Travel Motivations Research Articles

The Effect of Travel Constraints on Travel Intentions of People with Disabilities: The Mediating Role of Travel Motivation

According to WHO, 16% of the world's population are people with disabilities. Given this high number, disability-friendly tourism can be utilized as a special tourism market. This study aims to analyze the effect of travel constraints on travel intention through travel motivation for people with disabilities in Bandung. Over the past few years, Indonesia has begun to develop disability-friendly tourism infrastructure and services. The theory used in this study is the Theory of Planned Behavior, which has proven effective in shaping the behavioral intentions of tourists. This research was conducted using quantitative methods with structural equation modelling analysis procedures using CB SEM. The data collection technique used was non-probability sampling, targeting people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and mild mental disabilities. There are 200 pieces of data collected using a questionnaire. The results showed that travel constraints significantly positively affect travel intention through travel motivation among people with disabilities in Bandung. Existing literature finds a direct effect of travel constraints on travel intention in the tourism industry. This study contributes to the existing literature by including travel motivation as a mediating variable in mediating the effect of travel constraints on travel intention among people with disabilities in Bandung.

Ocean-Based Gastronomic Experience as a Factor of Tourists’ Motivation and Travel Behaviour

ABSTRACT This study empirically examines the impact of local-ocean-based gastronomic experiences on travel motivation and behavior. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Functional Attitude Theory, the study constructs an integrated research model to evaluate ocean-based gastronomic experiences as drivers of tourist motivation and behavior. Survey data from 338 tourists were analyzed using Partial-Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the hypothesized research model and hypotheses. The findings highlight the positive effect of travel motivation on tourists’ engagement with gastronomic experiences. Additionally, the study confirms that these gastronomic experiences significantly enhance visitor satisfaction and loyalty. These results offer practical insights for island tourism destinations on strategically designing, marketing, and delivering exceptional local-ocean-based gastronomic experiences. The research contributes to advancing the understanding of local-ocean-based gastronomy and its impact on island tourism, marking a significant step forward in this niche field of tourism study.

Exploring Strategies to Market SMEs’ Activities: The Role of Personality Traits and Travel Motivations in Tourist Activities

Traditionally, professionals in the tourism sector have been encouraged to segment their market based on socio-demographic variables. However, the multifaceted nature of tourist activity calls for consideration of psychological factors to effectively shape marketing strategies. This study aims to provide insights for tourism industry practitioners by investigating the roles of tourists’ personalities and travel motivations in shaping their activities and their commitment to sustainability in Cumbria, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall. Data were collected using quantitative methods to identify correlations between personality traits, travel motivations, and tourist activities. Additionally, a qualitative focus group with SME representatives from Cumbria provided insights into their understanding of the model. The findings provide significant insights into how the relationships between personality traits, travel motivations, and tourist activities can benefit tourism SMEs. By comprehending tourists’ behaviour, SMEs can tailor their offerings to appeal to the right audience, mitigating the adverse effects of overtourism, and therefore do more than allude to the concept of sustainability. Using these insights, SMEs could make informed decisions and create more effective marketing strategies, fostering sustainable practices that benefit both their customers and the long-term viability of their businesses and the destination.

Investigating the growth trends of LGBTQ Travelers in Thailand's Tourism Industry

This research identifies the growth trends of LGBTQ travelers in Thailand's tourism industry, trying to fill the important gap in the empirical knowledge about the impact this demographic and their preferences have. This study used an interpretive field study approach within a qualitative paradigm with interviews and participant observation in assessing motivations, behavior, and experiences of LGBTQ tourists within Thailand. This research answers some key questions about the scope of LGBTQ travel, growth patterns, how organizations are responding for inclusivity, and strategies to attract this market segment. Useful insights for stakeholders in the tourism sector will be sought from this study by analyzing the travel behavior and preferences, as well as emerging trends in tourism. These findings will contribute to the academic discourse on tourism inclusion but will also have real-life implications for the development of marketing strategies, improvement in destination management, and the development of a more tolerant society. This research, once and for all, is supposed to bring into focus a substantial opportunity lying in LGBTQ tourism in Thailand and is going to accentuate the pressing need for providing tailored inclusive travel experiences that would impress diverse desires and aspirations among LGBTQ people. Given that this exploration is necessary, it will foreground the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of LGBTQ tourism within the entire Thai tourism milieu. Conversely, by investigating the motivation for travel among the LGBTQ market segment, this research study will also highlight the unique experiences and viewpoints of LGBTQ tourists while adding to the increasingly complex understanding of this growing market segment. This study will also examine the barriers and challenges that LGBTQ visitors face while traveling in Thailand, and it will also investigate what can be done to make them feel welcome. Practical recommendations for effective targeting and catering to the vibrant market segment will be made by analyzing recent tourism trends and preferences of the LGBTQ traveler. Therefore, tourism by LGBTQ people can have economic impacts, cultural exchange, and tolerance of society. Additionally, extra insight into special needs and desires of tourists will be needed to complement fulfilling and inclusive experiences with which Thailand is establishing its reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly destination. This study will delve deep into the nuances and complexity of LGBTQ tourism in Thailand through an in-depth interview and participant observation study. A study of this nature would add to the growing body of knowledge in terms of the impact and preferences of this demographic and facilitate a more responsive and responsible tourism industry that would have great benefits for LGBTQ tourists and society in general.

