Papers by Julia Giddy
Proceedings of the Society of South African Geography Bi-Annual Conference , 2016
Climate has been repeatedly shown to influence tourist perceptions of a destination, consumer beh... more Climate has been repeatedly shown to influence tourist perceptions of a destination, consumer behaviour, and their overall satisfaction. However, day-to-day weather has a greater impact on the experiences of tourists during their travels. South Africa, marketed for its favourable climate and dependent on outdoor tourism activities, provides an interesting case in which to investigate some of these concepts. Using data obtained from questionnaires administered to Americans who have visited South Africa in last 10 years, this paper demonstrates that climate is not an important motivation for visiting South Africa. The results also show that isolated negative experiences with weather do not impact overall perceptions of the climate of the region during their holiday. However, weather did appear to impact the ability of a significant number of respondents to participate in specific activities. Therefore, the significance of weather in the motivations, perceptions, and satisfaction of international tourists to South Africa needs to be considered, due to the threat that this will likely pose to tourism in the country under climate change projections for the next half century. Considerable future research is needed on the interplay between weather, climate and tourism in South Africa in order to accurately assess the current and potential future impacts of changing weather conditions on the tourism industry.
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Slum tourism is becoming increasingly popular in cities throughout the global South. South Africa... more Slum tourism is becoming increasingly popular in cities throughout the global South. South Africa has long been a township/slum tourism destination due to the inequalities caused by apartheid. During the later apartheid years and after the fall of apartheid in 1994, the once upmarket financial centre of inner city Johannesburg took a major economic downturn and has since been considered by many a 'no-go zone.' Since 2012, a number of tour operators have begun to develop walking tours taking visitors into the inner city of Johannesburg. Some research has argued that tourism in Johannesburg's inner city is a form of slum tourism. However, we argue that the inner city of Johannesburg is diverse, vast, and complex and therefore these walking tours should not necessarily be grouped with the concept of slum tourism. The research to justify this argument is multifaceted. First, definitions of slum tourism are explored against the backdrop of the Johannesburg inner city. Second, in-depth interviews were conducted with five tour operators that run inner city walking tours. Finally, 100 tourists were surveyed to determine their perceptions of inner city Johannesburg and whether or not they consider it to be a slum. The results demonstrate that although some commonalities exist between slum tourism and inner city walking tours, particularly the goal of de-stigmatization, walking tours in the Johannesburg inner city should, arguably, not be considered a form of slum tourism.
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Inherent in most definitions of adventure tourism is the fact that it takes place in natural outd... more Inherent in most definitions of adventure tourism is the fact that it takes place in natural outdoor settings. Yet, the influence of this setting on the behaviour of adventure tourism consumers has yet to be adequately addressed. This study, therefore, investigates the relative strength and nature of environmental influences on adventure tourists in both motivations for participation and in the context of the experience. The results are based on questionnaires collected from 459 participants in adventure tourism activities along the southern coast of South Africa. They show that, although the majority of research on adventure tourism focuses on the ‘thrill’ involved, the environment is increasingly recognized as influential. The assessment of motivations, using a push and pull factor approach, demonstrates that the environment not only plays an important role in attracting adventure tourists towards specific destinations, but that they also seek out interactions with nature. In addition, participants suggested that the environment is an especially significant component of their experiences. The fact that the findings demonstrate the importance of the environment in both the motivations and experiences of adventure tourism participants, means that such an approach would make a definite contribution to discussions, planning, and policy linked to the adventure tourism industry.
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There is great potential for the development of adventure tourism in Southern Africa for a number... more There is great potential for the development of adventure tourism in Southern Africa for a number of reasons. One is the variety of landscapes provided by South Africa's natural environment that are suitable for adventure tourism activities, many of which remain relatively pristine. In addition, the development of adventure tourism has significant potential to uplift local communities through local economic development strategies due to the relatively low capital needed to establish many activities considered adventure tourism. However, very little research exists on this important industry in the South African context. Th is research note, therefore, highlights three important aspects of adventure tourism development in South Africa. First, the challenges facing the adventure tourism industry are addressed. Three of the most significant challenges to its development are the need for specific skills among staff , the use of adventure tourism as a pro-poor development strategy, and environmental management concerns associated with adventure tourism. Next, an overview of existing research is given, much of which has focused on specific adventure activities and destinations in South Africa. Finally, and most importantly, a detailed outline is offered of further research that would assist in the management and development of adventure tourism in South Africa in the future.
