Background & Aim: Although socio-economic variables are widely used for describing the tourist&#039;s behavior, but increasing awareness is evident in current researches that personality characteristics might also be useful for that purpose. In this regard, the present study compares the personality characteristics of Iranian tourists with those of non tourists. Method and Materials: In a causal comparative study, 150 tourists and 150 non tourists were selected through an accessible sampling method. They were then administered NEO- Five Factor Inventory and of Zuckerman&#039;s Sensation Seeking Scale-Form V (SSS-V). Data were analyzed using independent t-student test and MANOVA. Results: The findings indicated that the two groups were significantly different regarding the sensation seeking, extroversion and openness characteristics (P < 0.0001). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups regarding other personality characteristics (i.e. neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness). Conclusion: The findings provide empirical support for the proposition that personality characteristics may influence tourism.  

Keywords: tourism, personality characteristics, sensation seeking, extroversion, openness

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