Splash White Water Rafting
September 29, 2009
Splash White Water Rafting is aiming to introduce more people to the joys of running the world’s rivers than any other operator. We work from our home base of Scotland where we have two rafting companies and other associated adventure companies and also from a base in Marrakech, Morocco. We also run rafting trips in 9 other countries. We aim to grow by a combination of strong organic growth supplemented by the purchase of rafting operators in strategic global locations and by networking with quality rafting and adventure travel operators around the world. Talking to travellers and adventure seekers has taught us that for many the thought of doing a several week adventure holiday in a far off country is a daunting thought and hence many do not commit to taking action. Therefore we have designed our business to introduce clients to adventure and travel by providing the majority with day trips and short breaks. The confidence they gain on these trips encourages them to be more adventurous... Read More →
Media BuzzETC-UNWTO Handbook on Tourism Destination Branding
September 29, 2009
Brussels, Belgium 21 September 2009. Tourism has become one of the world’s fastest growing economic sectors in recent years. Governments around the world are increasingly recognising the power of tourism to boost their nation’s development and prosperity. As more tourism destinations emerge and competition for visitors becomes more intense, a destination’s ability to project itself on the world stage and differentiate itself from others is ever more important. Recognizing the value of successfully building and managing a destination’s brand, the European Travel Commission (ETC) and World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have commissioned this Handbook to provide a useful and practical guide for both marketing novices and experienced destination managers. Introduced by an essay by Simon Anholt on the importance of building a national brand image, the Handbook on Tourism Destination Branding provides a step-by-step guide to the branding process, accompanied by strategies for brand... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBoundless Journeys Announces Move toward Paperless Communications
September 29, 2009
Boundless Journeys Announces Move toward Paperless Communications STOWE, Vermont—Boundless Journeys has announced a change of marketing plans for 2010. Traditionally, the award-winning small group tour operator has published an annual catalog to whet the travel appetites of their adventurous clients. For the coming year, however, focus has been shifted to their newly redesigned Web site, www.BoundlessJourneys.com, in lieu of a paper catalog. Company founder and president, Matt Holmes, explains the decision was made for several reasons. “By becoming more Web focused, we’ve been able to eliminate what we decided was a redundant resource. Why print a catalog when there is a much more comprehensive resource available that allows better service at a greater value to our clients? We are also members of The International Ecotourism Society and Sustainable Travel International, and have a responsibility to make decisions that continually move us toward less resource use, less waste, and a... Read More →
Seascape Kayak Tours has been named a finalist for the National Awards for Tourism Excellence
September 29, 2009
Seascape Kayak Tours has been named a finalist for the National Awards for Tourism Excellence, presented by the Globe and Mail. Selected as one of three finalists for the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award, Seascape Kayak Tours’ nomination was submitted by the New Brunswick Government and the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick. Read More →
ATTA Press Releases Adventure Travel World SummitAdventure Tour Operator Scholarship Winners Named by Teva and ATTA
September 24, 2009
(SEATTLE) SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 – Entrepreneurs representing an ecotourism wilderness lodge operated by the Moose Cree First Nation people of James Bay, Canada; an eco lodge operated by members of Ethiopia’s Eastern Cushitic, ethno-linguistic Konso culture; and a bicycle ambulance service operated by community volunteers in Malawi, topped out 141 aspiring leaders seeking financial backing to attend the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), a trade-only professional and business development conference for adventure tourism executives. To assist deserving adventure tour operators in growing responsibly, today the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and Teva® (a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, NASDAQGS: DECK), named the following winners of a joint, first-time scholarship program that provides financial support to early-stage adventure tourism enterprises (Project descriptions and tourism operations are available through the URLs provided.): Sacred Rides Mountain Bike... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesJenman African Safaris
September 17, 2009
