PREFERENCE OF TRAVEL COMPANION IN TOUR PLANNING FROM CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to understand the consumer preference of the travel companion while planning a trip which has a profound impact on his/her decision making while purchasing a travel related product and/or service. The analysis shows family occupies the topmost rank amongst all the available options for an Indian traveller when it comes to choosing travel companion while planning a trip. Therefore, at different stages of decision making, tastes, preferences, safety and security requirements of the family members also play crucial roles. The preference to travel with friends occupies the second rung on the preference ladder for the traveller. Another important observation is the increasing preference of the travellers to travel alone which has given rise to a number of solo travellers. This study also confirms the growing importance of such solo travellers in the tourism industry who need to be catered based on their tastes, preferences, needs and requirements.