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Adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. As a unique form... more Adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. As a unique form of nature-based tourism, in that it involves active engagement with nature, the relationship between the adventure tourism industry and the environment has yet to be adequately explored. The vital role of the environment in adventure tourism has been mentioned throughout literature, but the environmental perspectives of adventure tourism operators are largely unknown. This study examines the attitudes and practices of adventure tourism operators through data collected from five companies in the Tsitsikamma, South Africa, a hot-spot for adventure tourism in a unique environment. It first demonstrates the wide spectrum of initiatives taken by different adventure tourism companies that operate within this unique and fragile environment. The results also show that this group of adventure guides do have some sense of environmental awareness, though environmental values were, generally, relatively low when compared with other similar studies. However, this group of adventure guides do demonstrate a number of behaviours taken to minimize the environmental impact of these activities.
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Adventure tourism is currently one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the tourism industry (Bu... more Adventure tourism is currently one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the tourism industry (Buckley 2010). The grandeur, diversity and relative pristine environment of the Eastern Cape of South Africa provide an ideal landscape for adventure recreation opportunities which contribute to the branding of the region as the “Adventure Province.” The Tsitsikamma, located on the western side of the province along the well-known South African Garden Route, has developed into an adventure destination. The unique combination of lush forests, the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, and the massive gorges lend themselves to adventure recreation. This area, and particularly Storms River Village, with its five adventure tourism operations, forms the locational focus of this paper. The purpose is to examine the role of the environment as a motivation for participation in nature-based, adventure tourism. Although the definition of what constitutes adventure tourism is widely debated and continuously exp...
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Despite the consensus that the environment plays an important role in adventure tourism (AT), the... more Despite the consensus that the environment plays an important role in adventure tourism (AT), the strength of the environment in attracting participation in AT has yet to be adequately investigated. This chapter seeks to explore this research opportunity by re-examining both sides of the human-environment relationship within the AT context. Particular attention is given to the attractive force of the environment amongst participants in five different adventure activities in the Tsitsikamma region of South Africa. The findings show the relative strength of environmental influences on AT motivations and experiences as well as participants’ perceptions of environmental impact in the context of these activities. They demonstrate that the environment plays an important but varying role in AT motivations and experiences while perceptions of environmental impact are relatively low and homogeneous. Keywords: adventure tourism, human-environment interaction, motivations, environmental impact.
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Adventure tourism (AT) is currently one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the
tourism industr... more Adventure tourism (AT) is currently one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the
tourism industry. Most of the research on AT motivations tends to focus on the ‘risk/
thrill’ element, while the role of the environment is rarely discussed. This gap has
implications not only for tourism studies but for geographic research as well. Against
the above background, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the
environment as a motivation for participation in five different nature-based AT
activities in the Tsitsikamma area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The examination of
the role of the environment is made through a ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factor approach to
motivations exhibited by commercial AT participants. The results show that, although
the environment is not always the most important motivation factor, it does still play
a fundamental role in nature-based AT motivations among participants, particularly
in the context of certain activities. The different results associated with the five
activities investigated also highlight the fact that AT motivations should not be
generalised.
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Conference Presentations by Julia Giddy
Adventure tourism (AT) is currently one of the fastest growing tourism sectors (Buckley, 2010). I... more Adventure tourism (AT) is currently one of the fastest growing tourism sectors (Buckley, 2010). It typically involves activities, often in an outdoor setting, that incorporate some element of risk (Hall 1992). The influence of human-environment interaction on AT has been widely acknowledged (Pomfret 2011; Williams & Soutar 2005; Bell & Lyall 2002) but has yet to be adequately investigated. More specifically, although there has been some research on the influence of humans on the environment in the AT context (Buckley 2010; Buckley et al. 2001), the influence of the environment on humans, particularly the consumer behaviour of AT participants, deserves further attention. This study seeks to examine the influence of environmental perspectives on the motivations of participants in AT. It focuses on participants across a range of commercial AT activities along the Cape South Coast in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa. The area, a popular tourism destination, is known for its unique environment and dramatic landscape. In recent years, there has been a growth in adventure operations as well as a focus on adventure opportunities in marketing strategies across this region (Gardenroute.org 2014; Knysna Tourism 2014).
