We are delighted to announce the publication of the article “The Asphalt Hardens”: Accounts of the Flow State in Outdoor Activities in the Revista Acadêmica Observatório de Inovação do Turismo (RAOIT), volume 18, issue 1 (November 2024). RAOIT is a scientific journal classified as Qualis/CAPES B2, recognized for its contributions to advancing research in tourism, innovation, and sustainability. The article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.61564/raoit.v18n1.7496.
This study, led by Lucas Carregari Carneiro, Bruno Carneiro Castro, Gabriel Mendonça de Faria, and Maurício Custódio Serafim, explores how the flow state – the experience of full immersion and engagement – manifests in ecotourism and adventure tourism practices. Based on 292 accounts collected using the Critical Incident Technique, the results highlight factors that facilitate or inhibit the flow state, such as harmonious encounters with wildlife, the spiritual perception of nature, and the negative impact of environmental waste.
The findings provide valuable insights for developing ecotourism and adventure tourism, presenting strategies to maximize the flow state and enhance tourists’ experiences. This research broadens the theoretical understanding of ethical dimensions in adventure tourism and offers practical tools for tourism operators, researchers, and students interested in aligning tourism with sustainable practices and human well-being.
