Motivations of tourism-induced mobility : tourism development and the pursuit of the Chinese dream

Abstract

Less developed areas face the challenge of attracting and sustaining various forms of capital for tourism development. This study examines the motivations and experiences of migrant employees and entrepreneurs in the context of tourism development in rural China. In-depth interviews with migrant employees and entrepreneurs revealed that they were motivated by economic, sociocultural, and intrinsic factors to enter the tourism industry and strive towards personal achievement. Tourism development offers opportunities for individuals in pursuit of the Chinese dream, suggestions are made on the strategic planning of tourism and providing more administrative support to improve tourism supply-induced mobility.