Tourist Behaviour and Tick-Borne Disease Risk

Abstract

Lyme disease is the leading tick-borne disease in the USA, with incidences increasing over the past few decades due in part to climate change. Visitors to natural areas involved in nature-based activities are at a heightened risk of Lyme disease exposure. We surveyed 430 visitors in Acadia National Park to understand the personal protective behaviours and associated barriers to adoption, perceived tick-borne disease risk, and travel behaviour. A two-step cluster analysis revealed two visitor segments: adventurists and sightseers. Adventurists were less likely to perform protective behaviours against tick-borne disease, but performing a tick check was the most commonly reported preventative behaviour for both groups (62%). The most commonly cited barriers to performing a tick check were lower perceived risk of tick bites and Lyme disease for both groups. Both groups also reported that the number one barrier to wearing protective clothing was the hot summer weather. This research has implications for tourism managers to design effective communication materials to reduce the risk of tick-borne disease for different visitor segments.

Current and Future Habitat Suitability Models for Four Ticks of Medical Concern in Illinois, USA

“…This is likely due to the current abundance of A. americanum being higher in the southern portion of the state and is likely to delay the diagnosis and treatment of pathogens vectored by these less-studied tick species. Both Bayles et al [ 86 ] and Soucy and de Urioste-Stone [ 87 ] also found that the adoption of effective tick prevention measures, such as tick checks, was associated with the perceived risk of tick bites. As the actual risk of tick exposure changes due to shifting tick habitats and abundance, public and professional awareness must be addressed through dynamic communication efforts.…”

Key Characteristics of Forest Therapy Trails: A Guided, Integrative Approach

“…Notably, Lin et al [80] developed a thermal comfort model to identify the optimal structural conditions and times of day for forest walks. A growing focus of recreation climatology has examined the impact of climate change on nature-based activities [174][175][176], including those dependent on a narrow range of environmental conditions such as snow for skiing [177,178], as well as how increased pollinosis [179,180], the spread of disease-transmitting insects [181][182][183], and other concerns can pose challenges for people seeking a comfortable experience in nature. Beyond these environmental drivers, in the U.S. and other countries, there is a growing concern about increasing cultural alienation from nature, especially for urban children who may grow up with little familiarity of wild places and the creatures that inhabit them [184,185].…”