Prefectural Differences in the Use of Chinese-language SNS for Inbound Tourists: Examining SNS Information Dissemination Strategies in Tottori Prefecture

Abstract

This paper analyzes the status of SNS use for inbound tourism promotion and prefectural economic revitalization, focusing on the Chinese market. In recent years, SNS has played an important role as a means of disseminating information about tourist destinations, and its influence on the choice of tourist destinations by Chinese tourists is particularly significant. Taking Tottori Prefecture as an example, this study explores the strategy of using SNS such as Weibo and WeChat for tourism promotion. Although Tottori Prefecture has a smaller number of foreign tourists than other major tourist destinations in Japan, the prefecture has successfully established a brand using SNS. In addition, through the analysis of regional differences in the use of SNS, it was found that even in cities, the active use of SNS can have an important impact on tourism promotion.