What Is Tourism Behaviour?

By Anna Duncan

Tourism behaviour is a term that refers to the actions and decisions made by individuals or groups when they travel for leisure, business, or other purposes. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including transportation, accommodation, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Understanding tourism behaviour is crucial for tourism businesses and destinations to provide better services and experiences to their customers.

Factors Influencing Tourism Behaviour
Several factors influence tourism behaviour. These include:

Personal Factors: Personal factors such as age, gender, income level, education level, and lifestyle play a significant role in shaping tourism behaviour. For instance, a retired couple may prefer quiet and serene destinations while young adults may seek adventure and excitement.

Social Factors: Social factors such as family structure, peer group influence, and cultural background also impact tourism behaviour. For example, families with children may choose destinations that offer kid-friendly activities.

Past Experience: Past experience plays an important role in shaping travel decisions. Positive experiences may lead to repeat visits while negative experiences may discourage future travel.

The Stages of Tourism Behaviour
Tourism behaviour can be divided into four stages:

Pre-Visit Stage

This stage involves planning and decision-making before the trip. It includes researching destinations and accommodations options as well as setting budgets.

On-Site Stage

This stage involves actual travel activities such as transportation, accommodation, sightseeing tours etc.

Post-Visit Stage

This stage involves reflecting on the experience after returning home. It includes sharing stories with friends and family members or writing reviews online.

Loyalty Stage

This stage involves repeat visits based on previous positive experiences at a particular destination or establishment.

The Importance of Understanding Tourism Behaviour
Understanding tourism behaviour is essential for businesses in the tourism industry. By understanding their customers’ needs and preferences, businesses can tailor their services and marketing strategies to provide better experiences and attract more customers. For instance, if a hotel understands that its Target audience is families with children, it may offer amenities such as a kids’ club or babysitting services.

In conclusion, tourism behaviour is a complex process that involves personal, social, and past experience factors. Businesses in the tourism industry must understand these factors to provide better services and experiences to their customers. By doing so, they can not only attract more customers but also build loyalty and reputation in the long run.