Adventure Tourism: Insight from Experienced Visitors of Romanian National and Natural Parks

Abstract

The rapid growth of adventure tourism is remarked all over the world, being considered as a modern form of tourism. This study attempted to investigate the preferences of experienced visitors of Romanian national and natural parks with the main focus on understanding what motives describe the three elements that define adventure tourism: physical activity, natural environment and cultural immersion, and what is the level of satisfaction regarding the quality of facilities and services. An online survey was filled in by 137 members of adventure tourism groups, being further grouped based on their experiences. Results indicate that experienced participants better appreciated the opportunity to be engaged in physical activity and to explore the natural environment. Cultural experience was perceived as similar by both groups. The level of satisfaction about facilities and services provided by the national and natural parks and adjacent rural communities was similar among groups, except for that about the existing information panels. Future development actions should address both groups to enhance their willingness to revisit the areas and increase the attractiveness of tourism in rural areas situated in the neighborhood of parks.

Research on the Use of Aerial Scanning and Gis in the Design of Sustainable Agricultural Production Extension Works in an Agritourist Farm in Romania

“…Studies show that in recent years tourists prefer destinations where they can spend as much time as possible in nature and get involved in various activities: outdoor walks, hiking, adventure activities [31], and even the day-to-day activities of a rural household (care and feeding of domestic animals). The choice of agritourism destinations is primarily determined by the diversity of activities that can be carried out, and by the safety and security conditions.…”

“…Thus, more and more tourists of all age groups prefer agritourism and areas where they can spend time in nature, away from the urban environment. They choose destinations that offer them a wide range of activities in nature, from walks to direct involvement in the activities of the host household [31].…”

Analysis on Tourists’ Preferences for Rural Tourism Destinations in Romania

“…Studies show that tourists better appreciate the opportunity to be engaged in physical activities and to explore the natural environment through hiking and other kinds of activities related to adventure tourism [22]. Some of the most highly valued features regarding the attractiveness of rural destinations are the diversity of entertainment options and safety and security features.…”

“…In Romania, rural tourism is still a relatively new tourism product for the residents, who often prefer the mountains or the sea when it comes to holiday compared to only 2% who declared that they would prefer a rural tourism destination [17]. Many scholars consider that the potential for a sustainable development is very high [18][19][20][21][22] Rural tourism and agrotourism has developed rapidly in the last few decades in Romania [19]. Studies conducted in Romania stated that the most sought form of accommodation in the rural areas is represented by the agrotourism boarding houses, both by foreign tourists and Romanian tourists [20].…”

“…Studies conducted in Romania stated that the most sought form of accommodation in the rural areas is represented by the agrotourism boarding houses, both by foreign tourists and Romanian tourists [20]. Rural tourism is considered to have reached an increased growth phase from the point of view of the demand but also from the perspective of the increasing number of rural accommodation facilities [21], even if the level of tourist satisfaction does not always follow this high [22]. Analysis of rural tourists' behavior offers important information for developing sustainable tourism products.…”