The Role of the US–Mexico Border as a Destination: Student Traveler Perceptions

Abstract

This article explores the dynamics of the US–Mexico border as a tourist destination for American university students. It examines international borders as tourist destinations and then highlights the results of a study among students who have visited Mexican border-towns along the US border. Based on nearly 300 questionnaires, the reasons for visiting the border were identified and a factor analysis conducted to understand better the relationships at play between borderland characteristics and tourist motives. The factor analysis resulted in the classification of border visitors as consumers, excitement seekers and learners.