A study on relationship of determinant factors with backpackers motivation to travel in Malaysia

The backpacker's trend has become more and more popular among tourist whose seek for motivation to travel. This research has shown that the backpacker market is one of the tourism markets that can make huge contribution to the tourism industry. The purpose of the study was to examine the determinant factors that motivate backpackers to travel in Malaysia. Questionnaire was distributed to collect data from 250 backpackers all around Malaysia. Factor Analysis and some descriptive statistical analysis were employed in presenting the report. The study revealed that backpackers, who visited Malaysia were mostly young international students. They prefer travel to gain more social experience and cultural knowledge. Through data analysis, four main determinants factors, including personal / social growth, experiential, cultural knowledge and budget travel were found to have relationship with backpackers' motivations for travelling in Malaysia. This is an important finding because it is just as valuable in determine the relationship of factors with backpacker's motivation to travel as well as provide ideas for future research on such topics. Despite that, this paper is recommended that the cultural preservation is requiring in the backpacking culture and thus significant for the further development of tourism industry.