Tourist Motivation Research Articles

Dark tourism through the lens of attachment theory and domestic tourists

AbstractThis study explores the factors that affect domestic tourist attachment to dark tourism destinations by developing a hybrid model using several methods, including structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), predicated on attachment theory. The study collected data from 60 tourism experts and 622 domestic tourists. The study found that tourist motivation, national identity, tourism impacts, and destination attachment are all crucial factors that explain domestic tourist behavior towards dark tourism. The results of the mediation analysis indicate that destination attachment mediates the relationship between tourist motivation, national identity, and negative tourism impact with tourist satisfaction. The FAHP results show that place identity has the highest influence while place dependence has the lowest influence in shaping domestic tourists' selection of dark tourist destinations. The study's findings provide valuable insights for tour operators and destination managers to meet domestic tourists' expectations of dark tourism, adding to the existing knowledge related to the factors that impact dark tourism.

Classification and Discrimination Method for Foreign Travelers’ Tourism Motivation

Classification and Discrimination Method for Foreign Travelers’ Tourism Motivation

Tourist Motivational Perspective Analysis of Selected Accredited Homestay in Banaue, Ifugao: Basis for a Proposed Marketing Model

Homestay today is on the rise and has become one of many tourist attractions in the world. The context of homestay tourism is described as a double-edge sword because even when communities succeed in operating a homestay program, this success comes at the price of diminished authenticity, greater dependence on tourism, and enhanced social and economic inequalities. This study focused on four motivational perspectives of tourists in staying at traditional hut homestays of Banaue, Ifugao. A study aimed to determine the motivational drivers of tourists and identify problems on attractiveness, promotion, and definition of traditional hut homestay concept. Tourist motivation leads to better goals by establishing the right picture of tourist satisfaction focusing on the business which later increases business success. Descriptive method was used to describe the demographic and sociographic profile of the tourists. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. A self-made survey questionnaire was administered to 135 tourists and interview was conducted among tourists, homestay owners, and managers. Findings indicated that the tourists were extremely motivated in terms of humanistic perspective or hierarchy of needs. Moreover, social perspectives were important for the tourists especially on the sense of belongingness with the host family. In essence, this study shed light on the motivational perspectives of tourists which led to the proposed experiential Ifugao culture tourism marketing model for homestay program.

Identifying the Dimensions of the Domestic Tourism Demand Model in Tehran

Objective: The dynamics of domestic tourism have gained prominence, especially in the wake of global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted travel preferences towards more localized experiences. This study aims to identify and analyze the dimensions of domestic tourism demand in Tehran, focusing on the motivations, barriers, preferences, and impacts of tourism within the city. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding that can inform policy and strategic planning to enhance Tehran's appeal as a domestic tourist destination. Methodology: A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. The study targeted a purposive sample of local residents, domestic tourists, and professionals within the tourism sector in Tehran. Theoretical saturation guided the data collection process, ensuring a thorough exploration of themes. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis, allowing for the identification of key patterns, themes, and categories within the data. Findings: The study unveiled five main themes: Motivations for Domestic Tourism, Barriers to Domestic Tourism, Perceptions of Tehran as a Tourist Destination, Tourist Preferences and Behaviors, and the Impact of Domestic Tourism. Each theme comprised various categories with associated concepts, ranging from cultural interest, relaxation, and social connections to economic factors, safety concerns, and the broader economic, cultural, and social impacts of tourism. These findings underscore the complex interplay of factors influencing domestic tourism demand in Tehran. Conclusion: This research highlights the multifaceted nature of domestic tourism demand in Tehran, revealing a spectrum of motivations driving tourists, alongside significant barriers that need addressing. The study underscores the potential of domestic tourism as a catalyst for economic development, cultural preservation, and social cohesion in Tehran. By addressing identified barriers and leveraging the motivations and preferences of domestic tourists, Tehran can enhance its domestic tourism sector.

