The Planning Horizons and Sources of Information Used by Pleasure Vacationers

Abstract

This study examined differences in vacationers' planning horizons and related them to the purpose of the trip and the length of the trip in terms of mileage and stay. Purposes included desire for excitement, desire for relaxation, and desire for a well-planned trip. These differences were then related to respondents' use of information sources, including print media, broadcast media, consultants, and destination-specific literature.

The role of VGI and PGI in supporting outdoor activities

“…the ability for it to reflect recent changes within the application domain. These findings are in agreement with Nolan (1976), Gitelson and Crompton (1983) and Schuett (1993) who commented that within a travel situation, information received from informal sources were the most informative. This was predominantly due to its ability to reflect the recent conditions of the environment relative to the needs of the information seeker.…”

“…Here, formal sources include printed media, destination-specific literature, broadcast media and discussions with professionals, whilst informal sources include family, friends and other users (Gitelson and Crompton, 1983). It is important to note that informal sources may be as important as, or more important than, formal sources.…”

“…Lead questions were derived and presented as topics for spontaneous and wide ranging data gathering sessions (Krueger, 1998). Focus group sessions focused on kayaking trips to unfamiliar locations, as Gitelson and Crompton (1983) demonstrated that individuals looking for new locations are more likely to undergo a thorough and detailed information search process. In addition, trips to unfamiliar locations present a higher level of risk to personal safety, and therefore placed concomitant demands on the effectiveness of any information search process, and the ability of information accessed to meet the needs of the user.…”

The impact of using non-media information sources on the future use of mass media information sources: The mediating role of expectations fulfillment

“…For example, Shoemaker (1984) observed that travel agents were consulted about routes, accommodation and activities at the destination. Travel agents were also proved to be a useful source of information for older travelers (Gitelson and Crompton 1983;Shoemaker 1984) and the most-used source for tourism at both the individual and group levels (Snepenger 1987). Although there are many tourists who do their own search, they tend to habitually use travel agents to make their bookings.…”

Applying an open systems public relations model to destination image development

“…Gitelson and Crompton (1983:2) explain it as follows: 'unlike the retail consumer in a store, the vacationer can neither directly observe what he or she is buying, nor try it out inexpensively'. Baskin and Aranoff (1988) also say that the five basic channels of influence are used to persuade publics to adopt new ideas.…”