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Pages 141-152 | Received 02 Aug 2012, Accepted 03 Aug 2013, Published online: 01 Apr 2015
 

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the differences in traveler information-seeking behaviors between United States (US) American and Chinese travelers. A Chi-Square statistical analysis of 700 US and 352 Chinese questionnaires showed that age and educational level were significant factors in both cases. There were significant differences in terms of how the two groups sought travel information as well as in their respective travel behaviors. American travelers relied heavily on the internet while the Chinese preferred word-of-mouth recommendations. These findings are critical to tourism marketers at a time when managers are being held accountable for their marketing budgets. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Acknowledgments

The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 71272173] and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [Grant No. 201104426].

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zephaniah Kambele

Zephaniah Kambele is a doctoral student in the School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology Room 231, 13 Fayuan Street, Nangang District, Harbin, China 150001 (E‐mail: [email protected]).

Guoxin Li

Guoxin Li, PhD, is a Professor at the School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Rm 231, 13 Fayuan Street, Nangang District, Harbin, China 150001 (E‐mail: [email protected]).

Zongqing Zhou

Zongqing Zhou, PhD, is Professor at the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, St. Vincent’s Hall, R412, Niagara University, NY 14101, USA (E‐mail: [email protected]).

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