MOTIVATIONAL DRIVERS IN ADVENTURE TOURISM AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON DESTINATION LOYALTY

Abstract

Tourist motivation plays a critical role in influencing travel decisions and understanding tourist behavior. It encompasses both internal (push) and external (pull) factors that shape the desire to travel. Push factors are intrinsic motivators such as the need for escape, personal development, social interaction, and the pursuit of prestige. These reflect an individual’s internal psychological needs. Conversely, pull factors relate to external attributes of a destination, such as its cultural heritage, recreational offerings, and overall attractiveness, which draw tourists toward specific locations. Together, these motivational forces guide destination choice and travel behavior. Research indicates that individual travel patterns are closely linked to psychological processes, suggesting that examining motivational dimensions can provide deeper insights into why people choose to travel. Moreover, some tourists are driven by a need to relieve psychosomatic exhaustion, seeking travel as a form of escape and mental renewal. This paper explores these dimensions of tourist motivation, emphasizing their influence on the travel decision-making process