The role of place attachment in adventure tourism: a systematic literature review

Adventure tourism has emerged as a rapidly expanding sector, driven by travellers seeking immersive, high-intensity, and nature-based experiences. Unlike conventional tourism, adventure tourism emphasizes physical engagement, risk, and personal transformation, making place attachment a crucial yet underexplored factor in understanding tourist behaviour. This systematic literature review (SLR) examines how place attachment has been conceptualized in tourism studies, the most relevant dimensions of place attachment in adventure tourism, and its impact on destination loyalty and revisitation. Using the PRISMA approach, 51 studies were initially identified, with 17 meeting the inclusion criteria for further analysis. The findings reveal that place attachment in adventure tourism is shaped by four primary dimensions: place identity, place dependence, place affect, and social bonding, though their significance varies depending on tourist motivations and activity types. Unlike heritage or cultural tourists who form deep emotional bonds with destinations over time, adventure tourists often prioritize novelty and mobility, leading to a paradox in their attachment behaviours. While strong place attachment can foster repeat visitation and advocacy behaviours, many adventure tourists exhibit indirect loyalty, promoting destinations through word-of-mouth rather than repeat visits. The study highlights the need for destination managers to cultivate emotional connections through branding, storytelling, and sustainability initiatives. Future research should explore the temporal aspects of place attachment and its impact on tourist satisfaction and long-term engagement. This review contributes to the growing discourse on psychological and behavioural aspects of adventure tourism, offering insights for both academia and industry practitioners.

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