Determinants of Tourists’ Length of Stay: A Hurdle Count Data Approach

This article analyses tourists’ length of stay in a particular destination using a Hurdle Count Data model that allows us to first identify the determinants of the decision to be a same-day visitor or a tourist, and then to explain the length of stay for tourists. Apart from sociodemographic characteristics, we are interested in the effects of distance, mode of transport, and some relevant destination attributes of the destination such as tranquillity, natural environment, or climate. Another feature this article addresses is how advertising, recommendations, and previous experience at the destination affect both the probability of an overnight stay and the length of the stay. The results indicate that the determinants of the decision to stay overnight and how long to stay are not the same. Besides, a positive previous experience and having seen advertising of the destination positively affect the overnight stay decision and the number of days