Adventure tourism and outdoor activities management : a 21st century toolkit

An essential resource for those wishing to understand the driving factors behind the operation of an adventure tourism company, this textbook offers guidance on how to deliver a profitable and sustainable product. The importance of changing markets, technology and corporate social responsibility, including environmental impacts and climate change, are discussed in the context of managing an adventure tourism firm. To remain profitable, companies must address these issues along with the important aspects of risk and safety. Key features include: - Case studies from successful professionals in the industry. - Consideration of the development of sustainable adventure tourism. - Guidance on managing products and customers. Compiled from the author's experience in delivering adventure tourism courses over the last 20 years, this long-awaited book is aimed at both students taking university courses on adventure tourism and outdoor recreation as well as professionals working within the industry. Cover Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Activities Management Copyright Contents Preface The Author Part I 1 Adventure Tourism Learning Objectives Chapter Overview What is Adventure Tourism? Definitions Low Activity Input New and Novel Adventure Tourism Developments Adventure Tourism: the Past 40 Years Issues Currently Facing the Adventure Industry Training and skills New technology Sustainability Climate change Conclusion Questions References 2 Globalization of Adventure Tourism Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Global Adventure Tourism Market The most popular destinations Disintermediation Sustainability New experiences Local and global Conclusion Questions References 3 Research in Adventure Tourism Learning Objectives Chapter Overview What is Research and Who Does it? Basic Rubric of Research Research Reports and Data for Adventure Tourism Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) North Atlantic Tourism Association (NATA) Sports or Adventure Tourism Governing Bodies Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) UK Medical Associations and Safety Organizations Academic sources Academic journals National tourist boards Consultants Research Areas Conclusion Questions References 4 Customer Profile Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Mixed Social Profile: Splinting of the Old Marketing Mix Niche markets combined with mass tourism products Older adventurers: SKIs (Spending the Kids’ Inheritance) Younger profile: different activities Adventure Lifestyle Eco adventure tourists Adrenalin and slow adventure customers Targeting Customers Directories of adventure tourist companies Partnering with other tourism operators or accommodation Sponsorship Psychological profile of customers Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Conclusion Questions 5 Product Development Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Geographical Spaces: Playgrounds for Adventure Products Mountains and glaciers Air Rivers Oceans/seas Deserts Jungles The Poles Urban Technological Developments Warmth Food Shelter Lighting Communications and navigation Social media, computers/mobile phones Experiential and Psychological Factors Conclusion Questions References 6 Management Issues Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Management Principles Organization of a Company Personnel Development and Training Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Competitive Markets: Outdoor Competition in Local Areas Financial Management Risk Management: Health and Safety Further Considerations for Management Legislation in different countries Influence of associations, cooperatives and forums Conclusion Questions References 7 Risk and Safety Management Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Litigation, Criminal and Civil Negligence, Health and Safety Law Risk Assessments What is a risk assessment? Hazards in Risk Physical hazards Moral hazards Morale hazards High-risk Activities and Vulnerable Customers Health and Safety Regulations Codes of Practice Governing Bodies Staff Training and Assessments Qualifications and Experience Training Customers: the Foreseeability Principle Conclusion Questions References 8 New Adventure, Old Adventure Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Slow Adventure Exploration and Introspection Mini Adventures Grand Adventures Hyperreality in Adventure Space Tourism Real Adventure Tourism versus Fake Adventure Tourism Ethics of High-risk Adventure and High Customer Fees Conclusion Questions References 9 Cultural Perspectives on Adventure Tourism Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Adventure Tourism and its Connection to Religious Paradigms Destination Management and Cultural Integrity National parks and landscape impacts GSTC and the importance of adventure tourism and cultural impacts The Culture of Adventure Tourism The culture of surfing Mountaineering culture Gender Issues in the Culture of Adventure Tourism Conclusion Questions References 10 Adventure Lifestyles Learning Objectives Chapter Overview Postmodernism Effects: The Firm and Adventure Tourists Lifestyle Shift: Adventure Tourism Professional Adventure Tourists Adventure Tourism Narratives Films on Adventure Tourism Conclusion Questions References 11 Sustainability in Adventure Tourism Learning Objectives Chapter Overview More than the Triple Bottom Line Sustainability in Adventure Tourism Company Resources Areas for Sustainability Resources Employment Education and training Waste Supply chain Marketing Climate Change and its Effects on Adventure Tourism Adaptation and Mitigation Conclusion Questions References Part II: Case Studies 12 Altruistic Adventure Voluntourism: Help Manage the Park You Visit Introduction Parks and Protected Areas Management Case Study: The US National Park Service National Trails System Act Adventure Voluntourism Discussion Acknowledgement References Further reading Toolkit websites and additional resources 13 Adventure Tourism in the Four Different Worlds of Ecuador Introduction Adventure Tourism Industry in Ecuador Comparison of Adventure Tourism in Iceland and Ecuador The Four Different Regions of Ecuador Geographical location Four different worlds in one country Sierra (highlands) The Costa (the coast of the Pacific Ocean) The Amazon Rainforest The Galapagos Islands Geography: the Benefits to Ecuadorian Adventure Tourism Indigenous Communities The Role of Government in Adventure Tourism Safety and Sustainability The Future of Adventure Tourism Industry in Ecuador References Further reading and additional resources 14 I Came to Enjoy Iceland and Arrived at Þingvellir (‘Þingvellir – where am I again?’) Introduction Thoughts on Adventure Tourism Experience in Guiding in Iceland Assessment of Tourists Impacts on Thingvellir Future for Adventure Tourism in Iceland References 15 Call of the Wild in Wales Introduction Mission statement Vision statement Why Will You Get Out of Bed Each Morning? What is a hobby? The Lone Ranger The Race to the Bottom: Price Strategy Cash is King: the Importance of Cash Flow Environmental Good Practice Risk Management Conclusion References 16 Thoughts on the Adventure Sports Industry Introduction Why I Wanted to Have a Career in Adventure Positives and Negatives for Females Working in Adventure My Career Path Recommendations for New Recruits: What to Do and Not Do The Future for Adventure: Females and Equality of Opportunities References 17 Being an Outdoor Instructor: James’s Experience Introduction Inspirations Why I Decided to Become an Outdoor Instructor How I Became an Outdoor Instructor Success! Disaster! My Thoughts and Feelings Advice to Future Instructors The Future of Adventure Tourism 18 My Path to Adventure Introduction What Got Me into Surfing Difficulties Positives Advice to Students Sustainability Issues Just Do It! Index Back Cover Written by an author with 20 years' experience teaching adventure tourism courses and working within the industry, this book is written for those wishing to understand the key factors behind the operation of an adventure tourism company and how to deliver a profitable and sustainable product.