39% of tour operators surveyed by the ATTA recorded more than 16% growth in 2007

29 March 2008
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ATTA's 2007 industry-wide snapshot represents more than $300,000,000 of adventure travel business and 875,000+ travelers. 57% from North America, last year was 61%. The profile of tour operators that took this year's survey was very similar (size, number of employees, year started, etc) to those in 2005 and 2006.

Reflecting on 2007 and looking ahead to 2008:
• 86% indicated positive growth rates, with 39% recording more than 16% growth in 2007
• 40% reported more than 11% net margin
• 98% project growth in 2008, with 66% expecting more than 16% growth

• Trends evident to tour operators:
- 34% reported increased competition among adventure operators (marketing, pricing, sales promotions)
- 59% reported increases in demand for custom itineraries/trips
- 38% reported increases in demand shorter duration trips (less than one week long)
- 43% reported increases in demand for eco-tourism/environmental trips
- 35% reported increase in demand for cultural/educational trips
• Most significant threats:
- 45% reported increased cost of operating (capital/infrastructure spending, equipment )
- 39% reported increased cost of marketing due to competition from other adventure travel businesses
- 39% reported reduced client travel due to poor economy

Tour Operators - most productive types of marketing used in 2007:
85% - Word of Mouth/Viral
70% - Repeat Business/Clients
64% - Travel Agents
*Internet (SEO, Web links, emailing, etc.) and PR follow in the 50+% range

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