Characteristics of Tourism and Hospitality as a Service Industry
1. Intangibility
2. Perishability
3. Inseparability
4. Variability
Intangibility
Services in the tourism and hospitality industry are intangible, meaning they cannot be touched or physically possessed
Intangibility in Tourism and Hospitality
Services are largely immaterial
Experience-Based
Intangibility in Tourism and Hospitality
Consider a tourist visiting a luxury spa resort. The intangible aspects include spa services, customer service, and ambiance
Perishability
The availability of services is time-sensitive and perishable
Perishability in Tourism and Hospitality
Limited Time Windows
Dynamic Demand
Capacity Constraints
Perishability in Tourism and Hospitality
Consider a hotel located in a popular tourist destination. During high season or major events, there is increased demand for rooms
Learning Objectives
Identify and explain key travel motivation theories and understand their impact on travel decisions
Differentiate between traveler segments, exploring unique characteristics for targeted industry strategies
Apply Tourism Psychology and Sociology concepts for insights into diverse dynamics within the travel industry
Learning References
Cruz, Zenaida L. (2019). Micro Perspective of Tourism and Hospitality. Rex Bookstore, Inc
Lim, Romeo D. (2019). Micro Perspectives on Tourism and Hospitality. Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Chen, Y. (2021). Economics of tourism and hospitality: A micro approach. Routledge
Smith, J. P. (2022). Community Engagement in Micro-Hospitality: A Comprehensive Guide. Routledge
Garcia, M. S. (2021). Niche Hospitality: Micro-Approaches for Local Success. Springer
Johnson, A. R. (2023). Micro-Tourism: Exploring Local Perspectives. Academic Press
In the modern era, the act of travel has evolved into a multifaceted phenomenon that extends beyond the mere exploration of new landscapes
The Psychology and Sociology of Tourism invite us to delve deep into the rich complexities that surround the interactions between individuals, societies, and the diverse destinations they choose to explore
Theories of Travel Motivations
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Push-Pull Model
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
1. Physiological Needs (Survival)
2. Safety Needs
3. Social Needs (Belongingness and Love)
4. Esteem Needs
5. Self-Actualization
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
A psychological theory suggesting that people are motivated to travel based on their needs, starting from basic survival needs to higher-level needs like self-actualization
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Physiological Needs (Survival)
Safety Needs
Social Needs (Belongingness and Love)
Esteem Needs
Self-Actualization
Push-Pull Model
Identifies factors that "push" individuals from their home environment and factors that "pull" them toward a destination
Push Factors
Dissatisfaction with Routine
Push factors
Dissatisfaction with Routine
Escape from Stress
Economic Opportunities
Pull factors
Cultural Attractions
Natural Beauty
Adventure and Recreation
Example: Push
Scenario: Emily, a marketing professional, feels exhausted and stressed due to the demanding nature of her job. The routine has become monotonous, and she craves a change.
Push Factors for Emily
Dissatisfaction with the routine
High-stress levels
Desire for a break from the daily grind
Example: Pull
Destination Choice: Emily decides to visit Kyoto, Japan.
Pull Factors for Emily
The appeal of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage
Historical temples
Serene landscapes
Emily is attracted to the idea of exploring a new culture, finding tranquility in beautiful gardens, and immersing herself in the unique traditions of Kyoto
Emily's decision to travel is influenced by push factors related to dissatisfaction and stress, while the pull factors of Kyoto's cultural allure and natural beauty become the driving force behind her destination choice
The Push-Pull Model provides a framework for understanding how both internal and external factors shape travel motivations
Plog's Psychographic Model classifies tourists into three psychographic categories: allocentric, mid-centric, and psychocentric
Allocentric travelers seek adventure and new experiences, willing to step out of their comfort zones and enjoy exploring diverse and unconventional destinations
Mid-centric travelers prefer a balanced mix of familiar and unfamiliar environments, seeking a moderate level of adventure without complete departure from the familiar
Psychocentric travelers prefer familiar and comfortable destinations, seeking relaxation, predictability, and routine in their travels
Traveler types
Allocentric Travelers
Psychocentric Travelers
Psychocentric Travelers
Prefer familiar and comfortable destinations
Seek relaxation, predictability, and routine in their travels
May avoid unfamiliar or challenging environments
Psychocentric Traveler
Emily is a psychocentric traveler who finds comfort in routine and familiar surroundings. Her ideal vacation involves staying at established resorts, visiting well-known tourist destinations, and engaging in activities she is already familiar with. Emily values the predictability and security that come with revisiting destinations she has enjoyed in the past
Plog's Psychographic Model helps categorize tourists based on their psychographic traits and travel preferences
Plog's model recognizes that individuals vary in their willingness to explore new and unfamiliar territories, and these classifications assist in tailoring travel services and marketing strategies to meet the diverse needs of different traveler segments
Pearce's Travel Career Ladder
Suggests that individuals go through different phases or stages in their travel behavior
Stages include the novelty-seeking phase, the involvement phase, and the resolution phase
Novelty-Seeking Phase
1. Initial stage of travel behavior
2. Focus on seeking new and novel experiences
3. Emphasis on exploration and curiosity
Novelty-Seeking Phase
John, a recent college graduate, enters the novelty-seeking phase. He is eager to explore the world, driven by a sense of curiosity and a desire for new experiences. John's travels involve visiting popular tourist destinations, trying adventurous activities, and immersing himself in the diversity of cultures. The novelty-seeking phase is characterized by a sense of excitement and exploration
Involvement Phase
1. Developing a deeper interest in travel
2. Seeking more meaningful and involved experiences
3. Exploring a variety of destinations and activities
Involvement Phase
As Mary progresses in her travel behavior, she enters the involvement phase. She has gained some experience and now seeks more meaningful interactions with the destinations she visits. Mary may engage in cultural exchanges, volunteer tourism, or off-the-beaten-path adventures. The involvement phase is marked by a desire for a deeper connection with the places visited