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Visitor safety is an important topic in adventure tourism but remains underexplored. Using a psychological approach, this study applies and extends Rimal and Real's risk perception attitude framework to include personality traits and emotions to understand adventure tourists' safety behaviours on site. Focusing on tidal-bore watching activities in China, this study consists of two phases: interviews with nine local stakeholders followed by a field survey involving 302 visitors. Cluster analyses were conducted and three visitors' groups were identified that varied in risk perception attitudes and safety behaviours. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the role played by worry during visitors' decision-making related to safety behaviours. Based on the findings, this study provided managerial insight for developing risk communication strategies to engage visitors in self-protective behavior. This study also provided recommendations on how to improve visitors' safety and to protect their lives in adventure-tourism sites in China. • Examines visitor safety in mass adventure tourism from a consumer perspective. • Extends the risk perception attitude framework (RPAF) to include emotions and personal traits. • Segments mass adventure tourists based on the extended RPAF. • Finds that emotions varied by segments and significantly influenced decision-making related to safety behaviours. • Provides managerial insight to better engage visitors in self-protective behaviours in adventure tourism sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the previous research on white-water rafting has investigated the motivations of adventure tourists. This study identifies German tourists’ motivations to participate in white-water rafting during their vacation. In addition, the study aims to provide a wider perspective by segmenting holiday tourists depending on their rafting participation motivations. The study focuses on holiday tourists who took a daily white-water rafting tour in the Koprulu Canyon area in Antalya. Using the Leisure Motivation Scale, 375 questionnaires were collected from the survey participants. Firstly, by conducting a factor analysis, Intellectual , Social , Competence/Mastery , and Stimulus/Avoidance were identified as the main white-water rafting motivations. Later, a cluster analysis was performed in order to segment tourists according to their motivations. Four groups were obtained: Active Vacationers, Reluctant Vacationers, Moderate Vacationers, and Challenge Seeker Vacationers. Implications derived from the study are presented in the discussion section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study advances the adventure tourism literature by exploring the role self-identity plays in motivating participation in adventure tourism. It compares the views of Australian, Chinese, Singaporean, and German youth consumers towards a learn-to-surf lesson. Mystery shopper experience testing research was conducted, followed by an online survey of youth consumers. The survey results (N = 1065) found that having a novelty-seeker self-identity, surfer self-identity, and social self-identity positively influenced attitude and intention to participate in this adventure tourism activity. In contrast, considering oneself sporty (sporty self-identity) or a master of the activity (self-mastery) has no significant influence on the attitude to participate. Cross-country comparisons indicate few differences between youth consumers, suggesting market homogeneity and globalisation may be resulting in the congruency of youth consumer identity-based motivations towards adventure tourism. This study has implications for tourism operators and marketers seeking to sell adventure tourism experiences to youth markets. • Self-identity influences attitude and intention to participate in recreational adventure tourism. • Being sporty and self-mastery does not influence recreational adventure tourism participation. • Adventure tourism motivations based in self-identity differ little between cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates risk-taking behavior in the context of an online outdoor sports platform. Analyzing a unique behavioral dataset of 6242 ski tours completed over a time period of eight winter seasons, this paper shows that the accuracy of user-generated content on ski tours is limited and that more than one third of ski tours accessible on the respective online platform was relatively dangerous on the particular days according to a common avalanche risk assessment method. The quantitative analysis furthermore reveals that at avalanche danger level “considerable” more than sixty percent of ski tours were relatively dangerous. Overall, this paper provides novel insights into risks that come with user-generated content in the adventure tourism and adventure recreation domain and derives important implications for online platform users, online platform providers, public institutions, and tourism destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal inhabitants in the less developed world face growing challenges associated with dependence on marine resources in decline. The development of alternative livelihoods is one potential solution to alleviate dependency on fisheries. Tourism continues to be suggested as a potential development strategy for coastal communities, yet surf-riding tourism has received little attention as a means to achieve development goals. This paper documents two unique models currently being applied in remote artisanal fisheries communities within the Philippines. The data used to document the models have been derived from a combination of key informant interviews with surf-riding tourism developers/operators and in situ observations of the surf-riding tourism project operations. Results suggest the positive potential