FROM MOTIVATION TO ACTUAL TRAVEL

A critical review is presented of all theoretical aspects of the destination-choice process. Decision theory and the destination-choice model are outlined, followed by a discussion of the role of motivation in travel behavior and its complex nature. Subsequently, the role of travel information and the information-gathering stage are examined. The stage of assessment and elimination of destination alternatives is then discussed. Finally, the article reviews the external constraints impinging on destination-choice at the group level. The article concludes with an indication of the problematic issues and consequent future research directions needed in the pursuit of a more holistic theoretical framework for tourists' destination-choice behavior.