Moderating effect of contextual factors on the relationship between travel motivation and destination loyalty among domestic tourists in the Coast region of Kenya

Despite the marginal growth recorded in the tourism sector in Kenya, the domestic visits and estimates fall far below the expectations. The study was guided by the following specific objective; to assess the moderating effect of contextual factors on the relationship between travel motivation and destination loyalty among domestic tourists in the Coast Region of Kenya. The study area comprised frequented attractions in the Coast region of Kenya. The study adopted an embedded mixed approach comprising descriptive survey and explanatory research designs. Simple random sampling and purposive techniques were adopted for domestic tourists, destination managers and experts respectively. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were distributed while 10 destination managers and 5 experts were interviewed. Data analysis was done using multiple regression models, hierarchical multiple regression and descriptive analysis. The multiple regression model results without interaction terms indicated that R-square = 0.442, implying that destination attributes and socio-psychological factors explain 44.2% of destination loyalty. The hierarchical multiple regression demonstrated that contextual factors have a moderating effect on interaction between travel motivation and destination loyalty since the model was significant {R2 = 0.255, F (7, 371) = 12.12, p =0.0001}. The model accounted for 25.5% of variation on destination loyalty. This means that the composite elements of contextual factors namely; political, economic, technological and socio-cultural factors significantly moderates the interaction between travel motivation and loyalty behaviour of domestic tourists. The null hypotheses were tested and rejected. The study recommends need for destinations and service providers to engage more on digital marketing and deploy technology during marketing initiatives and product development to capture niche segments since majority of the respondents were youth travelers

Luxury or Cultural Tourism Activities? The Role of Narcissistic Personality Traits and Travel-Related Motivations.

This study aimed to examine the role of travel-related motivations and preferences for activities (such as learning about local culture, relaxation and entertainment, status and social recognition, escape and curiosity, and experience) in the relationship between narcissistic personality traits and the preference for luxury tourism versus cultural tourism. A sample of 1342 Israeli community members was analyzed. The methodology utilized parallel mediation analyses to assess how different forms of narcissism (extraverted, antagonistic, neurotic, and communal) were associated with the desire for luxury tourism over cultural tourism, as mediated by various travel-related motivations. The results indicated that narcissistic personality traits were generally associated with a preference for luxury tourism, primarily through indirect associations via travel motivations such as relaxation and entertainment, status and social recognition, and experience. The conclusion highlights the implications for understanding how specific travel-related motivations influence tourism preferences among individuals with varying levels of narcissistic traits, suggesting that tourism management strategies could benefit from a nuanced approach to personality in marketing.

Effect of Perceived Risk and Travel Motivation on Tourists’ Decisions in a Crisis Context: A Domestic Tourist Perspective

The significance of tourists’ perceived risk and travel push motivation as need-driven factors has not been extensively examined within a crisis context. This study aims to evaluate their combined effect on tourists’ attitudes and behaviors, focusing on travel satisfaction and travel willingness. The study used Maslow's theory of needs as the underpinning theory, survey data collected from a sample of 278 domestic tourists in Vietnam, and the partial least squares structural equation modeling for data analysis. The results showed that perceived risk negatively affected tourists’ travel satisfaction during the pandemic, but it did not influence their travel willingness after the pandemic. In contrast, travel push motivation had a positive impact on tourists’ travel satisfaction and their willingness to travel postpandemic. Perceived risk had a greater effect on tourists’ satisfaction compared to travel push motivation. This result implies that domestic tourists would be more concerned about safety needs (a lower order need) while traveling in this particular pandemic context. However, travel push motivation (a higher order need) is more powerful in encouraging tourists to travel. Based on the results obtained, several implications are suggested for destination managers to attract and satisfy tourists in the context of a crisis.

