Determinants of Tourist–Host Interactions: An Analysis of the University Student Market

This study identifies the determinants related to university student tourists that influence the tourist–host interaction. A stratified sample of university students was surveyed and 436 completed questionnaires were obtained. Several linear regression models were used to identify determinants of tourist–host interaction in various contexts of interaction. The results suggest that the socio-demographic profile, motivations, cultural familiarity and similarity, travel behavior and tourist perceptions of tourism impacts influence the tourist–host interaction. Motivations and perceptions of tourism impacts are the most important determinants of this interaction. Theoretical and managerial implications of these findings are also discussed.