Implications of host-guest interactions for tourists\u27 travel behaviour and experiences

Through their multiple roles in tourism, residents of destination communities interact with tourists at destinations. The consequences of these host-guest interactions are bi-directional. Much research has been done on impacts of host-guest interactions on the local community. On the other hand, few studies have evaluated how tourists’ on-site behaviour and experiences are affected by such interactions. Such information could enhance tourism planning and management. Thus, this paper explores tourists’ perceptions and opinions on host-guest interactions and the impacts of such interactions on their experiences. Through a survey of domestic travelers residing in Beijing China conducted in 2008, tourists’ opinions on the influence of destination community members on their previous domestic travel behaviour and experiences were obtained. Most respondents acknowledged that interactions with local people influence their assessments of the destination, the quality of their experiences, future destination choice and on-site expenditures, particularly those with higher educations and of a younger age. The importance of impacts of host-guest interactions on tourists’ travel behaviour and experiences, and their evaluations of a destination are confirmed. Practical implications are suggested for the planning and management of tourism destinations