A Research on the Mediating Role of Gastronomic Elements in Travel Motivation

The main purpose of the research is to determine the mediating role of gastronomic elements that are effective in the travel motivation of individuals. In line with the literature review, a questionnaire based on the survey model was prepared in order to determine individuals' travel motivation, gastronomic elements that are effective in destination visit and individuals' thoughts about their anxiety or fear of new tastes and flavors (neophobia). With the help of the questionnaire prepared in accordance with its purpose, the necessary data for the research were obtained from 391 participants by using the convenience sampling method. According to the findings, both travel motivation and thoughts about gastronomic elements differ according to the demographic characteristics of individuals. It has also been determined that there is a significant relationship between travel motivation and gastronomic elements. Within the scope of the research, the effect of neophobia on travel motivation was also investigated.

A Study on Travel Motivation, Attitude, and Travel Intention of the Tourists Visiting Chandragiri Hills

This research aims to explore the relationship between travel motivation, tourists’ attitudes, and travel intention, with a specific focus on Chandragiri Hills a new destination that has attracted many domestic and international tourists, since its inception in 2016. Yet the academic research of its tourism dynamics remains limited. Utilizing a descriptive survey questionnaire, data were collected from 450 tourists to analyze the construct of travel motivation, attitude towards the destination, and travel intention. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed altogether 30 measurement items regarding travel motivation, attitude, and travel intention. The data were analyzed using the theory of planned behaviour. The findings of the study revealed that motivation significantly influences both tourist's attitude and their travel intention. Novelty-seeking, relaxation, and social interaction are the chief push factors contributing to positive attitudes towards the destination. The findings have meaningful implications for tourism marketing strategies, whereby such motivational factors come to the centre to develop the attractiveness of Chandragiri Hills and improve tourism management practices. The result contributes to a greater understanding of tourist behavior in emerging destinations and provides insight into how effective planning and management could work within the tourism sector.

The impact of green knowledge and sustainability on green travel intentions through the lens of theory of reasoned goal pursuit

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing green travel intentions within the tourism sector. By examining the moderating effect of green knowledge within the theory of reasoned goal pursuit (TRGP) framework, the research aims to enhance understanding of green travel decision-making and contribute to the development of strategies that promote sustainable travel practices in Vietnam and beyond. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon the TRGP, a conceptual framework is developed to understand the relationships among active procurement goals, active approval goals, attitudes toward green travel, subject norms, green travel motivation, perceived behavioral control and green travel intention. The study adopts a quantitative research design and collects data from a sample of 544 Vietnamese tourists through a survey instrument. Findings The relationships between TRGP variables are discovered and confirmed in the context of ecotourism. Furthermore, the moderating roles of green knowledge are also investigated, directly contributing to sustainable tourism through the lens of TRGP. Research limitations/implications The study's exploration of green travel intention and the role of green knowledge contributes to theoretical frameworks and underscores the significance of environmental education in fostering sustainable travel behaviors. Stakeholders in the Vietnamese tourism sector can benefit from practical insights by focusing on eco-friendly accommodations and responsible tour packages. Leveraging social influence and educational campaigns may further encourage sustainable travel practices among Vietnamese tourists, enhancing their inclination toward environmentally conscious behaviors. Originality/value The research underscores the importance of interventions that target goal-oriented factors, positive attitudes, social norms, perceived control and green knowledge in molding sustainable travel behaviors. These insights provide a foundation for tourism stakeholders to tailor strategies such as environmental education programs and supportive policies to promote sustainable tourism practices among Vietnamese tourists effectively.

