BootsnAll to syndicate adventure travel deals content from Travari.com
April 30, 2009
LOUISVILLE, CO; (April 27, 2009) – Travari.com announces a content syndication partnership with travel portal BootsnAll. Travari’s adventure travel deals content will begin appearing on the BootsnAll website in June 2009.
“This truly represents a win-win partnership as it leverages Travari’s growing network of adventure travel providers and BootsnAll’s position as a leading travel portal,” commented Travari founder Tyson Titensor. “This partnership will really extend the reach of our deals content and help us drive more bookings for our adventure travel partners.”
A growing network of adventure travel providers are currently using the Travari website to market special promotions and last minute inventory. Now any adventure travel deal listed on Travari.com will also appear on BootsnAll.com. This benefits BootsnAll’s readers by giving them access to exclusive adventure travel deals. Travari’s adventure travel partners should see a significant traffic boost by having their deals content appear in front of BootsnAll’s 500,000+ monthly visitors.
According to Titensor, this partnership will likely create the largest adventure travel deals network on the internet (in terms of impressions.) “There really isn’t anyone else aggregating adventure deals content on a large scale. Not only does Travari aggregate a significant amount of adventure deals content we’re now serving it up to hundreds of thousands of travelers on multiple sites.”
ABOUT TRAVARI.COM
Travari.com is a leading publisher of adventure travel deals. Through a growing network of adventure travel partners Travari has access to the best deals on adventure travel packages from around the world. Travari’s adventure deals content appears on the Travari website and will soon be syndicated to other leading travel portals. For more information contact Travari at 435.881.3922 or visit their website http://www.Travari.com.
Experience the Mystique of Sea Turtles in Celebration of World Ocean Day
April 21, 2009
April 22, 2009 (BEAVERTON, OR) –Imagine a close-up and personal encounter with one of the world’s most mystical and prehistoric creatures. That is what engagement with sea turtles is all about. Communities around the world will celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8, and the occasion presents many opportunities to see these endangered gentle giants in person and participate in conservation efforts that are underway to protect them. SEE Turtles is offering a free volunteer placement service at www.seeturtles.org that matches interested volunteers with sea turtle conservation projects in Mexico, Costa Rica, Tobago, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
Watching a green sea turtle gracefully meander through the water or witnessing a horde of leatherback sea turtle hatchlings scramble to the ocean may be one of the most joyful experiences in life. Sea turtles are among the earth’s most ancient and fascinating animals: they have been a mainstay in six of the world’s seven oceans for millions of years, can travel thousands of miles, and can live to be 80 years old. While they live most of their lives at sea, they come to shore for nesting rituals that date back to prehistoric times, creating unforgettable and intimate opportunities to interact with them.
All seven species of sea turtles are threatened or endangered, and three, the Leatherback, Kemp’s Ridley, and Hawksbill are listed as critically endangered. The Leatherback population in the Pacific Ocean was once the world’s largest, but has declined dramatically primarily due to human exploitation, commercial fisheries, and loss of nesting habitat.
The SEE Turtles volunteer program creates opportunities for interested parties to engage with sea turtles, and participate in turtle conservation efforts right alongside expert biologists and sea turtle researchers. Volunteering on a sea turtle conservation project generally involves tracking and tagging turtles, night patrols of the nesting beaches, and helping researchers collect data. Many projects also include shifts in the egg hatcheries where the eggs are protected from poachers and animals. In addition to meaningful project work, volunteers will have time to explore the rainforest, visit local towns, or simply enjoy a refreshing ocean swim and relaxation on the beach.
For more information and to apply, visit www.seeturtles.org and click on the link to the volunteer matching form. Applicants will be asked to submit their preferred destinations, dates of travel, budget requirements, desired accommodations, and other criteria. SEE Turtles will then match volunteers to partner organizations and projects that best fit their preferences. No prior experience working with sea turtles is necessary and volunteers do not need to be able to speak Spanish. Volunteers should be in reasonable physical condition and are asked to contribute at least a week of their time.