The research was conducted on participants in eight different adventure tourism activities along the Cape South Coast, from Gansbaai in the West to the Tsitsikamma in the East. The purpose of this study is to examine the motivations of participants in commercial AT activities with respect to their general environmental values. Data was obtained from questionnaires using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Environmental values were assessed using Dunlap, Liere, Mertig and Jones’ (2000) well-tested revised 15-item New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale while motivations were assessed using a 28-item scale derived from literature and adapted for this specific purpose. Initial findings have shown discrepancies in both environmental values and motivations of participants based on activity. Early tests have shown that participants in certain activities tend to have stronger environmental values and these same activities seem to also be associated with stronger environment-oriented motivations.
There are many managerial implications that will potentially arise from this data. First, the influence of the environment and environmental perceptions is important in understanding consumer behavior in environmentally-focused tourism destinations and industries. Second, the differences in participant profiles as well as motivations of participants in different types of adventure tourism activities have implications in determining the ability to generalize the AT industry. Finally, identification of the environmental perspectives of participants can assist in efforts to mitigate environmental impact through increased visitor awareness. Operators will also be able to identify environmental issues that participants find most concerning, and gear efforts towards improving visitor behavior in these sensitive environments based on the specific concerns of clients.
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Adventure tourism is currently one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the tourism industry (Bu... more Adventure tourism is currently one of the fastest growing sub-sectors of the tourism industry (Buckley 2010). The grandeur, diversity and relative pristine environment of the Eastern Cape of South Africa provide an ideal landscape for adventure recreation opportunities which contribute to the branding of the region as the “Adventure Province.” The Tsitsikamma, located on the western side of the province along the well-known South African Garden Route, has developed into an adventure destination. The unique combination of lush forests, the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, and the massive gorges lend themselves to adventure recreation. This area, and particularly Storms River Village, with its five adventure tourism operations, forms the locational focus of this paper.
The purpose is to examine the role of the environment as a motivation for participation in nature-based, adventure tourism. Although the definition of what constitutes adventure tourism is widely debated and continuously expanded, it traditionally refers to physical outdoor activities which take place in a natural setting and involve some aspects of risk (Swarbrooke et al 2003). Most of the research on adventure tourism motivations tends to focus on the “risk/thrill” element, while the role of the environment in nature-based adventure tourism is rarely discussed. It is this “gap” which the paper seeks to fill. The examination of the role of the environment is made through an analysis of motivations exhibited by adventure tourism participants. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to participants across five different companies operating out of the Tsitsikamma region. Respondents were asked to rank six possible motivation factors on a Likert-type scale. The results show that, although the environment is not always the most significant motivation factor, it does still play a significant role in nature-based adventure tourism motivations amongst participants. The implication is that the role of the environment should not be underestimated in any discussion of adventure tourism motivations.
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Papers by Julia Giddy
tourism industry. Most of the research on AT motivations tends to focus on the ‘risk/
thrill’ element, while the role of the environment is rarely discussed. This gap has
implications not only for tourism studies but for geographic research as well. Against
the above background, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the
environment as a motivation for participation in five different nature-based AT
activities in the Tsitsikamma area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The examination of
the role of the environment is made through a ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factor approach to
motivations exhibited by commercial AT participants. The results show that, although
the environment is not always the most important motivation factor, it does still play
a fundamental role in nature-based AT motivations among participants, particularly
in the context of certain activities. The different results associated with the five
activities investigated also highlight the fact that AT motivations should not be
generalised.
Conference Presentations by Julia Giddy
The research was conducted on participants in eight different adventure tourism activities along the Cape South Coast, from Gansbaai in the West to the Tsitsikamma in the East. The purpose of this study is to examine the motivations of participants in commercial AT activities with respect to their general environmental values. Data was obtained from questionnaires using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Environmental values were assessed using Dunlap, Liere, Mertig and Jones’ (2000) well-tested revised 15-item New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale while motivations were assessed using a 28-item scale derived from literature and adapted for this specific purpose. Initial findings have shown discrepancies in both environmental values and motivations of participants based on activity. Early tests have shown that participants in certain activities tend to have stronger environmental values and these same activities seem to also be associated with stronger environment-oriented motivations.
