2008 Outdoor Sales Gain 5% Despite December Decline
January 30, 2009
BOULDER, CO (January 29, 2009) - Outdoor sales for the entire year in all three core outdoor store channels (chain, internet, specialty)* totaled $5.2B, a 5% gain over 2007, according to the most recent edition of The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group. For the entire year, internet stores and chain stores grew a healthy 18% and 7% respectively, while specialty stores were down 2% in dollars. December Decline According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, December retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* fell 1% in dollars ($1,078,598,888) compared to December 2007 ($1,094,277,086). All declines came from specialty stores, which lost 10% in dollar sales for the month. Positively, chain and internet stores both saw dollar sales increase; chains grew 7% and internet retailers were up 13%. Christmas was tough for retailers across the country, as retail sales fell by record amounts and retailers... Read More →
By the NumbersAffluent Travelers Remain Active Travelers
January 29, 2009
Orlando, Fla. (January 27, 2009) — While many U.S. travelers have cut spending and “traded down” to more affordable transportation, lodging and related options in recent months, “affluent travelers” (those with an annual household income in excess of $150,000, the top eight percent of U.S. households) appear to be bucking the trend. According to the just-released Ypartnership 2008 Portrait of Affluent TravelersSM, fully 97 percent of these travelers have taken a domestic leisure trip during the previous 12 months (for an average of just under five leisure trips), and a remarkable 41 percent took at least one trip outside the United States (for an average of just over two such trips). Almost half (45 percent) took at least one business trip during the previous year (for an average of approximately eight trips). Among them, almost all took at least one domestic business trip (for an average of six), and fully one third (35 percent) traveled internationally on business, for an... Read More →
Member Press Releases New & DifferentSafari Savings: Conservation Credit Travel Discount Good for Travelers and Wildlife
January 28, 2009
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 28 — Forgoing that safari getaway may seem like doing the right thing in a shaky economy, but for the wild places that depend on ecotourism dollars to support conservation efforts, travel is anything but a luxury. Concerned about the very real needs of nature travel destinations around the planet in the face of tighter traveler purse strings, top tour provider Natural Habitat Adventures has announced a one-time “Conservation Credit” that can translate into serious savings, including $1,000 off per person on a 2009 African safari. Natural Habitat Adventures hit upon the unique Conservation Credit–its first such travel deal in its 25-year history–through talking with its African partners who own small camps and lodges. “We needed to find a way to help keep people traveling during these tough economic times so the wild corners of our planet that count on responsible tourism can thrive,” says Natural Habitat Adventures founder and... Read More →
Media BuzzAdventure Continues to Gain Media Presence
January 27, 2009
For adventure travel industry professionals worldwide, two new high quality media outlets in North America lending new exposure to the adventure travel community warrant attention: First, Backpacker Magazine, a U.S. focused magazine which traditionally and almost exclusively coverged backpacking within the U.S. for individual hikers, and second, USA Today, which until now, limited its adventure travel coverage to its USA Weekend edition, now publishes quarterly inserts of Open Air Magazine with a smart and progressive editorial focus. First, for Backpacker, find a “The Godfather of Trekking” profile about adventure industry legend Leo LeBon (story on pages 72, 73 – at right, Nadia and Leo LeBon hike in Northern California, January 25, 2009), a feature on “The World’s Best Unknown Treks”, and a series of articles in such sections as, “Adventures,” “Nature”, and “Skills”. Outside, National Geographic Adventure and Men’s... Read More →
Media Buzz Member Press Releases Partner NewsNational Geographic Magazine Group Names New Advertising Directors for Adventure and Kids Magazines
January 27, 2009
NEW YORK (Jan. 26, 2009)-The National Geographic Magazine Group has promoted Bryan Kinkade to advertising director of National Geographic Adventure magazine and Jeff Nicholson to advertising director of National Geographic Kids magazine. In their new roles, Kinkade and Nicholson are charged with expanding the reach of the National Geographic brand, growing businesses in a variety of categories.National Geographic Adventure is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category. Coupled with the many assets of the National Geographic Society, the magazine is able to bring clients an authenticity that no other magazine in the category can offer. National Geographic Kids is the largest magazine in the kids category, and the variety of kids assets that are in the Society’s portfolio gives the magazine a true 360-degree offering to clients. “The key to our business is having the most talented and dedicated leaders expand the brand and its assets to our agencies and clients. Both... Read More →
New & DifferentNew 2009 Calendar Released of Extraordinary Adventures Exclusively for Top Entrepreneurs
