Motivation Sources of Theme Park Visitors and The Reasons for Visiting the Park: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Today, theme parks are one of the main motivational sources creating the reason for visiting many destinations. Therefore, theme parks have become one of the most important tourist attractions that attract millions of tourists all over the world and provide economic benefits to the regions where they are located. The fact that theme parks play such an important role in the tourism industry makes it necessary to understand the motivation and preferences of the visitors visiting the theme parks. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the motivation sources of the theme park visitors and the reasons for choosing and visiting the park. The study was carried out through a systematic literature review. The protocol rules of the PRISMA 2020 methodology were followed in the systematic performance of the study. As a result of the research, a total of 13 articles were reached on the motivations of the theme park visitors, and the reasons for visiting the parks. In these studies reviewed, it was found that the visitors generally visit the theme parks for reasons such as having fun, novelty (gaining new experiences), regression/nostalgia (remembering their childhood and youth), curiosity, escape (away from daily life and home), rest, education and learning, socializing with family and friends, meeting new people, shopping, doing recreational activities, safety, price, interactive rides, fun staff, clean and safe environment, attending special events, peer influence, and exploring the theme park's unique atmosphere and activities.