Children's criteria in family vacation attraction choice

Abstract

This study explores how children aged 8–12 influence family vacation decisions in an urban Iranian context. Twenty-five children from Tehran Province participated in semi-structured interviews until no new themes emerged. Thematic analysis identified 14 decision-making criteria and 48 subcategories reflecting children's preferences and evaluative processes. Guided by Robin's Family Destination Choice-Sets Model, the findings indicate that children exert the strongest influence through experiential feedback, particularly emotionally memorable and sensory-rich aspects of past vacations. The Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis method was applied to determine the relative importance of each criterion, confirming that experiential and emotional factors dominate children's contributions to family travel decisions. The study adapts Robin's model to a child-inclusive and culturally specific context, illustrating how Iranian families balance rational planning with affective responses. The Hybrid Child–Family Tourism Decision Model was developed to conceptualize decision-making as a dynamic, collaborative process rather than a linear, parent-dominated pathway. Given the exploratory design and localized sample, the findings are culturally specific, and future research should examine diverse family structures and regions in Iran. These results provide practical guidance for tourism providers and destination planners to design child-centered experiences that emphasize nature-based activities, sensory engagement, and culturally relevant learning opportunities.