Understanding Geotourist Characteristics: A Quantitative Study of Motivations and Typologies in Kalisuci Geosite, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta

Amri Amirrulloh, Aneke Rahmawati, Ahmad Andi Rif'an, Primantoro Nur Vitrianto, Jussac Maulana Masjhoer

Abstract


Kalisuci Geosite within the Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark attracts fewer visitors compared to other sites such as Nglanggeran, suggesting that current promotional efforts have not effectively reached the intended tourist segments. This study identifies tourist typologies and motivations at Kalisuci and examines their associations with sociodemographic characteristics. Data were collected from 120 respondents using closed-ended questionnaires administered through accidental sampling and analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and Chi-Square tests (α = 0.05) with Cramér’s V. The predominant typologies identified were Adventurer (45.0%) and Escape-Seeker (34.2%), while Culture Enthusiast (14.2%) and Learner (6.7%) represent potential niche markets. Motivation was mixed: 53.3% of respondents were primarily intrinsically motivated and 46.7% extrinsically motivated, although the mean extrinsic motivation score was slightly higher (4.11 vs. 4.00). Dominant typology was significantly associated with age (χ² = 28.28; p = 0.005) and occupation (χ² = 28.56; p = 0.005), with weak-to-moderate strength (Cramér’s V = 0.28), whereas motivation showed no significant association with sociodemographic variables. The combined typology–motivation approach demonstrates that mean intensity and individual-level classification can yield different dominant categories. These findings provide an empirical basis for segment-specific marketing strategies, such as targeting students with adventure-oriented products and private-sector workers with escape-focused packages.


Keywords


Geotourism; Tourist Typology; Tourist Motivation; Destination Management; Market Segmentation

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References


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