An Ecological Dynamics Perspective on Adventure Tourism

Abstract

Traditional definitions for adventure tourism have focused on the adventure tourism activity or the adventure tourism environment. In these cases the activity is most often associated with risk and the environment associated with unfamiliarity and natural terrains. Critiques of these definitions have pointed out that this traditional perspective is limited. The risk focus is paradoxical as clients purchase adventure experiences involving risk and uncertainty, whereas tour operators must minimize the risk and emphasize safety. Additionally, adventure tourism can also take place in urban or man-made environments. Furthermore, the traditional definitions mostly ignore the lived experience of the adventure consumer. Individuals undertake adventure for a variety of reasons, including risk and thrills, health and well-being, connection to others and nature, recreational mastery, and personal development. We propose a nuanced conceptual understanding of adventure tourism within an ecological dynamics perspective that considers the relationship between the person, the adventure activity and the surrounding environment, and the recognition of affordances that support well-being. This theoretical approach provides a useful framework for operators and researchers that encourages a more personalized and meaningful experience for the tourist.

The softening of adventure tourism

“…The motives for hard adventurers are seen as including risk and challenge (Lipscombe, 1995;Pomfret, 2006). However, it should be noted that recent studies have suggested moving beyond the hard-soft dichotomy (Cater, 2013;Peacock et al, 2017;Varley & Semple, 2015;Rantala, Rokenes & Valkonen, 2016). For example, Varley and Semple (2015) illustrate an example of slow adventure that involves a combination of low-difficulty and deep-end experience in the adventure.…”

“…Also Peacock et al (2017) point out that there is a paradox in that clients purchase adventure experiences involving risk and uncertainty, whereas tour operators must minimize the risk and emphasize safety. They emphasize that it is often forgotten that individuals undertake adventure for a variety of reasons, including risk and thrills, health and well-being, connection to others and nature, recreational mastery, and personal development.…”

Understanding nature sports: a participant centred perspective and its implications for the design and facilitating of learning and performance

“…Examples of such activities include kayaking, BASE (Building, Antennae, Space and Earth) jumping, skiing, climbing, walking and surfing. Additionally, the growth of adventure tourism and participation in nature sports has expanded possible participation beyond the wellresearched and established realms of outdoor education (Peacock, Brymer, Davids & Dillon, 2017). Consequently, we take a position that reflects a leisure, tourism and participation perspective.…”

Business Practices to Minimize Safety Risks: A Case Study of Two Adventure Tourism Businesses in Malaysia

“…Adventure tourism has significantly created a research momentum in international literature over the last two decades (Peacock et al, 2017). This topic has raised both academics and practitioner's attention as they see the vast potential within this tourism market niche.…”

“…Adventure tourism is one of the fastest expanding niche or segments in the global tourism industry (Clinch et al, 2017;McKay, 2013;Peacock et al, 2017;World Tourism Organization, 2014). According to McKay (2013), adventure tourism is a style of tourism whereby travellers commence a physical activity that would hold as somewhat outside their comfort zone and where some risk to life and extremity is involved.…”