Adventure & Wildlife Magazine - Vol 1|Issue 5-6| Nov 16 - Jan 17 Vol 2 | Issue 1 | Mar - May 2017 | Page 34

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE Career in Adventure Tourism It is the UN’s Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development! It’s well known that Sustainable tourism and adventure tourism are intimately connected Are you a smitten by wanderlust, crave for things that give you an adrenalin rush Not sure?? Just close your eyes and think “adventure tourism” What do you see? J umping off a bridge with a bungee rope tied to your feet, diving off a cliff into the azure waters below, trekking through a rainforest, backpacking over the horse packing over narrow mountain passes, kayaking through iceberg-laden straits, scaling strange rock structures, and anything in-between. Want to explore this exciting field? Let’s take a closer look at Why an adventure tourism degree could be considered a career! 1. A Rapidly growing Field Adventure tourism is a big niche market. Last year, What is adventure tourism and why is it worth researches done by few international media studying? With its three distinct parts-physical channels and PR agencies have shown that international activity, cultural exchange/ bonding with people, and adventure tourism is expected to grow by at least 46 connection with nature-adventure tourism is not only percent by 2020. In 2016 alone, adventure tourism worth participating in the activities, it’s worth studying, grew heavily in Europe, with a focus on paragliding, kite surfing, and mountain trekking. too. There’s risk. There’s adrenaline. There are new skills to experience-and for some adventure travelers, adding mastery over new skills to their kitty. From bungee jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, deep-sea diving, backpacking , caving, mountain biking, mountaineering, trekking, diving, kite-boarding, and disaster tourism, adventure tourism has its place both in your travel, as well as your knowledge repertoire…. The industry relies on guides-the seasoned experts in each type of adventure. They’re qualified in their specialized adventure sport, have strong interpersonal skills, and understand hospitality and business. 34 What does this mean? It means that there’s plenty of room for young experts to enter the field. It’s not just the guides that the adventure tourism industry needs. It’s everything that goes along with it, from experts in hospitality industry, to trip planners, event managers, marketing and finance directors, advertising, public relations, and communications. Not to mention a desire to seek thrills like jump off a cliff while tethered to something precarious... 2. What if I get Bored with the job? Nah. Vol 2|Issue 1|Mar - May 2017