Influence of accommodation location towards backpacker’s decision making: A case study of hostels in Bangkok.

Abstract

          The expansion of hostels in Bangkok has been on the rise, reflecting the heightened competition in the business landscape. Location stands out as a critical factor influencing the success and survival of the accommodation business. The primary objective of this study was to investigate how the location of hostels influences the decision-making process of foreign tourists visiting Bangkok, Thailand. Employing a quantitative research approach, data was gathered from a targeted sample of 400 foreign backpackers who lodged in hostels in Bangkok using a purposive sampling technique. The data underwent descriptive statistical analysis to determine averages, frequencies, and percentages, alongside inferential analysis, specifically multiple regression, to examine the influence of hostel location on the decision-making of foreign backpackers. Results indicated that proximity to transportation (B=0.126, t=3.417, p-value=0.001) and proximity to restaurants and bars (B=0.087, t=2.337, p-value=0.020) significantly influenced backpackers' decision-making processes. Conversely, factors such as safe neighborhood (B=0.071, t=1.641,
p-value=0.102) and proximity to tourist attractions (B=0.033, t=1.151,
p-value=0.251) showed no empirical influence on the decision-making.