Tourism Constraints: The Neglected Dimension in Consumer Behaviour Research

Abstract

This paper suggests that previous models of consumer behaviour in tourism have neglected the constraints on participation. Despite the growing body of literature related to leisure constraints, the non-user and their associated constraints are generally neglected in consumer behaviour research. In this study, the authors operationalised a recent constraints model in order to examine the constraints on skiing for both participants and non-participants. A qualitative approach was used to understand the perceptions of intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural constraints on skiing participation. Analysis of the qualitative research revealed that non-skiers faced a number of intrapersonal constraints, whereas skiers were constrained by time, family or economic factors. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Key Words:

• Tourism constraints
• consumer behaviour
• ski tourism