The Use of Guidebooks by Japanese Overseas Tourists: A Quantitative Approach

Abstract

This study investigates the incidence of guidebook use by Japanese tourists. The research framework is based on Vogt and Fesenmaier’s model of information needs with some modifications, as reported in an earlier qualitative study undertaken by Nishimura, Waryzsak, and King. The results indicate that tourists use guidebooks for a range of purposes. A factor analysis of the 20 survey items has concluded that respondents exhibit the following needs: forward-looking needs, learning needs, enjoyment needs, guidebook enthusiast needs, and functional needs. The tourists most likely to use guidebooks were found to be female flexible package tour participants or independent travelers visiting the destination region for holiday purposes for the first time. The proposition that “type of tourist” is an influence over the decision to use a guidebook or not was supported. Overall, the less freedom exercised by the tourist over the travel itinerary, the less likelihood that a guidebook will be used.