A multidisciplinary marketing profile of motorcycle tourists: explorers escaping routine to find flow on scenic routes

ABSTRACTThis study advances a multidisciplinary marketing profile of US motorcycle tourists. The research analyses theoretical motivation measures from leisure, psychological and sociological sciences and descriptive attributes of motorcycle tourists’ travel preferences. Findings suggest that motorcycle tourists are motivated by their desire for personal escape, experiencing the flow state while riding, and transit routes congruent with their noninstitutionalised explorer self-image. Tourism marketing managers are advised to promote services that fulfil motorcyclists’ trip-related desires to escape their methodical routines and experience the flow state. Regional tourism organisations publicising transit routes that inspire an explorer imagery should attract more motorcycle tourists.