Push factors create a desire to leave the usual environment; pull factors attract visitors to a particular place.
Push factors give someone a reason to travel. They arise in the traveller's circumstances or home region, such as wanting rest or a break from a stressful routine. Pull factors attract them to a particular destination, such as scenery, heritage, a festival or suitable facilities. Several factors can work together.
Tourism changes nature, communities and economies. Visitor spending can support guides and food producers. It can also support traditions and other local activities. However, transport and accommodation use energy, water and materials and produce waste. Residents may face crowding or pressure on services.
The effects reach beyond the destination. Transport adds emissions, while businesses at the starting point and along the route may earn income.
These changes can affect later tourism, creating feedback. A damaged reef may attract fewer visitors. Falling visitor income may then leave less money for businesses and conservation. A disease outbreak or disrupted airport can also reduce appeal or access. Protecting the environment, by contrast, may help a destination remain attractive.
Step by step
Push
Identify the need or circumstance encouraging someone to travel.
Pull
Identify why a particular destination could satisfy that need.
Feedback
Explain how tourism changes the place, and how that change can affect later travel.
Worked example: How reef damage can affect future visits
In an illustrative coastal destination, visitors pay for reef trips. If that income funds effective conservation, the reef may remain attractive. If unmanaged visits damage it, fewer people may return and income may fall. Spending alone does not guarantee protection; how it is used matters.
Watch out for this
A beautiful beach is a push factor at the tourist's home.
The beach is a pull factor at the destination. A desire to escape a busy routine is a possible push factor.
Check your understanding
Which pair correctly distinguishes a push and a pull factor?
- Push: destination festival; pull: wanting a break from work.
- Push: every hotel; pull: every road.
- Push: wanting relaxation; pull: a destination offering appealing coastal activities.