Cross-cultural examination of decision elements: youth tourism in Switzerland

Abstract

This research evaluates cross-cultural variations and similarities in regard to decision-making factors among youth tourists from USA, France, Germany, and Switzerland. These decision elements entail use of information sources, use of reservation channels, preferences for in-room lodging facilities, and preferences for out-of-room services. The survey consisted of 798 samples concerning youth tourists in Switzerland. Consequently, analysis reveals that American tourists are inclined to use the Internet for querying travel information and the channel for reservation. However, French and German tourists portray much higher conversion rate in regard to Internet usage and online reservation. According to the resultant data from perceptional maps, the variations and similarities of tourists' preferences for in-room lodging facilities and out-room services are also discovered.