In the destination life-cycle, what phase is characterized by a small number of adventurous visitors?

The phase characterized by a small number of adventurous visitors is the exploration phase. During this stage of the destination life-cycle, early visitors are typically those who seek out unique and untapped experiences. They often travel to destinations that are not yet well-known and may be drawn by the potential for new discoveries and authentic interactions with local cultures and environments.

These travelers tend to be more willing to adapt to limited facilities and services, appreciating the authenticity and raw appeal of the destination, which can often be more enriching and personal. This sets the exploration phase apart from the other stages, where visitor numbers and the level of development of tourism infrastructure increase significantly as the destination becomes more popular and commercialized. In this phase, the characteristics and behaviors of visitors can heavily influence how the destination evolves over time.