The role of motivations in the segmentation of ecotourism destinations: A study from costa rica


Abstract:

In recent years, the interests and motivations of tourists for nature and leisure have increased. The objectives of this study include following: (i) identifying the underlying variables or motivational dimensions in ecotourism; and (ii) analyzing the demand segmentation in ecotourism. This empirical study was conducted in The Arenal National Park and The Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica, a country with ecological importance for ecotourism. The sample consisted of 310 surveys obtained in situ. For data analysis, factor analysis and a non-hierarchical K-means segmentation were performed. In the study, seven motivational dimensions in ecotourism were obtained, such as “Self-development”, “Interpersonal relationships and ego-defensive function”, “Nature”, “Building personal relationships”, “Rewards” and “Escape”. Moreover, the characteristics of the different segments are established according to their motivations; thus, there are three segments of ecotourists: “Reward and escape”, “Multiple motives” and “Nature”. The findings of this research provide management guides to public institutions and information for companies for developing products according to demand.

Año de publicación:

2021

Keywords:

  • ecotourism
  • SATISFACTION
  • MOTIVATION
  • Return
  • segmentation

Fuente:

scopusscopus
googlegoogle

Tipo de documento:

Article

Estado:

Acceso abierto

Áreas de conocimiento:

  • Turismo
  • Turismo
  • Ecología

Áreas temáticas:

  • Producción
  • Geografía y viajes
  • Procesos sociales