Understanding tourists’ intention in the face of earthquake risks: An analysis of word-of-mouth impact in the turkish tourism context

Purpose – The objective of this research is to uncover the correlation between word-of-mouth communication, electronic word-of-mouth communication, perceived risk, and the intention to visit Turkey following an earthquake that occurred in February 2023. Methodology/Design/Approach – Data was collected from adult participants aged 18 and above in the United States of America. After data collection, any missing patterns in the data records were addressed, resulting in a refined dataset consisting of 501 participants. The analysis was performed using SmartPLS-4 and SPSS. Findings – According to the results, positive word-of-mouth about earthquakes does not decrease tourists’ perceived risk of visiting Turkey. However, positive word-of-mouth and electronic word-of-mouth about earthquakes do increase tourists’ intention to visit Turkey. Positive electronic word-of-mouth about earthquakes reduces tourists’ perceived risk of visiting Turkey. Lastly, the perceived risk associated with earthquakes decreases tourists’ intention to visit Turkey. Originality of the research – In a ground-breaking research endeavour that examines the seismic events of February 2023, this study pioneers an investigation into the complex motivations of tourists who choose to visit Turkey. It unravels the intricate interplay between word-of-mouth communication, electronic word-of-mouth, perceived risk, and the inclination to visit Turkey following the earthquake

The Influence of Demographic Factors on Tourist Experiences at Sikkim Buddhist Monasteries

This paper provides an analysis of tourists’ experience based on their demography. Sikkim is known to be a Buddhist state has incorporated religious sites in tourism. The monasteries in the state have not only attracted domestic tourists but international tourists as well. Tourists who visit solely for the purpose of religion mostly follow the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism. This study focuses on the aspect of religious tourism in the State of Sikkim. It takes into account the demography of the tourists and their effect on experience in monasteries situated within Sikkim. The demographic variable of tourists was categorized into gender, age, marital status, monthly income, educational qualification, occupation, and Sikkim monasteries profile of the tourists were the type of tour, Motivation for visiting religious sites, participation in or performed rituals in religious ceremony, accommodation of stay, duration of visit, means of bookings, monasteries visited while in Sikkim, means of information and recommendation of the site to others. Data was collected through primary and secondary sources. Data were collected from respondents through interviews and questionnaires based on the nominal scale. A total of 200 samples were gathered from diverse tourists visiting six of the Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim (Rumtek, Tashiding, Sangachoeling, Chorten, Pemayangtse and Dubdi monastery) utilizing the convenience sampling method. The collected questionnaires were analyzed with the application of independent sample T-test and one-way ANOVA. This study concluded that the demography of the tourists is essential in segregating and assessing what tourists expect from their visits to these monasteries. The study provides an overview of tourists visiting Sikkim religious sites, revealing diverse demography and motivations for tourists to visit monasteries. Hence, identifying the demography of the tourists needs to be given equal importance to enhance the future tourist experience.

ESG approach in the design of auto tourism facilities

The article reveals the study of the behavioral motives of tourists. The emphasis was placed on the youth audience of respondents, who largely determine the development of the industry. Respondents were interviewed on the subject of modes of transportation, preferred types of recreation. The article examines the relationship between the projected new generation of the social system and the technical and technological one. It is noted that this work should be based on the application of the principles of sustainable development (ESG approach). The purpose of the study is to develop practical recommendations for the design of tourist infrastructure based on the interests of the social system. The scientific novelty consists in determining the patterns of the modern user of the road and tourist infrastructure, as well as determining the composition of work in the design of a modern high-quality highway.

Olive Tourism motivations, activities and experiences: Perspectives from a Portuguese Delphi Panel

The olive heritage is a central element of many of the Mediterranean rural territories and is the basis for the development of a range of infrastructures, activities and experiences that make up olive tourism. The trend towards healthier, more genuine and authentic consumption has contributed to a growing demand that increasingly enhances values and resources that represent the rural world, including those relating to olive growing. Through the Delphi method and the collaboration of a panel of 12 Portuguese experts in olive tourism, this study aims to identify the most important range of activities, experiences and motivations in the context of olive tourism. It is intended to contribute to a more accurate knowledge of the subject, particularly the aspects that allow the development of an offer more aligned with the current motivational trends of tourist demand.The results show that the activities and experiences considered most important in the context of olive tourism are those directly related to olive oil tasting and typical gastronomic dishes where olive oil is the most remarkable element. Additionally, it emerges that gastronomic tourism is the tourism product that presents the greatest affinity and complementarity with olive tourism.

