2022: The Year of the Grand Adventure

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) recently released its 2022 Industry Snapshot report, including its “hot” trending adventure activities for this year. Among them are cycling – from electric bikes to mountain/non-paved and road biking – hiking/trekking, safaris/wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and culinary, cultural and wellness experiences. 

For more than 15 years, the ATTA has  been surveying its growing database of tour operators to create  annual State of the Industry Snapshot reports and this year’s survey results show that COVID-19 is still a concern for travelers and is having an impact on adventure travel businesses. But the industry is slowly recovering. The top trending destinations are places with higher vaccination rates, and socially distanced itineraries and activities remain popular.

It is also clear that sustainability is being treated as a priority for the adventure tourism industry and the report found that 45% of adventure outfits surveyed are working toward a sustainability certification, 

Other key findings in this year’s report include:

*On average, trips were 52% full (up from 36% in 2020)

*The average number of travelers served by respondents was 1,355, a 142% increase from 560 in 2020

*Staffing in various departments has remained relatively stable over the past year

*81% of respondents had some reduction in revenue compared to 2020, but it was much less extreme than the 2019-2020 decrease. 30% had a 2021 gross annual revenue of less than $50,000, down from 45% in 2020.

*Respondents’ most popular itinerary is priced at $2,900 (for 8 nights), 70% of which ($2,030 on average) is spent with local suppliers

*The most popular consumer motivations for traveling were new experiences, to go off the beaten track, and to travel like a local

*The hottest trending destinations were the Mediterranean, Western Europe, the United States, Scandinavia, and the Caribbean

*Globally, approximately two-thirds (62%) of bookings are made directly with the service provider

62% of respondents have an online reservation system that takes credit cards, up from 50% in previous years

*Globally, 82% of respondents expect their 2022 net profit to be equal to or better than 2021

*73% of respondents are seeing an improvement in domestic travel demand for 2022

*62% of respondents are seeing an improvement in international travel demand for 2022

Top Trending Trips Making Tracks in Adventure Travel

1. Cycling Across America: Whether it’s road biking, gravel or dirt, or want the ease of an e-bike, Adventure Cycling Association has a guided tour for that. Travelers can cycle the country’s Southern Tier from San Diego to St. Augustine, Florida, go on a gravel ramble in the mountains of Montana or bring an e-bike along for a fall color tour in Vermont.  

2. Antarctic Expedition: Now is the time to embrace the spirit of polar exploration on an expedition to Antarctica with Adventure Life. Travelers watch for seabirds and the first icebergs as they cross the famed Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Once there, experience the wonder of the white continent as travelers cruise along spectacular ice cliffs looking for seals and whales, and go ashore to visit penguin rookeries and historic huts.  

3. Yellowstone Adventures: On the edge of Yellowstone in Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for adventure. Guests can explore the natural wonders and wildlife of America’s first national park on their own or with a guided tour, and find hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, skiing and more around Big Sky. 

4. Ozark Mountain Biking: The Ozark Mountains provide the backdrop for one of the best mountain bike trail systems in the country. Bentonville, Arkansas, is every bit the charming town it was when Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, opened the original Walton five-and-dime back in 1950. Today, it also offers world-class restaurants, colorful boutiques, a state-of-the-art museum and miles of singletrack to ride. Here travelers explore the area on a new five-day mountain biking tour with Escape Adventures.  

5. Islands, Andes and Amazon: Travelers can discover the enchanting Galapagos Islands at Scalesia Galapagos Lodge, while exploring the Amazon Rainforest at Sacha Lodge and experiencing the Ecuadorian Andes at Hacienda Piman, all within a 15-day tour. Travelers learn about endemic flora and fauna, hike near active volcanoes, paddle tannin-rich blackwater creeks and lakes, board a train through the mountains, take in a traditional dance performance and shop one of the biggest craft markets in South America.  

6. Italy’s “White Road” Riding: Biker enthusiasts Cycle Tuscany’s scenic Strade Bianche through hilly vineyards and medieval villages, enjoying the food and wines of one of Italy’s finest culinary regions on a new tour with Tourissimo and Ride and Seek. The itinerary is filled with “white roads,” interesting stops and authentic beauty.  

7. Jackson Hole Retreat: For those seeking endless adventure surrounded by incredible views, they will find it in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Travelers can take a day trip to Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park to see wildlife up close, try out a ropes course, relax in nearby hot springs and more, then retreat to a modern yet rustic cabin at Fireside Resort. 

8. Barcelona to Rome by Bike: Cycling aficionados can Ride and Seek for the 10th anniversary of its Hannibal Expedition, an epic 32-day cycling tour that follows the footsteps of the Carthaginian general from Barcelona to Rome. They will ride some of the iconic climbs of the Grand Tours, roll through the vineyards of the Languedoc, Provence, Piedmont and Tuscany, and sample the diverse cuisine found along the way.