Ten Socio-Psychological Motivation that can be satisfide by a Tourist Visiting Fiji - Research Paper Example

? Ten Socio-Psychological Motivations that can be satisfied by a Tourist Visiting Fiji Executive summary This paper is an analysis of the socio-psychological factors that stimulate tourists into visiting the country of Fiji. It shades light into meaning of socio-psychological motivation and ten types of motivators are also examined. An analysis of Fiji country and its operation of tourism industry is important to understand how this socio-psychological motivators work in that environment. Since tourist requires places to stay some of the best and important facilities have been provided by Fiji country even though tourism remains a private sector industry. Table of Contents Executive summary 2 1.0Introduction 5 2.0Republic of Fiji 5 3.0Tourism in Fiji 5 4.0Definition of Socio- psychological motivations 6 5.0Ten types of socio-psychological motivations 7 5.1Escape 7 5.1.1Commercial Example 7 5.2Relaxation 8 5.2.1Commercial Example 8 5.3Play 9 5.3.1Commercial Example 9 5.4Strengthening family bonds 10 5.4.1Commercial Example 11 5.5Prestige 11 5.5.1Commercial Example 12 5.6Social interaction 12 5.6.1Commercial Example 13 5.7Romance 13 5.7.1Commercial Example 14 5.8Educational opportunities 14 5.8.1Commercial Example 15 5.9Self-fulfilment 15 5.9.1Commercial Example 16 5.10Wish fulfilment 16 5.10.1Commercial Example 17 6.0Conclusion 17 List of References 19 1.0 Introduction Tourists are motivated to travel because of different issues. This essay analyses the socio-psychological motivators that make tourists travel to their various destination. Our destination that we will focus on is the country of Fiji and we will indicate how each of these socio-psychological needs is satisfied in the country of Fiji with use of various pictures. 2.0 Republic of Fiji This is an island nation found in South Pacific Ocean. It is located in Melanesia. It is bordered by several countries like Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tonga and Samoas. It covers an area of 194,000 square kilometres and a population of around 78,000. It is a country with several islands to be estimated to be more than 332 and only 106 are uninhabited. It has abundance of minerals forests and fish resources. One of the main sources of income of the country is tourism industry. It also enjoys a source of foreign exchange from sugar exports. Fiji is renown of its ability to build the finest vessels of pacific. It has four major divisions those are central, eastern, northern and western. They are further divided into 14 provinces (Wright, 1986, pp.6-24). 3.0 Tourism in Fiji Tourism is one of major sectors of an economy of countries that have the capability of and luck of participating in it. Fiji supports tourism industry and is thus growing at a faster rate in terms of the number of people employed in tourism industry of around 45000. It is a private driven sector and contributes approximately 25 percent of GDP of the country. It has several holiday opportunities, beautiful beaches and places that allow tropical romance. It has white sand, pristine reefs, lush rainforest and great accommodation facilities. Individuals have embraced diverse culture although they still preserve their indigenous customs. It has good established airline services like Air Pacific, Air Calin, Air New Zealand, Continental Airlines and several more airstrips (Wright, 1986, pp.6-24). They enjoy a variety of sports activities comprising of rugby, golf and several festivals. They are a mixture of Fijians, Chinese, Indians, colonial Europeans and other pacific islanders. They practice their famous culture of fireworks. They have provided necessary transportation services like buses, cars, ferry services and helicopters for hire. Fiji has beautiful sites to host weddings and honeymoons. They also provide wedding packages. One of the colourful islands for tourists is Vanua Levi and Taveuni located in the northern part of Fiji (Derrick, 1951, pp.112-118). Other eye catching sites to see include Savusavu pearl farm and hot springs, Waisali nature reserve and Namenalala island. There are opportunities for diving, fishing, yachting, village visits, and bird watching. Since diversity has been adopted there is plenty of favourite local food and a variety of dish types from different countries to ensure that every tourist feels comfortable in what they can consume (Miller, et al., 2003, pp.2-18). 4.0 Definition of Socio- psychological motivations Motivation is derived from the word motive which refers to expressions of goals and needs a person has. Motivation involves stimulation to adopt desired course of action. Motivation may be done personally or from external stimuli. Socio-psychological motivations are motivations resulting from behaviours of individuals to perceive intentions and dispositions of others. It’s a motivation derived from an individual’s judging process of situations and stimulation generated. Peoples level of explaining and interpreting social behaviours are different and that why different needs and goals are formed from every situation presented. Motivation will contribute in the ability of a person to control his behaviours and maintain a sense of social competence in satisfying present needs (Woodside, 2008, pp.12-23). 