International residential tourist shopping styles

Abstract

In recent decades, the so-called international residential tourism has increased considerably, creating a new consumer base in tourist destinations. While the importance of tourism shopping is widely recognized and tourist destinations are aware of its contributions, little is known at present about the actual behaviour and shopping styles of international residential tourists (IRTs). Bearing this in mind and taking as a starting point research carried out in two top international tourist destinations, this study analyses IRT shopping styles. The results obtained indicate the existence of seven different segments presenting specific socio-demographic characteristics and represent progress in research into IRT shopping styles. They may also be of interest not only to managers of retail outlets where IRTs do their shopping but also to tourist resort managers when devising their product range.