The Effect of Ethnic Differences on Travel Characteristics: An Exploration of Marginality and Ethnicity in Urban Tourism

ABSTRACT

This study explored the differences between African American and White traveler behaviors to an urban tourism destination to assess whether the differences could be attributed to factors related to a history of socioeconomic discrimination (marginality) or related to differences in culture (ethnicity). Results showed that there were some differences in income levels between African American and White travelers; however, after controlling for income, differences were still found in certain factors considered important when planning trips and also in the satisfaction ratings with specific city attributes. Results support the premise that at least in the urban tourism context, the differences between African American and White travelers are more related to ethnicity than to marginality.

KEYWORDS:

• Marginality
• ethnicity and race
• urban tourism

Notes

Travel Industry Association of American (TIA). (2003b). The minority traveler.