Escalating interest to exploring new destinations is a major driving factor for the growth of the adventure tourism market
Escalating interest to exploring new destinations is a major driving factor for the growth of the adventure tourism market
Since the global Covid-19 outbreak, the tourism industry suffered the most. The travel restrictions and government-imposed social distancing norms presented challenges for the adventure tourism industry. However, as the world is slowly recovering from the pandemic, adventure tourism is once again ready for avid tourists and adrenaline junkies.
If you are adventure seekers, you are a vital part of the ever-growing group who seek hidden parts and unique experiences spread across the globe. You might crave for camel trekking in the Sahara or sky dive from up above. According to Allied Market Research, the is expected to reach $1,169.09 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2021 to 2028. Development of global travel & tourism industry, surge in disposable income, high penetration of the internet, and pursuit of unique experiences has boosted the growth of the market.
While there is no precise definition of adventure travel and criteria for what comes under its umbrella, one thing is clear that it includes interaction with nature, physical activity, and cultural exchange. Thus, if you have anything to do with adventure tourism business, you should know these highlighting trends that may come in the coming years.
Major trends in the adventure tourism industry:-
Inclination toward local activities
Analysing the choices of many travelers, it is clear that they prefer domestic vacations and their behavior is shifted toward predictable, familiar, and trusted options. Instead of international travel, jet lag, extensive planning, and outdoor activities would definitely maintain their allure but domestic travel and local activities would remain strong as travelers have begun to explore their own backyard. With the aim toward getting off the beaten path and avoiding crowdy tourist places, local travelers would look for adventure activities that can be enjoyed with their close friends.
- Sustainability in the adventure tourism
The world is taken by the wave of sustainability, green initiatives, and low impact choices. This trend has affected the adventure tourism industry as well. On the one hand, travelers are searching for meaningful adventures that put nature first and on the other hand, local businesses are asking for more support for local arts, wildlife, and preserving local nature. The sudden increase unemployment and Covid-19 outbreak has increased the attention toward institutional sustainability and the environment. This will increase the demand for sustainability in the adventure tourism business.
- Put health and safety first
While exploring new corners of the world is a thrill, the overwhelming sentiment is toward maintaining safety and health of customers. The experience of Covid-19 outbreak has forced people to think twice about their health and put their safety first over adventurous experiences. In the coming years, travelers would demand for maintaining cleanliness standards as their primary luxury amenity. Moreover, when it will coming to choosing adventures, they would favor those companies that give preference to maintaining Covid safety policy.
- Demand for contactless booking
The Covid-19 pandemic has encouraged the contactless payment technology. From booking hotels, restaurants to planning for a weekend adventure trip, customers will choose those companies that offer contactless booking. During the pandemic, digital adoption and digital consumptions surged drastically. Travelers require unique, safe, and seamless travel experiences without compromising their safety. Moreover, travelers now aim to plan their trip by spending their free time for online research about next adventure, many would prefer online, contactless booking and free cancellations if they have to cancel it in the future.
- Tiny group travel for unique experiences
Over the last few years, there is a new trend that came into the picture. Small group travel has emerged as a vital trend in adventure tourism. People want to share their experience with just their bubble and solo travel has taken a toll over the years. It might be due to re-evaluation of importance of friends and family during the pandemic. But catering to small group experiences that are far from over-crowded hotspots would be a major trend.
These new trends have opened new opportunities for adventure tourism companies and helped them to provide adventures that suit travelers the best. The Covid-19 pandemic has a major impact on behavioural choices of adventure travelers and they have realized to enjoy the company of close friends and family while they still can.
Thus, it is time for adventure tourism companies to rethink their strategies and planning of group adventures. Moreover, these trends would help them create adventure offerings and cater to every need of today’s adventure seekers. The adventure tourism industry would never be the same since the pandemic, thus, it is vital to understand how to change and adapt to this new tourism climate here onward.
