The Alphabet of Scaling G2: Perspectives of Local Mountaineers on Perceived Risks, Tourist Satisfaction and Experience at Mount Guiting-Guiting in Sibuyan Island

Abstract

Recognizing the limitations identified by the UNWTO in quantifying domestic mountain tourism due to a lack of information on travel motivations, this qualitative study aims to delve deeper into the reasons and experiences that lead local mountaineers to repeatedly visit a specific location. Unlike the assessment of international mountain tourism, a different approach is needed domestically. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the dynamics of domestic mountain tourism and offer practical guidance for enhancing the professionalism of Sibuyan Island's tourism industry. By examining the target market segment, this study also seeks to inform the development of tourism products that effectively cater to consumer demand and visitor expectations. Moreover, the study contributes information and data that support informed decisions for long-term planning and evaluation processes. It lays the groundwork for formulating goals, identifying KPIs, and establishing baseline measurements for its competitive advantages. By concentrating on the lived experiences of local tourists, this research also offers valuable insights for improving infrastructure and service provisions. The data obtained can be applied to the development of projects concerning lodging, transportation, and other crucial tourism-related amenities. An inductive methodology was employed for the thematic analysis of the data, involving a data-driven exploration where the dataset initiated the process of understanding meaning. Through the study, complex interplays of factors that influence mountaineers’ decisions to revisit Mount Guiting-Guiting were explored.