Adventure tourism is big business. Although definitions are not clear-cut, millions of tourists each year participate in activities that fall under the ‘adventure travel’ umbrella and there are hundreds of thousands of companies working in the sector.

It is a growing and diverse area, but one that has been little studied. This report aims to define adventure travel, look at the market’s characteristics, explore who the adventure traveller is, and see how the industry is evolving. It will focus particularly on sports or activities accepted as being part of the adventure travel, from hiking to diving, and on companies that provide adventure packages, and will look in detail at certain countries with reputations for having a wide offering of adventure tourism products.

Adventure tourism is big business. Although definitions are not clear-cut, millions of tourists each year participate in activities that fall under the ‘adventure travel’ umbrella and there are hundreds of thousands of companies working in the sector.

It is a growing and diverse area, but one that has been little studied. This report aims to define adventure travel, look at the market’s characteristics, explore who the adventure traveller is, and see how the industry is evolving. It will focus particularly on sports or activities accepted as being part of the adventure travel, from hiking to diving, and on companies that provide adventure packages, and will look in detail at certain countries with reputations for having a wide offering of adventure tourism products.

Travel & Tourism Analyst is a bimonthly newsletter providing an examination of the travel industry, sector by sector. Each issue includes five objective and detailed studies on sectors and issues of interest and importance, across the international tourism industry.

Transport - from air transport and car hire, to the cruise industry, rail and coach travel

Outbound Markets - detailed profiles of the world's leading tourism origin countries

Market Segments - key sectors of the travel and tourism industry, ie youth travel

Accommodation, Leisure and Theme Parks - the performance of the hotel industry, resorts, timeshare, as well as developments in the attractions market

Travel Distribution and Technology - the travel trade worldwide, including the impact of new technology on travel distribution and marketing

Financial Services - ranging from tourism investment to paying for travel

Occasional Studies - other significant issues, such as the role of tourism organisations and the impact of travel on the environment.