Visitor Motivations Research Articles

Visitor motivations and design feature use for thermal comfort on hot days in Bochum City Park, Germany

The rising incidence of extreme heat in urban areas poses challenges to urban living, affecting thermal comfort and public health. Public green spaces (PGS), such as parks, play a crucial role in mitigating heat and acting as 'cooling oases' that enhance visitors' thermal comfort and offer various other ecosystem services. Despite their importance, the specific role of thermal comfort in motivating individuals to visit PGS remains unclear. This study aims to explore the connection between thermal comfort and PGS visits on hot days, with a focus on visitor motivations and the park features that promote comfort. We conducted systematic observations involving quantitative counts of PGS visitors and rapid questionnaires on summer days of varying temperature ranges in Bochum City Park, Germany. Results indicated that the motivation to achieve thermal comfort by visiting the park significantly increased from ‘slightly warm’ to ‘warm’ days, especially among older visitors, and was independent of other motivations for visiting. Furthermore, results showed that the perceived temperature has a limited impact on the use of PGS features, with sun exposure emerging as a decisive factor. The findings can inform the planning and design of PGS, with the aim of creating desirable and thermally comfortable environments as cooling oases for urban residents.

Visitor Motivation and Experience in Heritage Tourism: A Case Study of Amritsar

Visitor Motivation and Experience in Heritage Tourism: A Case Study of Amritsar

축제 방문 동기에 따른 축제방문객 시장세분화 연구: 설악문화제 중심으로

The purpose of this study was to find out what the motivation factors for visiting the festival are for visitors who participated in the Gangwon State Seorak cultural festival and to divide festival visitors based on the derived motivation factors for visiting the festival. Factor analysis, cluster analysis, and ANOVA analysis were used as research analysis. As a result of performing factor analysis on 14 festival visit motivation items, four factors (novelty, escape, family affinity, and sociability) were derived. Through market segmentation analysis, visitors who attended the festival were classified into three groups. Cluster 1 was a group of 88 people (25.7%) out of the total survey respondents of 349, and was a group of general festival visitors who showed a little curiosity about the festival. It called as ‘common festival visitor’. Cluster 2 was 131 people (38.3%) and had strong ties with families. It called as ‘family festival visitor’. Cluster 3 was an enthusiastic festival visitor 123 people (36.0%) that actively accepts all parts of tourism motivation. It called as ‘enthusiastic festival visitor’. In result, cluster 2, and Cluster 3 were derived as major target to developing marketing strategies and several recommendation were suggested.

Balancing recreation and flood safety for integrated coastal management: Understanding beach visitors' types of attitude and behaviour in sandy anthropogenic shores

In the Netherlands, with its coastal lowlands, coastal management is performed through sand nourishment and dune utilisation. While policy aims for multifunctionality, coastal management studies predominantly emphasise flood safety, neglecting the recreational function and its interplay with flood safety measures. This study aims to investigate beach visitors' views and behaviour at two reinforced sandy shores in the Netherlands, namely Sand Motor and Hondsbossche Dunes. As the magnitude of the sand-based reinforcements completely changed the original beach landscape, we refer to these as sandy anthropogenic shores (SAS). We conducted surveys to assess SAS visitors' profiles, attitudes (visit motivations, landscape attractiveness), and recreational behaviour (facility preferences, activities, visitation patterns, spatial distribution). We examined differences between SAS and non-SAS beach visitors and compared their perspectives with management expectations. In our analysis, we categorised visitors into three types: local, one-day, and overnight visitors. Our analysis identified three distinct visitor motivation clusters: socialising, relaxation while appreciating beach landscapes, and engaging in sports activities. Natural landscape quality and quietness were the top attractions for SAS visitors. Despite significant human intervention in the design and alteration of the SAS landscape, visitors still appreciate its natural dynamics and beauty. Our analysis indicates that users perceive the SAS as either natural or semi-natural beaches, as intended by their designers and managers. We also developed a conceptual framework of the SAS recreation model based on survey data, forming the foundation for a quantitative model of SAS socio-environmental dynamics in the next phase of our research. Moreover, considering the similarities between SAS and natural shores, we anticipate that our findings will have broad applicability well beyond the specific SAS we have studied.

