‘What happens in Banff, stays in Banff’: contextual and interpersonal factors contributing to sexual-risk taking among tourism workers

Tourism destinations are contexts which are often characterised by unique norms for social and sexual behaviours which have implications for health and wellbeing. The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold: (1) to describe the sexual risk behaviours of young tourism workers (TWs), and (2) to explore socio-contextual factors pertaining to safer sex among TWs. Banff, Canada was the study site. Twenty-nine TWs were recruited and interviewed in community settings over a two-week period. Five themes reflecting situational, interpersonal, and psychological factors that affected TWs sexual behaviour and risk-taking were identified: Party State of Mind and Sexual Behaviors; Transient Population and Relationship Context; Isolation/Insular Environment; Alcohol Use; and Norms about Condom Use. These findings suggest the transient population, insular environment, and like-minded perception of Banff as a ‘party place’ contributed to a culture among TWs that put them at risk for sexually transmitted infection and other sexual health concerns. Opportunities for education and intervention with this population are discussed.