Tour operators specializing in the adventure travel market should expect to see revenue increase approximately 23 percent this year, according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Why It Matters:
The global adventure travel industry — worth about $263 billion per year — is a strong and growing market from which agents stand to benefit. The number of guests adventure travel companies will see this year is forecasted to be 4,776, up 10 percent over last year, according to ATTA. Domestic and/or regional travel, self-guided tours and cultural-based adventures are seeing increased interest from customers, as are destinations including China, northeast Asia, the Arctic and the Caribbean.
Fast Facts:
- In 2014, the average reported number of guests for adventure travel companies was 4,343.
- 2015 is forecasted to see that number increase by 10 percent to 4,776.
- Top regions of interest to adventure travelers include South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central America, Scandinavia and Southeast Asia.
- China, northeast Asia, the Arctic and the Caribbean are seeing a new, increased interest, while Southern Africa, East Africa and West Africa have seen decreased interest.
- Soft adventures and custom tours are of less interest to adventure customers, while domestic and/or regional travel, self-guided tours and cultural-based adventures are growing in popularity.
What They Are Saying:
According to ATTA research, an increase in international tourism departures and the average expenditure of adventure travelers, which tends to be higher than for the typical leisure clients, is driving the revenue growth in the adventure travel market. Specializing in specific foreign destinations can benefit agents looking to sell to adventure travelers, according to Casey Hanisko, vice president of marketing and communications for ATTA.
The Details
Adventure Travel Trade Associationwww.adventuretravel.biz
