*Akis Ioannidis
The choice of tourist destination by a tourist is a particularly complex decision, as it is influenced and shaped by various factors. These factors may be demographic, related to tourists’ personalities and culture, or linked to their motives. At the same time, the process of choosing a tourist destination is also based on the characteristics of the destination itself, which attract tourists, as well as on the factors that shape the image we have of a destination. Given the circumstances, the choice of tourist destination, in other words the tourist’s preference, is determined by the ability of destinations as entities to offer positive attractions while avoiding negative ones.
Tourist Motives and Motivation
The analysis of motives in the tourism field is based on the study of motivation. Motivation is defined by the theory of need as understood by the prospective customer, since need forms the basis of motivation. The hierarchy of needs is used to explain human behaviour that is oriented around needs. According to studies, there are three levels of human needs, in hierarchical order:
- Physiological
- Safety
- Esteem and self-esteem
Once the needs of one level are satisfied, the individual moves on to the next level. Physiological needs are purely biological needs and form the basis for the emergence of every other higher need. Safety needs refer to the psychological and mental level and include the need for stability and freedom from fear and anxiety. Esteem needs include both self-esteem and esteem from others, self-confidence and recognition of the role one has.
At this moment, however, all prospective tourists will make their choice with safety as the main criterion. This means that they will choose the country, hotel and restaurant with safety and health as their first and most basic consideration.
Therefore, all professionals in tourism should train themselves and their staff to such a degree that they can be certain they have excellent knowledge of all matters relating to safety and health.
From now on, the choices of our prospective customers will be based to a very large extent on the above issues. Therefore, we, as MBA Academy, will stand by the businesses of our country in order to help provide proper training for our partners.
*Master’s Degree in Hotel Management and Economics
Certified Trainer / Assessor of the Human Resource Development Authority
Hotel General Manager — ISO 9001 Quality Systems Inspector
