Exploring the Motivations, Preferences, and Barriers of Camper Segments by Self-Determination Theory: A Path to Cultivating Camping Tourism

Abstract

This study presents the emergence of camping as a trendy form of sustainable tourism development. Although camping tourism has clear potential, the current body of knowledge about it as an alternative form of tourism, a development strategy, or a market for cultivation remains far from sufficient. The current study utilizes self-determination theory to explore the segmentation of campers based on their characteristics. A total of 324 self-administrative questionnaires were collected from car campers or tent campers in 10 government and private campsites in Hong Kong. Three segments of campers were identified: independent thinkers, self-determinant campers, and drifters. By investigating the motivation factors, perceived importance of various camping products and camping barriers for each camper segment, valuable insights with timely suggestions are provided to foster camping tourism.