Jenman African Safaris is a family-run business with brothers Garth, Brendan and Andrew Jenman having grown up in Southern Africa and spending well over a decade exploring the region, travelling and working in the hospitality industry. Their camping division, Campwild Tours and Safaris, was created in 1993. Since then the company has grown at a steady pace and has achieved a reputation for reliability, safety, high service standards and excellent value for money. With time, the brothers diversified their product range and, catering to their customers needs, started running scheduled as well as tailor-made Lodge style safaris. Thus in 1998 Jenman African Safaris was founded as the holding company and Campwild Tours and Safaris became Jenman’s camping division. In 2005 the brothers once again saw a gap in the market for exclusive upmarket tailor-made lodge-style safaris and they created African Luxury Hideaways with Andrew Jenman heading up this division. Our philosophy: To provide... Read More →
New & DifferentTour Industry Executives Team Up for Global Sustainability Initiatives
September 17, 2009
Robin Tauck welcomes a new Senior Partner, Randy Durband (September 9, 2009) — Robin Tauck, now of Robin Tauck & Partners today announced a new Senior Partner, Randy Durband, former President of both Travcoa and Intrav/Clipper, subsidiaries of TUI Travel (formerly First Choice Holidays). Robin Tauck and Partners is dedicated to new public-private partnerships to raise awareness, advocacy, financial and other resources to assist initiatives of significant global impact. In making the announcement, Ms Tauck said, “As the former President and CEO of Tauck World Discovery, I traveled to more than 65 countries and hundreds of experiential places on missions of cross cultural education and tourism development. I became immersed in the challenges impacting our public lands and common places, world heritage sites, and unique culture traditions. In 2008, I formed a new entity to engage the travel industry to promote action to collaborate in new solutions for global environmental problems.” Durband,... Read More →
ATTA Press Releases Adventure Travel World SummitGlobal Rescue Sponsors Adventure Travel Trade Association, 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit
September 17, 2009
Recent Sponsor Growth Reflects Rising Sector Confidence, Expanding Global Network (SEATTLE) – September 17, 2009 – Global Rescue, a leading provider of worldwide medical, security, evacuation and crisis response services, has become a “Major Sponsor” of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and its October 19-22, 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS). Global Rescue is one of three Major Sponsors that have entered into long-term sponsorships of the ATTA and its annual Summit events. Recent sponsor growth, mirrored by record membership sales at the ATTA in 2009, reflects rising confidence and growth in the adventure travel sector within the leisure travel market, as well as the association’s expanding global network. “We help make the world safer for adventure travelers and reduce the legal and operations risks for tour operators,” said Global Rescue Chief Executive Officer Dan Richards. “The ATTA’s selection of Global Rescue as their exclusive medical, security... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesWAVES Hires New Manager for Surf Voluntourism Project in Peru
September 16, 2009
WAVES for Development is proud to announce a new team member to its surf voluntourism program. Australian Naomi Godden joins WAVES as the Program Manager of the organization’s surf voluntourism program in Lobitos, Peru. In addition to an interest in surfing and volunteering, Naomi, a trained social worker, brings with her years of experience working in community development, research, and as a PADI Divemaster and Emergency First Response Instructor. WAVES for Development, the first organization to offer voluntourism opportunities for travelers to surf and volunteer in Peru, began working in Lobitos, Peru in early 2008. Its surf voluntourism program offers volunteers from around the world the opportunity to enjoy great surfing while giving back to the community they visit. Volunteers teach and assist in educational programs for local youth that include surf lessons, life skills activities, environmental education, and English classes. Additionally, each volunteer carries out... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesHURTIGRUTEN’S DELUXE MS FRAM SETS SAIL ON ANTARCTICA PATH
September 16, 2009
FIRST FORGED BY EXPLORERS NEARLY 100 YEARS AGO – ON A SHIP BY THE SAME NAME Three Antarctica Expeditions Showcase Stunning Vistas, Mammoth Glaciers and Curious Wildlife New York, NY, September 2009 — A maverick of the cruise industry, Hurtigruten has set itself apart with expedition voyages to some of the world’s most remote destinations; and now, the cruise company is offering three cruises that go further south than many of its competitors, allowing guests a rare glimpse into Antarctica’s pristine wilderness. Sailing against a backdrop of vast glaciers and captivating polar skies, guests follow in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who led the first Antarctic expedition to reach the South Pole in 1912 aboard the original MS Fram — the namesake of the current day luxury vessel Hurtigruten passengers will use in their voyage. PolarCirkel crafts allow even greater intimacy with nature, taking guests up close to the unique flora and fauna; and ashore,... Read More →
