Want to attract visitors? Add jungle tours
Sites seeking to attract visitors should consider whitewater rafting, bird watching and even jungle tours, according to a new study.
Researchers at George Washington University’s International Institute of Tourism Studies found that adventure tourism is a rapidly growing market and a viable economic opportunity for countries seeking to develop tourism.
"Instead of being seen as a small, niche market, the study shows that adventure tourism is a sizable market with the potential for significant economic growth opportunities," said Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, director of George Washington’s International Institute of Tourism Studies. He added:
"Additionally, adventure tourism often relies heavily on the natural and cultural resources a destination already has to offer. For many developing destinations without the resources to build infrastructure, adventure tourism is a realistic alternative and provides a strong argument for preserving a destination’s resources."
The new study, which was conducted in partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Xola Consulting, estimates that consumers spent more than $89 billion (excluding airfare and gear/clothing purchases) worldwide on adventure travel in 2009.
Researchers say the growth in adventure tourism is good news for both the public and private sectors, which include governments, state or national tourism offices, tour operators and gear and apparel manufacturers.
The study surveyed people from countries in North America, Latin America and Europe and discovered that adventure travelers tend to be affluent and educated. These travelers typically are environmentally and culturally aware consumers and lean towards adventure travel due to its focus on responsible and sustainable development.
Results of the study are expected to aid the adventure travel industry, destinations seeking to grow or enhance its adventure offerings and adventure tour operators who serve this growing segment of tourists.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports