NCJ Number
179894
Journal
International Review of Victimology Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: 1999 Pages: 201-211
Date Published
1999
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper assesses the extent to which tourists are victims of crime.
Abstract
While a number of tourism researchers have considered the relationship between tourism and crime, criminologists have rarely addressed the topic and most of the evidence available is derived from official statistics. This paper uses data from an exploratory survey of people's experiences and perceptions of tourist victimization. Findings indicate that tourists are highly likely to experience crime. Within the victimology field, risk as a function of lifestyle includes: (1) Relative affluence -- affluent tourists and tourists visiting poorer countries may make particularly attractive targets to local criminals; (2) Tourist ignorance -- tourists may be unaware of risky locations and thus visit areas they would otherwise avoid; and (3) A tourism culture of carelessness -- tourists may act in ways that suggest they left cautious behavior at home. Further research on tourists as victims of crime may permit a better understanding of why the crime is so common and how tourists may be better supported when they are victimized. Tables, notes, references