Influence of Perceived Risks on the Destination Choice Process: An Indian Perspective

Modelling Hierarchical Destination Choice

Environment and Planning A Economy and Space ◽

10.1068/a180401 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 401-418 ◽

Cited By ~ 129

Author(s):

A S Fotheringham

Keyword(s):

Gravity Model ◽

Discrete Choice ◽

Choice Theory ◽

Model Misspecification ◽

Choice Models ◽

Destination Choice ◽

Theoretical Derivation ◽

Choice Process ◽

Selection Of

The production-constrained gravity formulation is shown to be an especially inaccurate specification of reality whenever the selection of destinations by individuals results from a hierarchical choice process. Hierarchical decisionmaking violates the Independence from Irrelevant Alternatives property embedded in the theoretical derivation of the production-constrained gravity model from choice axioms. Various aspects of gravity model misspecification resulting from hierarchical destination choice are investigated and an empirical example is given in terms of US migrants. A discussion is presented of several destination choice models that are more accurately specified than the gravity formulation when destination choice is hierarchical. The recently derived competing destinations formulation is shown to be amongst the most useful in this respect. The discussion is framed in the context of discrete choice theory.

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COMPARISON OF ACTIVE SUMMER AND WINTER SPORTS TOURISTS IN A GERMAN HIGHLAND

Laisvalaikio tyrimai ◽

10.33607/elt.v1i5.216 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 1 (5) ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Alexander Hodeck ◽

Gregor Hovemann

Keyword(s):

Scientific Work ◽

Travel Behaviour ◽

Marketing Strategies ◽

Destination Choice ◽

Internal Factors ◽

Winter Sports ◽

Choice Process ◽

Sports Tourism ◽

Different Seasons ◽

And Gender

Research background. During the last decades the importance of sports tourism has risen (e.g. Schwark, 2007). A lot of new destinations have developed and existing destinations have expanded. Gaining information about sports tourists is important for destinations because of the increased competition in that field. On the other hand, the phenomenon of sports tourism has also become the focus of scientific work. Understanding consumers is one major field within this topic (Konu, Laukkanen, Kommpula, 2011). The destination choice process is of particular interest. According to the model of P. Pearce (2005, p. 109) adapted by H. Konu et al. (2011, p. 1098), which is used in this research, internal as well as external factors influence the destination choice process in sports tourism. Sports tourism plays an important role in German highland destinations (Aderhold, 2011). Traditionally, these destinations concentrate on winter sports tourism. As a consequence of climate and demographic changes, creating all-year marketing strategies is important. At the same time, there is a lack of knowledge regarding studies dealing with the comparison of sports tourists of different seasons. Research aim. This study deals with internal factors influencing destination choice and tourism behaviour of active sports tourists. The main objective of this research was to investigate whether there were differences between active sports tourists in summer and winter or not. Therefore, active summer and winter sports tourists of one German highland destination (Ore Mountains) were compared. Methods. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire during one winter and one summer season. Differences between active summer and winter sports tourists regarding sociodemographic variables were examined firstly. Afterwards a factor analysis (PCA with varimax rotation) was used to reduce internal factors (motives) in order to investigate whether there were differences regarding the destination choice process. Finally, travel behaviour of active sports tourists was analysed. Significance of differences was statistically proved by analysis of contingency, t-test or Welch-test. Results and conclusions. Active summer and winter sports tourists of the Ore Mountains do not differ regarding age and gender. Out of 15 motives influencing the destination choice process six factors could be extracted. Summer and winter sports tourists differ only in two of them from each other. There are differences regarding the length of stay, travelled distance to destination and expenditure within the destination. Active sports tourists in winter stay longer, travel a longer distance to reach the Ore Mountains and spend more money there. As a conclusion, developing allyear marketing strategies for active sports tourists of one destination seems to be helpful, as tourists of different seasons are comparable. Of course, this study can provide only initial information about the comparison of active sports tourists of different seasons. In order to generalize the findings, further research should be done. Keywords: sports tourism, highlands, active sports tourists, destination choice process.

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In a Galaxy Far, Far Away . . . Market Yourself Differently

Journal of Travel Research ◽

10.1177/0047287516633529 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 56 (5) ◽

pp. 593-598 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sara Dolnicar ◽

Bettina Grün

Keyword(s):

Focal Point ◽

Geographical Area ◽

Consumer Perceptions ◽

Destination Choice ◽

Tourism Research ◽

Choice Process ◽

Tourism Marketing ◽

The Past ◽

Consumer Perspective ◽

Marketing Activities

The destination is the focal point of tourism marketing activities. Many definitions of destinations have been proposed in the past, but it remains unclear what a destination is from a consumer perspective at early stages of the destination choice process. Yet, it is the consumer perspective that matters most. The present study investigates consumer perceptions of what a destination is. Results indicate that (1) consumers have a very broad position on what a destination is, (2) the distance between the destination and home affects the size of the geographical area perceived as destination, and (3) geographically larger destinations are severely underresearched. Findings have implications for both tourism research and tourism marketing, indicating that destinations need to be marketed differently to long-haul tourists.

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