The Thrill of Extreme Tourism

Skydiving in Dubai. Scaling Mount Everest to reach its 29,029-foot summit. Hitching a ride on a submersible to see the Titanic’s ruins first-hand. Spelunking in cramped caverns deep below the earth’s surface.

These risky — and, to some, thrilling — extreme tourism excursions have become increasingly popular in recent years. And by 2030, the adventure tourism industry is expected to triple its global revenue, according to the market research firm Grand View Research.

So, why do some individuals crave these inherently dangerous activities?

There isn’t one clear answer, says Eileen Anderson, Ed.D., a medical and psychological anthropologist and the director of Case Western Reserve University's educational programs in Bioethics and Medical Humanities. Here, she explains the potential psychological factors behind the appeal of extreme tourism.