BANGKOK, 22 March 2018: Adventure travel will continue to grow, but not all destinations will benefit, according to the latest research from the Adventure Travel Trade Association
The US-based global association released a new report, this week, ’20 Adventure Trends to Watch In 2018′.
Identifying 20 trends, the latest report suggests that growth in the USD 683 billion adventure travel segment will continue, but tourism trends may fluctuate.
As a result of crisis and shocks, some destinations will benefit more than others, and as democracy declines in some destinations, travelling to them may be a riskier proposition than before.
New technologies are also impacting the adventure travel space the research points out.
Blockchain seems to offer compelling opportunities for dis-intermediation, while bots and virtual reality becoming more sought after as marketing tools for companies selling adventure travel.
Examining traveller trends, the research shows people are becoming more adventurous, seeking to be “temporary locals” when they visit new places.
The tendency to adopt ‘slow travel’ means visitors are staying in destinations longer, and more people are venturing out by themselves, driving an upswing in solo offerings from adventure tourism providers.
On the supply side, expect to see an increase in trail tourism, women-only itineraries, and an exploration into how to increase interest in winter products, which may help destinations smooth out visitors over the course of a year.
Finally, the report examines trends facing adventure destinations.
Both ‘overtourism’ and ‘undertourism’ are issues in various places, and holistic planning will be required to ensure adventure tourism growth is not only sustainable, but also contributes to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ATTA said.
Now a decade after the global economic recession that hit tourism hard in 2008, tourism growth has recovered, and 2018 is shaping up to be another milestone year.
Adventure tourism grew against a backdrop of natural disasters, terrorism and where border controls.
“Our sector continues to grow and, along with it, the responsibilities of managing sustainable growth, protecting vulnerable communities, and safeguarding the planet’s most pristine places,” said, ATTA’s CEO Shannon Stowell.
The report covers subject such as adventure tour growth trends, shifts in tourism flows, adventure travel from China and technology trends including Blockchain.
Click here to download the free 20 Adventure Trends to Watch in 2018 report.
