The Adventure Travel Trade Association

The Adventure Travel Trade Association is a global network of tour operators, travel agents, tourism boards, and travel industry professionals, working together to promote and support the development of adventure travel. The association has partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the International Ecotourism Society (TIES), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts. Members of the association include companies like Intrepid Travel, REI Adventures, and Mountain Travel Sobek, which offer a range of adventure travel experiences, from hiking and rock climbing to safari and scuba diving. The association also collaborates with destinations like Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Iceland, which are known for their unique and diverse natural environments.

● History

The Adventure Travel Trade Association was founded in 1990 by a group of tour operators and travel industry professionals, including Bill Barker and Jerry Mallett, who were passionate about promoting and supporting the development of adventure travel. The association's early years were marked by partnerships with organizations like the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA), which provided training and support for adventure travel guides and operators. In the 1990s, the association worked with destinations like Australia and South Africa to develop and promote adventure travel itineraries, including kayaking and bungee jumping. The association has also collaborated with companies like Patagonia and The North Face, which provide gear and equipment for adventure travel enthusiasts.

● Organization

The Adventure Travel Trade Association is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and has a global network of members and partners. The association is led by a board of directors, which includes representatives from companies like ExOfficio and Osprey Packs, as well as destinations like Peru and Utah. The association also has a number of committees and working groups, which focus on issues like sustainable tourism, risk management, and industry standards. These committees work with organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to develop and promote best practices for the adventure travel industry. Members of the association include companies like Backroads and Butterfield & Robinson, which offer high-end adventure travel experiences, including cycling and hiking.

● Membership

Membership in The Adventure Travel Trade Association is open to tour operators, travel agents, tourism boards, and other travel industry professionals. Members of the association include companies like Abercrombie & Kent and Quark Expeditions, which offer a range of adventure travel experiences, from polar expeditions to safari and wildlife viewing. The association also has a number of destination members, including Chile, Argentina, and Canada, which offer a range of adventure travel opportunities, including skiing and snowboarding. Members of the association can participate in events and training programs, and have access to resources and networking opportunities, including the association's annual Summit and Trade Show. The association also collaborates with organizations like the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) and the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), which support conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.

● Events

The Adventure Travel Trade Association hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the annual Summit and Trade Show, which bring together members and partners from around the world. The association also hosts webinars and workshops on topics like sustainable tourism and risk management, which are led by experts from organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). In addition, the association participates in industry events like the ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market, which provide opportunities for members to network and promote their products and services. The association has also partnered with companies like Google and Facebook to provide training and support for members on digital marketing and social media.

● Advocacy

The Adventure Travel Trade Association is a strong advocate for the adventure travel industry, and works to promote and support the development of sustainable tourism practices. The association has partnered with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts. The association also works with governments and destinations to develop and implement policies and regulations that support the growth of the adventure travel industry, including the development of national parks and protected areas. Members of the association include companies like REI and Patagonia, which are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices. The association has also collaborated with organizations like the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to promote and support the development of outdoor recreation and conservation efforts.

● Research_and_Resources

The Adventure Travel Trade Association provides a range of research and resources to its members, including market research and analysis, industry reports, and best practices guides. The association has partnered with organizations like the George Washington University and the University of California, Berkeley to conduct research on topics like sustainable tourism and adventure travel trends. The association also provides resources and support for members on topics like risk management and industry standards, including the development of safety protocols and emergency response plans. Members of the association include companies like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures, which offer a range of adventure travel experiences and are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices. The association has also collaborated with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide guidance and support on health and safety issues.

● Industry_Standards

The Adventure Travel Trade Association is committed to promoting and supporting the development of industry standards for the adventure travel industry. The association has partnered with organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and promote standards for sustainable tourism and adventure travel safety. The association also works with members and partners to develop and implement best practices guides and safety protocols, including the development of emergency response plans and risk management strategies. Members of the association include companies like Backroads and Butterfield & Robinson, which are committed to providing high-quality and safe adventure travel experiences. The association has also collaborated with organizations like the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) and the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) to promote and support the development of industry standards for mountain guiding and adventure travel.

Category:Travel industry associations