AdventureEDU Stimulates Strong Commitment to Colorado Adventure Tourism Market

Seattle, WA (May 7, 2014) – The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA; www.adventuretravel.biz) in conjunction with the Colorado State Tourism, recently completed an AdventureEDU training program for local adventure tourism professionals. The program, offered April 22 - 23, 2014, in the town of Gunnison, Colorado, was the second AdventureEDU provided for a U.S. destination by the ATTA.

The two-day workshop drew approximately 40 tour operators, and representatives from destination boards, visitors’ bureaus, state parks and recreation departments, public relations and marketing professionals, multiple types of industry associations, adventure travel media and more. In response to Colorado’s goals to elevate collaboration and dialogue about the future of adventure as a catalyst for economic growth in the state, the AdventureEDU program focused on developing cohesion among stakeholders, aligning focus for advancing local adventure opportunities, establishing objectives for cross-agency partnership  and short- and long-term planning to maintain momentum.

Attendees participated in facilitated group projects and activities from Russell Walters, President of Northern Outdoors, and Moe Carrick (Moementum), a professional educator and consultant. Graphic facilitator Janine Underhill from Idea 360 provided visual storytelling throughout the program. Participants commented that the environment rapidly evolved into open, honest conversation that was “both unusual and appreciated.”

“There is nothing I find more energizing than watching a diverse group of people from divergent environments and interests come together to discover and define a common purpose,” said facilitator Moe Carrick. “Colorado Tourism graciously called the conversation, hosted a well designed process and supported the possibility of a co-created future."

AdventureEDU attendee Angela Hollingsworth, director at Lake City/Hinsdale County Tourism & Chamber, summarized her experience at the training: “The resources and staff of this program were amazing. This was the  best facilitated meeting I have ever participated in. Overall, a wonderful and memorable experience that I am inspired to share.”

Since its inception in 2013 the ATTA has delivered AdventureEDU programs for adventure businesses and other industry participants in Peru, the Western Balkans, New York, Macedonia and Colorado. The ATTA has plans for additional AdventureEDU programs in 2014; interested destinations can contact the AdventureEDU team at ATTA to learn more.

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About Adventure Travel Trade Association

Established in 1990, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) serves nearly 900 members in 80 countries worldwide. Members predominantly include tour operators, tourism boards, travel advisors and accommodations with a vested interest in the sustainable development of adventure tourism. The ATTA delivers solutions and connections that propel members towards their business goals and the industry toward a responsible and profitable future. Through its regional AdventureConnect events and annual Adventure Travel World Summit trade conference, the ATTA excels in professional learning, networking and partnering services. With expertise in research, education, adventure travel industry news and promotion, members of the ATTA receive competitive opportunities that help establish them as leaders in adventure tourism.

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