10 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2010, from Mass Mingling to Maturialism
January 20, 2010
Editor’s Note: The following consumer trends for 2010 are directly sourced from trendwatching.com, an independent and opinionated trend firm, scanning the globe for the most promising consumer trends, insights and related hands-on business ideas. One of my favorite trend-watching Web sites, it relies on trend-forward “Spotters” around the world who report to the creators of the site, which is the brainchild of Reinier Evers…it’s different, it’s fresh, it’s fun, and draws upon a worldwide network of analysts and spotters from its London and Amsterdam offices. Each of their newsletters offers some compelling perspective that gives pause for new thought… Forget the recession: the societal changes that will dominate 2010 were set in motion way before we temporarily stared into the abyss. More » Urban culture is the culture. Extreme urbanization, in 2010, 2011, 2012 and far beyond will lead to more sophisticated and demanding consumers around... Read More →
By the NumbersInternational Tourism on Track for a Rebound after an Exceptionally Challenging 2009
January 19, 2010
Growth returned to international tourism in the last quarter of 2009 contributing to better than expected full-year results, according tothe latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. International tourist arrivals fell by an estimated 4% in 2009. Prospects have also improved with arrivals now forecast to grow between 3% and 4% in 2010. This outlook is confirmed by the remarkable rise of the UNWTO Panel of Experts’ Confidence Index. 2009 – Last quarter sees return to growth International tourist arrivals for business, leisure and other purposes are estimated to have declined worldwide by 4% in 2009 to 880 million. This represents a slight improvement on the previous estimate as a result of the 2% upswing in the last quarter of 2009. In contrast, international tourist arrivals shrank by 10%, 7% and 2% in the first three quarters respectively. Asia and the Pacific and the Middle East led the recovery with growth already turning positive in both regions in the second half of... Read More →
Spotlight: SustainabilityGreen Globe Mexico Launched
January 18, 2010
Green Globe Certification (GGC), announced today the launch of Green Globe Mexico to service markets in its home country and Latin American neighbors. Green Globe Mexico has been appointed a three year license, with opportunity to extend, to provide sustainability certification and related services under the Green Globe brand. Green Globe Mexico is a 100% Mexican company supported by environmental organizations including PRONATURA SUR A.C and Productos y Procesos Sustentables A.C., both having a long history of environmental stewardship in Mexico as well as certification of sustainable agriculture. PRONATURA Executive Director Ms. Rosa Vidal said, “Our mission at PRONATURA has been the conservation of flora, fauna and priority ecosystems, while promoting society’s development in harmony with nature. Our organization has been a pioneer for more than 25 years, linking environmental projects to local capacity building, environmental policy development, a focus on gender issues and innovation... Read More →
Media BuzzAffiliate of Fletcher Asset Management, Inc. Purchases Newsweek Budget Travel
January 15, 2010
Nancy Telliho to Remain President; Harold Shain to Rejoin as Chairman NEW YORK, NY – Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel President, Nancy Telliho announced today that an affiliate of Fletcher Asset Management, Inc has officially closed on the purchase of Budget Travel and BudgetTravel.com from Newsweek, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO.) The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Telliho confirms that while Budget Travel is under new ownership she intends to stay on as President along with the entirety of the senior management team: Bernadette Haley, Publisher; Nina Willdorf, Editor in Chief, Stephen Merrill, Online General Manager and Michele Mausser, Director of Finance. The Company also announced that Harold Shain, former President of Newsweek, Inc., and former President of Newsweek Budget Travel, Inc., will rejoin Budget Travel as Chairman. Shain will help oversee the Company and, with Telliho, will guide the Company in identifying... Read More →
Trade EventsWilderness Risk Management Conference
January 15, 2010
Be heard by presenting at the 2010 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC). The call for proposals for the 2010 WRMC on October 14-16 in Colorado Springs, CO is now open. Each year 300 engaged attendees come to learn from the experts. When you present at the WRMC, you raise the bar in the industry. Respected and renowned, WRMC speakers are at the cutting edge of research and field practices. The deadline for proposals is March 31st, 2010. The Wilderness Risk Management Conference 1-800-710-6657 x3 | wrmc@nols.edu | www.nols.edu/wrmc Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesWilderness Safaris
January 15, 2010