for surf-riding tourism as a development strategy in response to the changing needs of artisanal fishing communities in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourist experience has become popular recently. There are some customer experience approaches in the literature. One of them is flow theory which has intrinsic rewards. Flow theory as a good material to understand tourists’ experience has researched in many studies like web and education applications. Though it's also investigated in adventure activities and the importance of the concept, limited research has been carried out. Paragliding is an exciting form of air adventure that satisfies the tourists’ need, thereby explaining why it has become a popular adventure activity. Although a few studies have analysed multiple tourist experience, there is still a lack of research adopting the flow experience perspective to understand tourist experiences when participating in paragliding activities. Therefore this study adopts the concept of flow phenomenon to examine the tourist experience in paragliding. The study asked the attendees the extent to which they experienced flow. Open-ended questionnaire was conducted to gather data. The study employs content analytic procedures to analyse open-ended questionnaires to directly elicit attendees’ flow experience. According to results, gliders experience challenge-skill balance, a sense of control, time distortion, clear goals, and focused attention dimensions of flow theory. Results of this study provide baseline data on the existence of flow phenomenon in the paragliding environment. It also provides knowledge about the factors associated with the flow experience and attendees’ feelings and enjoyments in paragliding. Finally, the research findings and theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Safe contact lens wear depends on a hygiene regime and lens-appropriate wear patterns which may be compromised during travel in remote and wilderness areas. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of contact lens wearers while trekking at high-altitude in Nepal. Methods: For this descriptive study, trekkers with contact lenses were recruited in Lukla and invited to complete an online-questionnaire on trip preparation, contact lens use, care and experiences, and possible changes for future travel. Quantitative data were analysed using SurveyMonkey; content analysis applied to qualitative responses. Results: The majority of the 158 participants (124; 78.48%) reported no problems with their lenses (daily disposables, soft lenses, extended-wear lenses, hard/rigid lenses) during their stay although dry air, dust, wind, cold temperatures, and difficult hygiene maintenance were challenging. Freezing lenses and freezing solutions were additional challenges. Thirty-four (21.52%) experienced a variety of problems. Improvements were requested from manufacturers. Lodges should provide better access to clean water, mirrors and lighting. Almost 60% of participants had not sought any pre-travel health advice. Conclusions: Remote and wilderness areas provide a challenge for appropriate contact lens wear and care. The decision between the potential risk of infection due to touching lenses (daily disposables, soft/hard lenses) and the potential risk of corneal erosion (extended-wear lenses) needs to be made in pre-travel consultations. Travel health professionals and travel agencies should remind CL-wearing trekkers to carefully assess their wear and care routine to accommodate potentially challenging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: China has evolved a new domestic model for river-based adventure tourism, a form of passive mass tourism characterised by short trips, in small unguided rafts without paddles, on heavily modified watercourses with exclusive control of access, receiving up to 10,000 clients per site per day. This is very different to international models, which expect much greater individual involvement and responsibility for safety. Client satisfaction is moderate and repeat business low, but the Chinese domestic model nonetheless generates a billion-dollar annual turnover nationwide, with participation to date by around one quarter of China's 18–35 year-olds. This domestic model shapes the expectations of Chinese tourists travelling overseas, with implications for practical safety and satisfaction, and theoretical tests of culture-linked expectation disconfirmation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the motives for tourists to pursue adventure activities is challenge. This research aimed to conceptualize the sources of challenge and to develop a relevant scale. First, in-depth interviews and content analysis were conducted in order to generate the initial items. Second, an exploratory factor analysis was performed by investigating 328 mountaineers. Seven factors were identified: the uncertainty of the environment; insufficiency of participants' resources; relationships with partners; difficulty of the activity; ability of the partners; equipment; and a sense of competition. Third, confirmative factor analysis was employed in order to investigate 312 subjects on-site. The seven factors outlined above were verified. