Adventure Tourism
as a Sustainable Form of Travel
Adventure tourism has grown in popularity in recent years, as individuals and families are looking for new overseas adventure tours and options for their next vacation. Adventure tourism usually involves traveling to remote locations, where you’ll enjoy challenging activities.
As well as physical activity, it may also include activities out in nature or intercultural experiences with locals in your adventure tourism destination. To be considered adventure tourism, it will contain two or three of these elements. Today we’re going to look at why adventure tourism is a sustainable form of travel and some examples of this type of trip.
Why Adventure Tourism is a Sustainable Form of Travel
Adventure tourism is an excellent option if you are considering sustainable domestic and overseas adventure tours. As adventure tours primarily take place in rural areas, they help to generate income and develop local areas that tourists often overlook. Visitors come to these destinations throughout the year, so overcrowding in the high season is less of an issue.
Adventure tourism includes activities that we enjoy in nature as it is, without causing any harm to the environment. Another benefit of this form of travel is that income stays within the territory more commonly, as adventure tourism uses local operators and local tour guides. It is a form of travel that works to improve the quality of life for locals. When used in conjunction with sustainable modes of transport, it’s a fantastic option for a sustainable domestic and overseas adventure tour.
The Trend of Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism is a type of travel that is continuing to grow in popularity. Before the recent pandemic, more people than ever before were enjoying overseas adventure tours. Many travelers no longer what to just relax on vacation and instead go away to challenge themselves. Increasing your self-awareness and stepping into unknown situations are both experienced through adventure tourism.
Travelers are also looking to reduce their footprint on the destinations they visit, so the sustainability aspect of adventure tourism also adds to its popularity in recent years.
Examples of Adventure Tourism
These are just a few of the most popular adventure tourism activities you could consider on your next domestic or overseas adventure tour:
- Hiking – A challenging hike such as Machu Picchu or Mount Kilimanjaro
- Mountain Biking – A long route such as The Old Ghost Road in New Zealand
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving – Top destinations include the Great Blue Hole in Belize and Barracuda Point in Malaysia
- Safaris – Includes activities out in nature and intercultural experiences which usually take place in Africa, specifically in South Africa and Kenya
- Wellness Activities – Forest bathing, meditation, and yoga can be enjoyed as part of adventure tourism when they take place in natural surroundings such as in Scandinavia
- Kayaking – Enjoy sea kayaking in New Zealand and seeing the local wildlife in Baja, California
- Canyoneering – Head to Zion National Park in Utah or Kawasan Falls in the Philippines for a canyoneering trip
- Bungee Jumping – If you’ve got a head for heights, try jumping off the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado Springs, USA, or the AJ Hackett Bungy in New Zealand
Adventure tourism is an exciting field for travelers from around the world and is now found in many regions. You’ll want to ensure you are searching for sustainable domestic and overseas adventure tours to leave no trace on the land that you are visiting. During an adventure tourism trip, you will challenge yourself physically and mentally and find that you gain far more from your vacation than a regular trip.
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