The Role of Constraints in Determining Domestic Tourism Participation Behaviour: A Comparison of the Perspectives of Domestic Tourism Participants and Non-Participants

Abstract

Abstract This study sought to examine the influence of constraints on domestic tourism participation behaviour in Nairobi County. Explanatory and descriptive designs were employed. The target population comprised of residents of Nairobi County aged above 18 years. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 337 domestic tourists drawn from five tourist sites, and 339 residents who had not participated in domestic tourism drawn from eight shopping malls. The findings from the independent t-test indicated that there was a significant difference in constraints between the two sets of respondents with the non-participating respondents displaying more constraints than the participating ones (t =-15.18, df =674, p<0.001). In addition, linear regression analysis revealed that constraints significantly predicted participation behaviour for both the participating respondents (β= -0. 206, p<0.001) and nonparticipating respondents (β=0.304, p<0.001). The study concluded that there was a need to differentiate strategies targeting the existing tourists and potential tourists since they were facing significantly different constraints. From a theoretical perspective, the study validates existing studies on effects of constraints on participation. From a practical point of view, the study identifies the nature of constraints affecting domestic tourism participants and nonparticipant and suggests the focus for marketing strategies for each group. Keywords: Constraints, participants, non-participants, domestic tourism, participation behaviour.