Towards a Theoretical Model of Seasonal Tourist Consumption Behaviour

ABSTRACT

This paper explores seasonality in tourism from the specific point of view of consumer behaviour. The suggested conceptual approach combines research in seasonality in tourism with the leisure constraints theory. From this synergic research perspective, an extensive literature review explores the main determinants of seasonal tourism consumption behaviour. The aim of the study is the development of an original theoretical model that contributes to explain the seasonal behaviour of tourists, integrating its most relevant determinants, with a particular focus on those of a psychosocial character. The new model re-equates the—in diverse studies distinctly discussed—seasonality determinants, classifying them as interpersonal and intrapersonal antecedents and structural factors, with a focus on demand rather than supply for explaining seasonality at destinations. Leisure constraints theory inspires this classification, leading to a comprehensive theoretical proposal. Complementarily, a set of theoretical hypotheses are suggested in the scope of an original model novel in its complexity and combination of diverse research streams, in a highly relevant field of tourism research, which still lacks a more comprehensive and systematic framework of analysis.

KEYWORDS:

• Destination management
• seasonality
• seasonal behaviour determinants
• leisure constraints

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

António Lopes de Almeida http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6466-9868

Elisabeth Kastenholz http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4700-0326