Travel motivation: a critical review of the concept's development.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter critically reviews travel motivation research which represents the development of the travel motivation concept over the years. The chapter applies Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory to travel motivational theory. Implicit and explicit applications of the Maslow hierarchy to tourism studies are discussed. Among those studies, the chapter highlights the approaches of the travel career ladder (TCL) and travel career pattern (TCP). The chapter examines the push and pull concept as another line of travel motivation studies. Mannell and Iso-Ahola's model of escaping and seeking dimensions, though developed as a framework of leisure motivation, informs the discussion leading to general implications and applicability in tourism studies. Also, the chapter discusses the merits of Plog's allocentrism/psychocentrism model. Plog's model helps explain the phenomenal rise and fall of travel destinations. In addition, the chapter discusses methodological issues in tourist motivation research. Building from the review the chapter closes with managerial implications.