There are many managerial implications that will potentially arise from this data. First, the influence of the environment and environmental perceptions is important in understanding consumer behavior in environmentally-focused tourism destinations and industries. Second, the differences in participant profiles as well as motivations of participants in different types of adventure tourism activities have implications in determining the ability to generalize the AT industry. Finally, identification of the environmental perspectives of participants can assist in efforts to mitigate environmental impact through increased visitor awareness. Operators will also be able to identify environmental issues that participants find most concerning, and gear efforts towards improving visitor behavior in these sensitive environments based on the specific concerns of clients.
The purpose is to examine the role of the environment as a motivation for participation in nature-based, adventure tourism. Although the definition of what constitutes adventure tourism is widely debated and continuously expanded, it traditionally refers to physical outdoor activities which take place in a natural setting and involve some aspects of risk (Swarbrooke et al 2003). Most of the research on adventure tourism motivations tends to focus on the “risk/thrill” element, while the role of the environment in nature-based adventure tourism is rarely discussed. It is this “gap” which the paper seeks to fill. The examination of the role of the environment is made through an analysis of motivations exhibited by adventure tourism participants. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to participants across five different companies operating out of the Tsitsikamma region. Respondents were asked to rank six possible motivation factors on a Likert-type scale. The results show that, although the environment is not always the most significant motivation factor, it does still play a significant role in nature-based adventure tourism motivations amongst participants. The implication is that the role of the environment should not be underestimated in any discussion of adventure tourism motivations.
tourism industry. Most of the research on AT motivations tends to focus on the ‘risk/
thrill’ element, while the role of the environment is rarely discussed. This gap has
implications not only for tourism studies but for geographic research as well. Against
the above background, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the
environment as a motivation for participation in five different nature-based AT
activities in the Tsitsikamma area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The examination of
the role of the environment is made through a ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factor approach to
motivations exhibited by commercial AT participants. The results show that, although
the environment is not always the most important motivation factor, it does still play
a fundamental role in nature-based AT motivations among participants, particularly
in the context of certain activities. The different results associated with the five
activities investigated also highlight the fact that AT motivations should not be
generalised.
The research was conducted on participants in eight different adventure tourism activities along the Cape South Coast, from Gansbaai in the West to the Tsitsikamma in the East. The purpose of this study is to examine the motivations of participants in commercial AT activities with respect to their general environmental values. Data was obtained from questionnaires using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Environmental values were assessed using Dunlap, Liere, Mertig and Jones’ (2000) well-tested revised 15-item New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale while motivations were assessed using a 28-item scale derived from literature and adapted for this specific purpose. Initial findings have shown discrepancies in both environmental values and motivations of participants based on activity. Early tests have shown that participants in certain activities tend to have stronger environmental values and these same activities seem to also be associated with stronger environment-oriented motivations.
There are many managerial implications that will potentially arise from this data. First, the influence of the environment and environmental perceptions is important in understanding consumer behavior in environmentally-focused tourism destinations and industries. Second, the differences in participant profiles as well as motivations of participants in different types of adventure tourism activities have implications in determining the ability to generalize the AT industry. Finally, identification of the environmental perspectives of participants can assist in efforts to mitigate environmental impact through increased visitor awareness. Operators will also be able to identify environmental issues that participants find most concerning, and gear efforts towards improving visitor behavior in these sensitive environments based on the specific concerns of clients.
The purpose is to examine the role of the environment as a motivation for participation in nature-based, adventure tourism. Although the definition of what constitutes adventure tourism is widely debated and continuously expanded, it traditionally refers to physical outdoor activities which take place in a natural setting and involve some aspects of risk (Swarbrooke et al 2003). Most of the research on adventure tourism motivations tends to focus on the “risk/thrill” element, while the role of the environment in nature-based adventure tourism is rarely discussed. It is this “gap” which the paper seeks to fill. The examination of the role of the environment is made through an analysis of motivations exhibited by adventure tourism participants. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to participants across five different companies operating out of the Tsitsikamma region. Respondents were asked to rank six possible motivation factors on a Likert-type scale. The results show that, although the environment is not always the most significant motivation factor, it does still play a significant role in nature-based adventure tourism motivations amongst participants. The implication is that the role of the environment should not be underestimated in any discussion of adventure tourism motivations.