#Dolphins: communication and engagement in marine mammal tourism attractions

ABSTRACT This paper delves into the ethical dimensions and public perceptions surrounding dolphin tourism, both seeing them in the wild and in the marine park. Using a comprehensive analysis of social media data over seven years, we focus on dolphins as a central element of marine mammal tourism, investigating how digital narratives shape tourist attitudes and behaviours towards these intelligent creatures. Informed by a multi-method data analysis approach, this study reveals an “echo chamber” effect in social media, perpetuating selective exposure to information that aligns with visitor motivations: hedonism, relevance and reverence. The theoretical contributions of this research extend the existing literature on wildlife tourism by offering a deeper understanding of how public sentiments towards animals in tourism settings evolve and influence tourism practices. The finding underscores the need for informed, ethical communication strategies that consider the complex interplay of entertainment, education, and conservation in wildlife tourism.

Redefining General Public Segment In Kustomfest: A Research On Visitor Motives In Attending A Kustom Kulture Festival

The Indonesian creative economy has experienced significant growth, with creative tourism emerging as a prominent driver. This study centers on Kustomfest, the Indonesian Kustom Kulture Festival, recognized as one of the largest Kustom Kulture hubs in the country. Between 2019 and 2023, there was a notable shift in the festival's audience composition, with the general public now constituting the majority segment. The research aims to identify and analyze the key motives driving the general public to attend Kustomfest, segment the market based on these motives, and examine each segment's sociodemographic profiles and behavioral characteristics. Three distinct market segments were identified, each motivated by different factors. Insights from this study can assist organizers of similar Kustom Kulture-related events in expanding creative tourism in Indonesia. By understanding visitor motivations and behaviors, event organizers can tailor marketing strategies, enhance visitor experiences, and capitalize on revenue opportunities from the general public segment. Recommendations are provided to attract, retain, and expand each segment through business model innovation, thus contributing to the sustained growth of Indonesia's creative economy. The findings highlight the importance of understanding visitor motivations and behaviors to maximize the impact of cultural events on the broader creative economy. These insights enable event organizers to foster growth in Indonesia's creative sector, ensuring that cultural festivals like Kustomfest continue to evolve and appeal to a diverse audience.

Motivation-based visitor segmentation in the context of a new governance model for a protected area

ABSTRACT Understanding visitor motivations is crucial for developing sustainable tourism strategies in protected areas (PAs). However, the literature often overlooks the role of visitor motivation research in enhancing place-based collaborative governance within PAs. This study focuses on the Alvão Natural Park (PNAL), a mountainous Portuguese PA currently implementing a new co-management model. This represents a significant change, considering that the governance of the PA has shifted from a single state entity to a collaborative model that prioritises tourism as a key factor in local development. This study seeks to address the research gap regarding motivation-based segmentation studies in mountainous natural parks, while exploring the innovative aspects of conducting such a study within the framework of a new governance model. By surveying 351 PNAL visitors, factor analysis revealed four motivational dimensions with emphasis on connection with nature and relaxation. However, cluster analysis identified only one segment primarily motivated by connecting with nature, while the largest segment is motivated by convenience and social environment interactions. The results suggest the importance of involving the local community in governance and decision-making processes, and the need to prioritise ecotourism as a key focal point in PNAL's tourism policies, strategic planning, and development. Our findings contribute to theoretical knowledge and inform policy-making, providing valuable guidance for the successful implementation of co-management in PNAL and potentially other similar PAs.

Transformative brand experiences and consumer-based brand equity in heritage tourism: The role of authenticity and motives

This study explores the heritage brand experience of the consumer and the journey from brand knowledge to loyalty in the context of a transformative brand experience (TBE). A phenomenological approach was adopted to explore meanings of the transformative experience in respect of visitor motives, authenticity, emotional engagement, and brand equity. Interview data obtained from 46 consumers of a heritage brand are supported by photographs, images and participants’ journal writings that offer valuable insights into TBE. The findings revealed that key elements of TBE influence consumers’ relationship with the heritage brand, and that the TBE influences the pathway towards loyalty. This study proposes a TBE model that explains the consumer pathway from brand knowledge towards brand loyalty when consumers engage with heritage brands during transformative experiences. By exploring consumer-based brand equity in tourism heritage experiences, the model contributes to theory related to the domains of heritage branding and tourist experience.

