Examining Welcome Center Visitors’ Travel and Information Behaviors: Does Location of Centers or Residency Matter?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of welcome center location and residency of visitors in serving different vacation market segments. Data from all 13 Michigan welcome centers were analyzed to examine the relationship between center location and residency, and other consumer travel characteristics. Results indicated in-state travelers were more likely to visit interior welcome centers (than border), and out-of-state travelers were more likely to visit border welcome center locations (than interior). For trip purpose and timing of the visit in relation to the trip, location and residency effects were found. A residency effect was found for selected types of information search and accommodation types. The location of state-managed information centers appears to play a role in the type of traveler served, thus suggesting interior and border welcome centers are an important element of a state’s tourism marketing program and information network.