Kids on Board: Exploring the Choice Process and Vacation Needs of Asian Parents with Young Children in Resort Hotels

Abstract

Vacation needs and the family decision-making processes are well researched in tourism. However, the role and influence of young children on parents' hotel choice remains sparsely researched in the context of Asian families. This study, hence, examines parents' choice criteria of resort hotels when holidaying with young children. Fifteen in-depth interviews with parents in Malaysia revealed five main themes: travel distance, quality of interactions, child-friendly amenities, safety, and family-oriented programs. Findings point to the importance of providing specific hotel amenities and services such as baby toilet seats and bottle warmers to create a satisfactory holiday experience. Findings also demonstrate how resorts can add to family quality-of-life by encouraging parent-child interactions through family-oriented activities. In this way, resort hotels are building social capital. Marketing and managerial implications for family-oriented resorts in Malaysia are offered.