A Sociological View of the Cybertourists

The article aims to consider from a social point of view the tourist's use of the web, examining these practices themselves but also their social functions and repercussions. The social functions will be dealt with by focusing on the individual taking part in "tourist surfing". We will see that using the Internet allows individuals not only to "escape social constraints" but also to create social links or bonds. The social repercussions will be analysed by centring our attention on the professionals in tourist communications. We will show that it is important for professionals in tourist communications to pay very close attention to the opinions of those on the receiving end of their messages.