Analysing the drivers of itemised tourism expenditure from the UK using survey data

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse factors influencing the expenditure of British travellers on different items of consumption. Original data were collected using a questionnaire. The total sample size is 1361. Differences are observed on the relevance of the explanatory variables for each categories of expenditure and on the magnitude of their effects. Length of stay is the only driver which is significant across all categories. Its effect is negative. Income which has a positive effect, is the second most important determinant. Travellers who stay at hotels spend significantly more on each category. Those who travel to visit friends and relatives (VFR) spend significantly less. Travellers interested in gastronomy and natural attractions are amongst the higher spenders.

Keywords

• Outbound expenditure
• British consumers
• Survey data
• Demand determinants
• Length of stay
• Visiting friends and relatives