Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has become an effective preventive and
management tool for non-communicable diseases, because of its therapeutic
benefits. The study aimed at assessing leisure-time physical activities
participation, motivation, constraints, and negotiation strategies among
international tourists in the Cape Coast-Elmina area. The self-determination
theory and hierarchical leisure constraint model guided the study. A cross sectional study using a questionnaire was used to collect data from 172
international tourists who visited Cape Coast and Elmina conurbation between
May-July. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed
with the help of chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, Factor analysis, and linear
regression. The study revealed that international tourists were motivated by
relaxation, recreation, and fun to participate in LTPA. Also, the study revealed
that the tourists were constrained mostly by structural issues. They negotiated
these constraints with cognitive and leisure aspirations strategies. There were
variations in motivation, constraint, and negotiation strategies across
respondents’ background characteristics. Lastly, LTPA motivation and
constraint contributed significantly to constraint negotiation strategies. It is
recommended that the motivations identified should inform the marketing
messages of destination management organizations in the country. Again,
attention should be paid to improving the LTPA facilities in the Cape Coast Elmina area
