(SEATTLE, WA) - September 17, 2014 - Chile has won the bid to host the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) in 2015. The adventure tourism industry’s foremost annual gathering will take place from October 5th to the 8th in the town of Puerto Varas, in the Lake Region of Chile. The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA; www.adventuretravel.biz) announced the location at the start of TravelMart Latin America. A long-time member and partner of the ATTA, Chile is committed to adventure travel as a path toward sustainable tourism in the country.
Chile is poised to showcase its adventure potential to nearly 700 delegates from around the globe that will gather to learn, to be inspired and to connect more deeply with the $263 billion adventure travel sector. Recent government developments in safety standards and sustainable designations prove that Chile’s number one ranking as an emerging destination in the 2011 Adventure Travel Development Index was deserved. This work will provide a backdrop for the ATTA to deliver educational keynotes and sessions focused on adventure travel standards, partnerships and innovation while keeping an eye on marketing to international audiences and community development best practices.
When asked about Chile as the next Summit location, ATTA’s president Mr. Shannon Stowell said, “Chile has embraced the foundation of what it means to develop a sustainable tourism model. The government has committed resources for developing standards and regulations as well as charted a course toward training, local community engagement and branding as an adventure destination.” Stowell continued, “The 2013 Chile AdventureWeek was a great success and was a turning point for tour operators in Chile to understand the depth and variety of needs of the international tour operator community. Our hope is the Summit continues this education.”
Chile’s Under Secretary of Tourism, Javiera Montes stated, “We are very proud to host ATWS in Chile. Chile has grown as a destination for adventure tourism, always developing in a responsible and sustainable manner. Chile has immense potential in the adventure sector, thanks to its people, its beautiful landscapes, national parks and the high quality of its adventure operators.”
Andrea Wolleter, general manager of Turismo Chile, added, “Chile has been a partner of the association for more than eight years, during which time there have been several joint initiatives, such as the Chile Adventure Week in 2013, which was a very successful activity. We are certain the summit will be an amazing experience for all of the participants”.
Chile has ten Biosphere Reserves (UNESCO) and almost 20 percent of the country is protected. Activities in well-known regions such as the Atacama Desert, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego include world class trekking, fly fishing, kayaking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding. Summit delegates will have the opportunity to experience Chile’s adventure travel offerings through Pre-Summit Adventures and Day of Adventures offered prior to the start of the ATWS.
The ATWS conference engages and energizes the leaders of the adventure travel community with networking, business and professional development programs, educational seminars and adventure destination product review opportunities.
Registration for the 2015 ATWS is open now at: http://www.adventuretravel.biz/connect/summit2015/
This year the ATTA is accepting Marketplace registration for tour operator suppliers at the time of initial registration. Companies interested in partner sponsorships can contact us for more information.
About Adventure Travel Trade Association
Established in 1990, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) serves over 1,000 members in 80 countries worldwide. Members predominantly include tour operators, tourism boards, specialty agents and accommodations with a vested interest in the sustainable development of adventure tourism. The ATTA delivers solutions and connections that propel members towards their business goals and the industry toward a responsible and profitable future. Through its regional AdventureConnect events and annual Adventure Travel World Summit trade conference, the ATTA excels in professional learning, networking and partnering services. With expertise in research, education, adventure travel industry news and promotion, members of the ATTA receive competitive opportunities that help establish them as leaders in adventure tourism.
For more information:
- www.adventuretravel.biz
- Adventure Travel World Summit
- AdventureConnect
- AdventureTravelNews
- Adventure.Travel – consumer portal to member tours
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