Is adventure tourism a coherent concept? A review of research approaches on adventure tourism

Adventure or amusement? Image and identity challenges for the aerial adventure industry and implications for positioning and policy

“…Mykletun (2018: p. 319) described it as a somewhat "blurred concept and a multifaceted field" recognising the various and, at times, vastly different types of activities residing under this label. Indeed, Rantala et al (2018) argued that adventure tourism is perhaps more of a category as opposed to a concept. The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA, 2013) defines adventure tourism as a trip that includes two of three elements: physical activity, natural environment and cultural immersion and includes both domestic and international tourists.…”

“…Whether traditional or commercial adventure tourism, co-creation is critical to the overall success of the adventure experience (Mathisen, 2019). "Adventure" implies action, meaning this is not a passive experience, but one which is engaging, absorbing and requires commitment, both mentally and physically, from the participant as they go through the activity and through interaction with staff (Rantala et al, 2018). Indeed, the roles of staff and participants in relation to risk management of commercial adventure tourism has already been highlighted in previous research (Clinch & Filimonau, 2017;Giddy, 2018;Wang et al, 2019).…”

“…Similar to AAPs, adventure tourism comes from a background of outdoor sports and recreation (Chen et al, 2017;Hall, 1992;Wagstaff, 2015). Much adventure tourism research has focussed on the motivations of participants and to date it is widely agreed upon that risk is essential to adventure, although much of this is perceived risk (Clinch & Filimonau, 2017;Rantala et al, 2018;UNWTO, 2014). Giddy & Webb (2016) described adventure tourism as activities involving risks, thus arguably supporting this argument.…”

“…As with AAPs, adventure tourism has undergone considerable changes, most notably the commercialisation and mass accessibility of its activities (Giddy & Webb, 2016;Rantala et al, 2018;Rickly & Vidon, 2017). Here, the emphasis is on providing high throughput, low difficulty experiences for the unskilled, meaning activities that were once for the elites in their field are now readily accessible to most people, including families and children (Buckley, 2007;Mykletun, 2018;Rantala et al, 2018). Holyfield et al (2005, p.…”

“…Amusement rides and adventure tourism clearly have these characteristics in common and these are undoubtedly adding to the warped image and resulting identity crisis of the aerial adventure industry,. Yet, the literature indicates the excitement and thrills are derived from actual risk within adventure tourism, with the role of the participant, and its impact on risk management, providing a key differentiator of the two (Rantala et al, 2018). Arguably, when actual risk is present to this extent, this should also have considerable managerial and policy implications.…”