Journal of Kashmir for Tourism and Catering Technology Vol. 1, No. 2, December 2014 ISSN 2348 1986 HAMPI: AN INVESTIGATION OF TOURISTS' MOTIVATION, ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DESTINATION Nichola Anastasia Ramchurjee* Department of Environmental Science, Yuvaraja’s College Autonomous, Constituent University of Mysore, Mysore, 570 005, Karnataka, India
[email protected] Suresha S. Department of Environmental Science, Yuvaraja’s College Autonomous, Constituent University of Mysore, Mysore, 570 005, Karnataka, India Mobile: +91-9448755001
[email protected] Abstract The study investigates the characteristics of tourists who visited the cultural/heritage destinations in Hampi. It examines the concept that tourist satisfaction of a destination is a function of importance, performance, and travel motivation. It further evaluates both foreign and domestic tourists’ opinions of ecotourism attributes in Karnataka and their habits and attitudes towards the environment. The questionnaire survey was conducted at the world’s largest open-air museum situated in Hampi, Bellary. Importance–performance gap analyses were used to evaluate tourists' opinions on the importance and performance of ecotourism characteristics for the thirteen activities offered. Factor analyses were used to evaluate the habits and opinions of tourists in their home countries and thus their behaviours while on vacation. The study found that the tourists were typically highly educated, traveling with friends or family to learn and explore nature, new cultures and traditions. The study also showed high importance and performance levels of ecotourism characteristics through activities and opinions of the tourists in Hampi. Keywords: tourists, Hampi, travel motivations, ecotourism activities, opinions, Importance– performance gap \ 24 Journal of Kashmir for Tourism and Catering Technology Vol.