The UNWTO Global Report on Adventure Tourism, published jointly with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), is a first approach by UNWTO on the topic of adventure tourism. The report provides insight into the close relation between adventure tourism and responsible tourism.
ATTA, a UNWTO Affiliate Member, has provided key input in this report to help increase awareness among the global tourism sector on the core values of responsible tourism. The report allows all tourism stakeholders to work from a common base of understanding in one of the most progressive forms of tourism, which both organizations believe will develop into the industry standard.
“This report provides critical insight into one of the most dynamic segments driving tourism´s growth,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “Furthermore, with careful and responsible management, adventure tourism offers effective development opportunities to countries looking for new and sustainable sources of growth.”
The report, an eight chapter overview of the current adventure tourism industry, provides a history of adventure tourism as well as a discussion of current trends and timely issues. Chapters include:
· Industry introduction
· Global Trends in Adventure Tourism
· Adventure Tourism Industry Structure
· Local Economies, Communities and the Environment
· Adventure Tourism Operational Standards and Certifications
· Risk Management in Adventure Tourism
· Sector Challenges, Opportunities and Initiatives
“This report signifies UNWTO’s recognition of adventure tourism’s contribution to the sustainable future of tourism,” said ATTA President Mr. Shannon Stowell, who provided a summary for the report. “It provides a background underlining the potential for destinations around the globe that are looking for ways to create sustainable economic tourism models protecting people and places.”
Contributors to the report include industry specialists Natasha Martin and Keith Sproule, and Christina Beckmann and Nicole Petrak of ATTA. Also featured are several UNWTO partners and Affiliate Members offering topical perspectives. The report can be downloaded from the UNWTO or the ATTA website.
In addition to the initiatives mentioned above, UNWTO and the ATTA will continue their two-year partnership on regional courses on Adventure Tourism through the ATTA’s Adventure EDU programme in collaboration with the UNWTO.Themis Foundation.
Download the report here.
