Philip L. Pearce

Developing the Travel Career Approach to Tourist Motivation

The purpose of this study lies in the conceptual adjustment of the travel career ladder (TCL) approach to travel motivation. In this context, the study examined the relationship between patterns of travel motivation and travel experience. This research was conducted through two studies: an interview phase to guide the further conceptual development of the travel career approach and a major survey phase for further empirical exploration of the ideas. Overall results suggested that host-site-involvement motivation (e.g., experiencing different cultures) and nature-related motivation (e.g., being close to nature) were more important factors to the more experienced travelers, whereas motivations such as stimulation, personal development, relationship (security), self-actualization, nostalgia, romance, and recognition had a higher priority for the less experienced ones. Importantly, a core of travel motivation factors including escape, relaxation, relationship enhancement, and self-development seem to comprise the central backbone of motivation for all travelers.

Young budget travelers: Backpackers in Australia

This paper examines young budget travelers in the context of the “backpacker” phenomenon in Australia. The origin of this form of travel is discussed and a contemporary social definition of backpackers is proposed. The definitional elements (a preference for budget accommodation, an emphasis on meeting other people, an independently organized and flexible travel schedule, longer rather than brief holidays, and an emphasis on informal and participatory holiday activities) are supported using two data sources. Data from Australias International Visitor Survey, as well as a backpacker-specific study with 690 respondents, indicate that these young budget travelers exhibit characteristics which differentiate them from other visitors and that they are of economic importance to Australias tourism industry.

Methodology in tourism research

Abstract This exploratory article attempts to highlight some areas of tourism research which are believed to lack sufficient methodological sophistication. The origin of such research is outlined, together with the ambivalent attitudes displayed by practitioners and outsiders alike. By means of a four quadrant model, the interplay between theoretical awareness and methodological sophistication is explored, but only in one quadrant is sufficient balance said to be achieved. To substantiate these points, examples are drawn from tourism research and from a meta-analysis of articles featured in two leading journals. Theoretical awareness and methodological sophistication are then spelled out in more detail and are seen to coincide at the conceptualization stage of the research process. Contributions to this special issue of Annals are introduced and possible areas for further research are briefly examined.

Farm tourism in New Zealand: A social situation analysis

Abstract This article considers the phenomenon of farm tourism home stays in New Zealand. It places one particular interview-based analysis of the host-guest social situation within the broader context of other farm tourism enterprises in this country and elsewhere. Detailed conversational interviews are focused on the social dynamics and management of the host-guest encounters. The article reviews work on the goals, cognitive structures, environmental setting, social rules and roles, communication, activities and their sequences which pertain to these kind of encounters. The implications and relevance of this special kind of tourism for world tourism trends is briefly noted.

Developing a Typology for Understanding Visiting Friends and Relatives Markets

This study seeks to classify visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel and to explore the linkage between VFR travel types and commercial tourism in an empirical study. The VFR phenomenon is multifaceted, making it hard to integrate research findings. This article proposes an initial typology of VFR travel and positions the major existing studies within this typology. Using data from Queensland, Australia, an examination is made of the relationships between the proposed variables and VFR travel and behavior patterns. The data set gave the researchers the ability to identify VFR as either a prime trip motive or one of a set of activities or regional attractions. The study provides an activities-based segmentation of this type of VFR traveler and attempts to connect different segments to both travel patterns and the variables in the proposed typology.

Understanding ethnic tourists.

Abstract Much of the discussion of ethnic tourism has concentrated on the impact of guests onhosts. This paper examines ethnic tourism from the perspective of the guests and is particularlyconcerned with understanding the nature of this market. The results of a study of more than 1,500visitors to an Aboriginal cultural park in Australia are reported. Four distinct groups of visitorswere identified based on their levels of interest in various aspects or features of ethnic tourismexperiences. The study found evidence that ethnic tourists may be balancing a desire for contactwith such hosts against a concern over feeling uncomfortable when making choices of theirethnic tourism products.

Historic theme parks. An Australian experience in authenticity

Abstract The potential role of historic theme parks in providing domestic tourists with an “authentic” insight into their history and culture is examined in this paper. Previous analyses of “authenticity” and its role in travel are discussed and it is argued that these analyses have not allowed for the possibility of seeking authentic insight into the past. An analysis of the advertising material of six major historic theme parks indicates that “authenticity” is actively promoted as part of the experience offered at theme parks. Evidence from studies of visitors to two Australian historic theme parks is presented illustrating that the visitors believe that authenticity is an important element of their experiences. Authenticity is also an important factor in satisfaction with their visits. This evidence, however, conflicts with the views of social scientists writing about authenticity and travel. A number of questions are raised about conceptual thinking on the topic of authenticity.

Tourist-guide interaction

Abstract Social psychology can contribute to a study of tourist-guide interaction through its emphasis on the dynamics, behavior and cognitions of social situations. A conceptual contribution to the study of tourist-guide encounters can structure inquiry on the topic, thereby correcting the piecemeal nature of current research. The conceptual overview adopted follows that of Argyle et al. (1981) and emphasizes eight features of social situations: goals, rules, roles, element, sequences, cognitive structures, environmental setting, and language. A diagrammatic synthesis of this material is outlined. In reviewing previous research the generative question-asking power of this overview is demonstrated. Two of the situation features proposed are discussed at greater length for six tourist-guide interactions.

Evaluating different bases for market segmentation: a comparison of geographic origin versus activity participation for generating tourist market segments.

Abstract While market segmentation has become a major approach to understanding the nature of tourists and their travel behaviour, there exists considerable debate over which bases and statistical approaches provide the best segmentation solutions. Morrison (1996) has offered eight criteria for evaluating the success or value of a segmentation result. This paper used these eight criteria to evaluate two different segmentation approaches used with the same survey sample. An a priori geographic segmentation of visitors to the Wet Tropics region of Australia was compared to an activity based a posteriori segmentation approach. There was evidence that the activity segmentation approach fulfilled the eight criteria more adequately than the geographic approach. It was further suggested that for large samples a multi-stage methodology might be a desirable approach for meeting all eight marketing segmentation effectiveness criteria.

Stress and coping in tourist attraction employees

Abstract Front-line employees in tourism attractions are vital elements in the quest for service quality and visitor satisfaction. The tourism attraction work environment presents a variety of demands and pressures which may become sources of stress for personnel. Stress can have negative impacts on both the employee and the organization. It is therefore important to identify and understand the stressors experienced by employees in order to develop appropriate management methods. The study reported in this article investigated the stressors experienced by 102 front-line attraction personnel in 14 Australian tourist settings. The coping strategies used to deal with stressors were also recorded. The results indicate that although certain structural characteristics of the employees job caused stress, management and management behaviour was the principal source of stress for respondents.