As “always-on” Internet use becomes very common and the popularity of social media has been
growing over time, such huge and pervasive trend has significantly impacted the tourism
industry. Therefore, the current study attempts to (1) identify what research subjects in social
media have been examined, (2) assess what theories, research designs, and methods were
employed by previous social media research in tourism, and (3) find significant new trends and
directions for future tourism research. This study reviews and analyzes tourism research
published in top tourism journals for the period of 2011 – 2014. Based on a content analysis, this
article provides summaries of research topics, theories, and methods of study design and data
analysis. Review findings and significant research trends in tourism are identified and discussed.
The study concludes with general directions for future tourism research