Recreational Fishers' Motivations at Wetland Destinations: The Push and Pull Theory Approach

Abstract

This study aimed at developing and validating a scale to examine recreational fishing tourists' motivations at wetland destinations by applying the push and pull motivation theory. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data from travelers participating in recreational fishing activities in Turkey, a scale generation phase was followed to develop a purified push and pull motivation scale. The findings revealed three push motivations (e.g., fishing, nature, and socio-cultural aspects of the destination) and three pull motivations (e.g., geographic attributes and infrastructure, local culture and customs, and activity). Furthermore, several theoretical and managerial implications with suggestions for further studies were discussed.

Keywords:

• Motivation
• outdoor recreation
• recreational fishing
• push and pull theory