Adventure Life’s Brian Morgan Featured in Inc. Magazine
July 16, 2009
What do readers on Inc.com rate as the most fun job? The vote today of nine industries puts starting an adventure travel company as number one, and likely this was after reading Brian Morgan’s personal testimony of starting Adventure Life, an ATTA Member organization. Morgan, along with representatives from nine other industries (e.g., aerospace, software, advertising), had July’s cover feature, and told his inspiring – and at times strikingly modest – company story. Read more on Inc.com: How to Start an Adventure Travel Company. Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesDream Outdoors
July 15, 2009
Established in 2004, Dream Outdoors is an Experience Management Company focused on providing consulting, design, and execution of extraordinary experiences for individuals, families, and corporations. We work with our clients through a proprietary process to identify their unique lifestyle passions, travel interests, personal or professional goals to customize the best travel experiences available in every market around the world. Sharing your love for and commitment to experiencing the world, we and our global network of partners provide one of a kind experiences for families, friends and colleagues whether for special occasions or simply the pursuit of their passions. No matter where your journey leads you, the Dream Outdoors seal represents a community dedicated to quality, authenticity and service excellence. Although we provide client travel solutions in many interest and regional areas, our main focus is on; Active Experiences – Outdoor enthusiasts today actively engage with... Read More →
ATTA Press ReleasesATTA Names 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit Advisory Committee
July 15, 2009
(SEATTLE) – JULY 15, 2009 – Helping to ensure it trade-only executive conference delivers the vision, strategy and direction attending delegates expect, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) today named its Advisory Committee for its October 19-22, 2009, Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) being held in Charlevoix, Québec, Canada. Adventure travel community leaders comprise the ATWS Advisory Committee and represent diverse industry sectors and geographic regions. Committee members represent tour operators, tourism boards, destination marketing organizations, tour operators, adventure travel agents and media. Selected annually, Advisory Committee members are tasked to provide advice and direction to Summit organizers to ensure their respective sectors of the industry are properly represented at the ATWS. Among their specific responsibilities, Summit advisors provide feedback on Summit plans and activities, facilitate ATWS sessions, and serving as Summit ambassadors before,... Read More →
By the NumbersMay Outdoor Sales Show Declines Continuing
July 14, 2009
Trends in Outdoor Retail Webinar Scheduled for July 15 BOULDER, CO (July 13, 2009) – Retail sales for all core outdoor stores combined (chain, internet, specialty)* declined 7% compared to last May, moving from $448M to $418M, according to the most recent edition of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group. Sales for the first five months of the year totaled $1.8B, down 5% from the same period in 2008. Outdoor Specialty – Declines Accelerate in May Specialty store sales declined 8% in units and 9% in dollars this May. Deflationary pressures may be coming into play in as specialty retailers strived to move product and compete against the chain and online channels. So far this year, units have fallen 6%, average retail prices 4% and dollars 10%. Comparing this May to last, both equipment and apparel experienced double-digit dollar declines while equipment accessories and footwear weren’t far behind with single-digit... Read More →
ATTA Press ReleasesDelegates to Gain Center Stage at 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit
July 14, 2009
(SEATTLE) – July 14, 2009 – With intensive focus on peer-to-peer networking, exploration of real-world case studies and active engagement with attending journalists, by design registered delegates of the October 19-22, 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit will take center stage in a manner unmatched at all previous Summit events. “After delivering five previous successful Summits, we’ve adapted to rapid market shifts and evolved this year’s agenda to reflect the immediate needs of trade professionals, all while keeping our sights set on the long haul,” said Shannon Stowell, president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the organizing association of the annual Summits. “This year, delegates gain a pivotal role in influencing the agenda and helping to manage the direction, dialogue and debates before, during and after the Summit.” The ATTA has introduced for 2009 three new programs: Marketplace (a first for the ATTA in North America), Meeting of the Minds and Collaborative... Read More →
Members "In the News"Washington Post Highlights Previous ATTA Webinar Presenter, Anne Loehr
July 14, 2009
ATTA Member and Executive Coach, Anne Loehr, was highlighted by the Washington Post last Thursday. Loehr has shared her expertise on two ATTA Members Tune In Webinars. read more>> Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBoundless Journeys has been selected as the #7 Best Tour Operator in the World by Travel & Leisure Magazine in their annual “World’s Best” Awards
July 12, 2009
Travel + Leisure readers have named Boundless Journeys #7 on the list of the World’s Best Tour Operators in the magazine’s 2009 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Readers rated tour operators, properties and destinations on a variety of criteria. Tour operators were evaluated on the following characteristics: staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and value. Following tradition, highlights from the 2009 World’s Best Awards survey results were announced live on NBC’s Today Show and will be featured in their entirety in the August issue of Travel + Leisure and online. About Boundless Journeys Selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, February 2009; and as the #7 Best Tour Operator in the World by Travel & Leisure, August 2009 If diversity of adventure is what you are seeking, Boundless Journeys has trips to satisfy your most imaginative spirit. Offering worldwide adventure... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesTravel + Leisure Recognizes Austin-Lehman Adventures As #1 Tour Operator in the World in Annual “Best” Awards
July 10, 2009
BILLINGS, MT, July 10, 2009 – Travel + Leisure (T+L) readers have chosen Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) as the World’s Best Tour Operator in the magazine’s 2009 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Based on a perfect score of 100, ALA received an overall rating of 97.34, one of the highest ever recorded in the category in the 14 years T+L has conducted its prestigious readers’ survey. Their readers rated tour operators, properties and destinations on a variety of criteria. Tour operators were evaluated on the following characteristics: staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food and value. “Considering that T+L readers represent a strong voice amongst today’s travelers, we’re thrilled to be ranked by this constituency. This is truly the best of the best. To be named number one is absolutely thrilling and at the same time genuinely humbling,” said Dan Austin, ALA’s co-founder and Director. “Austin-Lehman delivers an... Read More →
By the NumbersU.S.’s International Visitation Up 3 Percent in April 2009
July 10, 2009
SPENDING: $9.8 BILLION IN APRIL-$40.6 BILLION IN FIRST 4 MONTHS Year-to-Date Arrivals 10 Percent Below Last Year The U.S. Department of Commerce announces that 4.2 million international visitors traveled to the United States in April 2009, an increase of three percent compared to April 2008. Total visitation in the first four months of 2009 was down 10 percent compared to the same period 2008. International visitors spent $9.8 billion during the month, 15 percent less than visitors spent in April 2008. April 2009 marks the sixth consecutive month of decreases in international visitors spending. In the first four months 2009, visitors spent $40.6 billion, down nearly 12 percent from the same period in 2008. Part of the increase in April 2009 was expected since the Easter holidays occurred in March 2008. In 2009, the Easter holidays were in April. Read the entire story at The Office of Travel & Tourism Industries: Click here. Read More →
Member Press ReleasesAFD Awards $3.5 Million Loan For Environmental Businesses In Developing World
July 9, 2009
Arlington, VA/Paris, France – The French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) signed a $3.5 million agreement on July 7 for an expansion of an innovative fund supporting green businesses. Verde Ventures at Conservation International (CI) invests in some of the most biologically rich and threatened ecosystems on the planet. It provides loans to small- and medium-sized businesses that create economic opportunities while contributing to local development and the conservation of natural resources for future generations. This agreement makes CI the first nongovernmental organization to receive a loan from AFD, and further expands a long-term partnership between the two. “AFD is at the forefront of the idea that development and conservation are not incompatible ideas but instead tightly related to the well-being of future generations,” said Niels Crone, CI Chief Operating Officer. “CI is one of our most effective and innovative partners with government, civil society... Read More →
