Hotel booking intentions in the TikTok era: the role of online celebrity brand equity

Purpose This study aims to explore the pathway of increasing hotel booking intentions by mapping the linkage mechanism between the antecedents and components of brand equity to ultimately drive followers’ hotel booking intention. In addition, the role of over-endorsement as a moderating variable is also evaluated. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual model and research hypotheses were each assessed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. Paper-based and online surveys were used to collect data from 443 respondents who are TikTok users and follow at least one TikTok online celebrity, while that online celebrity must have reviewed at least one type of accommodation. Findings Except for the relationship between virtual interactivity and online celebrity brand image, the results confirmed the relationships between research concepts. Research limitations/implications Further studies are needed to validate the results in other cultural contexts, generalize findings and broaden the range of target respondents. Originality/value This study contributes to the hotel literature by illustrating how online celebrity brand equity (OCBE) drives hotel booking intentions. The study highlights the importance of antecedent factors – follower-centered drivers (e.g. lifestyle congruence, friendship) and online celebrity-led drivers (e.g. virtual interactivity, expertise) – to achieve a hierarchical relationship between OCBE components and followers’ booking intentions.