Routledge International Handbook of Adventure Tourism

This handbook presents the latest research, industry trends, developments and initiatives in adventure tourism. It explores conceptualisations of adventure tourism, historical and intellectual developments, insights into adventure tourists and the supply side of adventure tourism and sustainable and inclusive adventure tourism.

With contributions from leading international researchers, 28 chapters are organised into four thematic parts to provide a comprehensive overview of adventure tourism. The book presents core topics within the field as well as contemporary themes, debates and challenges within the industry. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach which draws on and applies current research from disciplines including tourism, recreation, sport and psychology to adventure tourism. As such, it presents different ways of examining this form of tourism, expands knowledge on recent developments and discusses the major claims in this field. It explores topics such as instantly accessible adventures, the increasing use of technology by adventure tourists and industry, and the well-being of tourists, destinations and communities. The handbook informs the reader of how literature translates into practice across different adventure tourism operations. It also investigates some of the key challenges affecting the adventure tourism industry and presents practical solutions and initiatives to overcome these. Case studies and vignettes are embedded throughout the handbook to illustrate practitioner perspectives, and each chapter includes learning outcomes and review questions to encourage readers to further consolidate their understanding.

The handbook is intended for undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral candidates and early-career and more established researchers interested in the fields of adventure tourism and related disciplines, such as adventure recreation, outdoor leadership and outdoor education. It is useful for industry organisations, policymakers, professionals and those working towards outdoor activity qualifications. It is also a valuable resource for supporting related modules on sustainable tourism, consumer behaviour and marketing in tourism.