An exploratory approach using qualitative methodology and 15 in-depth interviews with Mainland Chinese International Students (MCIS) in Norway was employed in the study. The country is experiencing an increasing number of both MCIS and Chinese tourists in general. Passive activities remain as the most popular activities due to travel constraints consisting of lack of information and equipment and the perception of risk due to the lack of perceived skills. Parental disapproval and fear of "losing face" while also wanting to seek independence are specifically relevant for this particular segment. Such phenomenon causes dilemmas which also serve as travel constraints. While constraints influence type of tourism activities, frequency and destination choices, they do not inhibit travel and tourism activity participation all together. Some constraints can be limited by the tourism industry while others are more challenging as they are dependent on individuals' willingness and motivation to negotiate the constraints.

Mainland Chinese International Students (MCIS) were chosen for this study due to the growing and increasing market of both MCIS and Chinese tourists in Norway. A qualitative methodology approach was employed and semi-structured interviews were conducted.Contradictions with previous findings, the choice to travel alone or in small groups is due to more freedom and reducing hassle of conflicting ideas, travelling by plane is due to convenience and price as well as choosing cheap and budget accommodation such as Airbnb because of price but also because the respondents value other additional services. It can be argued that travel behaviour and choices are depended on the study destination, its infrastructure and facilities rather than the respondents' status as international students.

No abstract