Submitted by Kadir Çakar A Proposed Model of Pro-Act Approach for Tourists’ Destination Choice: Pro-Act Decision Making Model in Difficult Times from Consumer Perspective Submitted by Kadir Çakar

Content Aims of the Study Introduction Pro-Act Approach Results Discussion and Conclusion References

Aims of the Study To investigate how consumers manage risk and uncertainty in a time of crises that travelers may potentially experience during their decision-making process; To explore that to what extent Pro-Act approach is applicable for individual decision-making process in difficult times in terms of destination choice; To simplify decision-making process in difficult times in regards to selection of vacation destinations and hotels by offering Pro-Act approach; To propose a unique theoretical model that can be put into practiced regarding individual decision-making; To justify if tourist behavior exhibits itself as reactive or proactive during decision-making in a time of crises.

Introduction Decision-making is seen problematic issue from tourists’ perspectives in a time of crises. Considerable attention is given to the decision-making process to overcome challenges that travelers often face. Hong et al.(2009) distinguishes types of decision-making process into three phases: nominal, extended and limited decision-making. Choi et al.(2012) deals with decision-making process within the context of multidimensionality, sequential nature and hierarchical dimensions.

Introduction (cont’d) There is a strong relationship between past travel experience and future travel behavior. The degree of safety and issue of risk perception play significant role in shaping future travel choices. Information (word-of-mouth) is assumed as the most influential element for making decisions. Identifying decision-making process over the concept of Pro-Act approach generates the originality of the present study.

Pro-Act Approach Problem: In this stage the current problem is determined precisely. Objectives: This phase includes a list of particular tourist destinations and holiday characteristics as well. Alternatives: Better options would only come true by identifying alternatives. Consequences: This stage shows degree to what extent selected objectives and alternatives meet the expectations. Trade-Offs: In this stage, to meet the needs final decision is made by sacrificing alternatives for ideal one.

Results This research sought to provide insight regarding decision-making process over the concept of extended problem solving rather than limited problem solving one through Pro-Act approach. In the present study, Pro-Act approach is an attempt to fill the gap in the extant literature by providing multipurpose and hierarchical decision-making model to overcome challenges that travelers face in difficult times. Moreover, Pro-Act approach makes more clear and understandable on how to cope with problems after emergence of detrimental issues in determining holiday or vacation decision.

Discussion & Conclusion The purpose of the present study was to offer a Pro-Act model that can be adapted to the individual decision-making process within the context of tourist destination choice. Results of the study supports that the Pro-Act approach can be applied for selection of destination choice in a time of crises. Pro-Act approach can be assessed as useful and helpful tool to mitigate risks and uncertainties during the course of decision-making process. The results have revealed that tourist behavior is more likely prone to show proactive approach rather than reactive during the decision-making process in difficult times.

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