5.0 Ten types of socio-psychological motivations 5.1 Escape Escape means running away, moving away from or avoiding something that is tiresome, boring or stressful. Leisure activities involve escape which is temporary from a certain situation. Tourism provides real escape which is physical movement by travelling to specific destinations that allows transformation or changing into temporary dimensions from everyday activities (Molina & Esteban, 2006, pp.1036-1056). Escape as a socio-psychological motivation allows individuals enjoy change of lifestyles and place they are accustomed to, meet different people and adopt new behaviours and attitudes provided by the new environment. Tourists are motivated to escape to leave behind them the daily routine and stressful activities. They run away from personal and interpersonal problems and obtain interpersonal reward. Escape enables facing new challenges, learning, mastery and exploration (Jaworski, 2005, pp.34-36). 5.1.1 Commercial Example Fiji as a country has several sites that can allow one to enjoy new dimensions and get in touch with the new environment. Fijian community provides a lot of entertainment activities like fireworks and golf sports to enable individuals feel comfortable. They also provide hot air balloons and sky diving to enable an individual relieve himself from stress. They have a variety of dishes that enable tourists break the monotony of their home dishes they eat on a daily basis hence providing a new taste of lifestyle. Anchorage beach resort is one of the ultramodern places referred to as the hidden paradise which offers one of the best dishes and with beautiful swimming water not to mention the range of top quality dishes they provide (Miller, et al., 2003, pp.2-18). http://www.anchoragefiji.com/images/home_img_mew.jpg 5.2 Relaxation Just like escape relaxation involves a change from doing an activity to amusing one-self. This can be done by enjoying the beauty of natural environment, social interactions with other people and doing leisure activities (Molina & Esteban, 2006, pp.1036-1056). Relaxation is done for self-adventures, to obtain a sense of achievement and confidence, participating in activities with friends and supporting them. Relaxation as a motivating factor is depicted when individuals get involved in activities that help them relax from stress of work. Relaxation increases a person’s vitality through the sporting events that one performs. They are motivated to relax they improve their muscle and heart functioning and hence enhance physical fitness (Yeh, 2009, pp.23-26). 5.2.1 Commercial Example Fiji beaches restaurants and resorts provide the best grounds for an individual to just relax and shut himself away from the chaos of the current world. Beachcomber resort which is located on a picturesque marine sanctuary in the heart of Mamanuca Island provides a great view of the beautiful site of the ocean. It has best places to relax in the sun while swimming and enjoying best food varieties. http://www.anchoragefiji.com/images/home_pic_deck.jpg 5.3 Play Tourists are seeking opportunities to play. Play involves different activities ranging from friendly game activities with friends to those that are highly competitive like football. Most tourists are involved in heavy works that need intense concentration and dedication of their time without doing other simple activities like playing. Play is a motivation since it allows breaking the monotony of heavy daily stress of work and allows an individual regains his vitality. Tourists are motivated to travel to get an opportunity in their life to pay with others without thinking of the stress of waking up early in the morning to work (Crouch, 2004, pp.76-87). 5.3.1 Commercial Example Fiji provides the best play opportunities for tourists seeking enjoyment games. They have the fishing games, golf and various tournaments to ensure that the tourists make the best out of their activities. Games like kayaking are loved and famous in Fiji due to the formation of its landscape that allows those kinds of games. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/fiji/tours/kayaking/yasawa-islands-sea 5.4 Strengthening family bonds Family is the backbone of a person’s behaviour and the way he relates to the society. How an individual makes decisions in life is a result of the foundation one received in the family setup. Strengthening family bonds is a motivator for tourism since this gives them an opportunity in conducting activities together as a team and establishing good interpersonal relationships. It also gives a family a chance to learn how other families around the world live and how they incorporate their cultural practices to work together. The current working system in the world does not give members of the family to sit and share activities together since they are always tied up in completing their daily tasks of work. Touring together as a family enables understanding and learning from one another (Sirakaya, et al., 2001, pp.125-142). 