Tourism in Western Australia: An exploratory study of holidaymaking behaviour in relation to two resorts

Bayley-Jones, C.R. (1977) Tourism in Western Australia: An exploratory study of holidaymaking behaviour in relation to two resorts. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University.

Abstract

The intention of the study is to examine holidaymaking behaviour and to explore factors influencing that behaviour in relation to resource-based areas. As representative of these, Geraldton and Albany were selected for their considerable tourism resource bases. In consequence of these resources they have acquired resort status.

Data on users and their patterns of holidaymaking behaviour were collected in the resorts by means of questionnaire surveys in peak and off-peak seasons.

Two statistical techniques - discriminant analysis and canonical correlation - were used, in particular, to analyse in relation to the selected resorts the relations and differences amongst and between user characteristics on the one hand, and on the other the various aspects of holidaymaking behaviour pertaining to the travel and destination segments of the holidaymaking experience and to the whole experience. It was hoped thereby that identifiable clusters of holidaymakers would emerge. A third technique - individual differences scaling - was selected as an experimental approach in the field to further identify clusters of holidaymakers.

From the analyses, it was found that differences between the resorts and between seasons in holidaymaking behaviour and user characteristics were slight, and that some relations emerged between the spatial patterns and on-site behaviour patterns and the various user characteristics included in the study. Although some clusters of holidaymakers could be differentiated, what was more significant was that a generalized style of holidaymaking common to the two resorts emerged. In addition, further insight into the factors influencing holidaymaking behaviour was gained.

It is considered that some greater understanding of holidaymaking behaviour in Western Australia has been achieved and that the study usefully indicates directions in which research may most advantageously be pursued in this ongoing research project.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters by Research)
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Social Inquiry
Notes:	Note to the author: If you would like to make your thesis openly available on Murdoch University Library's Research Repository, please contact: repository@murdoch.edu.au. Thank you.
Supervisor(s):	Kerr, A.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/51206

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