January 19, 2009
POTOMAC, MD, Jan. 16 — Maverick Business Adventures® (MBA) is taking time-stressed entrepreneurs and CEO’s into account in 2009 by restructuring its ground-breaking membership programs combining adrenaline-high adventure with business building, networking and giving back.Three two-day “Breakaways” are now on the calendar along with three “Maverick Epic Experiences” of four to six days duration. Members pay annual dues which allow them entry in the programs. Typical program rates range from $10,000+ for Epic Experiences to under $5,000 for Breakaways. The per person trip fee includes all accommodations, meals and expenses related to meeting and sporting activities. MBA is the first and thus far the only membership to gather successful, like-minded entrepreneurs and top achievers for adrenalin highs and case study networking. Part of the MBA mission is to also give back and help empower future entrepreneurs. MBA gives money to and provides live and virtual... Read More →
Member Press Releases New & Different Partner NewsNew Adventure Travel Website Connects Travelers with Unusual and Responsible Destinations and Operators
January 16, 2009
January 13, 2009 (Santa Fe) - Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com), an adventure travel newsletter since 2005, announces the launch of its new adventure travel information website today. The online resource and monthly newsletter provide adventure enthusiasts with information about unusual, less-traveled destinations and many independent, owner-operated tour companies serving them. Every destination and tour operator mentioned in Off the Radar has been personally experienced by its team of writers and editors or recommended by a trusted associate who shares a similar passion for “responsible” travel. According to the National Leisure Travel Monitor, 66% of travelers used the Internet to plan a vacation in 2007, a significant increase from the year 2000, when only 35% conducted their travel research online. “Many adventure travelers are looking further than what their travel agents or traditional package tours provide and also researching and plan their own... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesGreen Living Project
January 15, 2009
In this era of global environmental and social awareness, one of the best things citizens can do is live and support a more sustainable lifestyle. Green Living Project™ is focused on documenting, promoting, and supporting successful and unique models of sustainability from around the world. In 2008, Green Living Project highlighted Africa, documenting projects administered by leading non-profits, eco-lodges, conservation organizations, travel companies and local tourism boards. In 2009, GLP returns to Africa, as well as embarking on its first expedition to South America. Through various production and distribution techniques, Green Living Project™ aims to educate, inspire and entertain while encouraging individuals and communities to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. The company markets its exclusive content both online and offline, including international multi-media lecture events that are open to the public, attracting a wide audience from high school students to working professionals... Read More →
Member Press Releases New & Different Spotlight: SustainabilityGreen Living Project Announces 2009 Tour Schedule & Partners
January 15, 2009
Los Angeles, CA – Green Living Project™, the leading media production and marketing company focused on global sustainability initiatives, has announced their 2009 lecture tour schedule for North America. Following a successful 2008 tour schedule which featured over 30 events in North and South America, Green Living Project™ has established new strategic event partnerships to educate and inspire attendees, while increasing the promotion and distribution of the company’s multi-media production work on unique and successful sustainability projects from around the globe. The “Green Living Project™ Lecture Series” offers free multi-media events that are open to the public, attracting a wide audience from high school students to working professionals to retired baby boomers. Events showcase projects from around the globe focused on relevant and important sustainability topics such as responsible tourism, renewable energy, wildlife conservation, community development, waste management,... Read More →
Travel Marketing Strategies for Today’s Economy
January 14, 2009
On Thursday, January 22nd, Brand Launcher marketing expert Rafael Mael (see bio) will share surprising case studies with practical takeaway action steps and innovative, real-world strategies during the first ATTA Members Tune In Webinar of 2009. During this 60-minute Webinar ATTA Members will learn: • Common marketing mistakes most travel business make • How to leverage your promotional budget through targeted offers • The art of crafting a successful offer in a down market • The single most powerful word to use in marketing – not ‘free’ or ‘you’ • How to use premiums, freemiums, and unusual mailers to boost response rates • “Next stepping” – how to implement successful relationship marketing In preparation for this Webinar, the ATTA encourages you to read the following article written by the Webinar’s presenter. If you would like to take part in this Webinar, a free opportunity for ATTA Members, please send an email to memberbenefits@adventuretravel.biz. How... Read More →
