The Role of Guidebooks for Independent Tourism from Foreign Tourists’ Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Abolfazl Tajzadehnamin
Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jmek.2024.435344.1120
Abstract
The increasing number of independent travelers has created an urgent need for accurate and reliable information to effectively plan vacations. Individuals traveling independently often face significant challenges in searching for and obtaining useful information about their intended destinations. In this regard, potential tourists specifically require information that can minimize the risks associated with utilizing travel services. However, individuals' criteria, beliefs, and inclinations significantly influence the level and type of information they seek, thereby shaping their information-search behavior. The primary purpose of this research is to examine the specific information needs of independent travelers at their destinations, with a special focus on the role of travel guidebooks. This study employs a quantitative, descriptive-survey approach. Data were collected from 350 foreign independent tourists visiting Iran using a researcher-made questionnaire and were analyzed using Z-tests and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare first-time and repeat visitors. The results indicate that travel guidebooks serve as a crucial information source and an effective auxiliary tool for mitigating the risks associated with independent travel. Furthermore, the findings reveal a significant difference between first-time and repeat visitors regarding their use of information sources, specific information needs, the application of guidebooks in risk reduction, and their preferences for guidebook characteristics. First-time visitors place greater importance on the up-to-date nature of guidebooks, the inclusion of more photographs, and appropriate physical dimensions. Ultimately, based on tourists' demands, it is necessary to implement essential reforms in travel guidebooks to better attract independent tourists. These findings can be practically utilized by relevant tourism stakeholders.
Keywords
Tourism
Independent Tourist
Travel Information
Guidebook
Information Search Behavior
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 12 June 2026
  • Revise Date 03 July 2026
  • Accept Date 10 August 2026