This study explores the influence of social media on tourists’ decision-making processes, focusing on Cape Verde as an emerging tourist destination. The aim is to understand how social media platforms shape tourists’ perceptions and choices and how demographic factors like age and education affect the selection of information sources. A survey was conducted with 259 individuals intending to visit Cape Verde, employing a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were analysed using chi-square tests to examine associations between age groups, education levels, and the use of social media and information sources. The results reveal significant associations between age and social media platform preference, with older tourists (44–79 years) favouring Facebook and younger tourists (18–29 years) preferring Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, education level influences the choice of information sources; higher-educated individuals are more likely to use social media and conduct independent research, while those with lower education levels tend to rely more on travel agencies and tourism fairs. These findings highlight the importance of tailored marketing strategies that account for demographic differences, offering practical insights for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to better engage with diverse tourist segments.

The growing demand for experienced travelers seeking unique experiences is reflected in the rise of new travel consumption patterns. These new travel patterns of consumption are encouraging the emergence of alternative forms of accommodation, such as hostels. This research paper aims at analyzing the quality of services provided by the awarded Tattva Design Hostel, exclusively through their online consumer reviews (OCRs) in order to identify the most important guests’ satisfaction factors in low budget accommodation. In total, 976 online guests’ reviews were analyzed, corresponding to a year in the hostel activity. NVivo 11 Plus software was used to analyze and cluster reviews into tangible and intangible dimensions. The high level of guests’ satisfaction is intrinsically associated with the importance of the backpackers’ experience itself. Intangible aspects, such as the “team” and “friendliness,” are crucial for a high level of satisfactory experience during the stay and to promote positive word of mouth (WOM). Tangible elements, as hostel location are highly relevant too. Besides budget services, backpackers reveal high levels of satisfaction with cultural and social activities organized by the staff. Opportunities and major challenges are discussed along with suggestions to contribute with useful information for all microsites hosting companies.

Space-time tourist behaviour is influenced by numerous factors related both to tourists and the destination. Yet, however complex it may be, understanding and to some extent managing the way tourists move in space and time is crucial to ensuring the quality of their experience, as well as the effective and sustainable management of destinations and attractions. In the rural wine tourism context, studies on space-time behaviour are rare. The present study uses empirical data collected from tourists staying in hotels of the Bairrada Wine Route territory (N = 116), combining a GPS tracking study with a questionnaire survey. Using a time-geographical analytical approach, the GPS tracking data were mapped for a more detailed analysis of the tourists’ movements in the Bairrada terroir. The findings highlight specificities of tourist consumption in the context of rural wine regions and provide valuable insights for destination planning, service design and marketing of the Bairrada Wine Route.