David B. Klenosky

The “Pull” of Tourism Destinations: A Means-End Investigation:

Means-end theory provides a practical framework for examining the relationships between the pull attributes of a destination (i.e., “the means”) and the higher level motivational forces important to the individual traveler (“the ends”). To the extent that these higher level forces correspond to the push factors that influenced one’s decision to travel in the first place, the means-end perspective provides a useful alternative approach for examining the relationship between push and pull factors in motivating and guiding travel behavior. This article examines the potential of using the means-end approach to examine push-pull relationships, demonstrates the use of the approach in an empirical study of spring break destination choice, and discusses key implications for future research and application.

The influence of push and pull factors at Korean national parks.

Abstract This research examines the influence of push and pull factors on visitors to the National Parks in Korea. During the summer of 1999, 2720 visitors to six different National Parks in South Korea completed a survey instrument designed to assess their reasons for visiting the park they selected (push factors) and evaluate how well that park performed on a selected set of attributes (pull factors). The results of a factor analysis identified four push factor domains and three pull factor domains underlying respondents’ push and pull factor ratings. Additional analyses investigated differences in the push and pull factor domains for different socio-demographic subgroups; and examined the interrelationships among the push and pull factor domains. The study results hold useful implications for park managers and researchers interested in studying how push and pull factors impact tourist and visitor behaviour.

Understanding the factors influencing ski destination choice: a means-end analytic approach.

A variety of factors have been examined to understand and explain destination choice behavior, ranging from the relatively tangible attributes of products, to the intangible benefits, needs, and pe...

Improving the graphic representation of means-end results

Abstract A common output of a means-end study is a tree-like network diagram often called a Hierarchical Value Map (HVM). An HVM presents a graphical representation of a set of means-end chains which can be thought of as an aggregate (e.g., market-level) cognitive structure map. Using concepts from statistical graphics, graphical perception theory and the semiology of graphics, we examine ways of improving the design of the HVM such that it better represents the original data in a clear and simple fashion. We compare the traditional HVM design to an alternative design format using data from an empirical study of ski destination choice. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the new format for theoretical research and strategic decision making.

Travel-Style Preferences for Visiting a Novel Destination: A Conjoint Investigation across the Novelty-Familiarity Continuum:

This research examines the contention made in the travel-style literature that individuals with different travel styles differ in terms of how they prefer to travel when on vacation. Study participants classified into travel-style groups evaluated conjoint profiles for a vacation to a hypothetical novel destination described in terms of three factors: type of accommodations, type of travel companions, and type of language. The findings indicated that preferences for the study factors differed by travel-style group, although not always in the direction suggested by the literature.

A Means-End Investigation of Ropes Course Experiences

Means-end theory and its associated methodology provide an approach for investigating the meanings that individuals associate with the products and services they purchase, consume, and experience. Drawing from this means-end perspective, a study was conducted to develop a better understanding of the range of benefits that result from participating in a ropes course program. A sample of 125 participants from two ropes course programs identified the benefits they derived from their ropes course experience. Using a self-administered laddering procedure, subjects then provided information about the higher-level outcomes and values related to these benefits. An analysis of this means-end data provided insight into the relationship among the range of benefits and values associated with completing a ropes course. The study findings hold important implications for researchers interested in studying ropes courses or conducting means-end research in other leisure and recreation settings.

Outcomes from the Components of an Outward Bound Experience.

Means-end theory provides a useful approach for characterizing the relationship among the attributes or components of an experiential education course (the “means”), the benefits, or the outcomes associated with these attributes/course components, and the personal values (the “ends”) these outcomes help to reinforce for course participants. The purpose of this article is to show how this “means-end” perspective can enhance our understanding of the outcomes associated with outdoor adventure programming. A self-administered questionnaire designed to identify the linkages among program attributes (i.e., course components), course outcomes, and personal values was administered to a sample of 216 Outward Bound course participants. Analysis of the data provided useful insights into the outcomes associated with Outward Bound course experiences and with specific course components. The results can assist experiential educators in linking outdoor adventure course outcomes to course components, and in marketing course programs to potential clients.

Travel agents' destination recommendations.

Abstract Travel agents’ recommendations can strongly influence clientel’s satisfaction and the success of touristic businesses, attractions, and destinations. But little is known about their recommendation process. This article presents a conceptual model of this process and empirically examines the impact on agents’ destination recommendations of two factors from the model: trip type and origin, which create important differences in destination recommendations. This research holds important implications both for tourism marketers who seek to influence travel agents and for researchers interested in studying this line of inquiry.

Assessing Czech consumers' reactions to western marketing practices: A conjoint approach

Abstract Conjoint analysis is used to assess the joint effects of country-of-origin information and two marketing variables (price-discount level and advertising-intensity) on the decision-making behavior of consumers in the Czech Republic. Study participants evaluated conjoint profiles in one of two product categories — color TV sets and automobiles. The results indicated that although Czech consumers were sensitive to the pricing and advertising practices used to sell these products, they were most sensitive to information about the products country-of-origin. This analysis holds important implications for western firms seeking to market their goods in the Czech Republic and in other Eastern and Central European countries and suggests several potentially fruitful directions for future research.

Standard Hospitality Elements at Resorts: An Empirical Assessment

Prior research investigating the factors important to resort visitors has generally focused on a specific resort setting or market segment, which has resulted in a tendency to emphasize activity-related elements. While useful, this tendency to emphasize activity-related elements has limited our understanding of the role of the nonactivity, hospitality-based elements common to all resort types. Given this gap in the research literature, the purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of the importance of these standard hospitality elements to resort consumers. Using survey data collected from a sample of recent resort visitors, three underlying factors are identified. Subsequent analyses examine the impacts of sociodemographic and trip characteristic variables on the relative importance of these three factors. Results suggest important implications for industry executives along with directions for future investigation.