Process / pipelinemotivation-measurement

Travel Motivation Scale

The Travel Motivation Scale (TMS) measures the underlying reasons and psychological drivers that prompt individuals to take vacations and choose specific destinations. Developed by Crompton (1979) and Iso-Ahola (1982), and theoretically grounded in push–pull motivation theory, the TMS operationalizes intrinsic motivations (escape from routine, self-discovery, social connection) and destination-specific attractions (beaches, cultural sites, activities). Understanding travel motivation is central to destination positioning, experience design, and visitor segmentation, as different motivational profiles require different marketing messages and service configurations.

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Sources

  1. Plog, S. C. (1974). Why destination areas rise and fall in popularity. The Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 14(4), 55-58. DOI: 10.1177/001088047401400410
  2. Crompton, J. L. (1979). Motivations for pleasure vacation. Annals of Tourism Research, 6(4), 408-424. DOI: 10.1016/0160-7383(79)90004-5
  3. Iso-Ahola, S. E. (1982). Toward a social psychological theory of tourism motivation: A rejoinder. Annals of Tourism Research, 9(2), 256-262. DOI: 10.1016/0160-7383(82)90049-4
  4. Holbrook, M. B., & Hirschman, E. C. (1982). The experiential aspects of consumption: Consumer fantasies, feelings, and fun. Journal of Consumer Research, 9(2), 132-140. DOI: 10.1086/208906

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Referenced by

ScholarGateTravel Motivation Scale (Travel Motivation Scale (TMS)). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/tourism-management/travel-motivation-scale