A Model of Tourist Information Search Behavior

Abstract

This research empirically examines, for the first time, the correlates of tourist information search behavior. A model is specified and tested in which tourist information search strategies are related to search contingencies, individual (tourist) characteristics, and behavioral search outcomes. Using survey data from a large sample of leisure travelers, tests of association showed substantial support for hypothesized relationships. Tourist information search strategies were found to be the result of a dynamic process in which travelers used various types and amounts of information sources to respond to internal and external contingencies in vacation planning. A discussion of the key findings of the model provides a rich source of managerial implications.