Cohen’s Theory Explained

Cohen’s Theory, developed by sociologist Erik Cohen in the 1970s, categorizes tourists based on their motivations and behaviors, providing insights into the diverse nature of tourist experiences and expectations. Cohen’s framework identifies four main types of tourists: the drifter, the explorer, the individual mass tourist, and the organized mass tourist. Each type represents a different level of engagement with the local environment and a varying degree of dependence on tourism infrastructure.

The Four Tourist Types

1. The Drifter:
   • Characteristics: Drifters are highly independent travelers who seek authentic experiences away from the beaten path. They avoid established tourist routes and prefer to immerse themselves deeply in the local culture.
   • Motivations: Drifters are motivated by a desire for novelty, adventure, and a deeper understanding of different cultures. They often travel for extended periods and may live like locals.
   • Behavior: They have minimal reliance on tourism infrastructure, often using local accommodations, transportation, and services. Drifters tend to blend in with the local population and shun commercialized tourist activities.
2. The Explorer:
   • Characteristics: Explorers are also independent travelers but tend to plan their trips more than drifters. They seek unique and authentic experiences but are more likely to use some level of tourism infrastructure.
   • Motivations: They are motivated by curiosity, adventure, and a desire to experience new cultures, but with a bit more comfort and security than drifters.
   • Behavior: Explorers typically travel alone or in small groups and use a mix of local and tourist services. They are willing to stray off the beaten path but prefer a safety net of some familiar amenities.
3. The Individual Mass Tourist:
   • Characteristics: Individual mass tourists are more inclined to follow established tourist routes and attractions. They plan their trips independently but rely heavily on the tourism infrastructure.
   • Motivations: Their motivations include relaxation, entertainment, and a desire to see famous sights and landmarks.
   • Behavior: They book their own travel and accommodation but prefer organized tours, guided excursions, and familiar environments. They seek a balance between new experiences and the comfort of reliable services.
4. The Organized Mass Tourist:
   • Characteristics: Organized mass tourists are the most dependent on the tourism industry. They prefer pre-packaged tours and travel in groups.
   • Motivations: Their primary motivations are convenience, safety, and seeing well-known attractions without the stress of planning.
   • Behavior: These tourists follow structured itineraries designed by tour operators. They stay in international hotels, dine in tourist-oriented restaurants, and travel on organized transportation. Their interactions with the local environment are often superficial and heavily mediated by tour guides.

Implications for Tourism Development and Management

Cohen’s typology provides valuable insights for tourism developers and managers:

1. Diverse Offerings: Understanding the different types of tourists helps in creating a diverse range of tourism products and services that cater to varied preferences and expectations. For example, destinations can develop adventure and cultural tourism products for drifters and explorers, while also offering all-inclusive resorts and guided tours for individual and organized mass tourists.
2. Marketing Strategies: Marketing efforts can be tailored to attract different types of tourists. Drifters and explorers may respond well to marketing that emphasizes unique, authentic experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures, while mass tourists may be more attracted by advertisements highlighting convenience, safety, and major attractions.
3. Sustainable Tourism: Recognizing the varying impacts of different tourist types can inform sustainable tourism practices. For instance, managing the influx of organized mass tourists to prevent overcrowding and environmental degradation, while promoting responsible tourism among drifters and explorers.
4. Infrastructure Development: Planning and developing infrastructure that meets the needs of all tourist types. This could range from basic accommodations and local transport options for drifters to luxury hotels and organized transport services for mass tourists.

In A Nutshell

Erik Cohen’s Theory on tourist typologies provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the diverse motivations and behaviors of tourists. By categorizing tourists into drifters, explorers, individual mass tourists, and organized mass tourists, Cohen’s model helps tourism professionals design and manage destinations that cater to a wide range of preferences. This approach not only enhances the tourist experience but also promotes sustainable and balanced tourism development.