Backpackers' space–time behavior in an urban destination: The impact of travel information sources uri icon

abstract

  • This research aims to identify the information sources used by backpackers before and during the visit to an urban destination and its influence on the movements performed. It uses a questionnaire survey combined with a GPS app to track the movements of backpackers to identify backpackers' spatiotemporal behavior. A bivariate analysis using non-parametric tests was used to examine the relationships between variables. This study concludes that the consulting online information before the visit has a great deal of influence on the spatiotemporal behavior of the backpackers, namely on the linearity and intensity of the visit. If online information sources are very important due to the intense use of information by backpackers, word of mouth from other travelers should not be disregarded as an important information source. This research can contribute to the definition of more informed and differentiating tourism marketing strategy considering the information sources used and its influence on the movements performed during the visit.
  • This work was financially supported by the research unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policy (UIDB/04058/2020) + (UIDP/04058/2020), funded by national funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia.

publication date

  • February 2022