Determinants of Domestic tourism expenditure using the Korea National Travel Survey

This study examines the determinants of domestic tourism expenditure among Korean tourists and the varying influences of factors across expenditure categories. Using data from the Korea National Travel Survey conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Tobit model was employed to address the censored nature of the data, characterized by multiple zeros and truncated values. The dependent variables include total expenditure(TOTAL), food and beverage(FNB), transportation(TRANS), tourism activities(ACT), and shopping(SHP). Independent variables are categorized into four groups: psychological factors, trip-related characteristics, socio-demographics, and economic constraints. The results reveal that overall satisfaction significantly increases TOTAL, FNB, and SHP expenditures. Congestion satisfaction positively affects TOTAL, FNB, ACT, and SHP expenditures. Satisfaction with tourism information and facilities positively influences FNB and ACT expenditures but negatively impacts SHP. Traveling with general companions and children under 15 negatively affects TOTAL, FNB, TRANS, and SHP expenditures, while it positively influences ACT expenditures. Regarding socio-demographic factors, men tend to spend more on ACT, whereas women allocate more to SHP. Younger individuals exhibit higher spending on TOTAL, TRANS, ACT, and SHP, while individuals with higher education levels have greater expenditures on TOTAL, FNB, and TRANS. Higher income leads to increased spending across all categories except SHP, and price satisfaction significantly influences all expenditure categories. Additionally, expenditures on TOTAL, FNB, TRANS, and SHP are higher when traveling outside the tourists' residential areas, whereas spending on ACT is greater in local travel. This study contributes academically by examining the impact of detailed satisfaction levels across expenditure categories and identifying differences in spending patterns between short and long distance travel. Additionally, its significance lies in presenting differentiated practical and policy strategies based on market participation and consumption effects.