Student and Youth Tourism: A Case Study from Vietnam

This paper identifies travelling patterns and motivational factors among college students. In addition, several determinants in touristic decision-making process are assessed in regard to their importance. A mixed research method including focus group and survey was employed. The data on which this paper is based were collected from 231 students through questionnaires. Travelling patterns of students in terms of travelling frequency, time, average duration, spending, and companions are described. Besides, the result reveals that push factors dominate pull factors in motivating the youth to travel. Finally, the findings show that young tourists are concerned with safety level at the destination in terms of theft, robbery, assault… the most. Regarding commercial tour, transportation means, accommodation, and foods provided by travel operators during the trip are the main factors affecting students’ choice of a tourism package. The main limitation of the research relates to sample size. As regard to practical implications, in order to attract student tourists and make profits, travel agencies and service providers at tourism destinations need to understand their concerns, therefrom to develop plans to meet their requirements.