Exploring the role of language proficiency and cultural adaptation in travel risk perception: A study of Asian working holiday makers in Australia

A research article co-authored by a CTR researcher Dr. Hayato Nagai (Faculty of Tourism) was published in Journal of Vacation Marketing.

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Title

Exploring the role of language proficiency and cultural adaptation in travel risk perception: A study of Asian working holiday makers in Australia

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Authors

Hayato Nagai, Faculty of Tourism, Wakayama University

Aaron Tkaczynski, UQ Business School, The University of Queensland

Pierre Benckendorff, UQ Business School, The University of Queensland

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Source

Journal of Vacation Marketing

https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1356766719880249

*Indexed in Scopus

https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/16800154724

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Abstract

The perceived risk associated with international travel is frequently acknowledged as having a major influence on tourist behaviour. However, the influence of language proficiency and cultural adaptation on risk perception has not been well researched, especially in the context of tourists from non-English-speaking backgrounds. This study explored these influences and associations by focusing on Asian working holiday makers (WHMs) in Australia. It was found that English language proficiency and cultural adaptation were significant predictors of perceived risk. Asian WHMs who had difficulty adapting to the host culture perceived greater levels of risk. However, Asian WHMs with higher language proficiency tended to perceive greater travel risks. The findings have both theoretical and practical implications for the study of risk perceptions and the management of visitors with low language proficiency.

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Key words

Australia, cultural adaptation, language proficiency, travel risk perception, working holiday makers