The influence of ethnicity on leisure pursuits and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants in Leeuwarden, Netherlands
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Date
2011-10-31
Authors
Mbuthia, Susan W.
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Abstract
This study is based on the premise that there are fundamental differences in tourism behaviour of
immigrants in Europe, such that, there are certain ethnic and cultural determinants to travel preferences,
choice and behaviour. Previous studies in Europe reveal certain socio-economic constraints that face
ethnic minorities in Europe. This study sought to identify these ethnic determinants/ constraints of
travel behaviour amongst Somali immigrants in the Netherlands. A field survey was conducted through
the use of structured interviews. The interviews were conducted to twenty nine adults living in the city
of Leeuwarden, Netherlands. The respondents were college students and other adults from twenty one
years and above, specifically of Somali decent. The results indicated that there were in deed ethnic
differences in leisure and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants to the Netherlands. The Bantu
Somalis were more liberal and would adapt more than the other Somalis when they come into contact
with other cultures. Travel preferences of these respondents were based on their personal values;
personal liking; family ties and the level of interest of places to travel. Racialized expressions and social
encounters played a pivotal role in the way the Somalis living in the Netherlands chose to travel and
engage in their daily and leisure activities. These individuals were more or less influenced by other
cultural contexts, therefore having significantly different preferences in leisure pursuits and travel
behaviour. Majority of the findings confirmed that there were ethnic constraints and determinants to
leisure and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. This work has
demonstrated that there were indeed constraints experienced by immigrants and especially those of
Somali ethnicity, and close attention to the experiences of other Netherlands immigrants such as those
from Caribbean or Middle East should be researched on. This would help develop a broader analysis of
immigrants’ forms and ways of travel and their experiences
Description
Research paper
Keywords
Immigrants, leisure constraints, ethnicity, race, tourism and leisure behaviour.