Adventure tourism aficionado reflects on the future
The local adventure tourism industry may be experiencing a standstill at the moment, but behind the scenes, there are active processes underway to define new realities and plot the road ahead, says ALEWIJN DIPPENAAR of Adventures Garden Route DMC
The future of adventure tourism on the Garden Route will be determined by the way in which creative attention is given to the following 10 aspects:
1. We have some of the best wildlife and outdoor activities in South Africa, for which appreciation is increasing in these times of restraint. Freedom has taken on a new meaning – and where better to nourish your soul than in nature?
2. In future, the Garden Route will see fewer tour buses but an increase in smaller groups that can contribute positively to the adventure tourism industry. The adage ‘birds of a feather flock together’ applies to opportunities for the industry to attract focused groups to our area.
3. We have many unique, exceptional, high-quality experiences to attract adventure tourists, but our marketing now needs more attention. Greater significance will be given to activities that emphasise youth fulness.
4. Current realities focus primarily on 011 the protocols that an adventure company must follow – not only Covid-19 protocols but also safety, staff qualifications, condition of equipment and others. This process can positively impact to improve the quality of our industry and the standard of offerings.
5. The industry will need to transform to reflect the composition of our society, especially in the management and ownership of adventure tourism products. More is expected than just transforming the staff; ownership is equally important.
6. Marketing and raising awareness of adventure tourism in SA. Africa and the rest of the world will require a brand new approach. We can do much more to establish the Garden Route as a preferred destination for adventure products and nature experiences.
7. Collaboration between adventure tourism product holders to create impressive and exciting packages should become the strategic norm. Currently, most product holders are marketed in isolation, which must change to marketing the Garden Route as a whole.
8. A number of adventure tourism businesses may close in 2020, but opportunities should not be lost when new life can be gained in the process. We regret the impact of every adventure tourism business that has to close and its impact on our economy, but let’s not throw the baby away with the bathwater.
9. National structures such as the SA Adventure Industry Association, formed earlier this year, link tourism operators to create opportunities for collaboration, networking, and improved products along with support for the growth and development of the industry.
10. For the foreseeable future, SA and African tourists will be our bread and butter, so special offers are essential. Meanwhile, the industry needs to restructure with new strategies to lure international adventure tourists back to the Garden Route.
Together we can see the Garden Route adventure tourism industry through these challenging times to reach new heights – hopefully in the very near future.
Our heads will hang each time an adventure business closes its doors, but we will not stop believing in the opportunities offered by the Garden Route.
Source: CX-press News