Branding on the Web: Evolving domain name usage among Malaysian hotels

Abstract The Internet helps tourism enterprises extend both their market reach and operational efficiency, yet few studies have examined the evolving nature of Internet use in developing countries. This study investigates 494 Malaysian hotels’ use of domain names for online branding and as a reflection of evolving Internet adoption. In line with diffusion research in other countries, there were significant positive relationships with hotel size, category and affiliation and progressive levels of Internet use. The results extend hospitality diffusion research to Malaysia and support branded domain names as a measure of advanced Internet use.