Nicholas James Davies

Who walks, where and why? Practitioners’ observations and perspectives on recreational walkers at UK tourist destinations

ABSTRACT Walking is fundamental and prevalent in all tourist settings. As the most popular activity in natural spaces and managed outdoor recreation areas, it receives less attention in academic literature than it should. This paper conceptualizes recreational walking, using the findings of a UK-based exploratory study. Twenty-three in-depth interviews were undertaken with expert practitioners involved in managing the walking world. The discourse revealed insights into a diverse range of individuals. They demonstrate differing levels of commitment to walking, from short walks for sightseeing purposes to more challenging physical experiences on a more frequent and committed basis. Individual confidence is particularly important in determining how people undertake walks, their level of involvement in the activity, and how they navigate themselves. The findings suggest that walkers can be casual or serious in their interest in walking. These distinctions are useful in separating walking in terms of adventure tourism and other forms of tourism.

The future of transport and tourism: A Delphi approach.

Abstract This paper reports the findings of a Delphi approach survey of 45 experts in the North West of England predicting outcomes in transport and tourism within a 10-year period. The Delphi achieves a broad consensus that tourism will grow in the region despite outbound low cost flights. It predicts little change in transport infrastructure for tourism, transport policy or market values of tourists. It also records a lack of consensus about several dimensions; this is a reflection of perspective regarding sustainable development rather than a sectoral divide.