Abstract:
Though regarded as a “soft” adventure activity, the growing popularity of hiking has led to increased
documentation of associated risks and unfortunate incidents. Various systems are being used to facilitate
adequate trail management to prevent risks, and information provision through accreditation
systems provides a means to manage risk perceptions. However, little research has been done on the
influence of accreditation systems on consumers’ decision-making and buying behaviour within the
adventure tourism context. This study took a quantitative approach to measure the importance of and
future intended response towards trail accreditation among a sample of 926 hiking tourists in South
Africa. A hypothetical country-wide implementation of a case study accreditation system was presented
to respondents. The study indicates safety-related information as one of the key components
of an accreditation system. It also demonstrates a link between trustworthy information, accreditation,
and future hiking participation through addressing perceptions of risk.
