Seattle, WA – Further strengthening its Advisory Board, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) announced today that outdoor industry veteran and adventure travel expert Steve Barker has joined its Advisory Board. The ATTA, a trade organization for tour operators, travel agents, tour suppliers, industry partners and tourism boards, has more than 900 members representing 90 countries worldwide.
Barker, founder and former owner of Eagle Creek Travel Gear, is a timely addition to the board as the ATTA looks to increase partnerships with outdoor brands on a global scale. Mr. Shannon Stowell, President of the ATTA emphasized, “Steve’s experience in the industry for 30 plus years will be instrumental as we navigate strategic partnerships with brands that recognize the economic potential of the adventure travel market."
When asked about joining the ATTA Advisory Board, Barker said, “I've been a long time fan of the work the ATTA does in supporting adventure travel organizations. I am excited about the opportunity to help ATTA leverage its success to influence conservation of the incredible places where ATTA member companies do business.”
Under Barker’s leadership Eagle Creek Travel Gear grew to become a globally respected brand that exclusively focused on outfitting Adventure Travel. Barker is active on many boards and committees including the Alaska Wilderness League and the Recreation Advisory Committee for the Outdoor Industry Association. In 2010 Barker sold Eagle Creek and founded Wild Places, a consulting practice focused on entrepreneur mentoring, strategic planning and saving wild places.
The Advisory Board, which has been in place since the ATTA’s 2004 re-launch under the leadership of its president, Mr. Shannon Stowell, is made up of a diverse group of ATTA member travel industry leaders. These leaders lend voice to and bring strategic perspectives from representative membership categories that contribute to the ongoing the direction of the ATTA.
The ATTA’s full advisory board can be reviewed here.