Determinants and motivations of tourism

Rapidly growing structure of tourism rises the question; what are the reasons behind? In order to find out the answers, we have to go through the determinants and motivations of tourism.

Determinants of tourism demand

If we track down the historical development of tourism, we can identify some determinants clearly.

Industrial revolution- urbanisation-development of transport- start of organised form of tourism- higher living standard- holiday provision- Development of facilities..............................

Analysing the development of tourism, we can conclude major determinants of tourism;

Major Determinants

Socio-economic factors

— Higher living standard: Last half century marked the significant increase in the living standard of people in the tourist generating countries; specially in the west. With more income and saving, more holidays could be offered.

— Changing demographic structure: In the population pyramid of tourist generating countries, the share of working population is the biggest. As a consequence, there is an increase in the volume of tourists.

— Occupation, social security etc: Lots of modern occupation requires frequent travel to learn, expand network and holiday provisons. On the other hand, people in developed countries have security during unemployed period, ageing, sickness etc that is why they can travel more.

— Education and awareness: Education creates curiosity towards different culture, landscapes etc. General awareness about importance of tourism has been increasing globally and it is a matter of social status.

Development of transport

Development of new means of transportation and its network paved the way for the expansion of tourism. Since the industrial revolution, every new invention in transportation system has been adding a new dimension in tourism. Widespread network of transportation has made most of the parts of world accessible in short time.

Development of tourist services

Essential tourist services like accomodation, food and beverages, information system etc are also serve as an determinant of tourism. There is drastic improvemnt and diversification in these services that facilitate tourism demand.

Promotion of tourism

With the development of media and modern means of promotion, information about any tourist destination can be attained abundantly. Tourism expos, tv channels, publications, internet and last but not least ‘mouth to mouth’ talking helps for the tourism demand.

These determinants/conditions lay the basis for creating motivations for travel.

Motivation for travel

McIntosh, R.W. classified travel motivators into following categories;

— Physical motivators: it is related to the enhancement of physical health and well being. For example; yoga, sporting activities, rest, spa etc.

— Cultural motivators: These are motivations to learn new cultural elements like music, dance, language etc.

— Interpersonal motivators: This is related to the meeting with friends, relatives, teachers and other people.

— Status and prestige motivators: they are related to the development of personality and self esteem. For example for education and business purpose.

We can study motivators according to two different group of tourists also;

Businessmen/VFR: it includes the business tourists and people who travel to meet friends and relatives. Main features of these tourists are;

— Less freedom during travel

— Less freedom during decision making

— Relatively price inelastic

— Easy to identify motivations

Holiday tourists: these are tourists with mainly recreation purpose. Main features of them are;

— More freedom during travel

— More freedom during decision making

— Highly price elastic

— Complicated to identify motivations

Professor Gray, H. Peter has concluded all motivations into 2 distinct groups;

— Wanderlust

The desire to exchange the known for unknown, to go see different places, culture, historical place, experience etc. It consists shorter length of stay and more movements between the places. This includes adventure loving and less luxury seeking people.

— Sun lust

The desire of visiting somewhere else of better amenities and facilities for a specific purpose. Generally, it is for activities like sports and specially for sun, furthermore 3’s (sea, sand and sun).