Question :

It is generally acknowledged that there are 5 classical ways of segmenting consumer markets. In other words, the consumer population can be divided on the basis of geographical, socioeconomic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural segmentation. However, these classical methods have often been criticised in their applications to the tourism industry.

a) Explain to which extent you think that the classical ways of market segmentation are appropriate for the tourism industry.

b) Describe four types of tourism-specific methods of segmentation.