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Rafting guides play the guide role beyond the workplace. [•] The client participates in the guides’ lifestyle. [•] Previous emotional management theories failed to integrated work and leisure. [•] A new emotional management framework namely Emotional Life is presented. [•] The components of the Emotional Life are not apart from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tourist use of mopeds in Queensland is encouraged by licensing regulations permitting moped riding for car licence holders, who may lack prior knowledge or experience of moped or motorcycle use. Using official crash and registration data, this research examines moped use by tourists, identified as crash-involved riders holding an interstate or overseas licence. Tourists were more likely to be younger, female, in single vehicle crashes, and deemed at fault than Queensland licence holders. Potential safety issues include poor riding skills, inexperience, inattention and lack of protective clothing. Moped rental companies play an important role in managing client crash and injury risks. These risks could also be reduced through introduction of more stringent licensing requirements, though this may be detrimental to moped rental companies as well as to tourist mobility and enjoyment. The discussion considers the relevance of adventure tourism perspectives and theory to the use of mopeds by tourists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Little research has identified issues faced by tour guiding professionals and investigations of tour guide experiences have been neglected in favour of tourist experience and behaviour studies. Even less research has focused on adventure guiding experiences and potential sources of stress and emotions in this context. Studies that have investigated adventure guide experiences generally focused on guide–client interactions and sociological accounts of these experiences. Due to these gaps in the literature, and the recognised potential of psychological theories to enhance studies of stress and emotions in tourism settings, this study explored stress and emotions resulting from employer–guide interactions in an adventure tourism context from a psychological perspective. Longitudinal autoethnographical data was recorded during a river guiding season in South America. A reversal theory framework guided data analyses of key motivational states, sources of stress, and resulting emotions. Analyses identified potential transactional sources of stress and negative emotions for adventure tourism guides, and motivational states associated with stress and emotional outcomes in the employer–guide relationship. Results are discussed in relation to psychological theory and stress and coping research. Recommendations for practice, that could alleviate stressful experiences between employers and guides, are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study focuses on understanding the experiential meaning for participants engaged in events at the nexus of tourism, sport and charity. Using the Constant Comparison Method (CCM), we analyze the published findings of an autoethnographic study on philanthropic adventure tourism with focus group (n = 31) and interview (n = 32) studies of charity sport event participants. Several themes related to the tourism, sport and charitable aspects of the experience are highlighted. Notably, the central role of connectedness is revealed, and the multiple levels for participant connectedness, including with the self, with others and with a greater social cause, and the processes facilitating these connections are discussed. The results extend research on charity sport events to multi-day touring events, while uncovering initial evidence of how these events may facilitate pathways to wellbeing. In addition, implications for autoethnographic research in tourism, and managing experiential meanings within this growing event sector, are highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In America, recreationists on public lands are expected to follow behavioral norms codified through low-impact programs. Such programs have been exported to countries all over the world with little or no critical thought about their efficacy in other cultural contexts. The present study examined the normative assumptions of the Leave No Trace program in the context of adventure tourism guides in the Garhwal Himalaya of India to determine the efficacy of implementing such programs in a different cultural context. We identified what salient beliefs prompt whitewater rafting and trekking guides'' intention to perform pro-environmental behavior. We then compared the results with the belief system used for the basis of Leave No Trace. Results revealed that an American appeal to personal responsibility in Garhwal may not succeed for a variety of reasons. This study helps lay a foundation for much needed research on pro-environmental behavior and improved resource management techniques in the Indian Himalaya. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examines the personal emotional journeys that tourists experience while participating in adventure activities during their packaged mountaineering holidays. It also investigates whether the adventure activities within these holidays provide experiences that they consider to be adventurous. Although an understanding exists about the experiences of recreational adventurers, including mountaineers, there is only a limited awareness of the experiences of tourists who engage in adventure activities as part of packaged mountaineering holidays. Hence, the paper extends understanding of the personal emotional journeys of mountaineers from an adventure recreation to an adventure tourism context. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with tourists during or at the end of their packaged mountaineering holidays. Key findings focus on three interrelated themes. First, respondents perceptions of risk associated with their participation in the packaged adventure activities; second, the contrasting emotions that they encountered; and, third, the "other world" feelings that they experienced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: At least 14 different motivations for adventure tourism and recreation, some internal and some external, have been identified in ∼50 previous studies. Skilled adventure practitioners refer to ineffable experiences, comprehensible only to other participants and containing a strong emotional component. These are also reflected in the popular literature of adventure tourism. This contribution draws on >2000 person-days of ethnographic and autoethnographic experience to formalise this particular category of experience as rush. To the practitioner, rush is a single tangible experience. To the analyst, it may be seen as the simultaneous experience of flow and thrill. Experiences which provide rush are often risky, but it is rush rather than risk which provides the attraction. Rush is addictive and never guaranteed, but the chance of rush is sufficient motivation to buy adventure tours. