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The application of generational theory to tourism consumer behavior: An American perspective

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  • Li, Xiangping
  • Li, Xiang (Robert)
  • Hudson, Simon

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes and behaviors of American international travelers using a generational analysis. Based on Woodside and Dubelaar (2002)'s theory of tourism consumption systems (TCS), five hypotheses were proposed regarding tourists' information source preferences, destination visitation history, future destination preferences, destination evaluation criteria, and travel activity preferences. The study utilized Chi-square and ANOVA tests to detect statistically significant differences among generations. Additionally, two perceptual mapping techniques (correspondence analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis) were employed to graphically discern the relationships between generations and the variables of interest. The results support all five hypotheses, revealing not only a number of significant differences among generations, but also some important similarities. The study provides important empirical support for the theory of TCS, whilst showing the value of generational analysis as a commonsense segmentation criterion in travel market research.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Xiangping & Li, Xiang (Robert) & Hudson, Simon, 2013. "The application of generational theory to tourism consumer behavior: An American perspective," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 147-164.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:touman:v:37:y:2013:i:c:p:147-164
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2013.01.015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Emil Juvan & Doris Gomezelj Omerzel & Maja Uran Maravic, 2017. "Tourist Behaviour: An Overview of Models to Date," MIC 2017: Managing the Global Economy; Proceedings of the Joint International Conference, Monastier di Treviso, Italy, 24–27 May 2017,, University of Primorska Press.
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    5. Luis Manuel Ruiz-Gómez & Julio Navío-Marco & Luisa Fernanda Rodríguez-Hevía, 2018. "Dynamics of digital tourism’s consumers in the EU," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 59-81, December.
    6. Timothy H. Reisenwitz & Jie G. Fowler, 2019. "Information Sources and the Tourism Decision-making Process: An Examination of Generation X and Generation Y Consumers," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 20(6), pages 1372-1392, December.
    7. AVRAM Emanuela & HAYDAM Norbert & NEGRICEA Iliuta Costel & EDU Tudor, 2019. "Measuring the intention to return to a foreign tourism destination in the cases of two age layers of Generation Y - a logistic regression-centred approach. Evidence from Romania and South Africa," European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bucharest Economic Academy, issue 01, March.
    8. Alicia Fourie & Chris van Heerden & Engelina du Plessis, 2022. "Improving destination competitiveness in South Africa: A DEA approach," Tourism Economics, , vol. 28(4), pages 1080-1100, June.
    9. Magdalena Swart & Gerhard Roodt, 2015. "Market segmentation variables as moderators in the prediction of business tourist retention," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 9(3), pages 491-513, September.
    10. Molinillo, Sebastian & Liébana-Cabanillas, Francisco & Anaya-Sánchez, Rafael & Buhalis, Dimitrios, 2018. "DMO online platforms: Image and intention to visit," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 116-130.
    11. Guo, Wenshan & Luo, Qiangqiang, 2023. "Investigating the impact of intelligent personal assistants on the purchase intentions of Generation Z consumers: The moderating role of brand credibility," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    12. Julio Vena-Oya & José-Alberto Castañeda-García & Miguel-à ngel Rodríguez-Molina, 2022. "Determinants of the Likelihood of Tourist Spending in Cultural Micro-Destinations: Type, Timing, and Distance of the Activity as Predictors," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, September.
    13. Norbert Haydam & Theodor Purcarea & Tudor Edu & Iliuta Costel Negricea, 2017. "Explaining Satisfaction at a Foreign Tourism Destination – an Intra-Generational Approach. Evidence within Generation Y from South Africa and Romania," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 19(45), pages 528-528, May.
    14. Japutra, Arnold & Kumar Roy, Sanjit & Pham, Tram-Anh N., 2021. "Relating brand anxiety, brand hatred and obsess: Moderating role of age and brand affection," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    15. Bernini, Cristina & Cracolici, Maria Francesca, 2015. "Demographic change, tourism expenditure and life cycle behaviour," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 191-205.
    16. Anneli Douglas & Berendien Lubbe & Adrene Rooyen, 2018. "Business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications: a generational analysis," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 113-132, April.
    17. Nazia Nabi, 2023. "Segmenting travellers of luxury destinations in a post-pandemic era," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 17(3), pages 747-770, September.
    18. Giachino, Chiara & Bollani, Luigi & Truant, Elisa & Bonadonna, Alessandro, 2022. "Urban area and nature-based solution: Is this an attractive solution for Generation Z?," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    19. Pelau Corina & Chinie Alexandra Catalina, 2018. "Clusters of Tourism Consumers in Romania," Studia Universitatis „Vasile Goldis” Arad – Economics Series, Sciendo, vol. 28(1), pages 17-34, March.
    20. Dian Wang & Bowen Zhang & Yingying Wu & Xinwen Zhang, 2023. "Generational homogeneity and heterogeneity in city image perception: an explorative study of Guangzhou," Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(1), pages 128-142, March.

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