Abstract:
This paper contributes to the literature on tourism distribution by examining the
distribution behavior of 547 New Zealand outbound travelers segmented by the way in which
they have made their travel arrangements: package tourists, independent travelers, and an
intermediate group, package plus. The results reveal differences among the three segments in
terms of travel characteristics, information search, booking, and purchase, but not profile
attributes or the influence of distribution on destination or product choice. Variations are also found in channel behavior across the four different sectors examined: transport to and at the
destination, accommodation, and attractions, and activities.
