Reconceptualising adventure tourism

The aim of this chapter is to assess the conceptualisations of adventure tourism offered in the literature, and to ascertain if they reflect contemporary adventure tourism. Definitions and conceptualisations of adventure tourism tend to be framed around three dichotomies: hard and soft; commercial and “original”; and home and away. Whilst these are still relevant today, new research directions are emerging focusing on more relational and reciprocal forms of adventure tourism. In this chapter, we explore three emerging areas of research. First, the interrelationships between the human and non-human worlds, namely active engagement with the natural environment. Second, the reciprocal nature of adventure tourism and enhanced subjective wellbeing. Third, the increasing desire to do good and give back, through philanthropic adventure travel, to charitable causes at home and in the destination.