Sport NZ Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library: New Zealand-based sport and recreation research

Language and Perceptions of an Adventure Location in New Zealand Research Completed

Title

Language and Perceptions of an Adventure Location in New Zealand

Lead Author

Ryan, C. & Ruthe, J.

Organisation(s)

The Council for Australasian University Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE)

Publication Year

2002

Publisher

Bureau of Travel Research

Contacts

www.cauthe.org

www.cauthe.org/contact

Further information about the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management and purchasing conference proceedings are available on: www.cauthe.org/services/publications

Abstract

This paper is based upon a sample of 235 Kiwi Experience holidaymakers staying at least one night at a lodge that provides not solely accommodation but also a range of adventure tourism activities: notably white water rafting. The nature of the site, the activities being offered, the way in which the operation is conducted – all create a specific type of experience. The study was prompted by the desire of the proprietors to better understand the visitors’ requirements in order to further increase profitability. However, both the visitor’s book and the usual comments of visitors elicited a restricted language, characterised by terms such as ‘radical’, ‘its great’ and ‘fabulous’. This paper reports one aspect of the study, the language of the visitors, and a way in which this language was broken down into specific themes that revealed insights into the nature of the experience. It is suggested that the findings reinforce the concepts suggested by Dann (2000) derived from an analysis of promotional holiday brochures, and that difference and contrast are important components of the holiday product.

Keywords:

Tourism, Visitors, Participation, Holiday, Recreation, Adventure, Adventure tourism, Kiwi Experience, Commercial

How to access

Published in Proceedings of the 2002 CAUTHE conference - Tourism and Hospitality on the Edge and the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Social research

National

Areas of Focus

Facilities, Outdoor Recreation, Recreation

Population Groups

Tourists

Settings (location)

Other setting, Outdoors