Inbound international tourists' demographics and travel motives: views from Uzbekistan

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the association between international tourists' demographics with travel motives to Uzbekistan through the utilization of push and pull theory.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized a convenience sampling technique to collect data from 563 international tourists visiting Uzbekistan. Chi-square test of independence (χ2) was employed to test the association between visitors' demographics and travel motives.FindingsThe results illustrated that nationality and frequency of visitations of the international tourists to Uzbekistan were statistically associated with their travel motives. In terms of gender, age, marital status and religion, no significant association with travel motives was established.Research limitations/implicationsThe statistical test and instrument for data collection might limit the generalization of this study to represent the whole population of international tourists in Uzbekistan.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study show that in order to develop tourism in Uzbekistan, businesses and practitioners should consider segmenting tourists based on their national background to serve their needs and preferences. As tourist's visitation frequency plays a role in their travel motives, the product and service quality of tour packages must be improved and monitored.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide valuable insights for businesses, managers, practitioners and policymakers to understand international tourists' motives to Uzbekistan to formulate better policies and tour packages.