Young Holidaymakers in Groups: Insights on Decision-making and Tourist Behaviour Among University Students

Abstract

While holiday behaviours among individual young people have been frequently studied, those among members of groups have been largely overlooked. This paper attempts to provide a better understanding of the determinants of multi-faceted holiday decisions made within travel parties of young people. The findings, which are derived from a quantitative analysis of a questionnaire survey and qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, revealed that the group is a vital component in how they take holidays. About 97% spend holidays accompanied by their parents, friends or partners, depending on the age of the person. In this context, the power exerted by young people to influence the final decisions may vary significantly where an individual's persuasion as well as financial and knowledge resources play an important role. The size of a travel party proved to be a statistically significant variable driving the holiday decision-making process itself. In larger travel parties, one member had a greater influence on holiday decisions and disagreements were experienced more often when compared with smaller groups.

Keywords:

• young people
• students
• groups
• decision-making
• holiday behaviour
• travel parties
• conflict
• compromise