Adambarage Vajira Eranga Alwis
I as a Tourist
Linda Khan
Tourism Management-
ATA24S
07/12/2024
Contents
1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................1
2 Theory ..................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Geographic Viewpoint of Tourism and Travel ...............................................................2
2.1 Push and Pull Factors ..............................................................................................2
3 Travelling routes/forms of transport ...................................................................................3
3.1 Psychographic Tourist Types by Stanley Plog .........................................................3
3.2 Eric Cohen’s Tourist Typology .................................................................................4
3.3 Schmoll’s Model ......................................................................................................5
4 References ...........................................................................................................................7
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1 Introduction
Traveling is an important part of both local and global development. It allows people to escape their daily routines,
relax, and learn more about the world. According to Holloway (1986), people travel because of push factors, like
the need to relax or escape, and pull factors, such as the attractions and experiences that destinations offer.
This essay looks at my identity as a tourist by using well-known travel theories. It will discuss what motivates me to
travel, the types of transport I prefer, and how I make travel decisions. I will also use ideas like Plog’s tourist types,
Cohen’s tourist roles, and Poon’s concept of “new” and “old” tourists to better understand my travel behavior.
To focus the analysis, I chose Majorca, Spain, as the destination. Famous for its beaches, culture, and attractions, it
is a great example to explain how push and pull factors work. This essay connects personal experiences with travel
theories to better understand the role of tourism.
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2 Theory
2.1 Geographic Viewpoint of Tourism and Travel
The geographic viewpoint of tourism looks at how location, environment, and distance affect travel and tourism. It
examines where tourists come from, where they go, and how the physical features of a destination influence their
choices (Cooper et al., 2008). For example, Majorca, Spain, is a popular tourist destination because of its location
in the Mediterranean, which offers a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and easy access for travelers from Europe.
Geography also plays a role in how people get to their destinations. Accessibility through roads, airports, and sea
routes often determines whether a destination is popular or not. Majorca’s well-connected airports and ferry ser-
vices make it a convenient choice for tourists.
2.1 Push and Pull Factors
Tourism motivations can be explained by two main ideas: push factors and pull factors. Push factors are personal
reasons that encourage people to travel, like wanting to relax, have fun, or escape daily life. Pull factors are the
things that attract people to a specific destination, such as beautiful beaches, exciting activities, or unique culture
(Cooper et al., 2008). For example, Majorca, Spain, is famous for its sunny weather, clear beaches, and lively festi-
vals, which are strong pull factors that make it a popular tourist destination. For me, I feel very busy with work and
studies, so I want to experience something new. This is one of my push factors for traveling to Spain. At the same
time, my pull factors include sunny beaches, beautiful cultural events, and delicious foods, all of which make Spain
very exciting for me to visit.
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3 Travelling routes/forms of transport
If I were to travel to Spain, I would begin my journey by booking tickets on Emirates Airways. I would do this myself
because it allows me to choose a good price with comfort. I would book an Uber from home to the Bandaranaike
International Airport in Colombo because it is more reasonable and comfortable than using a tuk-tuk for such a
long trip. From there, I would fly with Emirates Airways, stopping in Singapore for one night. I would book a nice
hotel in Singapore to rest before continuing my journey.
After my layover, I would land in Barcelona, Spain. Once I arrived, I would use public transportation to travel to
Palma de Mallorca. First, I would take a train from Barcelona Sants station to the port area, enjoying the sights of
the city along the way. From there, I would board a ferry to Palma de Mallorca. Using public transportation would
allow me to connect with the local culture and see more of the environment. Transportation is essential in tourism
as it links tourists to destinations and ensures they can explore and enjoy different locations (Goeldner & Ritchie,
2012, Chapter 5).
In Palma de Mallorca, I would stay at Can Cirera, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the city’s old
town. The hotel is known for its historic building, elegant rooms, and peaceful atmosphere. Staying there would
make my trip even more special, as I could enjoy the comfort of a well-designed hotel while being close to many
attractions in Palma. I can already imagine how relaxing it would be to rest there after exploring the beautiful
beaches and cultural sites!
3.1 Psychographic Tourist Types by Stanley Plog
According to Stanley Plog’s psychographic model, tourists can be categorized on a spectrum from psychocentric
(preferring comfort, familiarity, and routine) to allocentric (seeking adventure and novelty). I consider myself a
psychocentric tourist for several reasons.
As a psychometric traveler, I feel most comfortable visiting places that are well-known and heavily developed for
tourism. I prefer destinations with good infrastructure, familiar food, and activities that cater to relaxation, such as
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beaches or cultural events, over remote or risky locations. My travel style avoids uncertainty or adventurous activ-
ities. I also enjoy having my trips well-planned, including organized accommodations, meals, and transportation.