About SEE Turtles
Going beyond the ecotourism mantra of “leave only footprints”, SEE Turtles suggests that tourists should make a positive impact through conservation tourism. Conservation tourism supports communities protecting sea turtles by increasing the income needed for local conservation efforts, providing economic alternatives to end threats to sea turtles and inspiring travelers to take a more active role in protecting sea turtles. SEE Turtles is an Ocean Revolution conservation tourism project that links people with sea turtle sites in ways that directly support efforts to protect sea turtles, while increasing resources in communities to help residents thrive and value sea turtles in their environment. Ocean Revolution is a project of The Ocean Foundation.
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Outdoor Industry Association Launches Economic Confidence Survey
April 21, 2009
BOULDER, CO (April 21, 2009) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced the launch of a new online survey, the results of which will shed light on the outdoor industry’s current economic situation.
OIA, in partnership with Piper Jaffray & Co, fielded the Piper Jaffray Economic Confidence Survey to provide real time data about how industry leaders view the macro economic environment and the overall health of the outdoor industry. The survey builds on the initial results collected in its late 2008 survey, entitled Piper Jaffray Survey of Consumer Industry Executives.
“Many of our members have told us that they are concerned about employment trends, inventory levels, effects of the credit market and sustainability and environmental trends in our industry,” commented Frank Hugelmeyer, president of OIA. “Outdoor Industry Association is committed to helping our members by providing the critical business information contained in this survey.”
The brief survey will allow OIA to gather and aggregate the economic data to share with its members. The survey is currently open through Friday, May 15, 2009. A report highlighting key takeaways will be posted on the OIA website and available to OIA members in late May.
Those interested in taking the survey can visit outdoorindustry.org/research. The Piper Jaffray Economic Confidence Survey can be found by clicking the “Market Research” tab. For more information please contact OIA at 303.444.3353.
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About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous®, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.
ATTA Lends Adventure Travel Industry Voice, Perspectives at Events Worldwide
April 20, 2009
ATTA’s leadership, advisors and strategic partners are playing active roles in the industry and getting out and about. This synopsis of where the ATTA is representing the industry’s voice is the start of what we hope will become regular updates within AdventureTravelNews.com. Our intention is to give ATN readers insights as to where ATTA team members are throughout the year. If you’ll be in the region where we’re headed and you’re interested in connecting with us, please write to info@adventuretravel.biz.
For April and May, here’s where the ATTA will be represented:
Belize (April)
Shannon Stowell will be a guest keynote speaker in Belize City at the Belize Tourism Board’s annual industry event on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009. It is one of the Board’s signature events and has an attendance of approximately 350 tourism stakeholders. It provides the public sector arm of the tourism industry an opportunity to share with their tourism partners a review of the Board’s efforts over the past year as well as future development plans that will impact tourism growth and market development. Shannon’s presentation will focus on the state of the Adventure Travel Industry, and how Belize and its tourism businesses might increase their market share in a competitive and challenging environment. Shannon will join the Belize Minister of Tourism, the Director of Tourism and the CEO of the Belize Tourism Board in this event.
Mexico (April)
Shannon Stowell, Christina Heyniger (long time ATTA partner and President of Xola Consulting) and Antonio del Rosal, ATTA Executive Director-Mexico, have been invited to speak during the 34th edition of the Tianguis Turístico in Acapulco Mexico, which will be held from the 26th to the 29th of April. During their intervention, ATTA and Xola members will explain the strategic importance adventure travel holds with regard to the development of Mexico’s Tourism Industry, and the crucial role ATTA will be playing in its growth. ATTA and Xola are collaborating with Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism to develop a National Adventure Travel Assessment. This assessment is expected to allow the ATTA, SECTUR and the Mexican Tourism Promotion Board (CPTM) to assist the government in developing a market positioning plan for the Country. With the opening of ATTA representation in Mexico, the ATTA hopes to become a strategic ally for the Mexican Government and for local operators who wish access to: best practices worldwide, strategic media, top tier specialized tour operators and travel agents, and position Mexico as a world class adventure travel destination.
