RESEARCH TOOLS FOR TOURISM AND EVENTS

Research Tools for Tourism and Events

Research Tools for Tourism and Events

Introduction

In this paper, we are discussing the importance of motivational and inspirational factors that capture the attention of tourist. Tourists come to their destination for having fun because of this motivation. In my literature review, I will be explaining about the importance of motivations of what makes tourists go to a destination and the destination of my choice will be Greece. I will then explain in depth the different types of tourists that take on different holidays. It will explain the push and pull factors in detail, the behaviour of tourists abroad and the different types of tourists. It will also contain my research questions about graduate trainees as travel representatives in Athens (Baloglu & Brinberg, 1997, p. 11)

Motivation Theory

Theoretical models of motivation attempt to explain why individuals choose to engage in a particular activity. Motivation theories often include four stages or levels of involvement:

(1) Initiation—reasons for engaging in an activity, how to instigate or encourage entry;

(2) Direction—why one engages, refuses, avoids, or exerts effort toward engagement;

(3) Intensity—effort and concentration during engagement; and

(4) Persistence—how long one continues the activity, especially in the face of challenge, hardship, or temporary failure.

The role of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation is also a common factor of interest. Intrinsic motivation involves having a personal stake, or personally valuing some facet of the activity (Gnoth, 1997, p.283).

Motivations of tourists

Researchers suggest "motivation is to give reason, incentive, enthusiasm, or interest that causes a specific action or certain behaviour. Motivation is present in every life function. Simple acts such as eating are motivated by hunger. Education is motivated by desire for knowledge. Motivators can be anything from reward to coercion.''

Extrinsic motivation happens when external factors make the person to do something. However, there are many theories and labels that serve as sub tittles to the definition of motivation. For example, "I will give you a candy bar if you clean your room." This is an example of reward motivation. Motivation is important because it helps people to get more motivated and to be more active (Crompton, 1979, p. 408).

Choice of Destination

If tourists are motivated and prefer different and unusual destinations for their holidays, their choice of destination will be limited because of the restricted budget. Families might enjoy taking a trip, checking into a near resort or enjoying a virtual resort or a virtual National Natural History museum tour. Tourists need to make decisions of what they will expect from the destination. Among these stages may be the motivation to go on holiday, information gathering and evaluation of the holiday.

Tourists look for the warm climate, natural and cultural attractions. Most people choose their holiday destination based on their needs and interests. The reason people choose a particulate destination is because of shopping, attraction, climate culture and adventure.

Types of tourists

Holden has given the difficulty of what motivates people to become tourists, it is expected that tourists choose to visit different types of destinations and various ...