---

This research took the aim to find out which factors are influencing the willingness to invest in tourism related projects via crowdfunding. Since there was no prior scientific literature regarding this specialised topic the author used the grounded theory approach to impose qualitative data for gaining factors determining the motivation of people deciding to invest in tourism related projects via crowdfunding. In order to collect this necessary data the author conducted eleven semi-structured interviews, where the participants were chosen due to several criteria. The decision is influenced by several factors. Additionally, one aspect was identified which stands above all these factors: the subjective perception. Personal perception is based on personal experience. Since tourism relies on experience and there are only a few tourism related projects on crowdfunding platforms, there is a great possibility and a niche for tourism to realise ideas and visions by getting funding via crowdfunding. Besides, the results are not all specialised on tourism related projects, what makes them useful for all kinds of crowdfunding projects.

---

Victoria Stöpler was born in Fulda, Germany in 1992. During her travels in Australia, she discovered her interest in different cultures and countries. Therefore, she started studying Cruise Tourism Management in Bremerhaven, Germany. Through different projects during her studies, her interest in crowdfunding and start-ups increased.

---