Exploring perceptions for Cyprus as a sustainable golf destination: motivational and attitudinal orientations of golf tourists

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of golf tourists in Cyprus about their golf holiday experience and the sustainable character of golf practices through a series of statements that examines their motivation for traveling to Cyprus and the corresponding attributes of the Cypriot golf tourist product that they experienced. A survey was administered in three golf courses on the island (n=103). Results show that the major motives of golf tourists to visit Cyprus include the island's natural characteristics, the friendly environment and the unique experience while accompanying friends. Furthermore, their perceptions concern elements regarding their social interaction, environment, and relaxation. Specifically, respondents who consider golf an important motive for travelling to Cyprus and those who agree that golf in Cyprus offers opportunities with ideal conditions are more satisfied than those who do not. The findings 2 of this study provide insight for the Cypriot tourism policy-makers to understand the perceptions of golf tourists and hence to design accordingly the golf tourism product of Cyprus. Also, an integrative model is proposed for examining the motivation and perceptions of golf tourists in relation to attributes that can shape meaningful experiences and the sustainable development of golf tourism. It is suggested that this line of inquiry in conjunction with qualitative approaches can be a useful perspective in examining comprehensively the meaning and shaping of sport tourist experiences within a sustainability context.

The ebbs and flows of green waves: environmental sustainability in Grand Slam tennis

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A Study on the Place Attachment of Golf Club Members

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Perspective of development of golf tourism in Croatia

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