Comparing International and Domestic Climber Profiles, Motivation and the Influence of World Heritage Site Status at Mount Fuji and Mount Kinabalu

抄録

Mount Fuji (3,776m) and Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia (4,095m) are iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHSs) both attracting increasing numbers international climbers. Both involve non-technical, overnight climbs with a pre-dawn start to see sun-rise from the summit. A comparative survey was conducted to investigate climbers’ profile, motivation, and influence of WHS status. At Fuji, questionnaires were distributed in English, Japanese and Chinese to descending climbers at Fuji-Yoshida, the busiest of the four trails. A total 733 questionnaires were collected from 4–7 August 2016. At Kinabalu, 560 questionnaires in English and Malay were collected from 27 March – 11 May 2017 at Laban Rata Lodge. The refusal rate (44%) was equivalent to Fuji’s (50%). Results show similar profiles dominated by young, first-time male climbers. Significant differences were observed in prior climbing experience and mean scores of motivation among both sets of international and domestic climbers. Kinabalu climbers claimed to be more motivated by WHS status and education, but self-scored higher overall, so further research is needed to assess if WHS did indeed exert a greater influence on motivation levels.