Demostrating an exploratory-confirmatory factor approach to travel activity patterns: a study of French pleasure travelers to North America

• SooCheong Jang ^[1] ; Clark Hu ^[2] ; Alastair M. Morrison ^[1] ; Joseph T. O'Leary ^[3]
  1. [1] Purdue University

     Purdue University

     Township of Wabash, Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Temple University

     Temple University

     City of Philadelphia, Estados Unidos

     
  3. [3] Texas A&M University

     Texas A&M University

     Estados Unidos

     

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• Localización: Tourism analysis, ISSN 1083-5423, Vol. 12, Nº. 3, 2007, págs. 149-164
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • An effective way of understanding travelers' preference in a destination is to investigate travel activity patterns. This study took a two-stage approach to discover how travel activities can be explored and verified by a manageable number of dimensions. Activity participation data collected from 434 French outbound pleasure travelers were factor analyzed to explore possible underlying activity dimensions by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Using eight explored activity dimensions (including Nature, Sightseeing, Local Lifestyle, Culture & Social, Beach & Outdoor, City Touring, Shopping & Dining, and Entertainment), a model was then hypothesized and validated based on a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify the tenability of the dimension structure. The authors also discuss the managerial implications of the findings and recommend the practical use of activity dimensions in destination marketing by prioritizing budget allocations based on activity participation rates.