ARE BACKPACKERS A HOMOGENEOUS GROUP?

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess whether or not backpackers are homo- geneous, using those who visited the Cape Coast-Elmina conurbation, Ghana. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 184 backpackers in Cape Coast and Elmina. A Factor Analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANoVA), an independent samples t-test, and a descriptive statistical analysis were employed in the discussion of the data. The study revealed that back- packers who visited the Cape Coast-Elmina conurbation were mostly young international stu- dents. Six (6) main push-pull related factors, including historical/cultural attractions, service delivery, ecological attractions, heritage, escape, and adventure were found to have explained backpackers’ motivation for visiting Ghana. There was sufficient evidence to conclude that backpackers are not the same in terms of their background characteristics and motivations to travel. It is recommended that local travel intermediaries focus attention on packaging tailored tours that will sell the country’s historical, cultural and ecological attractions to backpackers.