Event management body of knowledge model and risk management in Malaysian small adventure tourism Business

Abstract

Risk is inherent in adventure tourism. Without risk, adventure tourism will lose its excitement and uniqueness. Therefore, managing risk in commercial adventure tourism operations is essential for the safety of travellers. Moreover, improper risk management in adventure tourism businesses may lead to adverse issues such as injuries and accidents. Media frequently highlight the risks involved in adventure tourism after a reported fatal accident. Since 2000, almost four million injuries in adventure tourism have been reported. This situation may cause significant effects and harmful impacts on related businesses and the whole tourism industry. Thus, it is vital for adventure tourism businesses to have an effective tool and model for managing risks effectively to maintain a high reputation and confidence of customers. This study explores whether Malaysian adventure tourism businesses adhere to risk management guidelines or prescribed models. The multiple case study approach was used throughout this study to achieve all its research objectives. The findings from three case studies revealed that the businesses have carried out several risk management practices. However, there is still no reference to specific risk management models that adventure tourism businesses may benchmark. Therefore, this study has proposed the Event Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK) model to enhance risk management practices in Malaysian small adventure tourism businesses. This may reduce injury risk and promote Malaysia's safe adventure tourism environment.