Complete tour packages with structured itineraries appeal to me.
Plog describes psychocentric tourists as those who prefer "structured, routinized travel" and "familiar atmos-
pheres," often seeking destinations with "adequate-to-good hotels and food" (Goeldner & Ritchie, 2012). This aligns
perfectly with my preference for traveling to destinations like Majorca, Spain, which offers a blend of cultural charm
and modern comforts, ensuring I feel secure and relaxed throughout my journey.
3.2 Eric Cohen’s Tourist Typology
Eric Cohen’s tourist typology identifies the Individual Mass Tourist as someone who enjoys structured travel but
allows flexibility for personal exploration. This type of traveler is characterized by their preference for planned
itineraries, reliance on tourist infrastructure, and limited engagement with local culture. I strongly identify with this
category based on my travel preferences and behaviors.
As an Individual Mass Tourist, I enjoy having a well-organized foundation for my trips, such as pre-booked flights
and accommodations. For instance, I would plan my journey to Majorca, Spain, by carefully arranging flights with
Emirates Airways and staying in a boutique hotel like Can Cirera. This allows me to feel secure while traveling and
ensures I have a comfortable base.
At the same time, I like to include some flexibility in my travel plans. Upon arriving in Majorca, I would use public
transportation to explore the city and visit local attractions. While I value cultural experiences like festivals and
trying new foods, I would prefer familiar or moderately adventurous options that fit my comfort zone.
Cohen describes the Individual Mass Tourist as someone who “ventures out of the organized itinerary occasionally
but still relies heavily on established services and facilities” (Goeldner & Ritchie, 2012). This perfectly describes my
travel style, as I balance structured plans with occasional independent exploration, ensuring a relaxed and enriching
experience.
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I see myself as a new tourist based on my travel preferences and how I like to experience destinations. New tourists
are different from old tourists because they don’t follow standard package tours or only visit famous landmarks.
Instead, they look for unique and meaningful experiences while caring about the environment and the local culture.
For example, when planning a trip to Majorca, Spain, I would create my own itinerary instead of joining a group
tour. I would book my flights and hotel independently, choosing a place like Can Cirera, which offers comfort and a
connection to the local culture. While in Majorca, I would enjoy the beaches but also explore local festivals and try
traditional foods to experience the destination more authentically.
New tourists also think about the environment when they travel. I would use public transportation like ferries and
local buses instead of renting private cars. This way, I could enjoy the journey while being eco-friendly.
Poon (1993) describes new tourists as people who want "individualized and environmentally conscious tourism
experiences." This fits me well because I prefer personalized travel plans, authentic experiences, and making
choices that are kind to the environment and local culture.
3.3 Schmoll’s Model
Schmoll’s model explains how travelers make decisions by considering travel stimuli, personal and social factors,
external variables, and cognitive processes. My travel decision process follows this model when I plan a trip.
The first step in my decision-making is often inspired by travel stimuli, such as photos, videos, or recommendations.
For instance, when I see images of Majorca, Spain, with its sunny beaches, vibrant festivals, and delicious local
foods, it sparks my desire to visit the destination.
Personal factors, such as the need to relax and take a break from my busy routine, also influence my travel choices.
I prefer destinations that allow me to unwind, experience new cultures, and enjoy nature in a comfortable setting.
External variables like affordability and convenience are crucial when making my travel decisions. I would choose
Emirates Airways for its good prices and comfort, ensuring my journey is both affordable and pleasant. Additionally,
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I prefer using public transportation at the destination, such as ferries and local buses, which makes the experience
more immersive and cost-effective.
Finally, cognitive processes come into play as I carefully evaluate my options. I consider factors like flight prices,
hotel reviews, and available activities to ensure the trip aligns with my expectations. I might choose accommoda-
tions like Can Cirera, a boutique hotel that offers both comfort and a connection to local culture, providing a bal-
anced travel experience.
Schmoll’s model highlights the way both personal preferences and practical considerations shape the decision-
making process. My approach blends inspiration, thoughtful planning, and practical choices to create a memorable
trip.
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4 References
Holloway, J. C. (1986). The business of tourism (3rd ed.). Longman.
Goeldner, C. R., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (2012). Tourism: Principles, practices, philosophies (12th ed.). Wiley.
Goeldner, C. R., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (2012). Tourism: Principles, practices, philosophies (12th ed.). Wiley.
Poon, A. (1993). Tourism, technology, and competitive strategies. CAB International.
Goeldner, C. R., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (2012). Tourism: Principles, practices, philosophies (12th ed.). Wiley.
