The Effect of Distance on Tourism in Hong Kong: A Comparison of Short Haul and Long Haul Visitors
Authors: Fang Bao, Ya1; Mckercher, Bob2
Source: Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Volume 13, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 101-111(11)
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Abstract:
This study reports on a pilot project examining the effect of distance on the profile and trip characteristics of vacation visitors to Hong Kong. Secondary data are used. The study reveals a clear long haul/short haul dichotomy in visitor profile and resultant behaviors in Hong Kong. Long haul tourists tend to be older, more affluent and view Hong Kong as a stop-over destination, whereas short haul visitors are younger, less affluent and see it as their main and only destination. The resultant socio-demographic and destination role differences translate into substantially different in-destination behavior patterns. The authors argue that these differences are, at least in part, a function of the discriminating effect that distance has on the ability of some people to travel to long haul destinations.Keywords: distance decay; visitor profile; trip characteristics; Hong Kong
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1080/10941660802048332
Affiliations: 1: School of Hotel and Health, The Zhejiang Forestry University, China 2: School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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