Reliability Assessment of Himalayan Trekking Indicators Through Cronbach’s Alpha

Abstract

Tourism significantly impacts global economies, outpacing overall economic growth with a notable 3.5% increase in 2019, contributing USD 9.2 trillion to the worldwide GDP. Adventure tourism, a rapidly expanding sector, offers exciting experiences and minimal infrastructure needs, making it suitable for ecologically sensitive regions. With its diverse natural resources, particularly in the Himalayan range, India is well-positioned to develop this sector. Trekking, a key adventure tourism activity, requires careful planning and understanding of trail difficulties, which are often inconsistently assessed. This paper aims to quantify trekking trail quality through specific attributes—spatial, climatic, regional connectivity, and perception-based—and tests this reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. A questionnaire formed on a 9-point Likert scale was distributed to two groups, one containing trekkers (RG1) and the other having experts (RG2). Results indicated high internal consistency after iterative refinement of the indicators. RG2's streamlined model, with higher initial consistency and fewer iterations needed to achieve reliability, is recommended for the assessment due to its balanced and comprehensive approach. This research underscores the importance of reliable trail assessment methodologies to enhance trekking experiences and promote sustainable adventure tourism in India.