Antecedentes na intenção de viagem e na expectativa de experiência memorável de turistas idosos

Abstract

Given the increase in life expectancy and the availability of time and income for the elderly population, this public has shown itself to be promising in the tourism market. The demand for travel and leisure among the elderly is related to the search for socialization and an improvement in their well-being and quality of life. In this sense, the aim of this study was to measure the relationship between the factors that precede the intention to travel to unknown places and the expectation of a memorable experience among the elderly, using the Theory of Planned Behavior and adding the constructs of restriction and memorable experience. The research is characterized as descriptive quantitative, using structural equation modeling techniques. The results showed that there is a positive relationship between Attitude and Intention to travel to unknown places; that Perceived behavioral control positively impacts Attitude, but does not directly impact Intention, and may act as a mediating variable in the travel intention of the elderly. In addition, the results indicated that Past Behavior and Social Influence have a positive relationship with the Expectation of a memorable experience, which in turn positively influences Attitude and Intention to travel. Finally, Restrictions have a negative impact on the expectation of an experience, but have no impact on Intention. The Past Behavior construct and Social Influence had no positive relationship with Intention or Attitude. Some constructs, such as Perceived Behavioral Control and Past Behavior, performed poorly in relation to the Attitude of the elderly, demonstrating that managers need to create mechanisms to improve the perception of the elderly about the ease of access to tourist services, as well as improving the experience of services in order to retain this public.