The Basics of Adventure Tourism, Its Appeal and Types - Essay Example

Adventure Tourism Introduction Adventure tourism is fast gaining ground. This essay analyses the basics of adventure tourism, the appeal, and the various types of adventure tourism products. The impacts it creates are discussed and the risks faced and the methods to try to counter these are also discussed. Adventure tourism is an upcoming industry and as in any business model, it needs to be researched, evaluated and managed. Beyond all this we have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect our environment for future progeny as responsible inhabitants of this planet. Adventure Tourism Defined “Adventure tourism” is a type of niche tourism involving exploration or travel to remote areas, where the traveller should expect the unexpected. Due to the element of surprise and risk, the challenges and the testing of the limits of the participants it involves, it has been gaining popularity, as the unusualness of the holidays rather than the typical vacations has been appealing. Adventure tourism is rapidly growing in popularity as tourists seek unusual holidays, different from the typical beach vacation. Adventure tourism may be a combination of travelling into generally involves travelling into remote, inaccessible and possibly hostile areas. It may require a certain minimal level of physical fitness and courage and determination to go through with the tour. (Source from website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_tourism) Adventure Travel may be “hard” with high levels of risk, requiring intense physical fitness and greater skills, like climbing Mt. Everest or white water rafting in rapids. It can be “soft“ with a perceived risk but actually “doctored” levels of real risk requiring minimal commitment and low skill level often insulated by supervision from experienced guides like hot air ballooning or hang gliding. There are different types of these tours with subtle differences. Eco tours are often undertaken in small groups and try to be conducted with minimal impact to the environment and the local community. They may be soft or hard adventures often accompanied by a tour guide well versed in native geographies. Some of them aim to be educational. Nature-tourism involves interaction with nature for observation and recreation. The Appeal More holidays, more disposable income and more transportation options have encouraged people to get out more. Vacations have become a necessity to get away from the fast paced life. Added to this health consciousness has risen among today’s societies and the incentive to be healthy and fit has encouraged the love of the outdoors. Vacations create that time for bonding even among families that are on the run during daily routines. With more destinations becoming more accessible and technology getting information out far and near, the interest to explore the unknown has peaked. Overall a sense of accomplishment and an insatiable thirst for challenge and self-esteem has led the tourist seek thrills and adventure even when on vacations. Adventure tourism that offers the lure of the outdoors, a time for families and individuals to come together socially, accommodates skill levels from low and high, and an exploration of the unknown has motivated more and more people to indulge in it. The Realities It must be remembered though with Adventure travel there are a lot of unknowns in the picture. It may range from little to no itinerary and the inability to control a lot of the factors. Exotic locations may not be easily accessible. Weather conditions may change at the last moment making it unwise to continue. Allergies and injuries may cut the vacations short. Equipment breakdowns may throw schedules off. A positive outlook, an ability to take it in its stride and adjust, and a passion to explore is definitely required attributes to embark on this mode of tourism. Political upheavals, strikes, and natural disasters may cause cancellations. A destination under a constant onslaught of these kinds of scenarios often loses their place as a strong tourist attraction. The Activities Adventure travellers of today have myriad options. Activities may be based on land like camping and mountain climbing, water based like water-skiing and scuba diving, or air based like hot air ballooning etc. Imagination is the only limit and activities can include intense bungee jumping or a very low impact exploration of an archaeological site or a trip to an endangered rainforest. (Source: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1145/is_n9_v30/ai_17498061) Sustainable Tourism This is being debated long and hard. Sustainable tourism, tries to utilize adventure travel as a means of creating aids to preserve and conserve tourist locales. It tries to create a symbiotic relationship between man and his environment that will enhance the natural resources. Although it sounds extremely idealistic, it adds a value that is very appealing to the socially conscious tourist. However, it needs to be done and adopted on an extremely large scale and has to be inculcated as early as possible in a community as a whole in order that any benefits may be achieved. (Source: Impacts of Adventure Tourism - Social, Economical and Environmental by Jubenville, Twight, Becker) Economic Development Tourism creates both direct and indirect employment in