EXPLORING THE MOTIVATIONS OF CHINESE BACKPACKERS THAT TRAVELED TO CHILE

Objective: Since 2012, Chinese tourists have been the most frequent travelers globally and are presently the leading spenders on international journeys. Among this group, Chinese backpacker tourists notably stand out due to their contribution to the local communities of tourist destinations. In this regard, this research examines the motivations and expectations of Chinese backpacker tourists during their travels in Chile   Method: The study employed a concurrent triangulation design, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis methods through SPSS and ATLAS.ti respectively. A total of 417 surveys and 15 in-depth interviews were conducted with Chinese backpackers who visited Chile in 2019.   Results: The analysis results reveal that these travelers visit Chile motivated by leisure activities in exotic and exclusive destinations such as Patagonia, Antarctica, and Easter Island. They are interested in experiencing and exploring nature, cultural heritage, tasting local products, along with the perceived safety and investment opportunities offered by the country. Conclusions: These findings underline the necessity for destinations to tailor their offerings to the specific needs of Chinese tourists to enhance their experience and perception of the country as a tourist destination.   Originality/Value: The uniqueness and scholarly significance of this research lie in its scrutiny of the motivations and anticipations of Chinese backpacker tourists during their visits to global destinations—a facet that has been sparsely explored in existing literature. The findings underscore the pivotal role of tailoring destination offerings across diverse global landscapes to align with the specific interests and needs of Chinese tourists. This broader perspective contributes substantially to enhancing their overall travel experiences and perceptions of various destinations as preferred tourist spots, thus providing invaluable implications for destination management strategies and global tourism development initiatives seeking to attract Chinese tourists.