Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if there are distinct socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics among nature-based visitors based on distance traveled. The study used two concepts - "gravity" and "inertia" - to explain the effect of distance on travel behavior. The results based on a sample of 642 visitors to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, USA showed that more distant visitors participated more in viewing activities; were more likely to be first time and day visitors; did less camping; spent more money on activities, private lodging, and transportation; visited the destination less frequently; spent longer periods away from home; and had less place attachment than those traveling shorter distances. The implications of distance-based market segmentation are discussed.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 355-366 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 1 2008 |
Keywords
- Distance decay
- Geography
- Gravity
- Inertia
- National forest
- Nature-based
- Segmentation
- Typology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management
- Marketing