Backpacker conceptualisation criteria: discussion, clarification and operationalisation proposal

Abstract

Purpose Backpackers can be found all over the world, especially in urban areas where the main enclaves are established. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the operationalisation of the term “backpacker” and present a proposal to conceptualise backpackers and backpackers’ segments based on the operational criteria available in literature to avoid incongruities among researchers. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review, this study provides a critical review of the backpacker conceptualisation and operationalisation using a methodology divided into three phases, a quantitative analysis based on the Scopus database and a bibliometric analysis coupled with a manual analysis of documents (content analysis). Findings Substantial heterogeneity and complexity regarding the conceptualisation of backpacker tourism and its diversified subsegments were evident. For this reason, this paper argues that backpacker tourism can and should continue to be analysed from different perspectives, suitably framed in the theoretical instrument constructed to identify and distinguish the different subsegments through its operationalisation features. Originality/value This study provides a practical contribution to all researchers interested in the topic of backpackers proposing the operationalisation of the term backpacker and it subsegments to avoid disparate results and deviations. This contribution will enable the correct and objective assessment of the operationalisation of this concept for researchers, managers and destination management organisations, identifying exactly what phenomenon is to be studied.

Tourist Satisfaction and Revisit Intention: The Role of Attraction, Accessibility, and Facilities of Water Park Tourism

“…Other studies confirmed that recreational attraction has a significant impact on revisit intention (Mahdzar et al, 2015;Markus et al, 2019). In the case of young tourists, with their unique behaviors (Buffa, 2015;Dai et al, 2022) and low travel budgets (Cavagnaro et al, 2018;Martins and Costa, 2023), their perception of water park services are potentially different. Although previous research examined the influence of factors on satisfaction and revisit intention, but did not focus on the influence of attractions on water park visitors' revisit intention.…”

“…Previous studies have explored the behavior, attitudes, and assessment tendencies of young tourists (Buffa, 2015;van Aalst and Brands, 2021) and city parks (Dai et al, 2022;van Aalst and Brands, 2021). Other researchers point out that young tourists are only looking for simple pleasures, having a diverse and increasingly heterogeneous preference for young tourists and low-budget backpackers (Cavagnaro et al, 2018;Martins and Costa, 2023). However, there is no one has focused on criticizing water parks for young tourists, regarding tourist attraction, accessibility, main facilities, and supporting facilities, even though these components are the basic needs of water park services.…”

Backpackers’ Tourism and Health: A Narrative Literature Review

“…Bearing in mind the heterogeneity of this group [6], research on backpacking tourism has approached the phenomenon from various angles [7]. For instance, Sorensen conducted an ethnographic study [8], while empirical studies have explored it in terms of tourist origins and visited destinations [9].…”