Travel motives of German tourists in the Scandinavian mountains: the case of Fulufjallet National Park

This paper investigates the travel motives of German visitors to Fulufjallet National Park (FNP). The park attracts more than one-third international visitors, which is a high proportion compared to other regions in the Scandinavian mountains. Data for this study were derived from a mixed-method approach including a visitor survey and on-site interviews conducted in summer 2014. Factor and reliability analysis revealed, along with the usage of recreational experience preference scales, five motivational factors with an appropriate internal consistency including focus on self, nature, freedom, others, and experiences. As a result, the self-related and socialness factors play a subordinate role within the travel decision of German visitors. Instead, it is the outstanding scenery of FNP that provides German visitors with rewarding experiences in the Scandinavian wilderness. Results from the study are discussed with respect to national park management and business development.