Athletes as Tourists: The Roles of Mode of Experience and Achievement Orientation

This study uses the concept of mode of experience and achievement goal theory to further our understanding of active sport tourists. Research suggests there are three types of mode (i.e. place, activity and social group) and two types of achievement orientation (i.e. ego, or ‘Being the best’, and task, or ‘Doing your best'). Cluster analyses of athletes attending the 2005 World Masters Games resulted in four groups, all high on activity mode and task orientation, but different in terms of: (1) moderate social group and place modes and either low or moderate ego orientations; and (2) neutral social group and low place modes and either low or moderate ego orientations. Similarities and differences in trip, activity and socio-demographic characteristics were found amongst the four groups. Findings are discussed with regard to support for an active sport tourism taxonomy and framework based on mode of experience and achievement orientation, and practical and conceptual implications are outlined.