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is limited information on most adventure recreation activities, often including even who partake and trends in the popularity of the activity. The adventure recreation sport of ‘canyoning’ grew rapidly in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Australia) in the 1990s. Canyoners are typically male, aged in their 30 s, educated, and their preference is to canyon in small groups with friends and families. However the popularity of this adventure sport has waned. Surveys between 2000 and 2002 showed that while canyoner numbers were similar in 2000 and 2001, they declined in 2002. In 2010 the numbers of canyoners were similar to 2002 visitation levels, approximately 40% below 2000 levels. The trend did not appear to be due to increased interest in active/extreme sports (e.g., mountain biking). Bushwalking (hiking) was the preferred alternative recreational activity for over 20% of canyoners at all experience levels. The trends observed between 2000 and 2010 parallel the overall number of tourists to the region, and the commercial canyoning activity. We conclude that at current and projected levels of canyoning, there is not an immediate threat to the canyon environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The search for new non-routine emotions and sensations has become a decisive factor in taking part in adventure tourism. As have pointed out, Brazil''s natural resources are abundant and have been widely used to promote the nation''s tourism. Empirical literature describes fear as one of the main emotions in adventure activities, and for this reason a questionnaire was designed to examine the presence of fear before and after three adventure activities (parachuting, white-water rafting, and rock-climbing). This study not only aimed to consolidate fear as a fundamental emotion in performing such activities but also to stimulate interest for further studies in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent years have seen the emergence of the astrotourist following the $20 million trip by Dennis Tito to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2001. Although this is the preserve of the hyper-elite, within the next decade it is likely that there will be more affordable opportunities on sub-orbital reusable vehicles pioneered by the Virgin group. This paper offers an overview of recent developments in the space tourism industry as a whole and offers definitions for the new sector of astrotourism. Drawing on motivational theory, the study examines the motivations and experiences that astrotourists have demonstrated through interviews reported through the media. However, parallels are demonstrated with the existing terrestrial space tourism industry, which has been largely ignored to date. Consequently the paper also examines the management of these sites and the challenges this niche presents. There is also evidence of a travel career being marketed by space tourism travel agents, dubbed by one interviewee as ‘steps to space’. This builds on potential tourists'' existing aspirations for space experiences allied to these companies'' credentials in adventure tourism. Whilst sharing parallels to the work of , the focus of this career on one particular theme is of interest. This theoretical bridging is useful for observing tourism organisations at work, and furthermore uncovers the massive potential that developments in space tourism present for the tourism industry as a whole. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A relatively high proportion of Indigenous Australians live in remote areas where a number of mines are located. Indigenous Australians are more likely than their non-Indigenous counterparts to be unemployed and to be living below the poverty line and in order to overcome this disadvantage it is important for Indigenous people to gain meaningful employment. In these remote areas, in addition to mining, tourism is seen as potentially providing substantial opportunities for Indigenous employment. However many of these Indigenous tourism enterprises will need on-going support to become sustainable. Mining companies have significant resources and infrastructure that could be used to help develop Indigenous tourism and a number of companies, as part of their corporate social responsibility agenda, have directly facilitated the development of Indigenous tourism ventures. This study examined Indigenous involvement in tourism in the Weipa region of north-west Queensland and the role of the then Comalco bauxite mining operation, now called Rio Tinto Aluminium, in assisting this development. The study revealed substantial enthusiasm about market opportunities for Indigenous tourism and potential support from the Comalco mine. However the mine did not see itself as being directly involved but saw itself as a facilitator working with some regional Indigenous organisations. However given the constraints these other organisations face, this approach by Comalco is likely to limit the effectiveness of the mine''s efforts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: What is tourism success? Specifically, what does tourism success mean for a destination as opposed to a destination management organization (DMO)? The main objectives of this study were to examine the