During Tianguis, the ATTA will sign a strategic alliance with AMTAVE, the Mexican Adventure and Ecotourism Travel Association and two-year ATTA Association Partner, through which the benefits of ATTA membership will be more readily available to AMTAVE’s nearly 100 members. Witnesses of honor to this signature will be: The Mexican Tourism Promotion Board, represented by Marketing Director Steve Austin, the Federal Ministry of Tourism, represented by Monica Vejar, Director of Alternative Tourism and the Secretary of Tourism for Mexico City, Alejandro Rojas.
Scotland (April)
For the week of April 20th, ATTA Business Development Director Paula Mendes is on a trade mission to Scotland to size up its adventure travel market and to meet with its tourism officials and tour operators, and to participate in on-the-ground adventures there. For possible appointments there, contact Paula at paula@adventuretravel.biz.
Vancouver, Canada (May)
ATTA’s Shannon Stowell and Paula Mendes will co-host an ATTA Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Regional Meeting on May 5th.
South Africa (May)
ATTA’s Vice President of Business Development Chris Chesak will attend INDABA and will be available for appointments. Email cchesak@adventuretravel.biz
New York (May)
ATTA Vice President Chris Doyle will host an ATTA NYC Regional Meeting on May 13th.
Sweden (May)
Chris Doyle will work from Gothenburg, Sweden, May 15-28 to develop closer ties to the region’s adventure tourism industry. For appointments during his time in Sweden, please email cdoyle@adventuretravel.biz.
Preview of Summit Adventures Announced for 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit
April 16, 2009
Just Released! ATTA and host destination Tourisme Quebec have unveiled a preview to the Pre-Summit Adventures (Oct. 16-19) and Day of Adventure (October 19) activities being planned ahead of the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit.
For 2009, Québec Province offers quality adventure options provided by members of the highly respected ATTA Association Partner member, Aventure Écotourisme Québec (AEQ) and in partnership with regional tourism destinations.
Past participants in the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Pre-Summit Adventures consider Pre-Summit Adventures and Day of Adventure early conference excursions some of the most valuable networking time – quality time spent between delegates who naturally build relationships in an environment conducive to genuine fun, conversation and thoughtful dialogue. Such adventures are designed to spur networking and to help delegates explore a new destination.
Click here for more information to plan your adventure at the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit.
WAVES for Development Holds First US Based Event for Youth in NYC
April 16, 2009
Surf-related nonprofit WAVES for Development expands program scope to INCLUDE US after one year in Peru.
(New York City, NY April 13) – WAVES for Development (WAVES) is partnering with the Swim Strong Foundation, St. Francis College Water Polo team and the NYU Surf Club to offer an introduction to Water Polo and Surf clinic on April 19th. The clinic is available for participants between the ages of 12 through 17.
“Surfing provides accomplished swimmers a healthy outlet and connection to nature; the skills developed while surfing can be applied to other areas of their lives” states Dave Aabo, founder and executive director of WAVES for Development International. This effort is put forth by WAVES to continue their commitment of using surfing as a vehicle for education for underprivileged youth in South America. WAVES for Development helps communities connect surfing and sustainable community development through Educational Surf programs for local youth and Adventure Voluntourism for travelers.
With Educational Surf programming in Peru, this marks the first US based event available for any participants ages 12-17 who are strong swimmers. The event takes place on Sunday April 19th at St. Sebastian Parish Center from 7:45am to 11:00 am. The cost to get involved is $25 and participants can sign up by emailing Shawn Slevin, Chair of The Swim Strong Foundation, at shawn.slevin@theswimstrongfoundation.org. “Swim Strong’s mission is to save and change children’s lives through competitive swimming. Our Spring Clinic in collaboration with WAVES for Development educates and inspires children to explore new and different water sports leading to life changing experiences for them. The fun they have working with the athletes and the possibilities of college scholarships don’t hurt either!” – adds Slevin.
