Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Researcher of Tourism Manegment and Planing Department, Institute of Tourism Research at ACECR (Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research) Khorasan Razavi, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Economics, Tourism Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran.
10.22034/jitor.2026.2085852.1047
Abstract
Identifying the factors that influence the choice of day-trip destinations plays a crucial role in the planning and management of urban and peri-urban tourism. On the other hand, Destination decision-making is driven by a complex interplay of economic, social, informational, and other variables, whose comprehension can significantly aid in identifying the travel preferences of tourists in urban environments and ultimately enhance the quality of destination planning. Therefore, this study sought to identify and analyze the determinants of day-trip destination choices among the citizens of Mashhad. Primary data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised the residents of Mashhad, from which a sample of 401 respondents was selected using a two-stage stratified sampling method. The findings of the study indicated that the variables of "social media usage" and "destination information" exerted the most significant direct impact on the choice of day-trip destinations. Furthermore, economic indicators (such as travel costs) exhibited a positive and significant effect on citizens' decision-making. Travel satisfaction also served as a critical mediator, amplifying the influence of nature-based and socio-cultural motivations on destination choice. Conversely, the inclination to spend leisure time with family demonstrated a negative effect on the propensity for taking day trips. Generally, the results underscore the multidimensional nature of the day-trip destination selection process. This study provides an empirical foundation for formulating strategies aimed at the sustainable development of peri-urban tourism and improving leisure time management for the residents of the Mashhad metropolis. Based on these findings, actionable recommendations are proposed, including elevating the quality of tourism experiences and services, reinforcing official and digital information systems, leveraging social media strategically, designing cost-effective travel packages, and accommodating the family-oriented needs of Mashhad citizens during short-term travels.
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