Wilderness Safaris is first and foremost a conservation company. The reason we exist is to protect pristine wilderness areas and the flora and fauna – or biodiversity – that they support. We believe that in protecting these areas, and including the local communities in this process, we will make a difference to Africa and ultimately the world. In this way, we believe, the world’s wilderness areas will save humankind. It is our firm belief that the future of conservation in Africa depends on the attitude of the communities living next to wild areas. The twin benefits to these communities of tourism ventures and employment create a true appreciation for the value of the land and its wildlife. In this way we are in the business of building sustainable conservation economies. The private concessions that we manage offer some of Africa’s most impressive and untouched wildlife experiences. We are privileged to operate on nearly 6.5 million acres of southern Africa’s best wildlife and... Read More →
ATTA Webinar: Developing and Marketing New Adventure Destinations, Spotlight: MEXICO
January 15, 2010
Special Guests: Christina Heyniger and Antonio del Rosal Tuesday, January 26th @ 10:00 AM PST / 18:00 UTC This Webinar for tour operators, adventure media and government policy makers will explore emerging adventure destinations in Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas and the ways in which Mexico is approaching product development and marketing. ATTA and Xola team members just completed an intensive study session in these three states and will present findings and opportunities. For tour operators interested in learning about new itineraries, the webinar will present new trips that link under-explored resources as well as identify potential partners in rural, scientific, conservation, and university communities for innovative trip offerings. Rafting, kayaking, trekking, birdwatching, mountain biking and horseback riding are some of the activities offered in combination with unusual cultural offerings and top-notch gastronomy. Beginning in 2010 Mexico will take a strong cross-sectoral approach... Read More →
Member Press Releases New & DifferentDiscover France Adventures Becomes One of only Four Officially Licensed Tour Operators for the Tour de France
January 14, 2010
Scottsdale, AZ—Discover France Adventures, an award winning specialist in journeys to France, recently announced that it is one of only four tour operators worldwide that are officially licensed to sell Tour de France tours in 2010. As officially licensed tour operators for the Tour de France, Discover France Adventures will offer trips that provide cycling enthusiasts with exclusive and elite access to all major Tour de France events. Guests on Discover France’s VIP Tour de France itineraries will be granted access to the Tour Village before the start of each day’s stage as well as special access to the team and press areas after each stage finishes. This access is usually only reserved for race officials, pro athletes and other VIP’s, but Discover France’s guests will be able to mix and mingle with the pros. In addition, VIP guests will have the opportunity to cycle our along the route of the Tour on the same day as the pro stage and just ahead of the pro riders themselves. ... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesGlobal Rescue deploys medics and special ops veterans to aid in Port-au-Prince
January 14, 2010
Global Rescue has tasked a rescue team comprising former Navy SEALS and other security personnel as part of the emergency evacuation service’s mission to support its clients and relief efforts in the troubled Haitian capital. Global Rescue’s team is led by a former Navy SEAL and a member of the Army’s Special Forces. Members of the team arrived in the Dominican Republic Thursday morning and are working to evacuate clients trapped in the debris by the region’s devastating earthquake. Their mission will also include the recovery of mortal remains The relief effort has been thus far hampered by a shortage of medical personnel and a deteriorating security situation. If you have family or relatives trapped in Haiti, Global Rescue may be able to help. Contact the company’s operations center at 617-459-4200. Global Rescue is an emergency services company that provides best-in-class medical, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue and security services to individuals, corporations,... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesGap Adventures Makes 24/7 Service Commitment
January 14, 2010
Toronto, January 11, 2010 – To demonstrate its ongoing dedication to providing the best service and life-changing experiences in the travel industry, Gap Adventures is introducing round-the-clock service (www.gapadventures.com/24-7-service) to its global travellers, offering them an innovative new opportunity to make plans at their convenience. Travellers interested in booking one of Gap Adventures’ more than 1,000 trips on seven continents, who have questions about their next unforgettable destination, or who may need to reschedule a tour, will now have access to the tour operator’s global call centres and can speak to one of its Chief Experience Officers any time of the day or night. These helpful and knowledgeable CEOs are fully equipped to help adventure-seekers choose the best itinerary to suit their interests and discover the world on one of Gap Adventures’ sustainable, authentic holidays. “Our travellers around the globe want to experience our life-changing... Read More →
