Download (PDF 411 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/12229.pdf
Abstract
The concept of stable, clearly identifiable patterns of tourist behavior, or roles, is a relatively recent development. Yiannakis and Gibson (1988, 1992) identified fifteen tourist roles based on leisure travelers' vacation behaviors. Building on this work, Gibson (1994) used discriminant analysis to determine the combination of needs and demographics are associated with several of the tourist roles over the life course. The purpose of this study is to present the characteristics associated with three nature-based tourist roles: the Explorer, the Nature Lover and the Ecotourist (Murdy, 2001). Using Levinson et al.'s (1978) model of the adult life course, market segments were created for each role using needs and demographics.
Parent Publication
Citation
Murdy, James J.; Gibson, Heather J.; Yiannakis, Andrew. 2003. Predicting nature-based tourist roles: a life span perspective. In: Schuster, Rudy, comp., ed. Proceedings of the 2002 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-302. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 179-183
