The Motivations of Baby Boomers to Participate in Adventure Tourism and the Implications for Adventure Tour Providers

The characteristics and motivational decisions of outdoor adventure tourists: a review and analysis

“…Table 1 illustrates the key motives found from 7 (Cater, 2006;Fluker & Turner, 2000;Patterson & Pan, 2007;Pomfret, 2006Pomfret, , 2011Swarbrooke et al, 2003;Wu & Liang, 2012) of the 15 studies which specifically examine adventure tourists' motives. Other motivational-based research on adventure tourists, which is not presented in Buckley's (2011) review, has also been added to Table 1.…”

“…In relation to adventure activities, intrinsic motivation includes seeking out demanding experiences which provide opportunities to develop one's abilities and to learn new skills (Ryan & Deci, 2000). By contrast, extrinsic motives are other-directed and evolve from external or environmental factors, such as the need to socialise and to be with others (Ewert & Hollenhorst, 1989;Patterson & Pan, 2007). Recreational adventurers are known to go through a transformative process in which their motives become more intrinsic with continued involvement in a particular activity (Ewert, 1987).…”

“…Most research has focused on the motives of older adventurers (Boyes, 2013;Cater, 2006;Patterson & Pan, 2007;Sugerman, 2001), yet such studies have not usually examined other age groups. In this present study, comparisons were made between different age groups of the independent mountaineer tourists.…”

“…Improved health, heightened life expectancy, more free time and increased levels of wealth are externally generated motives which drive participation. Older people primarily are intrinsically driven to engage in adventure tourism activities because of the perceived benefits potentially to be enjoyed (Patterson & Pan, 2007).…”

“…Most research has concentrated on older or 'third age' participants aged over 55 years, yet this is limited (Boyes, 2013). Older adventure tourists are motivated by the potential for excitement and thrills during participation in 'safe' soft adventure activities, feeling youthful again and enjoying bodily rejuvenation (Cater, 2000;Patterson & Pan, 2007). Other drivers for older adventure tourists include challenge, fun, activity, boredom relief, social opportunities during participation, stability to life, and a sense of accomplishment.…”