Demographic And Situational Correlates Of Business Travel

Abstract

Using the responses from 749 business travelers to Alaska, this study examined demographic variables as background factors and situational variables as trip-specific factors which could affect business travel. These variables were used in multiple regression analyses as independent variables in an effort to identify their influence on pre-trip, on-location, and post-trip behaviors and attitudes. The demographic and situational variables accounted for 7 to 23% ofthe variance in business travel behaviors and attitudes. Situational variablesproved to be stronger correlates than demographics and mayprovide a better basis for developing marketing strategy for business travelers. The most important situational variables were (1) whether the traveler combined business with pleasure, and (2) whether the traveler traveled to fulfill a staff or line function.