Periódico: Gran Tour - Revista de Investigaciones Turísticas
Fonte: GRAN TOUR, REVISTA DE INVESTIGACIONES TURÍSTICAS; Núm. 19 (2019): Núm. 19 (2019): Gran Tour, Revista de Investigaciones Turísticas - Nº 19 (Enero-Junio)
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Resumo: Tourism and education industries have been growing in recent decades. International and Erasmus exchange programs represent an alternative way of postmodern tourist experiences that boosts students’ and teachers’ mobility. This paper focuses on college students’ tourism by analyzing one specific driver of this form of educational tourism, i.e. support services provided by associations that have identified this particular market niche. In particular, the paper examines the use of association services for international students, its associated barriers and improvement proposals. The empirical study took place in the city of Valencia, which has become the main European destination for exchange students. Data are analyzed from a cross-cultural perspective on a sample of 170 university students from Asia, America and Europe. Trips and excursions in the city are affirmed as the most used services; while unawareness of their services is considered the main barrier. Organizing welcome excursions in the city and sharing a blog in the AEIs website emerge as proposed services. Cultural differences are confirmed among the examined variables.