5.4.1 Commercial Example Fiji resorts provide the best places to enjoy a family holiday and the beaches have the best game activities for families. Naviti resort has family accommodating services like the fully supervised kids club. http://www.tourismfiji.com/fiji-family-holidays/beach-activities-334-thumb.jpg 5.5 Prestige Prestige refers to how one perceives a product for its social advantages. It is attached to the value of attaining it and unique experiences that are brought by the use of that product. Touring is a unique activity which is not done by everybody because of the costs associated with it. Prestige is a socio-psychological motivator because it allows individuals to enjoy activities not enjoyed by everybody. Tourism is seen or rather consumed as a unique experience which is greatly driven by an aspect of singularity. It is perceived as a sense of status of individual since it involves vicarious consumption and conspicuous leisure activities. Tourism has its antecedents and they come with emotional satisfaction hence it is the stimulating factor for conducting a tour (Sirakaya & Woodside, 2005, pp.815-832). 5.5.1 Commercial Example Tourism services provided in Fiji are exotic and hence allow one to enjoy a sense of prestige and the resorts are greatly modified to meet the status of every individual. A tourist pays for a fully furnished room with best services and delicious food and touring services. http://www.tourismfiji.com/sofitel-fiji-resort/ocean-terrace-view-queen-double-283-thumb.jpg 5.6 Social interaction Interaction means mixing with the society through participating with them in various activities. Interaction is a social process involving communication and exchange of ideas, experiences and activities that enable learning. Social interaction is a motivating factor for tourists since it enables them to learn the different cultures and beliefs of others. Individuals confided to their works finds little time to interact with others in the society hence tourism gives them a chance to socialize with members of the society (Gursoy & McCleary, 2004, pp.353-373). 5.6.1 Commercial Example Tourists in Fiji have a chance to interact with others and mix with the Fijians. Ideas and activities are shared. A variety of games in Fiji and beach activities like surfing enables interaction between tourists and the community. http://q.bstatic.com/images/hotel/max300/229/2299442.jpg 5.7 Romance Individuals around the world fall in love and others develop relationships. Spending time together and getting involved into romantic activities is an aspect of every relationship. Romance is a great motivator for tourists since individuals can travel together to share memorable moments around the world. issues like honey moon are all categories of romance since they require seclusion and it involves moving or travelling towards specified destinations to enjoy moments provided by those areas toured. Several tourist attraction sites have been romantically modified to attract tourists and hence motivating individuals to tour those places (Chen, 2010, pp.421-424). 5.7.1 Commercial Example Romantic scenes and activities provided in Fiji attract tourists to go there. There are places for watching the sun go down, a boat tour of two in the ocean, romantic houses and several activities that brings happiness. http://www.anchoragefiji.com/images/wedding_new.jpg 5.8 Educational opportunities Education involves both reading and observations. Observations are made on analysis of actual events and hence one needs to be at that particular place to enable him to undertake the studies. An educational opportunity is a socio-psychological for individuals to tour around the world. This could be analysis of cultures and ways of living of families and communities. It could also be because of medical concerns like the way Red Cross Society is providing services across the world. Individuals are motivated to tour to be able to learn and experience what they have learnt in books as theories and prove the reality (Kim & Lee, 2000, pp.153-170). 5.8.1 Commercial Example Fiji provides areas for individuals to go for study like the aquatic life and landscape for geologists. There diverse culture that has been sustained over the years while still interacting with the outside while is a thing studied by several tourists. The warrior battle mock is an example of their cultural practice. http://www.fiji-fiji-fiji.com/image-files/warriors.jpg 5.9 Self-fulfilment Every individual has needs within themselves and they strive to fulfil them. Self-fulfilment as a socio-psychological motivator drives individuals into touring certain areas which they longed to reach and see things that they only heard off. Those in the polar strives to reach the hot side where there is sun while those in the tropical long to get involved in activities that those in Polar Regions do. Self-fulfilment is a source of longing that inspires a person to see that they achieve what they have longed for. Tourists long to reach eye catching sites and interacting with different communities and trying to learn what life is on their side. Individuals feel fulfilled in just doing activities with others and developing a relationship with nature (Forness, 1994, pp.55-581). 