From Nudism and Naturism Tourism to “Natourism”: Defining Natourism and Exploring Natourists? Motivations

Abstract

This article reviews previous attempts to define nudist and naturist tourism, and it elaborates detailed definitions through analyzing and discussing views of numerous natourist/nudist associations worldwide. Out of this process, the term “natourism” emerged, which includes the notion of “social nudity” as a main reason for traveling as well as a wide variety of ancillary stereotypical activities. As a term, “natourism” was tested after exploring the motivations of 1,508 natourists from all over the world. Although initially this study, through a literature review, identified three general motivation groups of natourism—namely, human motivations, motivations to travel, and nudism/naturism motivations—factor analysis made it possible to identify additional factors of natourists' motivations, which included Naturalism and Relaxation, Sexuality, Stereotypical Travel Motivations, and Personal and Family Motivations. Despite the limitations of the study, findings confirm the appropriateness of the term “natourism” to establish parameters for further research.