support. Direct employment would be the result of increase in accommodations, travel agents and agencies and travel operators. Indirect employment will be the employment generated by building of the infrastructure, like road constructions, bridge constructions etc. The emergence of tourism in any location creates better efficiencies by extension of increase in existing facilities. Tourism ideally offers diversified support to existing businesses like agriculture or farming and when implemented successfully, local communities are strongly benefited when they extend themselves to cater the tourists and it betters economic development. Seasonal fall in income due to farming etc. may be offset by tourist incomes. This is especially true of more remote or isolated areas and this betters their scope for income. By encouraging the local development in these areas, of tourism businesses and support enterprises, economic developers can magnify the economic impact to the area significantly. (Pigram, Jenkins, 2002) However there are definitely some disadvantages. The local ecosystem and interests need more funds to be preserved and maintained. Locals may not exactly get well-paid jobs. They may get laid off during off seasons. Their local artefacts get commercialised in order to be economically viable. Actual profits may flow more into the bigger players rather than the local small timers. Inefficient performance by the local adventure provider may cause a fall in visitor levels. Improperly regulated efforts cause more confusion and whittle away the profits. Equipment may be imported to cater to visitor interest sidelining locally made goods that are unable to compete with technological mass production. (Source http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/library/st%20in%20prot.areas/BP8-3.pdf) Sufficient evaluation is necessary to determine the economic benefits. The economic benefits need to be carefully balanced against the adverse effects. This would depend on the activities that will be the primary appeal in the sector, the seasonal levels associated with it, whether it will add to current problems or genuinely solve them. Also too much dependence on tourism may cause downfalls when the tourist changes his tastes and preferences in the activity and shifts away from the locale. Social impacts Social effects are seen extensively in developing countries, when locals compare the affluence of the visitors that contrasts sharply with their current economic scenario. An increase in the number of visitors brings in problems associated with increased crime, and antisocial behaviour. Cultural differences in clothing and social behaviour especially often trigger unrest in the local indigenous crowd. (Pigram, Jenkins, 2002) Local cultural dances and ethnic meals are modified and tailored to cater to the adventure seeking audience. Although change in any society is imminent, these impacts create a lot of tension among the existing society due to sudden exposure to varied cultures. These impacts are more if the society is drawn into it, without being consulted or involved. A unified cultural bonding and a nationalistic effort at support when it exists are often able to counter these impacts. Environmental impacts The environmental impacts are numerous, gradual and cumulative. The increase in infrastructure arrangements due to creating trails, cutting down trees and more demand on local resources like water and sewage, creates subtle imbalance in the ecosystem that builds up over time. Soil erosion and compaction lead to changes in climatic trends over long periods. Transportation used creates emission issues and noise problems. Boats and canoes and rafts affect aquatic and marine species, while oil spills endanger them. Land transports and human traffic may upset tame species and endanger existing creatures from the “species of no interest” to a threatened bird or animal. Wildlife intrinsic behaviour may be affected. Carelessness may start fire hazards and littering creates its own list of problems. Governmental and environmental agencies have an increased awareness now that has translated into stricter norms and regulations on tourism industry. More environmentally compatible procedures and minimal impact due to activities undertaken need to be monitored and evaluated. Sustainability of locales and eco and nature based tourism are now gaining ground. Adventure travel has evolved into having fun while doing good as well. Adventure Travel - Risks and Mitigation Wilderness and adventure travel has attracted a growing number of participants. Many adventure travellers are inadequately prepared for their trip and are often ignorant about associated risks. Knowledge is power and cannot be emphasized enough about its necessity for a safe a memorable trip. Risks need to be carefully assessed and where possible avoided entirely, transferred for another lower risk or reduced to an acceptable level. Sufficient operation procedures must be in place in order that the safety of all involved is accepted to be paramount and not compromised for any reason. (Dougherty, 1998) Environmental conditions The environment needless to say is a key component of adventure tourist packages. This is definitely beyond control, but with modern technology, weather and environmental hazards can be predicted up to a good level of accuracy. Sudden changes may be unexpected