concept of tourism success as it relates to both destinations and to DMOs, and to determine if a relationship or distinction exists between the two. Eighty-four (84) knowledgeable tourism managers and stakeholders from twenty-five (25) Canadian destinations were interviewed. Responses were used to identify variables and build a model that supports the existence of a relationship between the success of tourism destinations and DMOs with respect to community relations, marketing, and economic indicators. Unique to DMO success were supplier relations, effective management, strategic planning, organizational focus and drive, proper funding, and quality personnel. Unique to destination success were location and accessibility, attractive product and service offerings, quality visitor experiences, and community support. To conclude, achieving success in tourism is challenging and ill understood. We hope that this study will prove to be a small step towards enhancing our understanding of the variables associated with both DMO and destination success. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study identifies the client injury experience and safety management practices of Queensland adventure and ecotourism operators, and to compare these findings with those from recent New Zealand surveys. The effectiveness of an on-line survey for collecting safety information from operators is evaluated in relation to the future development of an industry safety monitoring system. Some 60 adventure and ecotourism operators were surveyed, while in-depth interviews were conducted with four further Queensland operators. Survey findings indicated a relatively low level of reported incidents, with slips, trips and falls the most common incident type. Risk factors identified by operators related most frequently to adverse and changeable weather conditions and client skills and behavior, and a notable proportion of operators reported that they did not apply important safety management practices. A model of injury control is presented to assist operators in their risk management practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The growth in demand for adventure tourism has been significant in recent years. This study applied an existing marketing framework and empirically examined the relationships between value, satisfaction, and behavioural intentions in an adventure tourism context. Four hundred and two respondents provided their perceptions of the value for an adventure tour in Australia. Customer value was conceptualised as a multidimensional construct and indeed three value dimensions had strong, positive influences on customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions in an adventure tourism setting. Value-for-money was prominent, but also emotional value and novelty value were also significant predictors of satisfaction and future intentions. The present study suggests that researchers should take a broader, holistic view of value in a tourism context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adventure tourism safety has received relatively little research attention despite the level of risk inherent in many adventure activities. In New Zealand, an absence of surveillance or monitoring of injury in the adventure sector has had important implications for the management of tourist safety. A series of studies conducted by the authors between 1996 and 2006 have sought to address this knowledge gap, with the aim of identifying the extent and nature of adventure tourism injury using a range of primary and secondary data sources. The paper reports on findings from a summary risk analysis of these studies, including evidence for the scale of the adventure tourism injury problem, and ranking of degree of risk for a range of factors for safety in adventure tourism participation. A conceptual model to assist risk management in the adventure sector is presented, and implications of findings for management and the adventure sector are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To test whether commercial tourism products in different adventure activity sectors have different functional characteristics, I took part in tours offered by 75 operators worldwide and analysed price per person per day, duration, prior skill requirements, remoteness, group size and client-to-guide ratios. There is an enormous range of variation. Some activities overlap but some are clearly distinguishable, on commercial as well as operational criteria. Products can be arranged on a scale from low volume, high difficulty, high price to high volume, low difficulty and low price. There are recognisable signatures for some subsectors, but not all. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The primary aims of this study were to establish a client injury baseline for the New Zealand adventure tourism and adventure sport sector, and to examine patterns and trends in claims for injury during participation in adventure activities. Content analysis of narrative text data for compensated injuries occurring in a place for recreation and sport over a 12-month period produced over 15,000 cases involving adventure tourism and adventure sport. As found in previous studies in New Zealand, highest claim counts were observed for activities that are often undertaken independently, rather than commercially. Horse riding, tramping, surfing and mountain biking were found to have highest claim counts, while hang gliding/paragliding/parasailing and jet boating injuries had highest claim costs, suggesting greatest injury severity. Highest claim incidence was observed for horse riding, with female claimants over-represented for this activity. Younger male claimants comprised the largest proportion of adventure injuries, and falls were the most common injury mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adventure tourism is a rapidly expanding