How does adventure sport tourism enhance well-being? A conceptual model

Abstract

Sport tourism literature has paid limited attention to the psychological well-being benefits derived from participating in this form of tourism. This is especially the case for adventure sport tourism, which is characterised by travel to a destination to participate in an adventure sport event, such as competitive surfing or mountain biking. Through an analysis of the contemporary literature regarding adventure sport, tourism, and psychological well-being, we propose a conceptual model of the psychological processes underlying well-being outcomes for adventure sport tourists. The conceptual model explains how adventure sport tourism participation affects hedonic and eudaimonic psychological well-being via the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and nature connectedness. We argue that this conceptual model has the potential to advance knowledge in relation to the theory, practice, and design of adventure sport tourism. We outline research propositions emanating from the conceptual model and directions for future research on adventure sport tourism and psychological well-being.