The US-based Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) claims that its annual summit event draws hundreds of industry professionals from around the world for several days of educational programming, lauded keynote speakers, one-on-one networking, and exploration of the host destination.
Individual travellers interested in attending the summit can join ATTA as a community member and then register.
This will be the first Adventure Travel World Summit on the Asian continent, signalling the importance of Japan as a major player in adventure tourism, and the growing global opportunities for adventure travel. On the first day of the summit, delegates will be invited to participate in the Day of Adventure, which will introduce them to adventure activities available in and around Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. A rugged yet peaceful destination, Hokkaido's mountains, coastlines, and vibrant valleys hold opportunities for hiking, kayaking, tasting and exploring the food delicacies of the region and exploring the cities and towns, with ample opportunities to experience local Japanese culture.
Summit organisers said that the diversity of natural habitat in Japan lent itself to a broad array of adventure travel activities. However, it was important to protect the environment of Japan and the culture of its people, most importantly that of the indigenous Ainu population in Hokkaido.
Ideal destination for adventure
Adventure travel conjures up images of natural environments, rugged landscapes and difficult terrain, but it can also describe visits to some of the world's more colourful cities. Generally, though, it involves travel to remote or exotic locations, physically challenging outdoor activities such as climbing or kayaking that require certain skills and, consequently, some degree of risk.
President of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Satoshi Seino, said that Japan was an ideal location for adventure tourism, "Japan is a long island country stretching 3,800 kilometres from north to south. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities in the rich natural environments of the islands. Japan is home to distinct cultures and traditions rooted in regional areas, developed and passed down over generations," Mr Seino said.
Established in 1990, ATTA says it is the largest global network of adventure travel leaders. Made up of some 30,000 individual guides, tour operators, lodges, travel advisers, tourism boards, destination marketing and management organisations, outdoor educators, gear companies and travel media, its members share a belief in and commitment to sustainable tourism.
Rebuilding the industry
According to ATTA, the summit will feature educational content addressing key travel trends, inspirational topics meant to stretch and grow the industry, and topical interactive sessions. Especially relevant in 2021 will be addressing the needs of the industry as operators, accommodations, destinations, and businesses throughout the supply chain consider ways to rebuild, partner, and innovate their way past the effects of the global pandemic.
New for 2021, delegates may take advantage of an early registration ticket price as well as a Save Your Spot option. Agenda and speaker details for Adventure Travel World Summit 2021 and additional information about the event will be announced in the coming months.
Registration for Adventure Travel World Summit 2021 is now open.