Exploring the Relationship between Tourist Perception and Motivation at a Museum Attraction

Tourism activity represents one of the most dynamic and defining activities for today’s society. In this context, knowing the perception and motivation of potential tourists visiting a museum attraction represents an essential approach with implications for the sustainable development of tourist destinations. The research methodology used in the present study involved the complementary use of survey methods for data acquisition and multicriteria analysis to identify and establish relationships between perception and motivation. The results obtained from the present study show a synthetic picture regarding the perception and motivation of the tourists who visited the Crișului Land Museum from Oradea, Romania, on the one hand, and the relationships that were established between perception and motivation, on the other hand, thus confirming the research hypothesis that perception influences motivation. The perception of tourists after visiting the Crișului Land Museum in Oradea is determined by personal and interpersonal reasons, as well as by the way they perceive the visited site. The study originality consists in the use of mixed-method approaches to collect and analyze data, as a means to complement different data sources.

The Influence Of Tourist Motivation And The Quality Of Special Interest Tourism On Tourist Satisfaction For Live-In Tour Packages In Lerep Tourist Village

The purpose of this research is to explain the influence of tourist motivation and the quality of special interest tourism on tourist satisfaction in live-in tour packages in Lerep tourist village. This research uses quantitative methods. The population in this study were live-in tourists in the Lerep Tourism Village whose population was known to be 240 tourists from January – June 2023, then calculated using the Slovin formula result in 70 respondents are needed as research samples. The sampling technique is accidental sampling. The results show that Tourist Motivation and the Quality of Special Interest Tourism partially and simultaneously have a significant effect on Tourist Satisfaction for Live-in tour Packages in Lerep Tourism Village, where the Quality of Special Interest Tourism is the dominant factor for tourists in increasing Tourist Satisfaction, compared to Tourist Motivation. From the results of calculating the coefficient of determination, the two independent variables contributed high influence of 60.2%.

Sustaining Tourism during War: A Case of Russia and Ukraine

This study investigates the underlying motivation for visiting Russia and Ukraine based on which policymakers can frame policies and campaigns around tourism in these war-ravaged countries. Finding ways to promote and sustain tourism in such destinations can immensely contribute to the economy of these nations. The study was conducted by collecting both primary and secondary data. For secondary data, online news sources and Google Trends were employed; for primary data, responses were collected from 207 Indian subjects through an online questionnaire for eliciting responses from a diverse set of subjects a broader reach. The results indicated a clear impact on rising interest of tourists in these countries despite the popular assumption that war might deter tourists from entering such destinations. The subjects admitted that the war ignited their curiosity in Ukraine's people, culture and destinations. This research is the first of its kind, which explores the motivation of tourists to travel to Russia and Ukraine while they are still at war and the ways in which countries can sustain tourism during the period of war.

THE DETERMINANTS OF SERVICE QUALITY IN SKI TOURISM

Regarding the fact that skiing is the most popular winter sport in Europe, the aim of the paper was to analyse the main determinants of service quality in ski tourism.
 When defining the research process, it was noted that literature review has recognised significant studies dealing with the concept of ski tourism from different aspects such as tourist motivation to travel, ski tourism sustainability and clime change, marketing strategies or ski tourism infrastructure. However, there is a certain research gap in exploring the determinants of service quality in winter sports. Therefore, the main research question in this paper is to identify the significant factors that influence the service quality in ski tourism and affect tourist satisfaction levels.
 The research is based on a sample of 157 recreational skiers who visited the Republic of Serbia during winter seasons in years 2022 and 2023. In the interpretation and processing of data, descriptive statistics and t test were used. The findings indicated the diversity of ski tracks, landscape, nature and hospitality as the most significant determinants of service quality in ski tourism.

