TikTok bandwagon to explore consumer reactions and motivations towards visit intentions, though these are largely limited to point-in-time surveys. Using the example of Penang, Malaysia, this research contributes to the paucity of knowledge surrounding TikTok...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Tourist studies 2024-03, Vol.24 (1), p.75-103
Main Authors: Tham, Aaron, (Ava) Chen, Shu-Hsiang, Durbidge, Levi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Marketing
Performativity
Tourism
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Summary:Several destinations have jumped on the TikTok bandwagon to explore consumer reactions and motivations towards visit intentions, though these are largely limited to point-in-time surveys. Using the example of Penang, Malaysia, this research contributes to the paucity of knowledge surrounding TikTok in tourism by analysing contents generated from the destination management organisation, travel influencers, and other tourists participating in a TikTok competition for the destination. Drawing from Burke’s Pentadic analysis, the findings reveal the sociological interactions where the performativity of the short videos are staged by different users with the destination as the backdrop. Theoretical and managerial implications are highlighted to inform current and future practices of TikTok (re)presentation in tourism, and how the platform can be used distinctively to socially interact with various target markets and stakeholders.
ISSN:1468-7976
1741-3206
DOI:10.1177/14687976231218483