Abstract
International student travel, within the countries of study, has increased over time. Through qualitative analysis, this study found that when these students travel, they generally search for information prior to travel. Regardless of prior knowledge about the location, information internet searches were the primary source. However, use of destination marketing organization (DMO) websites was not a primary source of information. The overwhelming purpose of travel, within the country of study, was for cultural experiences while budget was the main factor in decision making. The findings indicate that DMOs, whose information of destination is often cultural in nature, should work to improve the usability, accessibility and focus of websites to increase traffic.
Keywords
international student travel, DMO, tourist search behaviors, travel motivation
Recommended Citation
Kim, Daegeun (Dan) and Scott-Halsell, Sheila
(2020)
"The Information Search Behavior of International Students when Travelling within the Countries of Study in Relation to the Effectiveness of DMO Websites,"
Journal of Tourism Insights:
Vol. 10:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.9707/2328-0824.1078
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/jti/vol10/iss1/2