The interrelation of natural diversity with tourism in Kosovo

Abstract The plant and animal wealth of a place, region, or state represents a significant component of the geographic-natural tourist offer. Tourist routes are concentrated specifically on areas with a variety of plants, rich vegetation, and diverse animal world. The Balkan Peninsula in general, and Kosovo in particular, is characterized by high geodiversity and biodiversity value. This feature can serve as an important recreational and tourism potential for Kosovo and, consequently, in sustainable tourism development. For this reason, this article deals with the content of natural diversity, the size and time of introduction of geo and biodiversity values under protection, and, above all, it brings arguments if the same contributed to the increase of tourist motivation for local and foreign tourists. Results were achieved using both quantitative and qualitative methods, with the latter being more effective in the lack of the formal system of data collection and tourism management in Kosovo. According to official statistics, protected areas (PAs) of Kosovo occupy roughly 12% of the total area (2021). There was a significant rise (8%), from 4.26 to 12.25% in 2003 in the last 20 years (2021). The study shows that this desirable level of representation did not attract enough tourists. Furthermore, it is argued that immediate reformation of policies is required for the management of natural diversity values of the country. In order to achieve this, the government must implement more comprehensive measures in order to manage PAs more intricately, where the interaction with tourism is a key issue and not just a simple one, as it has been up until now.

Tourist motivations and trends in the current market: a study on atomic tourism

Tourist motivations and trends in the current market: a study on atomic tourism

The motivation and experience of alma mater tourists

This study investigates alma mater tourists' motivation and experience through semi-structured interviews. We propose that one's tertiary educational institution serves as a Home of Exploration between one's Home of Origin and Home of Procreation. This Home of Exploration occupies a liminal stage in life when one can be truly free. Alma mater tourists revisit their places of higher education to reminisce about the days when they were authentic to themselves and experience a unique blend of happiness, nostalgia, and other emotions. This experience is explained herein with sociological concepts including authenticity, spiritual center, push and pull factors, and life course theory.

Applying Push and Pull Theory to Determine Domestic Visitors’ Tourism Motivations

The purpose of the study was to determine the motivations driving domestic tourists’ travel decisions to Vietnam’s Central Highlands. These motivations are categorized as originating from within the tourists themselves (push) and as being shaped by the attractiveness and external attributes of the tourist destination in the Central Highlands (pull). Additionally, the study aimed to examine how demographic factors such as gender and age influence these motives. To conduct this research, the authors gathered relevant studies and expert opinions to construct a research model. A total of 745 visitors were surveyed over a period of more than two months. The collected data was quantitatively analyzed using two tools: SPSS and AMOS. The findings indicated that three factors impact push motivation: personal factors, escapism, and knowledge and cultural experiences. Furthermore, three elements influence pull motivation: destination information and accessibility, the destination’s unique image, and personal factors. Gender and age exhibited significant effects on these aspects at various levels, except for males, who had no influence on the escapism factor. These findings provide valuable insights for the Central Highlands tourism sector, enabling tourism managers and stakeholders to adjust their services and marketing strategies to better cater to the preferences and demands of domestic visitors. Moreover, the outcomes of this study could be applied to other regions with similarities, such as the Northwest region of Vietnam, the mountainous areas of the central provinces of Vietnam (challenging regions with diverse ethnic minorities), or analogous areas worldwide.

