Outbound tourists' selection criteria for choosing all-inclusive package tours

This study was designed to identify important selection factors for all-inclusive package tours as perceived by outbound tourists-residents normally in Hong Kong. A total of 30 selection criteria were identified in this study, with the safety of the tour being viewed as the most important item for package tours selection, followed by the possibility of departing successfully and the service quality offered by the travel agency. By using factor analysis, eight dimensions for package tours selection were derived, namely, tour arrangement and service quality, attractions, hotels and airlines, TV promotions and customer care, routing, personal interests, word-of-mouth, and time. Results of independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA revealed that travel-related behaviors were significantly related to the choice of all-inclusive package tours. Recommendations for travel agencies, included safety and 'guarantees' of departure, training for escorts and tour-guides, and customer care services, will, it is argued, enhance the attractiveness of package tours and their competitiveness. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.