Domestic tourism motivation and dissatisfaction factors for marine protected areas, Dar es Salaam coast

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Sokoine University of Agriculture

Abstract

Motivation has been recognized as an important factor influencing people's decisions to travel and choose activities. However, the understanding of what motivates and demotivates domestic tourism, particularly in marine protected areas (MPAs) has remained low. This study identified and explored what motivates and demotivates visitors in travelling to MPAs. An exploratory study design was adopted. The study involved a sample size of 60 local visitors. Quantitative data were obtained from the visitors in the MPAs and partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was performed with the aid of SMART-PLS 13.0. Qualitative data were generated from visitors through key informant interviews. The data were analyzed thematically with the aid of NVivo11. The study found out that psychological needs have a strong effect on destination attributes in MPAs. Furthermore, the study found that resting and relaxation, pride and novelty are the psychological needs that significantly influence travel to MPAs. It was further noted that destination attributes which were found important included scenic beauty, clean water, cruising environment and staff hospitality. Thematic analysis confirms that the factors that demotivate domestic tourists are the use of improper language, noise pollution, service favoritism, high prices of food and beverages, gender imbalance, lack of inspection, and lack of jet skiing sport. Generally, it can be concluded that understanding the destination attributes and psychological needs is crucial for developing and promoting domestic tourism in MPAs; hence creation of potential repeat customers. The study recommends that implementation of policy pathways should be potentially geared towards improving domestic tourism and retention of repeat customers.

Description

M.A Dissertation

Keywords

Tourists‟ motivation, Domestic tourism motivation, marine protected areas, Marine tourism, Dar es Salaam Coast

Citation