Abstract
In this chapter, the authors examine adventure tourist experiences before, during, and after activity participation. Traditional notions linking the adventure experience to risk and thrills are explored alongside more contemporaneous experiences. The Western-oriented adventure tourist experience as a globalised phenomenon is examined against localised, culturally diverse, and inclusive experiences of adventure. In this light, the authors offer reflections from Western and non-Western adventure tourism engagement. They further explore the notion of adventure tourist experiences from non-Western perspectives, such as spiritual tourism involving adventure, and localised microadventure tourism popular in traditional societies. Through this comparative analysis, this chapter tries to clarify the types of adventure tourists and their lived experiences influenced by socio-cultural, religious, and economic factors. The themes examined point to a more holistic understanding of adventure tourists’ choices in relation to the type of adventure activity or programme, and level of engagement for optimum experience and benefits. These have implications for management initiatives.