Refocusing on the start and end of tourists’ decision-making: Measuring thresholds and information loop limits

Abstract

In this era of abundant travel-related information, tourist decision-making processes have become increasingly complex and nonrational. This study focuses on the initiation and conclusion instances of decision-making between the pre-decision, decision-in-progress, and post-decision phases to capture the diversity of decisional behaviors. Building upon the Cyclic Model of Tourist Decision-Making, two new constructs, the Decision-Making Threshold (DMT) and Information Loop Limit (ILL), were validated with measurement tools developed, with which we empirically recognized the individual differences in the propensity to start and end decisions. Moreover, the dimensions of each construct were confirmed by incorporating the DMT for internal and external stimuli and the ILL based on cognitive capacity and willingness. The validation of the original theoretical concepts provides a basis for future research, including the examination of correlations among DMT, ILL, and other consumption-related behaviors. Four distinct decision-making segments are identified and practical implications are discussed.