VFR purpose of trip does not always mean staying with hosts - predicting VFR purpose of trip and choice of accommodation
RIS ID
50731
Abstract
Whilst destination marketing organisations around the world invest many resources into tourism marketing, little focus is placed on Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel. A primary reason for this has been linked to the assumed lack of benefits to commercial accommodation operators. However, not all VFR travelers stay with the friends or relatives that they travel to see. This research aims to contribute to the small body of literature that has considered the behaviours of those VFR travellers who select commercial accommodation. Focusing on the Swiss market as a typical mature travel market, this research has found several key differences between VFR travelers who stay with their friends or relatives and those who choose commercial accommodation. A key finding has been a significant difference in length of stay, whereby VFRs staying in commercial accommodation enjoy longer periods of stay in the region. Those VFRs also travel greater distances.
Publication Details
Backer, E. & Laesser, C. (2011). VFR purpose of trip does not always mean staying with hosts - predicting VFR purpose of trip and choice of accommodation. CAUTHE 2011 National Conference: Tourism: Creating a Brilliant Blend (pp. 913-917). Adelaide, Australia: University of South Australia.