Original Research Article

Understanding travel motivations of Iranian tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates

Jamal Kheiri

M.A student in Tourism Management, University of Tehran, Faculty of Management

E-mail: Jamalkheiri.1989@gmail.com
Tel.: +98(911)222-6945

Accepted April 14 17, 2017

Abstract

The current research aims at examining the difference between the trip-related motivations held by those tourists who choose recreational destinations. To do so, in 2016, 432 questionnaires were handed to Iranian tourists planning to take a trip to the United Arab Emirates. The results of the t-tests demonstrated that those tourists considering escape to be their major motivation for the trip tended to travel to tourist resorts more, and the recreational goal of the destination played the most significant role for them. On the other hand, those who travel for ego-enhancement try to practice more cultural destinations and place great value on tourist attractions.

Keywords: Push factors, Pull factors, Destination choice, Dubai, Emirates