Tourist motivation is a critical aspect of tourism research, providing valuable insights into why people travel and what influences their destination choices. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the leading models used to understand tourist motivation, examining both psychological and external factors that drive tourist behaviours. Key frameworks such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Push-Pull Theory, and Iso-Ahola’s Motivation-Relaxation Model are explored to highlight the various intrinsic and extrinsic forces that motivate tourists. Additionally, models like Plog’s Psychographic Typology and the Travel Career Ladder offer valuable perspectives on how travel motivations evolve with experience and personality traits. By synthesizing these diverse models, the review not only provides a broad understanding of tourist motivation but also underscores the complexity and multidimensional nature of travel behaviour. Understanding these models is essential for tourism practitioners, as it enables more targeted marketing strategies, improved destination management, and enhanced visitor satisfaction. This article aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the motivations that shape tourism trends and to offer a framework for future research in the field.