Study of travel motivation and visit intention: The mediating role of perceived risks and travel constraints

The motivation to travel has been extensively studied, as it plays a crucial role in influencing people's travel decisions. Various theories have been proposed to explain travel behavior, including allocentric, psychocentric, push-pull factors, TPC, and TCL. This study delves into the impacts of perceived risks and travel constraints on Japanese people's motivation to travel to Mongolia, employing the push-pull theory as a framework. In the questionnaire survey, 142 Japanese citizens were selected by simple random sampling method, and the survey was conducted in Japanese and English between April and May 2023. The collected data were analysed using IBM SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 4 software. Out of the seven proposed hypotheses, four were confirmed and three were rejected. When examining risk/constraints as mediating variables, the results revealed that push motivation did not significantly influence travel intention, while pull factors demonstrated a statistically significant relationship. Furthermore, two and three variables were identified to characterize the push and pull factors that drive Japanese people's travel decisions. Two segments of travellers were also identified: those seeking nature-based experiences and those interested in historical and cultural attractions. These findings may guide tourism business operators seeking to attract Japanese travellers to Mongolia.

Examining the moderating role of travel motivation in the process of negotiating travel constraints to travel alone of Indonesian muslim female travelers

Examining the moderating role of travel motivation in the process of negotiating travel constraints to travel alone of Indonesian muslim female travelers

Rediscover nearby nature: Exploring the well-being effect and influence factors of camping at different stages of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted people's lifestyles. Camping, as an outdoor activity, has become increasingly popular in urban China, especially during the pandemic. However, existing literature lacks the recognition of changes in the psychological aspects of camping at various stages of health crises. This study developed a comprehensive model to explore the connections between constraints, motivations, satisfaction, and subjective well-being in camping experiences at different stages of COVID-19 pandemic. A two-wave tracking survey was collected in May 2022 during the COVID-19 period, and April 2023 in the post-COVID-19 period. The findings indicate that travelers faced fewer constraints after the health crisis, with their satisfaction levels less affected by these constraints. Travel motivations, however, did not show significant changes. It is worth noting that while camping satisfaction continued to positively impact subjective well-being, its influence notably decreased after the health crisis. This research illuminates the evolving relationship between antecedents and consequences of camping throughout different stages of health crises, providing insights for enhancing camping product and experience design, as well as campground planning and management. Management implicationsThis pioneering study examines camping in nearby natural settings across different phases of COVID-19, elucidating differences in well-being outcomes and factors influencing camping experiences. Findings offers invaluable insights into current practices and management strategies related to camping. Campsite managers need to pay attention to the psychological processes of campers at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, governments and service providers can tailor products and services based on tourists' evolving needs and psychological changes.

Cinematic Influence: The Role of Film in Shaping Malaysians' Travel Intentions and Destination Choices

Film tourism has emerged as a significant factor in enhancing tourist numbers by drawing visitors to locations depicted in movies and dramas. This study explores films' influence on Malaysians' perceptions and intentions to travel to these destinations. Utilizing the push and pull theory, the research examines how movies affect Malaysians' travel motivations and destination choices. Data were gathered through an online survey involving 267 Malaysian moviegoers, selected via convenience sampling. The findings indicate that several factors, including the reflection of personal values and interests in movies, significantly influence the intention to travel. Respondents expressed a stronger connection and likelihood to visit destinations featured in films that resonate with their interests. The study suggests that future research could employ different methodologies further to explore the impact of movies on tourist perceptions globally. Additionally, the findings underscore the potential for filmmakers, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and local authorities to leverage films as powerful marketing tools to enhance tourist demand for real-life film locations.

Effect of intergenerational relationships in daily life on travel behaviors of adult children and parents: A comparative study of the two generations’ perspectives

The aging population is becoming a growing concern worldwide, and adult child-parent travel plays a positive role in active aging. Previous studies on family travel with aging parents focused on adult children's perceptions of conflicts during travel, neglecting the influences of daily intergenerational relationships on pre-travel and post-travel behaviors. This study builds upon the solidarity-conflict model to investigate the effects of daily intergenerational relationships on pre-travel (e.g., travel motivation) and post-travel behaviors (e.g., satisfaction and well-being) of family tourists who have engaged in adult child-parent travel. Empirical findings reveal that solidarity is crucial in determining travel motivation, satisfaction, and subjective well-being, while conflict only significantly influences travel motivation. Further comparisons between the views of adult children and parents disclose differing effects of conflict on travel motivation and satisfaction, as well as how the influence of solidarity on satisfaction varies by generation. This study enhances our understanding of the spillover effect of daily intergenerational solidarity and conflict on family travel behavior and offers practical insights.