tourism market segment. It is suggested that adventure travel and its related expenditure contribute $220 billion annually to the US economy alone (http://www.adventuretravel.com/seminar_home.htm). However, recent high-profile tragedies in adventure tourism might suggest that participation does not come without its risks. Existing literature would suggest that the pursuit of these risks is a central attraction of these activities. However, drawing on research conducted in the self-styled ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, Queenstown in New Zealand, the author suggests that this is a simplistic view of adventurous motivation. The research shows that rather than demanding actual risks, participants engaging in commercial adventurous activity primarily seek fear and thrills. The most successful adventure tourism operators are those that have reduced their actual risk levels whilst effectively commodifying the thrills within. Thus the responsibility of the commercial operator to minimise the opportunity for loss to as low a level as possible is not only an ethical one, but also ensures long-term business sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To advance understanding of Special Interest Tourism (SIT), this paper will explore the complexities of this phenomenon in the early 21st century. First, a look at what is “out there”, both from a supply and demand perspective, will serve to paint a broad picture at macro-level. The paper will present a discussion of the SIT phenomenon at the macro-level within a triangular relationship of supply, demand and media. Then, a more specific look at SIT attempts to clarify the ambiguity of the term. Finally, a look at micro-level from the consumer''s perspective will introduce the concepts of enduring and situational involvement, and the nature of the product. Proposed frameworks are presented to provide structure and possible directions for future research and as a means of progressing conceptual development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mountaineering has emerged as a popular form of adventure tourism, yet there is scant research that develops an understanding of its participants. This paper contributes to a theoretical understanding of mountaineer adventure tourists by evaluating previous work on mountaineering, mountaineers, adventure, recreation and tourism. It uses this to develop a conceptual framework to examine mountaineer adventure tourists, the key influences on their participation in mountaineering and their actual experiences during involvement. In this framework a number of influences encourage participation. Push elements (Ann. Tourism Res. 4(4) (1977) 184), including risk (J. Leisure Res. 17(3) (1985) 241; Leisure Today 49(4) (1978) 7; J. Phys. Educ. Recreation 19(4) (1978) 27) and mastery (KYKLOS 52(3) (1999) 315), are influential. Pull elements (Ann. Tourism Res. 4(4) (1977) 184), including the natural mountain environment and mountain conditions are also significant. Other influences are personality attributes such as sensation seeking (Sensational Seeking: Beyond the Optimal Level of Arousal, Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, 1979) and lifestyle factors, including previous mountaineering experience (J. Leisure Res. 17(3) (1985) 241). These components combine to influence people''s perception of adventure. During participation, mountaineer adventure tourists experience contrasting emotions, a core element of adventure (Adventure Tourism: The New Frontier, Butterworth-Heinemann, London, 2003). They can also experience flow (The Psychology of Happiness, Rider, 1992) and peak experience (The Farther Reaches of Human Nature, Penguin, Baltimore, MD, 1976). How tourists experience mountaineering, and the emotional states encountered throughout this activity, result from the combined influences that originally encouraged them to participate. The framework differs from previous studies on mountaineering (e.g. Int. J. Sports Psychol. 27 (1996) 308; J. Leisure Res. 17(3) (1985) 241; Pers. Indiv. Differ. 25(6) (1998) 1063; KYKLOS 52(3) (1999) 315) in that it recognises the inter-relatedness of the influences on mountaineering participation, acknowledges the convergence of tourism and recreation in an adventure setting, and emphasises the importance of investigating mountaineers during their actual participation. Discussion of the framework''s value to mountaineering tourism providers is presented, and suggestions are made for further study in this under-researched field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Annals of Tourism Research is the property of Pergamon Press - An Imprint of Elsevier Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper reports the findings of the first interdisciplinary study of Scotland's adventure tourism sector which is now promoted as one of the new drawcards for domestic and overseas visitors by the National Tourism Organisation-VisitScotland. An analysis of a national survey of adventure activity operators highlights the development of this sector, the characteristics of operators, the way their businesses have been developed and the significance of independently owned and managed small firms in this sector. The survey also examined the characteristics of visitors and markets using adventure tourism products provided by these businesses and the safety issues which these operators faced in managing these types of activities. Based on data collected and application of research techniques from safety management, the injury rates among participants in these activities are reviewed. The growth potential and possible obstacles to this nascent industry sector in Scotland are also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of Tourism Research is the property of Pergamon Press - An Imprint of Elsevier Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The growth of