Green Living Project Expands to South America
March 25, 2009
New expedition to Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru features partnerships with Ecuador Ecotourism Association, Ecuador Tourism, Brazil Tourism, and LAN Airlines Los Angeles, CA (March 25th, 2009) – Green Living Project, the leading media production and marketing company showcasing global sustainability initiatives, has announced their newest media expedition, this time to South America (April 5-30). Green Living Project™ will document 9 new sustainability initiatives administered by leading conservation organizations, non-profits, foundations, travel companies, and eco-lodges. These projects will be incorporated into the company’s online and offline content distribution platforms to educate and inspire individuals and communities on the importance and benefits of sustainable living. Green Living Project (GLP) will be documenting projects in Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru, some of the leading responsible tourism and sustainability-focused destinations in South America. In these countries, GLP will... Read More →
Member Press Releases New & DifferentAdventureLink Acquires Key Competitor, Adventure Central
March 19, 2009
Acquisition Creates the Largest Adventure Travel Booking Company Worldwide LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – March 19, 2009) – Continuing to forge ahead with a pattern of unprecedented growth, AdventureLink, Inc. today announced the acquisition of its key competitor, Denver-based Adventure Central Inc., in an all-stock transaction. In addition, Allegis Capital, the largest investor in Adventure Central, has backed AdventureLink with an additional investment. AdventureLink is the largest online source for booking adventure travel, worldwide, while Adventure Central is the dominant supplier of single day adventure trips. The acquisition brings these two, leading, online travel companies together creating the most comprehensive online source for finding and booking adventure travel. The combined companies now represent over 60,000 trips and activities sourced from nearly 1,800 suppliers in 165 countries, enabling consumers and travel agents to easily find, learn about and book... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesElemental Kite Club
March 18, 2009
Elemental Kite Club offers an adventurous kitesurfing experience on the tranquil shores of Costa Esmeralda in Veracruz, Mexico. The peaceful beach and ideal weather conditions make the location perfect for this fast growing extreme sport. The Elemental Kite Club has teamed up with Taboga, a beautiful eco boutique hotel, to provide facilities tailored to meet the needs of kitesurfers. Good wind, delicious food, lots of sunshine and gracious hospitality will entice visitors to stay long past their holiday. Guests can pump kites up on the large lawn between the rooms and the ocean, also providing ample space for cleaning, drying and storing kites. There are miles of empty, hazardless beach to enjoy—one may find oneself solo on the beautiful sea. After a brilliant session, kiters can land their gear on the lawn in front of the palm-thatch Palapa Bar and rinse off with a fresh water shower before relaxing with a delicious snack or a mango margarita. Guests can finish the day with a dip in... Read More →
By the NumbersThe Outdoor Foundation 2009 Participation Topline Report Shows Solid Increase in Active, Nature-based Outdoor Recreation
March 18, 2009
Overall Participation in Recreation, Sports and Fitness Remains Steady Washington, DC — Initial data from the 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report, published by The Outdoor Foundation, shows that an increasing number of Americans returned to nature and active outdoor activities last year. The study finds sizeable participation increases in nearly every nature-based activity including double-digit increases in backpacking, mountain biking and trail running and close to a ten percent increase in hiking and camping. Overall participation trends in recreation, sports and fitness remained largely unchanged from last year. “Americans, once again, are finding solace and security, adventure and excitement in the great outdoors,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “During these challenging economic times, a return to affordable, nature-based recreation allows individuals, friends and families to reconnect — with one another, with... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesWild Frontiers
March 17, 2009
WILD FRONTIERS, is an award-winning adventure travel company specializing in stylish and original small group tours and tailor-made holidays to some of the most interesting countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Founded in 2002 by the acclaimed adventure travel writer, Jonny Bealby, on the premise of developing ‘a company run by travelers, for travelers’, our reputation has been forged by creating exciting itineraries that combine true off-the-beaten-track travel with a unique blend of luxury and adventure, a variety of transport and activities and fascinating cross-cultural interaction. We uncover the lives of the people as well as exploring the landscape, history, culture and cuisine, ultimately leaving our clients with the unforgettable experience of having journeyed beneath each region’s surface and discovered the heartbeat within. Destinations include Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Libya, Ethiopia, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Georgia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China,... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesPangeans Safari