WAVES for Development is an affiliation of not-for-profit organizations that uses surfing to make the world a better place by combing Educational Surf programs that develop youth into healthy and empowered adults with Adventure Voluntourism programs that engage travelers and transform their world view. The community-based educational programs promote healthy living, environmental conservation, social entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism. WAVES for Development Peru has signed an agreement with the Peruvian Sports Institute and the Peruvian Surfing Federation to bring Educational Surf and Adventure Voluntourism programming to communities throughout Peru.
For more information about WAVES for Development, or this particular event, please contact Dave Aabo at 518.339-2142 or dave@WAVESfodevelopment.org.
70 Organizations Join or Renew Their ATTA Membership Since February
April 15, 2009
70 organizations from around the world have joined or renewed their membership in the Adventure Travel Trade Association, since last reporting in the February AdventureTravelNews.
Skim their company names below, and be sure to read about them new members in profiles section.
| New Members | Returning Members |
| Abenteuerteam.com GmbH Abenteuer- & Erlebnisreisen AdventureLink Amazon Ecopark Lodge Arctic Kingdom Marine Expeditions Inc. Aviemore & the Cairngorms Destination Management Ltd Balboa Explorer Belize Tourism Board Boreale Mountain Biking Cabin Fever Adventures Cairngorms National Park Authority China Rails Travel CnAdventure Creative Catalonia Desert Paramours Travel and Tours Elemental Kite Club Epicurean Ways Eskakwa Eco-Adventure Company Glenlivet and the Cairngorms Guide Alpine Star Mountain di Dolma Tours sas Horizontes Nature Tours Icelandic Mountain Guides Interatividade Itacaré Jordan Tours & Travel Kimberly Raft Co. Mama Tembo Tours Mer et Monde Ecotours MyOutdoorTV.com NAVO Tour Oceanwide Expeditions Olosokwan Adventures (T) LTD Petra Moon Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms DMO Sea Kayak Adventures Inc. Serena Marina and Golf Residences Summits Africa Travari.com Turner PR TBA WildChina Travel Inc. Worldwide Travel Adventures Zorb Ltd |
Adventure Collection Backroads Borton Overseas Bredeson Outdoor Adventures Cascada Expediciones Destination Himalaya George Washington University Himalayan High Treks Hurtigruten Inkaterra Just Roughin’ It Adventure Co. Kumuka MIR Corporation Natural Habitat Adventures Northern Outdoors O.A.R.S. The Alpine Club of Canada Thomson Family Adventures Thomson Safaris Trek Travel Tucano Reps. Peru Latin Trails Tusker Trail USI Travel Insurance Services VBT Bicycling Vacations Viaventure Central America Volcanoes Safaris Volcanoes Safaris Western River Expeditions |
May ATTA Regional Networking Meetings
April 15, 2009
Coming in May, the Adventure Travel Trade Association will host three regional industry gatherings -– titled the “Meeting of the Minds” — in New York City, Vancouver and Boulder, Colorado.
| VANCOUVER MEETING DIRECTIONS |
| 1055 Dunsmuir St, Suite 1400. Corner of Dunsmuir and Hornby |
| NYC MEETING DIRECTIONS |
| 711 5th Avenue, 17th Floor. Between 55th and 56th in the Coca Cola building.
You will need to be on the RSVP list to check in with the building reception. Photo ID required. |
| FRONT RANGE MEETING DIRECTIONS |
| 1789 28th StWhile driving north on 28th, REI will be on your left shortly after Canyon Blvd.
|
In Vancouver, B.C. on May 5th, the meeting will be at the Canadian Tourism Commission’s offices from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. RSVP here.
The New York City meeting will be on May 13th, between 11:30AM-2:00PM, at the National Geographic Adventure offices, in Midtown Manhattan. RSVP here.
