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ABSTRACT:

This abstract delves into a comprehensive examination of the impact of Influencer Marketing on elevating brand awareness for tourism destinations, specifically leveraging Instagram as a pivotal social media platform. Situated in Nglanggeran Tourism Village, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the study investigates the symbiotic relationship between influencer collaboration and the promotion of tourism destinations, with a focal point on measuring brand awareness as a primary outcome. Employing a quantitative methodology that integrates content analysis, surveys, Focus Group Discussion, and In-depth interviews; the study aims to assess the efficacy of Influencer Marketing campaigns. It further aims to identify the key factors of influencing brand awareness and delve into the perceptions and experiences of the influencers. The research question is how does influencer marketing on Instagram contribute to enhancing brand awareness for tourism destinations and what factors influence the effectiveness of such campaigns in the context of evolving consumer behaviour and preference. The findings reveal a positive correlation between influencer marketing and brand awareness, underscoring Instagram's potential as a potent tool for destination promotion. This study offers valuable insights for tourism marketers and destination management organizations seeking to strategically utilize influencer collaborations to enhance brand visibility and attract a greater influx of tourists.

KEYWORDS:

Influencer marketing, tourism destinations, brand awareness, Instagram, social media marketing.

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