Happiness and tourist profile. A comparative research in Majorca

Abstract

[eng] The aim of this study is to examine the satisfaction level on different aspects of young tourists on three destinations in Majorca taking into account the area they have chosen to stay. Each of these areas have a different tourist profile distinguishing between sun and beach tourism, also known as mass tourism, and the alternative cultural tourism. Moreover, we wanted to analyze if a relationship existed between alcohol use and level of happiness. Data has been collected through a questionnaire in Arenal and Magaluf (both are coastal areas in the south of Majorca), and Santa Catalina, a neighborhood located in Palma. These are three areas with a high density of young tourists during the peak season. The results of the research reveal that there are considerable similarities in socio-demographic characteristics between beach and cultural tourists. The survey concluded that the participants are overall satisfied with life and socio-economic aspects, however different tourists types don’t differ in their satisfaction level on their income, health, family relation, friendship relation and their emotional situation, and happiness is not related with alcohol use of tourists. The paper offers a theoretical contribution and practical involvements are discussed.