Buying Behaviour of Tourists in Goa: A Case Study of Domestic and Foreign Tourists

"Abstract: Tourism Industry is one of the largest, Eco friendly and non polluting industries in the world, contributing towards the economic growth. Tourism is recognized world over as an important instrument of economic development and employment generation, particularly in remote and backward areas. Tourism has the potential to grow at a high rate and ensure consequential development of the infrastructure of the destinations. Today, tourism in Goa is not restricted only to beach tourism. The new areas like Eco Tourism, Medical Tourism, Water Sports & Adventure Tourism, Heritage Tourism etc. are other tourism attractions, attracting tourists to Goa from world over. Shopping is an important tourist activity and its contribution to the economy is significant. For many tourists, no trip is complete without having spent time in shopping and tourists often feel they cannot return home without buying something. This research paper aims at examining the domestic and international tourists’ perceptions of service provided by the retail organisations catering to the shopping needs of tourists and attempt to understand whether domestic and international tourists differed in their service evaluation and shopping item preferences. "