adventure tourism in New Zealand has contributed to its image as an activity destination, reflected in the growth of the adventure tourism sector since 1992. There has also been a growing concern over the safety and management of these activities within the New Zealand government and tourism industry. This paper examines the changing legal framework for tourism in New Zealand, where the no-fault accident compensation legislation no longer covers all tourist accidents and injuries within its scheme. The paper reviews both the accident compensation legislation, recent legal precedents as evidenced in court cases and judgements which challenge the perception that no-faults compensation covers all accident eventualities. The consequences for adventure tourism operators in relation to tourist accidents and injuries is discussed and implications for health and safety are highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Academic interest in adventure tourism has increased in recent years given the exponential growth of this sector. Physical outdoor activity-based conceptualisations of adventure tourism - from soft adventure (hiking, snorkelling, etc.) to hard adventure (rock climbing, wilderness trekking, etc.) – are commonly employed, but are criticised as overly simplistic and failing to capture the essence of adventure tourism. A systematic review of the adventure tourism literature aimed to address these concerns and resulted in a new conceptualisation of adventure tourism and its dimensions that offers a more comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of this tourism activity. Of the 22 dimensions of adventure tourism identified, risk and danger, the natural environment, thrill and excitement, challenge, and physical activity are at its core. Consumer-based, product-based and hybrid pillars of adventure tourism are also evident. Theoretical anchors to differentiate adventure tourism from other forms of tourism are presented. • 22 dimensions of adventure tourism are identified. • Risk, nature, thrill, physical activity and challenge are at the core of adventure. • Consumer-based, product-based, and hybrid pillars are evident. • Consumer-based dimensions of adventure tourism are dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tour guides play a critical role in influencing visitor experiences and organisational success. The experiences of tour guides themselves however are less understood, particularly with regards to how these experiences impact on guides' well-being. Adventure tour guiding unfolds in a unique context reported to involve both high levels of emotional labour and job satisfaction. This study explored key factors that determine adventure guides' psychological well-being in this unique work context. In-depth qualitative interviews with air, land, and water-based guides identified primary, secondary, and tertiary psychological well-being determinants. Based on these findings, a conceptual model of adventure guide well-being is proposed to inform future research and practices for fostering guide well-being. • Tour guide research focuses on ill-being (e.g., emotional labour) more than well-being. • Positive Tourism shifts focus beyond mitigating ill-being to fostering well-being. • Primary, secondary, tertiary adventure guide well-being determinants are identified. • A conceptual model of adventure guide psychological well-being is proposed. • Strategies to enhance adventure guide well-being and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of our travel experiences are stored, recorded, and relived in the form of stories; tourist blogs have emerged as a modern form of travel story. These stories provide information about exciting moments and memorable events, which are usually emotional highpoints that can be useful for tourism marketers. Based on the sociological concept of storytelling, this study investigates which aspects of the slow adventure experience travelers present in their travel blogs through a rubric elaborated on extant literature. The findings reveal three types of slow adventure stories, and each type of story relates to a different identity construction. The article concludes with a discussion of its theoretical contributions in terms of adding to the literature of adventure tourism and storytelling. In revealing the themes and identities relating to specific slow adventure experiences, it provides potential practical implications of travel blogs for slow adventure product designers and marketers. • Tourist experiences are stored, recorded, and relived in the form of stories. • Rubric of three main themes to categorize stories of slow adventure experiences. • Three types of slow adventure stories are identified. • Slow adventure travel stories provide practical suggestions for tourism marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability is a dominant paradigm in tourism research yet a lack of research on alternative tourism sectors to deliver sustainable outcomes hinders sustainable tourism research, planning, implementation, policy and management. This research uses a political ecology lens, to dissect how destinations can harness adventure tourism to achieve relevant sustainability objectives. Adventure tourism is not in itself sustainable but by targeting adventure travel that attracts passionate, high-paying tourists to participate in activities specifically suited to local landscapes, communities have the potential to create bespoke tourism products that fit the socio-ecological system and produce clear conservation and sustainable development outcomes. • Political ecology lens help explore contexts that create sustainability in tourism. • Adventure tourists seek unique places , are passionate and have willingness to pay. • Adventure tourism can be targeted to achieve specific sustainability outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]