Consumer choices of international mountaineering holiday: A perspective of Slovak mountaineering market towards Slovak tourism providers

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to critically analyze consumer choices of Slovak mountaineers
for purchasing international mountaineering holiday from Slovak outbound travel agencies/tour-
operators. To increase the probability of the respondents’ geographic, age and gender varieties,
qualitative questionnaires were distributed among 80 respondents using the method of cluster
sampling. The preferences of mountaineering holiday arrangement of the analysed market were
found to be through personal communication with Slovak travel intermediaries, which was perceived
more safe and time-saving then independent purchase or/and purchase through international travel
intermediaries. An individually tailored holiday was preferred as it provides safety and
simultaneously satisfies the desired elements of freedom and independence. The main issues
regarding the provided services by the Slovak outbound travel agencies/tour-operators have been
related to lack of mountaineering expertise and an inappropriate service delivery.