Journal article
Motivational and behavioral profiling of visitors to Forest-based recreational destinations in Sri Lanka
Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Vol.17(4), pp.451-467
2012
Abstract
The tourism industry plays a key role in regional and destination development. As negative environmental and socio-cultural impacts of mass tourism become more common, the appeal of alternative forms of tourism, especially ecotourism, continues to increase. With rising demand, ecotourism operators are facing the task of meeting expectations of diverse consumers of ecotourism products. Accordingly, the need to define and distinguish ecotourists from other types of tourists has become important. The importance of using a behavioral approach to distinguish ecotourists from other types of tourists is emphasized by tourism scholars. This study developed distinct motivational and behavioral profiles of visitors to forest-based ecotourism sites in Sri Lanka. Results identified four different types of tourists based on their behavioral and motivational characteristics: ecotourists, picnickers, egoistic tourists, and adventure tourists. Broad implications of visitor profiling are also discussed. This approach can help ecotourism operators to better tailor marketing strategies and increase visitor satisfaction.
Details
- Title
- Motivational and behavioral profiling of visitors to Forest-based recreational destinations in Sri Lanka
- Authors/Creators
- P. Perera (Author/Creator)R.P. Vlosky (Author/Creator)S.B. Wahala (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Vol.17(4), pp.451-467
- Publisher
- Routledge as part of the Taylor and Francis Group
- Identifiers
- 991005541225307891
- Copyright
- © 2012 Asia Pacific Tourism Association
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 6 Social Sciences
- 6.223 Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
- 6.223.247 Tourism Impacts
- Web Of Science research areas
- Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
- ESI research areas
- Social Sciences, general