The Adventure travel industry Is A Recent Phenomenon Showing Great Progress

The adventure travel industry has been around for about 45 years and came about as an alternative to traditional travel. Focussing on more outdoor destinations and activities it separated itself from regular travel by becoming more active and less recreational in nature. Adventure travel affords travellers the opportunity to undertake their favorite activities such as rock climbing, hiking, diving etc. in new and often exotic locations.

Adventure Trends In The Travel Industry

Ever since the 70's the industry has grown considerably. With the emphasis often being on activities rather than locales, some exciting activities have emerged.

• Accessible Tourism - adventure travel for the disabled.


• Ethno Tourism - travelling to foreign locations for the non-scientific observation of indigenous tribes.


• Jungle Tourism - travelling to the jungle areas of the world often focussing on archaeological locations such as Mayan Ruins.


• Overland Travel (Overlanding) - an extended adventure holiday done in groups involving travel between diverse destinations. Often lasting for weeks or months it is a popular form of tourism in Europe, Asia, Africa, India, Australia and even America.


• Urban Exploration (urbex, UE or Infiltration) - a risky and often illegal form tourism involving the exploration of off-limit parts of urban areas or abannndoned industrial facilities.

The advent of ecotourism, nature tourism as well as tourism catering to special interests has been responsible for most of the amazing growth the industry has seen in recent years. The changing face of adventure tourism has attracted more sophisticated travellers who don't want to just sit in a bus and view interesting monuments. They want to get out and actually experience adventure.

The adventure industry is moving forward at a quick pace and is certain to provide even more excitement and adventure in the years to come.