Do adventure educational elements support a better outdoor experience in tourism?
Felden, Anne (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120633565
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120633565
Tiivistelmä
This thesis work investigated the impact of adventure educational elements in multiday kayaking. The case study examined four different commercial expeditions conducted around Lefkada and its surrounding Ionnian Islands in Greece. The purpose was to explore whether or not the implementation of adventure educational components adds value to the customer experience.
The development plan was commissioned by Trekking Hellas Lefkada with the aim of learning about the overall customer satisfaction and future development possibilities of their multiday kayaking products. With a knowledge base leaning on theories in adventure, adventure education and Adventure Tourism, the research was executed by implementing and facilitating adventure educational activities, observing the group engagement and lastly gathering feedback on one9s experience from the participants in form of a survey.
The objective was to identify the impact the adventure educational activities had on the overall customer satisfaction and if they contributed to an improved tour experience. The results show that utilizing Adventure Education and implementing adventure educational activities positively affect and contribute to the outdoor experience in commercial kayaking expeditions, for participants and guides alike.
The implemented tools such as challenge by choice, active reflection, skill development, engagement and team-work enhanced the participants9 self-confidence, physical and mental resilience and impacted their values, self-perception as well as environmental consciousness.
The research shows that outdoor tours, even of commercial nature, benefit from the inclusion of pedagogically facilitated adventure educational tools. The multiday kayaking expeditions provide excellent opportunities for learning, development and forming lasting experiences.
The results provide Trekking Hellas Lefkada information and feedback on the beneficial impact adventure educational tools have on their clients, contributing to an overall increased positive expedition experience. The thesis work presents Trekking Hellas with a finalized activity plan to continue with the utilization of Adventure Education in their tours.
The development plan was commissioned by Trekking Hellas Lefkada with the aim of learning about the overall customer satisfaction and future development possibilities of their multiday kayaking products. With a knowledge base leaning on theories in adventure, adventure education and Adventure Tourism, the research was executed by implementing and facilitating adventure educational activities, observing the group engagement and lastly gathering feedback on one9s experience from the participants in form of a survey.
The objective was to identify the impact the adventure educational activities had on the overall customer satisfaction and if they contributed to an improved tour experience. The results show that utilizing Adventure Education and implementing adventure educational activities positively affect and contribute to the outdoor experience in commercial kayaking expeditions, for participants and guides alike.
The implemented tools such as challenge by choice, active reflection, skill development, engagement and team-work enhanced the participants9 self-confidence, physical and mental resilience and impacted their values, self-perception as well as environmental consciousness.
The research shows that outdoor tours, even of commercial nature, benefit from the inclusion of pedagogically facilitated adventure educational tools. The multiday kayaking expeditions provide excellent opportunities for learning, development and forming lasting experiences.
The results provide Trekking Hellas Lefkada information and feedback on the beneficial impact adventure educational tools have on their clients, contributing to an overall increased positive expedition experience. The thesis work presents Trekking Hellas with a finalized activity plan to continue with the utilization of Adventure Education in their tours.