Visitor motivations and use of Information communication technology at a coastal destination: the case of limbe – Cameroon

Visitor motivations and use of Information communication technology at a coastal destination: the case of limbe – Cameroon

Authenticity and Visitor Motivations: Segmenting Visits at the Munich Oktoberfest

Authenticity has been long debated in a panoply of tourism contexts. In events, it has been linked to satisfaction and intention to revisit, although the extent to which it is important for all types of attendees remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate perceived authenticity at the world’s most iconic beer festival, the Oktoberfest in Munich. The study segments visitors based on their motivations to determine the role of authenticity in their attendance, while also investigating the contributing authenticity dimensions to overall authenticity and festival outcomes. The analysis of 1,281 questionnaires revealed four segments of visitors and identified key dimensions of authenticity shaping overall perception and festival outcomes. The findings suggest authenticity remains a strong marketable characteristic of major events, supporting their competitiveness and sustainability. Practical implications are provided for event organizers to attract a variety of eventgoers with different profiles and particularities in authenticity perceptions.

국가정원 사례로 본 방문자의 관광 동기 및 지각된 가치가 만족도에 미치는 영향

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the perceived value and the factors influencing the satisfaction and perceived value derived from the tourism motivations of visitors to the Taehwagang National Garden. Specifically, the driving factors, incentive factors, and perceived value of tourism motivation were set as prerequisites for tourism satisfaction. Recently, Ulsan Metropolitan City has implemented various strategies to develop the Taehwagang National Garden and boost visitor numbers, aiming to transition from an industrial to a tourist city. However, the visitor turnout has been less than expected, given the efforts. In response to the need for strategies to ensure the sustainability of the Taehwagang National Garden, this study was conducted focusing on the characteristics of visitors who have experienced the garden. The results of the study were found to have a positive and significant effect on perceived value among the driving factors, and among the attractive factors, core tourism resources had a positive and significant effect on perceived value, and the convenience of information and facilities had a negative and significant effect on perceived value. Furthermore, a conclusion was drawn that perceived value had a positive and significant effect on tourism satisfaction. Therefore, these findings suggest that it can be used as data for establishing marketing strategies for the Taehwagang National Garden, and it is suggested that visitor satisfaction and operational sustainability can be enhanced by developing content that meets visitor needs and by expanding facilities for relaxation.

Cultural communication in museums: A perspective of the visitors experience

As museums shift their responsibilities and functions towards audience-centered approaches, research on exploring museum cultural communication strategies through visitor experiences has gained increasing attention from both academia and industry. This study focuses on the newly opened Nan Song Deshou Palace Relics Site Museum in Hangzhou, China, completed at the end of 2022, and its visitors. Data were collected through on-site surveys and in-depth interviews. The research findings indicate that the current motivations of museum visitors manifest primarily in three forms: knowledge exploration, social interaction, and psychological restoration. After evaluating the existing museum service quality based on the field of experiential value in marketing management, two main issues and features were identified. The issues include sub-optimal visitor pathways and layout, dissatisfaction with staff services, and shortcomings in promotion and communication. The overall cultural learning and interactive experience for the entire visitor base also require improvement. The features are characterized by differentiated cultural and creative consumption in the museum and the emergence of interrelated consumer demands. Based on these findings, the study provides targeted recommendations for future museum construction and communication strategies.

