ViaTour Software
April 15, 2009
Dear Adventure Travel Professional: We are pleased to support the Adventure Travel Trade Association and see a great deal of overlap between Adventure Tour Operator’s needs and of our educational travel clients. Since 2001, ViaTour Software has provided tour operators a powerful and easy-to-use tool to track tours, reservations, P&L, vendors and much more. Investing in your infrastructure can help you survive today, put you ahead of the competition tomorrow, and position you for fast growth when the economy recovers. Concentrating on areas of strength is vital in this economic environment. Not all companies will survive these times but those that do will share a commitment to laying a strong foundation and taking advantage of special opportunities. One such opportunity is the ViaTour “stimulus package” for ATTA members. Look for our announcement later in April about our “buy now/pay later” option. Are you uncertain about how to apply database technology to your business... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesVisitScotland
April 15, 2009
VisitScotland is the national tourism organization for Scotland. Our core objectives are to promote Scotland as a must-visit, must-return destination for business and leisure travel, engage and work in partnership with the tourism industry, add value to the visitor experience, provide strategic direction to the industry and manage our operations efficiently and effectively. VisitScotland working in partnership with industry has an ambition to grow Scottish tourism revenues by 50% by 2015. In addition, it is fundamentally important that VisitScotland works within Scotland’s Tourism Framework for Change which challenges public agencies and businesses to establish Scotland as Europe’s most sustainable – economically, environmentally and socially – destination by 2015. VisitScotland has a key role to play in meeting this challenge. Using information and influence and leading by example and encouragement, VisitScotland’s Sustainable Tourism Unit will drive Scotland’s tourism... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesMer et Monde Écotours
April 15, 2009
Mer et Monde Ecotours is a tour operator or a outfitter (in Quebec) that provides sea kayaking, guided excursions with interpretation and whale watching; operates a sea kayaking school recognised by the Quebec Federation of Canoe and Kayak; and operates a little rustic campground and a little internet coffee-bistro. Our sea kayak activities, expeditions and package are for all, even those without any experience, take place in the St-Lawrence estuary and the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine National Park. Certified guides will accompany you on these activities. All our customers use tandem kayaks. In order to ensure your safety and your comfort, all our activities include all necessary equipment. Camping on wood platform is also available and watch whales right from your tent. Our company is a pioneer and a leader in sea kayak activities in the Quebec province and is well known for the high standard of quality and safety. We have been in business for 20 years now and can accommodate individuals... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesMama Tembo Tours Inc
April 15, 2009
Vancouver, Canada-based Mama Tembo Tours Inc is owned and operated by Leslie Nevison. It grew out of 30 years of independent travel; 20 years of living overseas in eight countries – which includes Tanzania, Republic of Congo and Zambia – and a travel writing career. For the last ten years, Leslie has spent at least six months of the year in Africa. Currently, she splits her time between Canada, California, and Zambia. MTT customizes private safaris for individuals and small groups, bringing to each her insider’s knowledge of the countries in which she has resided. She works in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia and Central and West Africa. Several times a year she escorts small groups to her favorite destinations; or to new destinations she wants to share; or to destinations which require her help at the helm (such as the Republic of Congo). Leslie joins only a handful of operators who offer travel to Republic of Congo’s Nouabale-Ndoki National Park and Central African... Read More →
ATTA EventsNew York Regional Networking – May 13, Register Today
April 14, 2009
You are invited to join the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s New York Regional Meeting set for Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The ATTA’s “Meeting of the Minds” will be held between 11:30AM-2:00PM at the National Geographic Adventure offices, in Midtown Manhattan. ATTA Members’ attendance and lunch are free, and for non-members the cost is $35 (payable online or via cash/check on-site). RSVP Today: click here. On May 13th, DMO/Tourism Boards, Media, Tour Operators and Specialty Adventure Travel Agents will gather to: DIRECTIONS TO NGA 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. Participate in vibrant, peer-to-peer networking Access the latest news and updates from the ATTA, the field and the industry at large Learn and share the latest in marketing strategies, trends and research – ATTA will deliver Q1 2009 survey results Identify... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesA Time for Giving Back: Boundless Journeys Annual Charity Event An Ideal Way to Travel Guilt-Free
April 14, 2009
Editor’s Note: In recent months, organizations have found creative ways to attract would-be adventure travelers through volunteer-style holidays, philanthropic travel options, creative add-ons to trips that provide unique “give back” opportunities – this positioning, as its communicated, to help to address perceived or real traveler concerns about taking a vacation during a challenging economic climate. For a possible follow-on round-up report, please tell us what your organization is doing/has done since the year’s start and/or summarize what you’re hearing from your clients and client prospects on this topic – deadline, April 23, 2009: email editor@adventuretravel.biz. Peru: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour to Benefit the Instituto Machu Picchu and Huanca Community School STOWE, VERMONT ― At a time when many avid travelers are scaling back due to guilt brought on by the impression that adventure travel is indulgent and insensitive to others... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesREI Adventures
April 8, 2009
REI Adventures is a global leader in worldwide guided active adventure programs since 1987. The company offers unique itineraries focused on sustainable, human-powder outdoor adventure; hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and more. Guests experience iconic destinations as guides take them off the beaten path and provide opportunities to explore a destination, get to know the local people, their culture, the flora and fauna and discover things they would not be able to duplicate on their own or with another travel company. This may include a special viewpoint only known to a local guide, a stop at a small business, village or home they the guide has arranged on advance. We strive to provide guests with unique opportunities that impact their travel experience and often, their lives. For more information and available destinations, please visit www.rei.com/adventures. Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesBuffalo Tours
April 8, 2009
Buffalo Tours is a 100% Vietnamese owned, award winning operator in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand, with a super dynamic local & Western management team (who all live, breathe, & speak in our sleep about travel in Asia). Our mission is to be the leading destination specialist in Indochina with the ability to cater to all markets – from 2* & local homestays through to high end luxury, offering superior, flexible service & creative, quality product at competitive rates – all under the guidelines of responsible travel. Established 15 years ago, Buffalo Tours are one of the pioneers of adventure travel & voluntourism, and are actively investing & establishing geo-tourism initiatives & new adventure product in Indochina. Our products fall under the categories of: Classic Adventure Special Interest Luxury Beach Breaks Cruises Voluntourism Buffalo Tours specialize in customized, privately guided FIT and group tours, catering to students, professionals,... Read More →
Member Press Releases Spotlight: SustainabilityG.A.P Adventures celebrates Earth Month
April 2, 2009
April 2, 2009 – G.A.P Adventures, the world’s leading adventure travel company, is spearheading a number of initiatives for Earth Month to raise awareness of the importance of minimizing environmental impact and travelling in a low impact and sustainable manner. The roots of Earth Month run deep at G.A.P Adventures, with our awareness campaign growing stronger each year. “Weaving sustainability into every aspect of our operations and our travellers’ experience is the essence of G.A.P Adventures,” said Richard G. Edwards, Director of Planeterra, the non profit foundation founded by G.A.P Adventures. “Earth Month is an opportunity to question how as a business or as a traveller one can integrate sustainability into every decision, to not only lessen impact on ecosystems and other cultures, but to create positive impacts. “Our experienced Product Development team and field offices have demonstrated a strong commitment to designing tours that ensure the protection of local... Read More →
