As we know, not everybody may like the same thing as one another. Bob may enjoy the taste of coffee while Mary finds it awful. Everybody is different. Which connects to my next point, we must keep in mind that not everybody has the same motivation to travel. Two people can be travelling to the same destination but with different motives. Being in the hospitality and tourism industry, it is important for us to know what motivates our consumers in order to fulfill and exceed their expectations, and how to better ourselves to ensure they return home happier than before they left.
The number one reason as to why consumers have a desire to travel is to fulfill a need what ever that may be. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a trip may satisfy one’s disparate need. It is important for us to recognize these needs since it will allow for a successful business. When tourism operations meet or exceed the consumer’s expectations, the particular tourism operation can expect repeat business and for the consumers to spread the word to friends and family about the great service. Also, the company will have the ability to maintain or even increase their current service charges. Take Disneyland for example, when Disneyland first opened their doors it cost a few cents to a few dollars to enter the theme park. Decades later, tickets cost nearly hundreds of dollars if not more, yet consumers are willing to pay for their service because they had a great experience, or heard about it from a friend or family member.
There are many factors that may account to the motive for travelling. A huge one would be depending on the age group. For example, when travelling to a theme park, the main motive for children and young adults is to have fun, to take their mind off of school or work. Young couples would rather spend time together developing their relationship and relaxing. Other travelers have different motives which may include self-development, pure curiosity, to escape, to educate or be educated, and so on. Nonetheless, these travellers have multiple motives in their pattern of needs, even though one category of needs may be more dominant.
It is important for tourism destinations and tourism companies to understand what motivates our tourists because without them, they would not be a business. Companies may do research in regards to the interests of different travellers and how they can fulfill their needs. In order to do this, they must focus on a target market. Companies will conduct surveys to learn more about their customers and what they are looking for, many airlines will conduct a survey at the end of the flight to see what the purpose for travel is for each consumer. Many companies may advertise a more family orientated trip while another may gear towards a newlywed couple or the elderly. With this in mind, companies will find it easier to find ways to advertise and promote in order to maximize business and minimize costs. For example, a family with many children may look for a service that will be cost efficient and provide services that will satisfy the children and the parents subject to competition.. If the target is unclear, the business will find it more difficult to attract customers.
The key to a successful tourism business, and any business in general is knowing and being able to satisfy your consumer’s needs. Knowing these factors will help shape a destination and product to become successful since customers are what complete the business. Knowing their motivations will help companies understand these needs and be able to provide the certain service. Many successful companies we see now follow these guidelines to get to where they are today.