GROUP PACKAGE TOUR LEADER’S INTRINSIC RISKS

This paper explores the intrinsic risks and risk perception of Taiwanese tour leaders in terms of group package tour (GPT). Both qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys are employed in the study. Based on in-depth interviews with 24 GPT leaders, the study identifies the comprehensive risk items. Moreover, 12 risk factors are extracted through questionnaire surveys with 310 GPT leaders. Three clusters regarding to risk sources are also categorized: exogenous risks, tourist-induced risks, and tour leader’s self-induced risks. Furthermore, the study compares risk perception of 12 factors by means of six itineraries. Finally, several academic and managerial implications about the GPT tour risk controls were outlined as well.