Examining tourists' long-distance transportation mode choices using a Multinomial Logit regression model

• Modeling of tourists' transportation mode choices is an under researched topic
• This study examines how three sets of determinates affect long-distance transportation mode choices
• Travel distance in kilometers is a vital determinant of transportation mode choices
• Travel distance variables and trip-characteristics are the most important determinants of transportation mode choices

Modeling of transportation mode choices has in the past primarily dealt with everyday short-distance travel and long-distance business travel. The present paper adds to this research in examining the long-distance transportation mode choices of tourists. The empirical setting is the domestic tourism market in Norway, and the analyses refer to Norwegians' winter vacation trip. Using survey data tapping actual travel behavior and a Multinomial Logit (MNL) regression model, the study shows how travel distance in kilometers and hours, a number of trip-related characteristics and certain socio-demographic variables all affect transportation mode choices. The results show that travel distance variables and trip-related characteristics are the most vital determinants of the transportation mode choices of Norwegian tourists.