Functional and aesthetic information needs underlying the pleasure travel experience

Consumer information acquisition has largely focused on decision making or functional needs. Recently, a set of complementary information needs (i.e., hedonic, aesthetic, and social) have been introduced in the consumer behavior literature. This study examines functional and aesthetic information needs in a tourism consumption context, specifically pre-trip information acquisition for short Midwest trips. Destination selection information needs are shown to be at the core of information acquisition with product knowledge, aesthetic imagery and planning efficiency needs at the “periphery.” Suggestions for destination marketing communication strategies and future research are presented.