Influencing Factors on Tourists’ Intentions for Sustainable Tourism Destinations: Moderating Effects of Financial Constraints and Moral Reflectiveness

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the relationships between environmental awareness, travel motivations, tourism knowledge, and intentions to choose sustainable destinations. Using a survey of 495 participants and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM), we examine how financial constraints and moral reflectiveness moderate these relationships. Our findings indicate a strong positive correlation between environmental values and support for sustainable tourism. Travel motivations, knowledge about sustainable tourism, and a positive environmental attitude all significantly contribute to a tourist's intention to travel sustainably. Interestingly, gender moderates the influence of travel motivations on environmental values, while moral reflection moderates the link between environmental values and the intention to support sustainable tourism. Financial constraints did not have a significant moderating effect. Our study provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the tourism industry, highlighting the importance of aligning strategies with tourist motivations and emphasizing environmental benefits to encourage responsible travel practices.

Factors Affecting the Intention to Choose Cultural Travel Destinations Associated with Experience of Domestic Tourists: Research at the Lotus Silk Village Phung Xa, Ha Noi

Culture-based travel associated with experiential activities is becoming increasingly popular and favored by domestic tourists in Vietnam. In that context, understanding the factors influencing tourists’ intentions of choosing destinations is paramount. The lotus silk village Phung Xa, Ha Noi, with cultural values and unique experiences, is a typical example of such cultural travel destinations. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), factors incorporated into the model include Travel Motivation (TM), Destination Information (DI), Attitude (AT), Subjective Norm (SN), and Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), which impact the dependent variable “Intention of choosing cultural tourism destinations involved with experiential activities at the Phung Xa lotus silk village Hanoi” (IC). The results show that Attitude (AT) has the strongest influence on the intention to choose Phung Xa lotus silk village as an experiential cultural tourism destination, with an impact level of 0.332; Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) has an impact level of 0.207; and Travel Motivation (TM) has an impact level of 0.195. The factors Destination Information (DI) and Subjective Norm (SN) are not statistically significant to conclude their influence on the dependent variable ‘Intention to choose Phung Xa lotus silk village as an experiential cultural tourism destination' (IC).

Antecedents and behavioral outcomes of tourism destination image: The moderating role of travel motivation and tourist’s region

Antecedents and behavioral outcomes of tourism destination image: The moderating role of travel motivation and tourist’s region

Unlocking the Wanderlust: Exploring Motivations and Barriers in International Student Travel among India’s Youth

This research examines the travel motivation and constraints experienced by international students enrolled in higher education programs in India, employing the Push-Pull Framework. Further investigates the potential factors influencing student travel and gains initial insights into their motivations, including pursuing personal rewards, escaping from personal and interpersonal environments, and the desire for interpersonal rewards, using motivation theory as a guiding framework. A sample of 300 international students studying in India was selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected through a self-administered survey comprising 20 items measuring motivational factors on a five-point Likert scale, adapted from existing literature. The study provides empirical evidence of distinct patterns in international student travel, encompassing various profiles, travel motivations, and obstacles encountered by international students in India. Furthermore, the findings indicate that international students constitute a heterogeneous group of travellers engaged in travel for diverse reasons. The preference for affordable and budget-friendly modes of transportation was observed among international students. At the same time, their willingness to allocate additional funds towards a wide range of tourism offerings at their destination was evident. The implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are discussed, emphasising their significance for academic and tourism stakeholders.

Wellness and Wanderlust: How Social Wellness Impacts Travel Motivation

ABSTRACTWith the emergence of wellness as a significant lifestyle consideration, its influence on various life aspects, including travel, is gaining attention. This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between social wellness, physiological needs, safety‐security needs, self‐actualization needs, and travel intention. Utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM), the research examined these connections within a sample of 317 respondents. Findings revealed that social wellness significantly influence physiological needs, which in turn, have a strong positive effect on safety‐security needs, self‐actualization needs, and travel intention. However, safety‐security needs were not found to directly impact travel intention. Income was the only control variable affecting travel intention, with gender, age, and timing of last travel showing no significant influence. These insights carry valuable theoretical contributions, enriching the understanding of wellness‐driven travel motivation and offering practical implications for service providers, marketers, and policymakers in the travel and tourism industry.