Spotlight on festival travellers: Profiles, Motivations, and Experiences of Dieng Culture Festival Travellers, Indonesia

The study found a change in the motivation of visitors to the festival. This study aims to identify visitors' memorable experiences related to tourist attractions at the Dieng Culture Festival, held from 2020 to 2022. The research was conducted using a quantitative-interpretative approach, with research instruments designed to determine visitors' profiles, purposes, and experiences. The sample size consisted of 398 respondents and 5 key informants. The research methodology involved data collection through online surveys and in-depth interviews with key informants. The research findings are presented below. Based on the respondents' characteristics, it can be inferred that most visitors to the Dieng Culture Festival are over 20 years old. The primary purpose of their visit was to experience and participate in the jazz music performances held above the clouds, as indicated by 271 respondents (67.9%). The most prominent attendees are private employees, with 143 respondents (38.5%), followed by students. Notably, 321 respondents (80.5%) learned about the Dieng Culture Festival online. The gender of visitors is dominated by women, with 177 (44.4%) male respondents, while the number of female respondents is 222 (55.6%). Jazz music above the clouds is a memorable programme because it represents visitors' needs. The commodification of the Ruwatan procession of cutting dreadlocks is needed to increase the impression for visitors and strengthen the image of local cultural recognition.

Analysis of Tourist Motivation in Cave Tubing Activities in Pindul Cave

A popular location for special interest tourism, Pindul Cave is situated in Desa Bejiharjo, Kecamatan Karangmojo, Gunungkidul, and offers cave tubing adventures. By gliding down the tunnel on inner tubes and taking in the beautiful karst scenery, tourists can partake in a sport called "cave tubing." Pindul Cave is a unique destination that attracts tourists drawn to it by favorable impressions of its offerings. Since motivation starts the travel process, it is essential to tourism even if travelers frequently need to recognize its importance. Among the several kinds of tourism, depending on motive, are leisure, convention, sports, cultural, leisure, and business travel. Discovering the local way of life, taking in the scenic surroundings, relaxing, exploring new areas, finding peace, and satisfying one's curiosity are all goals of pleasure tourism. Many travelers have different reasons for visiting Pindul Cave, such as its popularity. Travelers who travel independently (FITs) typically go in small groups of five to ten persons, unlike tourists who come in huge groups escorted by travel agencies. In order to get and evaluate data from several sources and provide essential insights into industry trends and visitor motivations, the talk goes into additional detail about the techniques used, including qualitative research. Furthermore, the discourse encompasses the number of tourists visiting Pindul Cave, their reasons for visiting, and the value addition they perceive from their travels. This thorough investigation clarifies the various facets of tourism dynamics in Pindul Cave.

Technology and AI Implementation in Heritage Adaptive Reuse as Strategy for Sustainable and Smart City

Adaptive reuse, implementing new functions in buildings that originally had different functions, has been widely applied as a strategy due to the new development high demands and land scarce. With the paradigm of injecting new commercial functions that fulfill society’s contemporary need such as coffee shops in heritage buildings, it is hoped to reduce costs, time and energy consumption in the construction process. Using local materials that are accessed closer to site project can be more environmentally friendly and economically viable effort without reducing functional and aesthetic quality. However, the use of technology is still lacking, for it can be an additional solution so that coffee shops have added value that can be successful socially, culturally, economically and environmentally. Commercial functions that utilize AI technology, big data, the Internet of things can indirectly support the achievement of sustainable and smart city. Digital documentation of heritage buildings, commercial spot mapping, visitor motivations and preferences monitoring can be examples for technology use, even more over can spread awareness and knowledge about heritage buildings. This qualitative research method uses literature study and field observations, with goal to know the role of technology and of realizing a smart and sustainable city in heritage buildings.

Parks Visitation, Physical Activity Engagement, and Older People's Motivation for Visiting Local Parks.

Despite the health benefits of parks and outdoor recreational spaces, small numbers of older people visit parks. This study identified older park visitors' perceptions of their local parks, visit motivation, health, and physical activity level in six parks in Victoria, Australia. Characteristics of general community park visitors and their physical activity engagement were also recorded. Fifty-five older people were surveyed onsite; 92.7% lived within a 5-km distance from the park. Walking was the most common reason for visiting (36.4%), followed by walking the dog (36.4%) and exercise (23.6%). Most older visitors (77.8%) were determined as being sufficiently active. Observation of parks visitors over 1 week recorded 3,770 park visitors, with <5% being older people. Half of all park visitors were inactive, and half of older people visitors (50.5%) engaged in walking. This study supports the importance of parks, park features, and their potential in helping older people to achieve levels of physical activity required for good health.

