Travel-Related Reality Programs as a Tool to Arouse Tourists’ Travel Inspiration: A Case Study in Vietnam

Research on travel-related reality programs has expanded significantly in recent years. However, studies exploring the psychological and behavioral influences of reality show participants on tourists’ travel planning behavior remain limited. This study investigates the connections and underlying mechanisms between perceptions of the charisma and humor of reality show participants and tourists’ travel planning behavior. Using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping analysis, this study tests the hypotheses on a sample of 403 respondents, focusing on the popular travel reality program "2 days 1 night" (Vietnamese version). The results demonstrate the partial mediating role of inspiration in the relationship between perceived sincerity, perceived professionalism, perceived humor, and tourists’ travel planning behavior. Meanwhile, the indirect effect of perceived attractiveness on tourists’ travel planning behavior is fully mediated by inspiration. These findings better explain how reality show participants influence tourists’ travel planning, using the source credibility theory and cognitive-emotional theory to analyze audience engagement through sincerity, humor, and professionalism. The study highlights inspiration as a key emotion driving travel desires, extending behavioral research by incorporating emotional stages often overlooked in prior studies. In addition, the study highlights tourism reality shows as effective destination marketing tools. Key factors for success include selecting credible, charismatic, and humorous participants over mere physical attractiveness, as they inspire travel planning. Program producers should design engaging, emotionally resonant content that allows participants to showcase their knowledge and humor to enhance persuasion.