A new guide has been produced aiming to reduce damage to the rainforest caused by tourism, reports Mark Rowe.
March 31, 2008
Mainstream media continues to pay closer attention to sustainble travel practices: ATTA Member and partner Conservation International appears in the UK’s Telegraph (March 28, 2008) on the topic of good practices for tour operators operating in tropical rainforests More>> Read More →
By the NumbersTRUSTe Report Reveals Consumer Awareness and Attitudes About Behavioral Targeting
March 31, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO, CA- Consumer privacy organization TRUSTe announced today the results of a study conducted by global market insight and information group TNS regarding American Internet users’ knowledge, attitudes and concerns about behavioral targeting and its implications on their online privacy. Overall results indicate a high level of awareness that internet activities are being tracked for purposes of targeting advertising, and a high level of concern associated with that tracking, even when it isn’t associated with personally identifiable information. Behavioral targeting has become a hot button issue recently, as industry enthusiasm for delivering customized experiences and improved marketing metrics runs up against consumer privacy concerns and calls for greater transparency around emerging tracking and targeting techniques. Based on the results of the survey, lack of transparency may factor into privacy concerns. 71 percent of online consumers are aware that their browsing... Read More →
Wildland Adventures Seeks Program Director for Africa or Latin America
March 28, 2008
Adventure travel industry professionals seeking new jobs may access positions currently featured at the ATTA Career Center, while companies seeking to hire may also post new positions at the Web site. Here’s an example of a recent posting by ATTA Member Wildland Adventures: Join a small group of specialized travel professionals working together in a dynamic ecotourism company to provide personal and responsive customer service designing international adventures that are life-changing experiences for travelers and host country communities. Program Directors are responsible for sales and administration of group and individual travel arrangements for specific destinations in Africa or Latin America. They have a large degree of autonomy, contribute to strategic decision-making, and work together in a collaborative atmosphere. SUMMARY OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES AND REQUIRED EXPERTISE • Destination Sales and Marketing: Conceptualize marketing strategy for the region; develop competitive... Read More →
By the Numbers39% of tour operators surveyed by the ATTA recorded more than 16% growth in 2007
March 28, 2008
ATTA’s 2007 industry-wide snapshot represents more than $300,000,000 of adventure travel business and 875,000+ travelers. 57% from North America, last year was 61%. The profile of tour operators that took this year’s survey was very similar (size, number of employees, year started, etc) to those in 2005 and 2006. Reflecting on 2007 and looking ahead to 2008: • 86% indicated positive growth rates, with 39% recording more than 16% growth in 2007 • 40% reported more than 11% net margin • 98% project growth in 2008, with 66% expecting more than 16% growth • Trends evident to tour operators: - 34% reported increased competition among adventure operators (marketing, pricing, sales promotions) - 59% reported increases in demand for custom itineraries/trips - 38% reported increases in demand shorter duration trips (less than one week long) - 43% reported increases in demand for eco-tourism/environmental trips - 35% reported increase in demand for cultural/educational trips •... Read More →
By the Numbers Travel & Outdoor GearAccording to Leisure Trends Group: 2007 Dive industry sales totaled $804M, up 5%
March 28, 2008
In 2007, dive industry sales totaled $804 million*, an increase of 5%. Scuba Dive equipment sales grew 1% in units, 4% in average retail selling price Equipment sales grew 5% in dollars and finished the year with $375M With $74M in sales, the dive suit category jumped 8% in units and 10% in dollars Equipment sales total nearly half of the $804 million in total sales *Scuba dive sales are comprised of equipment, apparel, wet and dry suits and dive services Read More →
New & Different Trade EventsSource: How free are we to travel?
March 28, 2008
March 2008 – As millions of people prepare to take a spring holiday break, there are mutterings in the background: from governments wanting to raise taxes; environmental groups decrying excessive leisure travel; and destinations fearing for the survival of local culture.The freedom to travel can be viewed as a major political freedom, comparable to the right of freedom of expression. It is essential to human contact for business or leisure, and it widens the horizons of individuals both literally and figuratively. But how free is it? Over and above the financial cost to the individual traveller, there are clearly other factors to take into account. The environmental and cultural impact of increased numbers of travellers can be either positive or negative, depending on how the flows are managed. Travel & Tourism can sustain, support and nurture the environments and cultures it touches – but without the right strategies it can also do harm. The fact that many people in the... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesATMS News Now Indexed by Google
March 27, 2008
Wellington, CO— Google notified the management of Adventure Travel Media Source today that their news and information has been accepted for indexing, and distribution on Google.com. Guidelines for inclusion in Google News are strict and must provide news content that is original to the site; that doesn’t solely promote their own activities; are written and maintained by a clear organization, one that has multiple writers and editors. ATMS is a PR agency based in Colorado which serves the active, adventure travel markets exclusively. Their client base numbers over 120 and is worldwide. News and information is distributed weekly to members of the media via the Media Messenger and NEWSFlash. These newsletters have been circulated in the media via email for nine years and are well-respected. This recognition by Google is confirmation of ATMS’ status as a news organization for the adventure travel industry. Over twenty account managers provide service to the client base of ATMS. ... Read More →
By the NumbersStudy Says Nearly Half Say Social Media Tools Becoming More Important Than TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines
March 26, 2008
Social media tools such as Facebook, YouTube and blogs have become an essential component of the communications mix, according to an overwhelming majority (85 percent) of Canadian business and marketing leaders. Nearly half (46 percent) say social media tools are becoming even more important than television, radio, newspapers and magazines. The results are contained in a survey of 444 business and marketing leaders conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights for com.motion, a new offering from Veritas Communications. More>> Read More →
Spotlight: SustainabilityFREE! Adventure Travel Supply Chain Practical Guide to Good Practices
March 26, 2008
All adventure travel industry professionals may access for free Conservation International’s Practical Guides to Good Practices for three different environments – you are encouraged to share these with your entire supply chain. The ATTA works with partner Conservation International to globally disseminate to the trade education and knowledge resources which support sustainable tourism efforts: Mountain Tours A Practical Guide to Managing the Environmental and Social Impacts of Mountain Tours View Guide [PDF] >> View Recorded Webinar >> View Guide [PDF] (Spanish) >> Check List [PDF] (Spanish) >> Tropical Rainforest Tours A Practical Guide to Managing the Environmental and Social Impacts of Tropical Rainforest Tours View Guide [PDF] >> View Recorded Webinar >> Marine Tours A Practical Guide to Managing the Environmental and Social Impacts of Marine Tours View Recorded Webinar >> Read More →
ATTA Events Spotlight: Sustainability Trade EventsCOMPLETED! May 15th Tune In Webinar: Guidance: The Role of Carbon Offsets in Adventure Travel
March 26, 2008
ATTA’s Tune In Webinars are typically reserved for ATTA Members - *In the case of Carbon Offsets, the ATTA is making this special Webinar available to all adventure travel industry professionals. Click here to register. COMPLETED – Recorded Webinar to be posted the week of May 19th Thursday, May 15th, 2008 from 10:00am to 11:30am PDT Due to the global importance of this topic, this Webinar (a 90-minute session) will be OPEN TO ALL adventure travel industry professionals. Brian Mullis (see bio.) and Richard Edwards (see bio.) will help industry professionals better understand the value of the potential of the voluntary offset market into the future. Participants will learn how to choose an offset provider that meets target businesses goals. Participants also gain the information and insights needed to make a decision on whether carbon offsets are right for their adventure travel company. History and Background of the Voluntary Carbon market Are carbon offsets part of the... Read More →
