IJLTEMAS International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS) IJLTEMAS 2278-2540 IJLTEMAS 296 10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150800102 Digital Trust Online Travel Purchasing Behaviour Among Tourists: Determinants, Digital Trust, Platform Performance Gaps and Booking Satisfaction in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India K.G. Senthilkumar Dr. Professor & Head, Department of Management Studies, KGiSL Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. India Melansia Ms.S. MBA Student, Department of Management Studies, KGiSL Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India India 15 8 1425 1433 30 08 2026 04 09 2026 18 09 2026 online travel purchasing behaviour; tourists; digital trust; platform performance gap Abstract

The growth of online travel platforms has changed how tourists search, compare and purchase travel-related services. This study examines online travel purchasing behaviour among tourists in Coimbatore, India, with a focused scope covering tour packages, travel tickets, accommodation support, local transportation, visa/passport assistance and related travel services purchased or initiated through digital platforms. The study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional design and uses data from 184 respondents selected through convenience sampling from an estimated population of 350 tourists/customers. The analysis examines determinants of online purchasing behaviour, digital trust, platform performance gaps and booking satisfaction. Descriptive results show high brand/platform familiarity and strong payment-security confidence, but also substantial booking difficulty and poor perceived platform performance. Pearson correlation indicates that age is not significantly related to the importance assigned to secure payment options (r = -0.066, p = 0.376). Simple regression shows that gender does not significantly predict booking satisfaction (R² = 0.021, p = 0.052). Chi-square analysis indicates a significant association between age group and booking satisfaction (χ² = 37.609, df = 16, p = 0.002; Cramer’s V = 0.226), though the result is interpreted cautiously because several expected cell counts are below five. The study concludes that online travel purchasing is shaped by a combination of usability, digital trust, price transparency, peer influence and perceived service quality. The findings highlight the need for mobile-first website development, transparent booking processes, verified reviews, stronger refund/cancellation communication and user-experience improvements for small and medium travel agencies.

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