Benefit Segmentation of the Near-Home Tourism Market: The Case of Upper New York State

A benefit segmentation study was carried out of a near-home tourism market with data collected from residents of the Upper New York State Region. On the basis of benefits sought, five segments were identified. These segments were called Intangible amenities, Active materialists, Entertainment and comfort, Cultured materialists and Entertainment and shopping. Demographics, life-style, usage of sources of travel information and frequency of travel are used to describe the five benefit segments. The managerial implications of the study are also discussed.