Adventure travel is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry, with 4 out of 10 travelers embarking on some type of adventure during their vacation. This includes everything from extreme mountain climbing to less intense activities like safaris.

For travel agents, the potential rewards of specializing in adventure travel are substantial: according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the market is worth about $263 billion worldwide.

Interested in breaking into this niche? Here are a few helpful facts to consider, courtesy of Travel Market Report.

1. The average adventure traveler spends more than the average leisure traveler. Looking for higher commissions? Because adventurous travelers often want to experience unique excursions and more remote destinations, their budget is typically higher than that of the average vacationer.

2. Using travel agents has yet to catch on with adventure travelers. There’s plenty of room to grow with this specialty, considering that 69% of adventure travelers are still researching and booking trips online themselves. Based on research, this is because they believe booking on their own gives them more options and flexibility.

3. Not all adventure travelers want serious thrills. According to ATTA there are three types of adventure travelers: those looking for new challenges and/or extreme experiences, those who want a moderate amount of activity, and those who prefer ‘light’ adventure that does not require any special training. Knowing which category your client falls into will be key to satisfying their needs.

4. Paying attention to trends and current events in specific destinations will help you inform your clients. Recently areas in northern Asia, the Caribbean and the Artic have seen upsurges in popularity. However, interest in excursions in Africa has recently decreased, perhaps because of the Ebola outbreak.

Are you interested in organizing hiking trips in exotic locations or memorable ski vacations? A career as a travel agent lets you explore your passion for adventure while earning top commissions. For our free information packet, fill out the form on the right or call us at 1-888-611-1220.

Source: Travel Market Report