Sex and risk in young women's tourist experiences: Context, likelihood, and consequences

• Understanding sexual risk-taking based on context, likelihood, and consequences.
• Identification of tourist experiences conducive to sexual risk-taking.
• Assessment of touristic factors facilitating sexual risk-taking.
• Evaluation of sexual activities perceived as risky for tourists.
• Clarification of rewards sought from sexual risk-taking in tourism.

This study offers an empirical application of the tripartite model of context, likelihood, and consequences for understanding risk in tourism among young women engaging in sexual risk-taking. Data, collected via an online survey (N = 853; mean age of 23.5 years), were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent and paired samples t-tests, and exploratory factor analysis. The women identified eight to nine days long, rest and relaxation, sightseeing, and backpacking tourist experiences in tropical destinations and European countries as the ultimate settings for sex with a steady and casual sexual partner. In assessing the likelihood of engaging in sexual risk-taking, a distinct difference between reported moderate personal propensity and a higher evaluation of people's general proclivity was identified. Expected consequences were classified into three motivational/reward factors: Anonymous Experimentation, Safe Thrills and Empowerment, and Fun and Less Inhibition. Theoretical insights regarding sexual risk-taking in tourism and implications for related health promotion programs are discussed.