The Front Range meeting will be in Boulder, Colorado on May 29th, from 2:00 – 3:30 PM at the REI store in Boulder. Register here. This meeting will be preceded by a TravelGeeks meeting that starts at 12:30PM.
ATTA Members’ attendance and lunch are free, and for non-members the cost is $35 (payable online or via cash/check on-site).
During these meetings, Tour Operators, DMO/Tourism Boards, Media, and Specialty Adventure Travel Agents will gather to:
- Participate in vibrant, peer-to-peer networking
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Access the latest news and updates from the ATTA, the field and the industry at large
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Learn and share the latest in marketing strategies, trends and research – ATTA will deliver Q1 2009 survey results
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Identify current strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities facing the industry
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Seek areas of opportunity to collaborate, share resources and minds for mutual gain
Connect with industry experts and come prepared to share and discuss how you and your organization can navigate, survive and thrive in these changing times.
CnAdventure
April 15, 2009
CnAdventure is a successful, rapidly-growing Adventure Tour company which specializes in organizing exciting eco & adventure tours throughout China.
Our business is dedicated to providing personalized service of the highest quality to our customers, travelers who want to know the real China!
Based in Beijing, and with over 10 years of experience, our flagship product is our wide variety of high-quality Great Wall hiking tours. No other company offers the diversity of hikes to this “must-see” World heritage site as we do!
CnAdventure specializes in 4 main areas (1) hiking/trekking (2) 4WD (3) horseback riding (4) and visiting minority groups
1) Hiking/trekking – besides offering a variety of Great Wall hikes along its entire length, we also offer many other treks of varying difficulty levels, into many remote regions of China, from 5-day easy hiking to Tiger Leaping Gorge to 21-day challenging treks to K2 or to Mt. Kailash in Tibet.
(2) 4WD –Our 4X4 expeditions are unique and challenging. Not only do we take you to the places you may have heard about, such as the hair-raising but picturesque road from Sichuan to “the Roof of the World”-Tibet, and the ancient Silk Road, we take you to remote, lesser known areas. Many areas we visit can only be accessed by 4WD carrying full supplies (food and tents, eg. crossing the desolate Nop Lor Lake )
(3) Horseback riding –Our riding excursions vary from experiencing the real nomadic lifestyle on the grasslands to following the Ancient Tea-horse Road through the rugged mountains.
(4) Culture – China has more than 50 minority groups and we know most of them! To visit and spend time with any of them is a precious cultural experience, especially during the time of the many never-to-be-forgotten festivals! By visiting villages and arranging home-stays, our specialists allow visitors to merge right in and share their lifestyle. These cultural opportunities are not tours – they are experiences far more rewarding than even the myriad of memorable images one will capture on film.
Why us?
In one word – “experience”.
The quality and creativity of our itineraries, their educational content, the flexibility and the variety of adventure and cultural experiences offered, and the quality of our guides cannot be beaten.
We engage professional local naturalists and specialists in order to better share the natural treasures of China with our customers. Our tours offer interactive cultural experiences, not just passive visits to must-see sights.
Our tours are always evolving. We are constantly working with existing customers from Europe, Australia, and the USA, to develop new tours or modify existing ones. This experience leads directly to the evolution of our “standard” tours. Some of these tours are exclusive in the marketplace.
We look forward to partnering with foreign-based adventure tour companies to allow them to enrich their own repertoire of tours, and to offer a truly-new adventure travel experience to their own customers
Horizontes Nature Tours – Costa Rica
April 15, 2009
“We inspire the enjoyment, fulfillment, and personal discovery of our guests through responsibly designed and operated travel programs that provide meaningful experiences with the nature and people of Costa Rica”
Since 1984, Costa Rica-based Horizontes Nature Tours has led many thousands of travelers to the country’s most beautiful and biodiversity-rich destinations, all in the name of conservation. A pioneer in nature travel, Horizontes has helped create an incentive for the protection of Costa Rica’s landmark national park system by encouraging small groups of travelers to visit these wild lands. Over the year’s Horizontes has instituted a number of initiatives aimed at “greening” its own business and the industry. The company’s philanthropic efforts have extended to community development and park projects that include the funding of national park rangers to prevent poaching, and the support of trail building, research stations, and conservation organizations.
