I'm Not a Typical Tourist: German Tourists' Self-Perception, Activities, and Motivations

Abstract

This study focused on individuality as expressed by German tourists in Norway. Based on the survey data, German tourists were divided into two groups: those who perceived themselves as typical German tourists and those who did not. These two groups were compared with regard to their views on the characteristics of a typical German tourist, the activities of the two groups during their stay, and their self-reported motives for coming. Results indicate that while 89.5% of the respondents viewed themselves as nontypical tourists, the two groups' views of what constituted a typical German tourist did not differ significantly. Interestingly, the data showed no differences between the two groups with respect to their activities during their journeys or their motives for traveling to Norway. Results are discussed in view of current perspectives on individuality. While most people view themselves as highly individual, their actual motives and activities are quite similar.