Perspectives on Tourist Criminal Victimisation

Crime on tourists is a topic that few tourism professionals like to discuss and even fewer would wish to endure. However, there are few tourist destinations in the world today that are immune to the problem. This paper attempted to place the location and incidence of crimes against tourists into two theoretical contexts. Hot Spot Theory and Routine Activity Theory provide a useful framework in which to explore how communities expose tourists to the risk of being criminally victimized and what feasibly can be done about it. Data front Florida on the frequency and location of crimes on tourists were used to illustrate these theoretical propositions. The intent of this paper was to provide insights to other communities as to how they can understand and manage their particular problems effectively. Dr John C Crotts is a Lecturer in the Centre for Tourism, Advanced Business Programme, University of Otago, New Zealand. Theoretical Perspectives on Tourist Criminal Victimisation