Mainland Chinese Expatriates as Tourism Informants of Macao

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study explores the perceived quality and impact of tourism information exchanged between Chinese expatriates in Macao and their information recipients in mainland China. Self-administered surveys of 350 expatriates and information recipients were conducted. The results show that the information recipients perceived that the expatriates provided unique and trustable information across different tourism sectors. Especially, Chinese relied on their social networks for information exchange. Also, both groups were positive about the quality of information provided and received and the impact of information exchange. The study supports the role of expatriates as informants and shows their impacts on visitation, especially VFR travel.