Exploring the value of holiday preferences and routine activities for understanding tourist victimisation while on holiday

Abstract

Crime risk can affect tourists’ choices of holiday destination, accommodation, and activities. However, victimisation of tourists has received limited attention in existing studies. This paper integrates tourists’ holiday preferences with lifestyles and routine activities explanations to examine the relationship between tourism and victimisation. Using a sample of Australian tourists who travelled to Bali or the British Isles (N = 1027), we demonstrate the usefulness of this integrated approach in understanding the risk of theft while on holiday. We found that tourists aspiring to be adventurous, but opting for pre-arranged package holidays and spending most of their time with other tourists, were most vulnerable to theft from their person. The findings can help ensure that security measures target those who will benefit it the most.