Travelling to the Motherland : relating acculturation to diaspora tourism experiences

Abstract

While India may attract international tourists with its mystique, different considerations come into play among Indian diaspora as potential travellers. Individuals’ levels of acculturation to their host country will arguably influence the extent to which ethnocultural elements form part of leisure travel motivations and desired experiences. With a long history of forced and free emigration, South Africa is used a case study to test these relationships through quantitative methodology. Results indicate that significant differences occur between three sub-groups. Levels of acculturation can potentially indicate the likelihood of sub-groups to engage with home country culture; give direction in experience design for the different markets; and identify complimentary diasporic tourism products. Recommendations for future research are presented.