Electronic Word of Mouth, Attitude, Motivation, and Travel Intention in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted individuals to spend more time searching for information on social media channels. Although most countries have entered a new normal, these channels still play a crucial role in people's decisions. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the relationship between electronic word of mouth and the attitude, motivation, and travel intention of potential tourists. To achieve this objective, an online survey has gathered 431 valid responses for analysis. Structural equation modeling was employed to investigate the relationships between variables in the proposed model. We find evidence to show that eWOM positively affects potential tourists’ travel intentions, while attitude and motivation play positive mediating roles in the effect of eWOM on customers' travel intentions. These results suggest the received information from online reviews, along with optimistic attitudes and motivations, can promote potential tourists’ decisions. Moreover, while eWOM can be a useful source to grasp customers’ demands, it may also spread unfavorable reviews about the destination. Hence, stakeholders should try to well manage eWOM because if eWOM conveys positive messages, it can help boost tourism in the post-coronavirus pandemic. The paper contributes to the current literature by identifying a critical variable affecting customers’ travel intention during the post-pandemic era.

The Development Strategy of Voluntourism in Tourism Villages at Badung Regency

World tourism before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic showed positive growth, especially with the birth of new tourism products such as voluntourism. Badung as one of the tourist destinations in Bali has the opportunity to develop voluntourism. This research aims to determine the perceptions, and motivations of tourists, managers, and tourist village communities in Badung Regency to make voluntourism an alternative tourism, as well as formulate strategies for developing voluntourism to support tourism development. This research was designed using a qualitative approach through data collection and analysis using observation, questionnaires, interviews, and literature study. Data were analyzed to understand the relationship between the structure of the voluntourism implementation process between organizers, tourists, and the community, and the impact of the voluntourism program. This research is based on voluntourism theory, voluntourist perceptions, motivation, supply and demand for voluntourism, consumer behavior, alternative tourism, and sustainable tourism. These theories are the basis for explaining the research concept clearly and measurably regarding the views of tourists, the community, and organizers or implementers of voluntourism to make voluntourism alternative tourism under the principles of sustainable tourism development in Badung Regency. The results and discussion show that the perception of tourists, the community, and tourist village managers regarding the implementation of voluntourism in tourist villages in Badung Regency is positive because it provides benefits to the community; The motivation of tourists to make voluntourism an alternative tourism in tourist villages in Badung Regency is well received because it can combine various holiday activities and social work activities with the community in tourist villages in Badung Regency; voluntourism is becoming a new force as alternative tourism that provides real and positive multi-effect benefits to the community; and voluntourism is used as a new strategy. This research concludes that voluntourism can be accepted as a potential alternative to tourism because it provides positive benefits for the community and managers of tourist villages in Badung Regency, and can be used as a strategy to support sustainable tourism development in tourist villages in Badung Regency.

A half-century reflection on pleasure vacation motives

A half-century of research purporting to explain tourists' motivations for engaging in pleasure vacations was critiqued. Two major changes in context that have influenced tourism motivation studies, and which define the parameters of this review are identified. This is followed by a description of the Theory of Disequilibrium, which has emerged as the unifying theory for explaining tourists' motivation, and the physiological and psychological roots of motive constructs. Research findings relating to the efficacy of the most frequently cited frameworks in tourism texts for explaining this process were critiqued. The review confirmed that most studies tended to embrace either the “push” and “pull” factors which are the inputs to Expectancy-Value Theory, or a more instinctive Thematic-Combination Heuristic approach, or some combination of the two. These were critiqued. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.

Segmenting tourists’ motivations via online reviews: An exploration of the service strategies for enhancing tourist satisfaction

Tourism motivation and satisfaction are classic themes in tourism research. This study combines latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) and the Censydiam motivation model to analyze online reviews of tourism in Qinghai, China. The aim of this research is to explore tourist motivation through online reviews and provide innovative service suggestions to improve tourist satisfaction. The LDA model initially extracts six main topics from online comments. Then, using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), it maps the relationship between topics and tourism motivations to propose strategies for enhancing tourists' enjoyment, conviviality, and other motivating factors. Furthermore, we employ the Kano model to evaluate tourists' satisfaction levels regarding these strategies, demonstrating their positive evaluations. Hence, this study provides tourism industry professionals and service designers with an innovative method for understanding tourists' motivations through online reviews, enabling them to design specific services that enhance tourism experiences.