Youth travel has become an increasingly important part of the global tourism industry in recent decades. As the industry matures, systematic research is necessary such that motivation and behaviour of young travellers and the industry that serves them. This paper, therefore, is an attempt to bring out the motivation and behaviour of young travellers with special reference to Puducherry, a rich coastal heritage town in South India which also enjoys the status of a union territory. The findings of the study reveal that the need to escape from daily routine and rejuvenate themselves in serene and peaceful destination with scenic beauty is the primary motive behind many young people choosing to visit Puducherry. Rest and relaxation stand out as the principal activities carried out by the young travellers at Puducherry. The study strongly supports that conviviality is an important element desired by young people during their stay and it has to be present at the destination and in all the places of amusement. The current study is in line with some of the interesting and recent studies in European countries which stress the importance of youth tourism for local development.
Motivation and Behaviour, Transport, Youth, Young Travellers, Youth Tourism
