Do backpackers suffer crime? An empirical investigation of crime perpetrated against backpackers in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Even though the literature unequivocally posits a relationship between tourism and crime, tourism research have not explored this relationship within specific tourist segments such as backpackers despite its growing importance. Using the tenets of the Routine Activities Theory (RAT), this study explored the crimes that were perpetrated against backpackers during their stay in Ghana. The study relied on a sample of 603 backpackers who visited Ghana from January to May 2013. The results showed that backpackers suffered four types of crimes in Ghana namely physical assault, larceny, fraud and verbal assault. Using a combination of chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression, the study showed that backpackers' background and travel characteristics influenced the type of crime they suffered in Ghana. The implications of the findings in the context of improving destination safety and security were put forward.