Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) Adventure Champions are the vanguards of the adventure travel industry having been members of ATTA and leaders in the community for a minimum of 15 years. They are true believers in the power of adventure travel and have made an impact on the direction of ATTA and on the industry as a whole. To honor their commitment to their ethos and lasting contribution to the adventure travel industry we are spotlighting Adventure Champions through a series of interviews.
Hike'n Sail Turkey
Inbound Tour Operator
Country: Turkey
ATTA Member since 2005
Introducing Alper Ertubey, Founder / CEO
Tell us about Hike'n Sail Turkey: Our signature trip "HIKE & SAIL" combines a posh maritime experience on a 75-120 feet wooden Turkish gulet, with panoramic hikes on ancient trails, sea-kayaking on sunken ruins, snorkeling, village lunches, unique ruins, and daily prepared delicious Turkish food. Ideal for participants with diverse fitness levels, three-generational families, families with children. Hike'n Sail Turkey is also a signatory of Climate Action and Tourism Declares Climate Emergency.
Why have you stayed an ATTA member for 15+ years?
Before the ATTA, I participated in trade shows for many years. They were fun, useful, good for networking and there were interesting seminars to learn things. However, the main incentive of trade shows is to sell tours to the public, time and opportunities for learning and networking are limited and everybody sorts himself out. On the other hand, the ATTA brought a whole new perspective to adventure travel. I had the opportunity to move up from being a business owner to be a member of a global community of like-minded professionals. ATTA membership brings not only many opportunities to learn from the experts and the other's experiences, gain a vision, and expand your business but also gives you a prestigious and respectable status in the industry. I believe I benefited from ATTA membership and ATTA events a lot.
Most and foremost hanging out with ATTA members is super fun. Many colleagues have become very close friends.
What is your advice for young adventure travel companies?
ATTA is a great opportunity for starting businesses. I wish ATTA was around 25 years ago. The opportunity of participating in the events, interacting in the HUB, learning from other's experiences, reports prepared by the experts is priceless. Imagine you have to do it all by yourself. My advice is to be a professional member of ATTA and participate in the events. Many small company owners like me tend to give up ATTA membership or joining the events because of the expenses. You have to think the other way around. Do not hesitate to go for it, even it is a bad year for business. You will appreciate that being an active part of this global community pays you back in many mysterious ways.
Also, I can't emphasize enough the importance of understanding sustainability and adjust your lifestyle and operations accordingly. More and more people will demand you to be sustainable and responsible.
What gets you excited about the future of adventure travel?
Adventure travel is becoming the mainstream travel type. I find it exciting that, by performing our work, we will be able to have a role to create a sustainable lifestyle.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I can't wait to hug all the members of the adventure travel community in Lugano 2022 ATWS. Please add an extra hugging day (not kidding).
I have included several pictures from ATTA events and Hike'n Sail tours for readers to enjoy below.
Connect with Hike'n Sail on Social Media:
@hikeandsail, #hikeandsail, @flora_of_turkey
