Outdoor adventure tourism - A review of research approaches

A review of the existing literature on adventure tourism reveals that research on this subject has so far focused mainly on preconceived notions of scholars and practitioners. This paper argues the individuals' subjective experience of adventure and their perception of what constitutes it have to be also researched and considered in the study of adventure tourism. Qualitative research methods should be afforded greater prominence in its investigation. The proposed shift in focus to individuals' perception of adventure also challenges the exclusivity of only certain market segments and independent travelers being associated with this form of tourism. Further research, marketing, and management implications are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.