Senior tourists’ self-determined motivations, tour preferences, memorable experiences and subjective well-being: An integrative hierarchical model

• Published in: Journal of hospitality and tourism management 2021-06, Vol.47, p.237-251
• Main Authors: Sie, Dr Lintje, Pegg, Dr Shane, Virginia Phelan, Dr Kelly
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hedonic and eudaimonic well-being; Life satisfaction; Memorable experiences; PLS-SEM; Self-determined motivations; Senior educational tourism
• ISSN: 1447-6770; 1447-6770
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2021.03.006

The senior travel market continues to grow in size and market influence. Yet few studies have assessed the factors that influence individual choices, or travel experiences and outcomes as a whole. This study empirically examined the links between senior tourists’ self-determined motivations, tour preferences, memorable experiences, and life satisfaction as a result of travel. A hierarchical model was tested using data collected from Australian tourists aged 50 years and older who had participated in educational packaged tours. Study results revealed that many individuals derived a range of psychological benefits that remained with the traveller long after the actual trip had been completed. Memorable experiences and perceived benefits were found to meditate the relationships between motivations or tour preferences and the life satisfaction of the senior tourists. The study contributes to the tourism and hospitality field by extending our current knowledge of senior tourist experiences, and how these serve to enhance the eudaimonic dimension of their subjective well-being. The theoretical and practical implications of such are outlined, as are suggestions for future research. •Motivations and tour preferences influence subjective wellbeing of senior tourists.•Memorable experiences increase perceived benefits and life satisfaction.•Memorable experiences and perceived benefits are mediators in enhancing life satisfaction.