Horizontes Style:
At Horizontes we believe that bigger does not always mean better, especially when traveling to places of great biodiversity. The best way to see our country is in small groups accompanied by an excellent naturalist. We also believe that the best hotels are small with local flavor that meet international standards of quality. Through our strong partnerships built since we began in 1984, we can provide unmatched personalized service in line with the highest standards for sustainable practices.
Certified Quality:
Horizontes is the only tour operator in Costa Rica with the highest 5-leaf certification for sustainable tourism with our country’s CST program. Our certification comes with ongoing commitment to evaluate our own operations and those of our suppliers, in order to guarantee the utmost safety, security and quality of experience to our guests. To provide a seamless tour, Horizontes reconfirms its reservations three times before arrival, so guests can rest easy knowing all is taken care of. Not one area of the country, not one hotel or other service is included in a Horizontes itinerary unless someone from our staff has inspected it first hand. Our full-time research department keeps us up to date with new hotels, restaurants, private reserves, tours and other services that have proliferated as a result of the recent growth in tourism to Costa Rica.
Unique and Responsible Itineraries:
When traveling with Horizontes, you can visit national parks and private reserves teeming with biodiversity, have a peek at rural living in agricultural valleys and rural hamlets, enjoy active tours on whitewater rivers, mangrove estuaries, rain-forested waterways and refreshing waterfalls, and observe wildlife on land and along our coasts. While traveling, rest assured that your trip has been designed responsibly and includes every opportunity for you to discover the essence of our beautiful country.
Focus on Nature, Adventure and Culture:
Our guides provide a unique interpretation of the natural places you visit and share a unique local perspective on Costa Rica’s past, present and future.
Bonded and Insured:
We carry the maximum possible umbrella liability insurance in Costa Rica for $2 million.
Responsible Travel:
Through the years we have made many contributions to protect our wild lands, made possible through our partnerships. Horizontes has donated $20,000 to protect jaguars in Corcovado National Park and gave $10,000 toward a reforestation project connecting Corcovado and La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. We have dedicated our resources to an awareness campaign on sustainable practices held for our suppliers through a program with the New York-based Rainforest Alliance. On 2006, we became the first and only tour operator to earn the highest 5-leaf rating with our region’s Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST)
Airport Meet and Greet:
To start the trip off on the right foot, we greet your travelers inside the airport and provide instruction on how to maneuver and who to look for once past Customs. Our airport staff receives guests under the brand of our wholesalers, with signage at the airport and on vehicles.
Flexibility:
Since we develop all tailor made programs, we have operations and logistical knowledge of the entire country. Anywhere your clients want to go, we can advise of the best way to get there, as well as the right places to stay, according to their needs.
Leadership:
For 25 years we have been working towards excellence in all levels of customer service in support of our partners’ constant drive to enhance their personalized services. Wholesalers can count on our deep interest in supporting your efforts to make Costa Rica the most highly sought after destinations in Latin America.
Good company:
Horizontes is proud to partner with some of the most prestigious tour operators in the US and UK, which demands constant innovation in our field.
Partner Training:
Yearly visits to your office for staff training and new product development. We are also interested in receiving your staff on annual FAM trips, giving them first hand knowledge that they can pass on to potential guests.
New Challenge:
On 2008, following the path of sustainability and Social Corporate Responsibility, Tamara and Margarita sold their company to their managers, finding a financing tool based on an MBO program (Managers Buy Out). This way, the philosophical frame of the company will remain intact and all their ongoing sustainability programs will be reinforced, developed and renewed! The new owners of Horizontes are Will Aiello-GM, Federico Calderón-Finance, Patricia Forero-R&D and Luigi Quesada-Commercial.
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