The role of eco-attraction in the intention to conduct low-carbon actions: a study of visitor behavior in urban forests

The role of eco-attraction in the intention to conduct low-carbon actions: a study of visitor behavior in urban forests

Comparing the Impact of Non-Gamified and Gamified Virtual Reality in Digital Twin Virtual Museum Environments: A Case Study of Wieng Yong House Museum, Thailand

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed in various domains, notably enhancing learning and experiences in cultural heritage (CH). This study examines the effects of gamified and non-gamified VR experiences within virtual museum environments, highlighting the concept of a digital twin and its focus on cultural heritage. It explores how these VR modalities affect visitor motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. For this purpose, two versions were developed: a gamified virtual reality version incorporating interactive gaming elements like achievements, profiles, leaderboards, and quizzes and a non-gamified virtual reality version devoid of these elements. This study, using an experimental design with 76 participants (38 in each group for the gamified and non-gamified experiences), leverages the Wieng Yong House Museum’s digital twin and its fabric collection to assess the educational and experiential quality of virtual museum visits. The findings indicate that while gamification significantly boosts the reward dimension of visitor engagement, its influence is most pronounced in the effort dimension of motivation; however, its impact on learning outcomes is less marked. These insights are instrumental for integrating VR and gamification into museum environments.

Pengaruh Preferensi Dan Motivasi Terhadap Kepuasan Pengunjung Gen Z Di Museum Macan

This research aims to evaluate the influence of preferences and motivation on the level of satisfaction of visitors, especially Gen Z at the MACAN Museum. The data analysis method used in this research is quantitative descriptive analysis. Through regression model analysis, several significant conclusions can be drawn. First, a constant value of 3.168 implies that if the preferences and motivation of visitors to the MACAN Museum is 0, then the level of visitor satisfaction is 3.168. Second, the regression coefficient for variable X1 of 0.070 indicates that preferences have a positive impact on the level of visitor satisfaction, while third, the regression coefficient for variable has a positive and significant impact on Generation Z Visitor Satisfaction (Y) at the MACAN Museum

Visitor Perception on Urban Green Space and its Contribution for Human Well-being, A Case Study for Henarathgoda Botanic Garden

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Botanical gardens vary widely in design and purpose, but most are typically associated with Ex-situ conservation, education, or historical interpretation. Yet, few studies have shown that botanic garden visitors are often motivated by recreational and leisure interests. While visitor motivations and benefits have been the focus of a number of botanical garden and green space visitor studies. The main objective of the study was to investigate the perceptions of benefits for wellbeing of community, by visiting Henarathgoda Botanic Garden (HBG) and the Specific objectives were; to identify the range of different specialized visitors to the HBG, identify the activity patterns of community visitation associated with HBG and to examine visitor preferences/perceptions for various combinations of social, resource and management conditions, and study the different wellbeing benefits obtained by visiting the garden related to physical and aesthetics aspects. This study employed means-end theory to investigate the links visitors make between garden attributes, consequences, and values. Structured questionnaire based in-person interviews were conducted with garden visitors (n=200) and surveys took place representing whatsoever the community visiting the HBG during February to March 2022. The overall study resulted that the garden visitation has been drastically affected by COVID-19 pandemic situation before, during, and after the pandemic respectively. This study reveals that the main top two reasons for visiting the HBG of respondent were because of relaxation and pleasure. This shows HBG should provide a suitable place for recreational activities for visitors. Further, the highest percentage of the respondents (36%) were commented that HBG‘s management should consider improving the services providing and maintaining more facilities and need for the visitors. The most positive benefit wanted to gain responders by visiting HBG, which was understanding and enjoying nature in different garden sections established at HBG (42%).&#x0D; Keywords: Urban green spaces, Well-being benefits, Botanic garden, Psychological benefits, Questionnaire survey&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;