Global Trends in Adventure Tourism Gavin Bell

Tourism in 2016 International tourism arrivals reached 1.2 Billion in 2015 Tourism accounts for 30% of all services and 1 in 11 jobs in the global economy. Tourism has the capacity to help develop regional economies and support local communities. However, this does not always take place without impacts on the natural environment and local culture in ways that can be damaging in the short and long term. The challenge for tourism will therefore always be to stimulate economic and social development in a way that factors in nature, culture and the environment.

Adventure Tourism can answer these challenges Adventure tourism as a form of travel where visitors interact with the environment and nature, take part in physical activities and are part of a cultural exchange that combines at least two of these elements Adventure Tourism provides opportunities for local communities to develop and takes account of the tourists’ diverse understanding of what a responsible and sustainable adventure-based holiday involves The Russian Federation is an obvious adventure destination – you have it all -

UNWTO Global Report on Adventure Tourism

One of the Fastest Growing Tourism sectors – some facts and figures In 2010, the global value for the adventure market amounted to more than 80 billion USD. By 2014, this figure had tripled to over 263 Billion USD! And increasing The growth comes from an increase in the number of adventure tourists and an overall increase in the amount of money spent per holiday Responding to changing tourist profiles – changing desires and impact of media

42% of all tourists participate in one or a range of adventure activities in the course of their holiday 69% of all adventure tourists come from Europe, North America and South America One of most resilient sectors – not effected long term by economic, natural and political events By definition Adventurers will travel to areas shunned by others. Regions in transition and recovery are interesting and adventurous

Tourism with greatest potential to bring benefits Mass tourism traditionally only retains 5 % of spend in destination Adventure Tourism has been shown to retain 65.6% locally The increasing development of experiential soft adventure tourism increases the spread across local economy supply chains Adventure Tourism attracts high value customers – average of 3000USD on 8 day trip Adventure Tourism promotes sustainable practices and local development

Powerful tool to spread tourism from traditional destinations Increasingly destinations seeking to diversify by promoting Adventure Tourism to draw visitors out of urban centres to rural regions Adventure Tourism attracting attention for emphasis on rural areas and local culture Can be developed within existing infrastructure Trend towards disintermediation - removal of middle man Growth of access to trusted consumer reviews builds confidence Adventure Tourism promotes SME development and entrepreneurship

Just a brief insight – the coming 2 days will bring more Russian Federation has huge potential for tapping the adventure tourism market Growing domestic market – Russia has always been the home of great adventurers and explorers Growing international interest – the story is getting out Most environmentally, geographically and culturally diverse nation in the world Perfect conditions for hard and soft adventure – and the stories needed to market it Energetic young tourism industry and reactive Governments – national and regional

Thank you for listening! gavin@foodnatureculture.com Food Nature Culture Integrated rural development, protected area management, traditional products and sustainable tourism