DEVELOPING A MODEL OF BACKPACKERS’ EXPLORATORY CURIOSITY

Abstract

Purpose – While curiosity is a critical factor in motivating human exploratory behaviors across domains, past studies are yet to explore the exploratory curiosity construct in the context of backpacking. This study aims to conceptualize backpackers’ exploratory curiosity and, importantly, developing a scale for the construct. Design/Methodology – A survey questionnaire is first designed on the basis of a literature review and in-depth interviews. Then, two surveys are conducted using sample sizes of 228 and 276. The scale, along with its four factors (i.e., excitement, new destinations, social contact, and new tourism events) and 18 items, was determined as reliable and valid by the implementation of a rigorous instrument development process. Approach – This study identifies the characteristics of backpacker exploratory curiosity, and then generates fundamental constructs with detailed descriptions and explanations for a questionnaire. Subsequently, to understand the characteristics of such curiosity and how they can be applied to explain backpacker behaviors. Findings – This study extended the application of the curiosity concept to the tourism industry, and offered a new perspective, namely, exploratory behaviour individuals display in response to novelty, excitement, and changes in their environment can be used as variables to measure their curiosity level, and then the BECS can be utilized by tourism management organizations to help increase the number of potential clients. Originality of the research – The study contributed to a theoretical enhancement of the current level of knowledge on the existing literature on backpackers’ exploratory behavior and developed a reliable and valid scale for measuring backpacker exploratory curiosity.