Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.22598/at/2019.31.2.179

FROM SERIOUS LEISURE TO CYCLING TOURISM – THE CASE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING

Yechezkel Israeli ; Kinneret Academic College, Israel
Dalit Gasul ; Kinneret Academic College, Israel

Abstract

During the last fi fteen years, there has been an impressive increase in the scope of mountain biking in Israel, particularly evident in the significant investments in open spaces and forest infrastructures, and the sociological changes of the cyclists themselves. Regarding trends in different rural areas in other countries, issues have been raised concerning the degree to which cyclists adopt ‘serious leisure’ patterns, and the degree to which the sport, which is usually identified with leisure activity, is developing as cycling tourism or cycling holidays. This study was based on two cycling surveys with a time gap of eight years, so that it enabled analysis of the cyclists’ characteristics, perceptions, and needs, as well as comparison of changes in these aspects over time. The results indicate that although many characteristics found are similar to trends in other countries, there are some which are specific to a small country and to its social structure.

Keywords

serious leisure; sports tourism; cycling tourism; cycling holiday; holiday cycling

Hrčak ID:

231946

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/231946

Publication date:

22.12.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 1.966 *