and drastic. When it is not a key component of the adventure itself, it should be avoided if the conditions are not favourable. For example cliffs should be avoided during heavy rains especially if landslides are common in that zone. Avalanches are prevalent in certain zones and these must be marked and participants moved away from them. When weather is part of the challenge sufficient information must be provided to the participants to make informed decisions, ably supported by actual data and experienced guides. High altitudes exacerbate severe weather due to the lack of sufficient shelter from the extremes. Therefore extra care must be taken since it can amplify the effects of sun, or the glare of snow, and reduce oxygenated air. Equipment Equipment is another important aspect. Faulty equipment or an improperly maintained device will lead to calamities, loss or injury to participants and costly litigations for the operator. The only way to address this is to exercise utmost caution and care to equipment used. Equipment may be clothing, safety devices, or the tools used for getting the task done. All equipment must adhere to code regulations and comply with desired safety standards. It should be maintained and checked regularly for faults, breakages, frays, cuts and nicks. All maintenance and repairs must be thoroughly documented. It should be replaced when its utility ceases without procrastinating. In short it must be equipped to perform the function required to the standard needed. The adventure traveller who needs to bring his own attire or equipment should also be instructed beforehand. Shorts may be great for hiking but it would be more prudent to cover his legs with thicker denim to protect him from the insect population in the woods. Insufficient winter clothing will cause predisposition to hypothermia and frostbite. Similarly any device he brings needs to be checked out too. If the tour operator provides the attire, like a wetsuit or a scuba mask or a life jacket, it should be the right size for the participant and fit him well. The participant should be comfortable with using the equipment. Firm instructions about emergency procedures need to be given in order that the participant is able to react if something goes wrong. Skill level and Endurance Sufficient research and analysis needs to be done before embarking on any adventure travel requiring a level of skills or training. Low risk, low intensity activities like bicycling or hiking are easier to handle by most people. Extreme adventures like bungee jumping and mountain climbing require greater stamina and fitness and skill levels. There have been many instances of participants pushing themselves beyond their limits and facing grave consequences. Travellers may also falsify their skill levels in order that they are challenged the way they want to be. It is very important to understand participant limitations. They have to be informed every step of the way about the skill and endurance limit expected for the completion of the task. Maturity of the participant should be gauged on skill level and not age. Close supervision aided with the authority to decide to abort if the participant is struggling is necessary and sensible to mitigate grave consequences. Health and Injury Health problems and injuries sustained are the worst nightmares of any form of adventure. Dealing with these issues should be oriented more towards prevention methods than tackling it after it occurs. Everyone is at risk when performing an activity and the risk increases as the intensity and level of the activity increases. Predisposed medical conditions in individuals need to be documented before the trip. These individuals need greater monitoring due to the increase in probability of the risks. For example, a low sugar condition due to increase in exercise is common in diabetics, or people with angina may become symptomatic when encountering strong emotions like fear or shock or an adrenaline rush because of the activity. Seizures in the water for patients with epilepsy are more serious. Therefore the tour operator must be well informed. Physicians are frequently asked to provide medical clearance and to complete medical release forms to travellers. To provide better advice, the physician should be familiar with the rigors and difficulty of these activities and must consider the potential environment hazards and remoteness of the intended area of travel. This will enable proper immunizations and vaccinations to be completed depending on area of travel well before the actual date so that their preventive effects are in place. Tour operators must be able to provide actual remedial action within their limits as informed by the participants. Infrastructure to transport injured participants in case of medical emergency should be part of the plan. Risks can be countered by information and knowledge. Participants must have sufficient health insurance and travel insurance necessary should it be required. Tour operators need to be informed about medical options in the tour area. Participants should be advised to carry water to avoid dehydration. Alcohol and mid altering substances should be avoided. Antihistamines and sleeping pills if taken, intense activity should be avoided until the effects wear off. Using sun block is recommended. Insect bites and stings range from harmless to being really fatal and being causative of different diseases. Insect repellents help in reducing this problem. Acclimatization intervals for participants, sufficient breaks between activities depending on individual limits, and wearing clothing that does not attract insects or animals or marine creatures will be essential. Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and participants withheld from activity until good enough to return to the task. Nutrition Nutrition and sufficient fluids are essential when energy requirements are high. Sufficient calories need to be taken and to maintain energy levels. For people with medical problems, nutritional needs will end up being more demanding. Local foods may not be agreeable to all the participants. Unknown ingredients may trigger allergies that may be life threatening in some cases. Severe wild foods when sampled may cause unwanted reactions. Above all, waterborne infections are possible especially in remote areas and isolated destinations, and therefore, clean safe potable water must be provided diligently. (Source website http://www.icis.unimaas.nl/news/downs/poster_adventuretourism.pdf) Expertise of Provider The expertise of the travel operator contributes a lot to the success of the adventure tour. Sufficient native knowledge, the creative skills, careful research and strong business acumen supported by genuine social concern for the environment is a winning combination for success. A balance of managing and marketing expertise with adventuring proficiency provides the best foundation for successful adventure tourism. Evolving Adventure Tourism - Examples Tourists with conscience have now turned to adventures with a purpose. Consider this article in Newsweek. (Source http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7369815/site/newsweek/) This is obviously a welcome trend due to the socially conscious tourist. “Trekforce Expeditions, a U.K.-based charity that sends 18- to 38-year-olds into the jungles of Belize or Borneo to help with conservation, starts each trip with jungle training. Experts teach volunteers about "all the venomous, non-venomous snakes, all the bugs and the beasties, the biting bits and bobs," says managing director Rob Murray. Once the volunteers know which insects to avoid, they begin the real work: building visitor centres, clearing trails or planting hardwood trees that help regenerate forests after heavy logging. Such hardships dont come cheap. A four-week Trekforce trip costs about £1,800 and a five-month tour up to £3,900—not including airfare. But depending on their country of origin, most volunteers can deduct a hefty portion of the trip on their taxes. And since Trekforce is a charity, volunteers can also raise money from friends and colleagues to fund their trips.” Hunting game has always been a popular male adventure sport. Adventure tourism has now evolved to combine hunting game while at the same time, the profits generated are being funnelled back into the local community as per the case study in Zimbabwe. (Source http://www.sustainabletourism.net/cs_destination.html) “Tourism development has helped many of Zimbabwes poorer rural communities as part of the Communal Areas Management Programme For Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE). Through CAMPFIRE, foreign visitors buy licences to hunt wildlife within certain quotas. As well as keeping wildlife numbers at sustainable limits, the profits from these licences and the sale of meat and skins of the animals is ploughed back into local communities to build new schools, wells and health clinics. Is tourism under threat in Zimbabwe as there have been fuel shortages and many tourism resorts are owned by white landowners and community tourism initiatives feel they cannot attract tourists.” Conclusion Adventure tourism is multi dimensional. On one side it satisfies the desire for challenge and the urge to come alive in individuals. Adventure travel depends a great deal on the resilience of the individual to understand and accept travel truly for what it is. Risk is a key facet of adventure travel and there are bound to be scratches, sunburn, frostbite and sore muscles stings and insect bites. But it also leads to diverse and exotic locations and if environmentally aware it allows giving back to this wide planet. The activities are restricted only by imagination and the choice of locales is endless. Coupled with sustainability and environmental ethics, it is no wonder more and more people are ready to embark on this journey. 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(1987) Tourism in Protected areas [Online] Retrieved from website http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/library/st%20in%20prot.areas/BP8-3.pdf on April 6, 2006 Out on a limb Advice for the adventure traveller [Online] Retrieved from website http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/out_limb-en.asp on April 6, 2006 Sustainable tourism.net Case studies [Online] Retrieved from website http://www.sustainabletourism.net/cs_destination.html on April 6, 2006 Conant, Eve Have Fun Doing Good, Newsweek International April 11/18 Issue [Online] Retrieved from website http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7369815/site/newsweek/ on April 6, 2006 Pigram, John J, Jenkins John M Outdoor Recreation Management Routledge Advances in Tourism, Taylor and Francis Group London & NY (2002) Read More