Green Getaways: Understanding Domestic Tourists’ Motivations and Visit Intentions toward Nature-Based Tourism

Purpose of the study: This research examines the motivations for nature-based tourism and the intentions to visit among domestic tourists in Davao Del Sur, Philippines. Methodology: Utilizing a quantitative methodology, the research engaged 200 participants through structured questionnaires to collect data regarding motivations for nature-based tourism and visit intentions. A statistical analysis was performed to ascertain the relationship between these motivations and the corresponding visit intentions. Main Findings: A weak yet statistically significant correlation was discerned between tourism motivation and visit intention, indicating that enhanced motivation is associated with an increased likelihood of visitation. The findings suggest that tourism operators in Davao Del Sur should prioritize nature-based experiences that appeal to escapism, health, and novelty. Applications of the study: This research enhances the understanding of how particular motivational factors—namely escapism, intimacy, health, and novelty—impact visit intentions, thereby reinforcing and elaborating on pre-existing theories in travel motivation. Strategic marketing initiatives that underscore these dimensions could improve tourist engagement and satisfaction. Novelty/Originality of the study: This research employs concepts such as escapism, intimacy, health, and novelty to investigate how these factors affect tourists' intentions to visit nature-based destinations in Davao del Sur, Philippines.