Exploring length of stay: International tourism in south-western Norway. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jacobsen, Jens Kr. Steen; Gössling, Stefan; Dybedal, Petter; Skogheim, Thea S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospitality and tourism management. Volume 35(2018)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Length of stay -- Round trip -- Holiday planning -- Temporal flexibility -- Activity time -- Segmentation -- Destination management; Hospitality industry -- Management -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Management -- Periodicals; Hospitality industry -- Australia -- Management -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Australia -- Management -- Periodicals; Hospitality industry -- Management; Tourism -- Management; Australia; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 338.4791068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2018.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1447-6770

Abstract

Abstract: This article explored length of stay (LOS) in the context of tour planning, to assess as to whether LOS can be increased. LOS is an important parameter for tourism destination management, at the same time as evidence have suggested that LOS is declining on a global scale. The study was based on responses from 1592 foreign leisure travellers in south-western Norway, a region dominated by round-trips. The study uniquely explored aspects that influenced visitor planning of length of stay, finding that perceptions of time 'needed' for desired activities is the most important aspect of holiday duration planning, followed by limitations in the number of vacation days, holiday budgets and accommodation-related considerations. Visitors with a focus on the region, those with their own vehicles and those emphasising outdoor recreation and/or landscape sightseeing were likely to have longer stays. Findings suggested that destinations have potential to increase LOS. The paper additionally reflected on how identification of tourist segments with flexible time frames can contribute to destination management focused on LOS. Highlights: The study uniquely explores individual tourists' temporal planning and flexibility. One third of the tourists has a flexible travel schedule. Tourists with own vehicle are associated with longer stays. Outdoor recreation and landscape sightseeing are associated with longer stays. Tourists with flexible schedules are more concerned with weather forecast.