Proposing a Cyclic Model of Tourist Decision Making: A Review and Integration of Behavioral and Choice-Set Models

Abstract

Tourist decision studies focus on modeling decision-making behaviors, conceptualizing phases in decision making, and influential factors. Incorporating behavioral and choice-set model strategies, the current study proposes a generalizable cyclic model of tourist decision-making processes with a structure of repeatable behavioral stages integrated with relevant consideration sets. A “decision-making threshold” and “information loop limit” are introduced to control how and when the decision-making process starts or ends. The proposed model makes it possible to represent different decision-making styles by capturing the dynamic repetition of behavioral stages and the revision of consideration sets. The integration allows a novel approach for analyzing the formation of final decisions resulting from decision makers’ limited subjective evaluations and for studying decision rules as the combinations of “evaluation rule” and “information loop limit.” Practical implications and measures are provided for tourism practitioners to better understand and influence potential consumers. Future research questions are also suggested.