The role of weather conditions on tourists’ decision-making process: a theoretical framework and an application to China’s inbound visitors

Abstract

This paper explores the role of weather conditions on tourists’ decision-making. For this purpose, it develops a theoretical framework that integrates how individual decisions are made at the micro level into a dynamic macro-level model with three decision stages: before booking, before departure, and during the trip. The model is empirically tested applying chi-square analysis, logistic regression and multiple correspondence analysis on a sample of inbound tourists visiting China. The results indicate that weather variations affect tourists’ decisions, mainly regarding activities. The specific weather conditions that impact on visitors’ behaviour are different at each decision-making stage. Additionally, the influence of weather becomes smaller as the stages advance. The empirical results also indicate that the effect of weather is affected by tourists’ characteristics. Finally, the results of the paper are used to provide recommendations for including weather consideration into the design and management of tourism products.