March 17, 2009
Pangeans Safari is an Ethiopian-based tour operation run by Liza Andreou and Christos Michailidis. Pangeans Safari presently has guided over land safari tours, for the adventurers or those seeking history and culture, of one of the worlds oldest civilizations Ethiopia and wonderful Djibouti. We cater to groups of no more than 12 travel bugs with all inclusive tour packages and English/Greek speaking guides. Ethiopia’s sovereign history has left its very diverse and fertile lands filled with historical and cultural treasures, ranging from the ancient tombs, and obelisks of Axum to 17th-century castles, to fascinating animistic cultures of the southern peoples. Dijibouti, despite being one of Africa’s smallest countries, offers an outer-world experience with its lunar like landscapes, and vast red dessert sands that are truly moving, along with French-influenced cuisine and pale sandy beaches Dijibouti is a travelers delight. As a tour operator, East Africa is has given me an... Read More →
Member Press Releases Spotlight: SustainabilityMountain Lodges of Peru wins international TO-DO contest
March 17, 2009
(Berlin, Cusco) Two years after the opening of the first trans-Anden lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu, Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) has won the grand prize of the renown competition TO DO! – Contest Socially Responsible Tourism. Following a comprehensive jury inspection on site, the prize was awarded during this year’s travel trade show ITB in Berlin on Friday, March 13th. “This is the result of our business strategy which from the beginning included the involvement of local communities and the use of environmentally sound practices”, Enrique Umbert Jr, General Manager of MLP is glad to point out. The rationale for the award says: “MLP offers unusual trekking tours that satisfy the highest expectations regarding comfort and quality.”….”The company combines an economically promising strategy with comprehensive social and ecological responsibility in a plausible manner and helps to strengthen cultural identity.” In Peru the MLP tourism concept is innovative and unique,... Read More →
By the Numbers Member Press Releases Partner News Spotlight: OperatorsAsia Travel Experts See Surge in Last-minute Bookings
March 17, 2009
Immediate Turnaround No Problem for Asia Transpacific Journeys BOULDER, CO, March 2009 – Time was when a trip to Asia was months in the planning. Now that’s no longer true, according to Asia Transpacific Journeys. “A family called on Thursday. They had good airline rates to Thailand. We put the trip together for them overnight and they were out the door on Sunday,” says Marilyn Downing Staff, CEO of Asia Transpacific Journeys, specialists in travel to Asia and Pacific Rim destinations for 21 years. Does this mean that the price of airline tickets is driving folks’ travel decisions? In some cases, yes, Downing Staff says, remembering when the time between request and travel was about nine months out. “Our clients are also booking last-minute, booking shorter trips and visiting destinations that are very economical, but they’re not taking what might be called budget trips,” she says. “They may forego a five-star accommodation for four stars but they still want private guides,... Read More →
ATTA Press ReleasesAdventure Travel Trade Mission Delivers Sustainable Development Support to Jordan
March 16, 2009
(SEATTLE, WASHINGTON) – (March 16, 2009) – In a February 2009 joint mission between the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), National Geographic ADVENTURE (NGA) magazine and sustainable adventure tourism consultancy, Xola Consulting, Jordanian tourism officials gained new perspectives on the country’s adventure tourism market potential and suggestions on sustainable development strategies to help fuel its emerging adventure tourism industry. At the invitation of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), ATTA President Shannon Stowell, NGA Director of Travel, Bryan Kinkade, and Xola Consulting President Christina Heyniger, spoke on the subject of adventure tourism at the Jordan Travel Mart (JTM). The three joined a panel with Chris Johnson of Wild Jordan to deliver a perspective on adventure travel worldwide and how Jordan’s offering is an ideal match to what today’s travelers seek. In particular, the panel communicated what constitutes adventure travel and what travelers are increasingly... Read More →
By the Numbers Partner NewsJanuary Outdoor Sales Mixed Bag as Retail Prices Plunge, Internet Sales Strong
March 11, 2009
BOULDER, CO (March 11th, 2009) – January 2009 retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* started off the new year on a mixed note, according to the most recent edition of The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group. According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* gained 4% in dollars ($363,157,003) compared to January 2008 ($350,116,342), with the internet channel realizing a 35% gain in dollar sales while specialty stores (-2%) and chain stores (-8%), logged declines in overall dollars this month. Internet Sales Continue to Grow Online sales were very healthy in January. Retail prices plunged across the board as consumers took advantage of bargains and sales; however, the resultant increase in units was more than enough to make up the difference. The channel improved on last January’s dollar sales by double-digits in... Read More →
