Information Source or Information Channel? : An Approach towards a Classification

Existing tourism literature which investigates tourist's information behaviour shows a plethora of used terminology concerning information material. Some researchers refer to the term information source, some to information channel and some use these terms as synonyms. To begin with, this paper provides a brief overview of definitions and concepts of information and communication theory. Consequently, a model of the flow of information has been elabo-rated. Moreover it attempts to deliver a classification of tourism related information media. Yet, with this paper the authors attempt to contribute to a better understanding of the terms information source and information channel. It should further provide a classification scheme of tourism related information carrier which should facilitate research results.