5.9.1 Commercial Example Fiji country is blessed with beautiful landscape and environment that every individual wish to be in. tourists travelling towards Fiji will feel self-accomplished because of the variety of things present there. Games which other people have never played like kayaking are available, beach houses and a variety of favourite dishes from every corner of the world http://www.fijiweddings.com/images/hilton-wedding-couple.jpg 5.10 Wish fulfilment A wish is a heightened need that longs to be fulfilled over a given period of time and when it’s accomplished it brings satisfaction on the part of an individual. Wish fulfilment is a strong socio-psychological motivator for tourists since every decision of a tourist is based on a wish. Individuals wish to escape from stressful activities and wish to find a place to relax and rest. Tourists wish to interact social and learn from others around the world and still they wish to be part of nature enjoying and appreciating the beauty of landscapes (You, et al., 2000, pp.1-26). 5.10.1 Commercial Example The country of Fiji has several things that people wish to be involved in. the great and spectacular beaches, ocean games, luxurious beach houses, interaction and romantic activities and a chance to learn safe cultural practices of the Fijian community. http://q.bstatic.com/images/hotel/max300/229/2299435.jpg 6.0 Conclusion Tourists travel around the world with various reasons. As discussed above socio-psychological motivations provide reasons for tourists to visit places with an aim of satisfying those needs. Escaping is one motivation where an individual runs away from his environment and seeks out a change in his activities. A tourist will therefore pay for services that enable him to have a peace of mind at a comfortable place like the resting place indicated. Tourists also seek a place to relax. Watching the sun go down on the beach and enjoying the beach breeze enables a tourist to forget about the stress of work. Beachcomber resort provides the best place for relaxation and enjoyment for tourist seeking to relax as portrayed above. Some tourists travel because they seek opportunity to play and enjoy themselves. Tourists at beachcomber resort entertain themselves in games and ocean diving hence satisfying their needs. Play attracts tourists to tour Fiji in order to play and enjoy themselves. Families need time to be together and that is why a family holiday at Naviti resort provides a good ground for family activities. Several tourist travels to Fiji to interact with other people and learn from them. An individual will be attracted to stay when he makes friends in activities involved in like one indicated above. The ocean terrace view in a luxurious room makes them feel a sense of prestige. This is because such a place can only be used by financially stable individuals and as discussed prestige requires uniqueness and singularity. Another element in motivation is romance where individuals tour places because of romantic activities. Tourists walking on sand and romancing in the places provided by Naviti resort indicates why tourists are stimulated to visit Fiji. Tourists are also motivated to travel for educational purposes. This involves study of culture and even landscapes. Tourists can be stimulated to travel and study culture of Fijians. Fiji warriors in mock battle are part of what constitutes their culture and that’s what tourists long to study. Self-fulfilment is a motivator of tourists. They seek to be in places they longed to reach and undertake activities from there which will be memorable. A wedding celebration for tourists in Fiji could be a form of self-fulfilment as indicated. All the pictures indicated above shows different wishes that people are longing to fulfil by just being a part of those activities. It is important to understand that individuals have diverse wishes that keep changing at every moment. Tourists wish to participate in various activities at the beach in Fiji as shown above. List of References Chen, C. M., 2010. Role of tourism in connecting Taiwan and China: Assessing tourists’ perceptions of the Kinmen-Xiamen links. Tour. Manage. 31(3): 421-424 Crouch, G., 2004. Consumer psychology of tourism, hospitality and leisure. London: Biddles Ltd Publishers, 76-87 Derrick, R. A., 1951. The Fiji Islands: A Geographical Handbook. Govt. Print. Dept Fiji, Original from the University of Michigan, 112-118 Forness, D., 1994. Measuring tourist motivation. Ann. Tour. Res., 21(3): 55-581 Gursoy, D. & McCleary KW (2004). An Integrative Model of Tourists’ Information Search Behaviour. Ann. Tour. Res. 31(2): 353-373 Jaworski, A., 2005. 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UK: Biddles, Kings Lynn publishers, 12-23 Wright, R., 1986. On Fiji Islands. Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized 5 December 2006. ISBN 0-670-80634-X. Traces the colonization of the Fiji Islands, explains how the Fijians have managed to keep their language and culture intact, and describes modern Fiji society, 6-24 Yeh, W., 2009. The investigation of tourists’ motivation, satisfaction and constraint. Alabama: ProQuest LLC, 23-26 You X, O’Leary J, Morrison A., & Hong G., 2000. A cross-cultural comparison of travel pushes and pulls factors: UK vs. Japan. Int. J. Hosp. Tour. Adm., 5(1): 1-26. Read More