Substitution interests among active-sport tourists: The case of a cross-country ski event

Abstract

As of 2018, winter active tourism events are being canceled and delayed at increasing rates in the United States due to poor snow conditions, unsafe ice, and warm temperatures. This study explored substitution interests of winter active tourists in the case of a canceled cross-country ski event, with specialization and distance traveled as independent variables. Regardless of specialization and distance travelled, sport tourists are more interested in substituting spatially than substituting activities. This study extends the active tourism literature to include substitution interests in the context of a winter event. Recommendations for activity-consistent adaptation solutions are advanced to match the interests of skiers. This research highlights the considerable agency of tourists and managers to adapt to the changing climate through substitution.