Mountain hikes and Levada practitioner’s motivation and experience- characterization

Fernando, Catarina; Lopes, Helder; Noite, João; Rodrigues, Ana; Vieira, Sara; Alves, Ricardo; Prudente, João

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/2831

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Abstract(s)

Madeira Island provides excellent conditions for those who visit its Natural Scenarios due to its variety of landscapes, weather, topography and infrastructures. It is then fundamental to think about the experience that is provided. The aim of this study is to identify the 3 main dimensions related to the practitioner’s experience while performing mountain hikes or Levadas: 1. Practitioner’s motivations; 2. Practitioner’s predisposition; 3. Practitioner’s experience. A “QEFENRAM” survey was applied (Florido, 2010). 293 replies were obtained, after the activities’ conclusion (males: 124; female: 169). The data analysis showed the following results: a) Considering the different levels of motivation, 52,6% of the participants revelled intrinsic motivation while 27,1% showed extrinsic motivation; b) 79.2% is aware of safety measures and has the necessary competence to perform the activity; c) 76.3% reported to be highly focused on their activity and also felt to be part of the scenario itself. Meanwhile 10.9% refer to feel interfering, negatively, with the environment. We can characterize the practitioner’s motivations and experience and based on this information we can discuss about the need to improve some aspects in the touristic scenarios to improve the experience in Levadas and mountain hikes.