Annually the Adventure Travel Trade Association reports on the industry ’ s wellbeing , consumer trends , activities and planned destinations , a paper that highlights many activities with many related to adventure motorcycle travel . Recent years have been tainted by the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic , yet a glimmer of hope can be seen as 2022 enters its second half .
The Covid virus is still a concern for many travellers , impacting on adventure tourism and activities however , overall , the industry has seen significant recovery especially destinations that have seen high vaccination rates and still encourage measures to reduce the risk of infection .
The 2022 report has also highlighted that sustainability is now a major consideration when it comes to organised tours and those involved in the tourism industry . Responses to the ATTA survey has indicated that an increase of 12.5 % of businesses are now working towards sustainable certification , 45 % indicated so . Environmental responsibility is important however , many have suggested that a responsibility to local economies and independent communities is also high on the agenda .
The first year of the pandemic saw only 36 % of planned organised trips full with 16 % having no guests at all , a similar phenomenon experienced in the motorcycle tourism industry . This has grown to 52 % for 2021 and less than 9 % seeing no one . The current year is seeing similar trends with many motorcycle tourism businesses witnessing full numbers and even travellers being put on waiting lists .
“ We are getting smashed at the moment for Cambodia and Laos ,” agrees Matt Reilly , of Great Escape Motorbike Tours . “ November is fully booked .”
The number of travellers in 2021 saw an increase of over 142 % from the previous year , and first half 2022 indicates that a similar growth will be seen .
“ Customers are booking so much earlier than previous years ,” continued Reilly . “ It ’ s fantastic for a small motorbike touring company like ours .”
Reilly continued that he sees this as positive on many levels , those wishing to travel are now seeing some hope , the businesses that fought on through the struggle are seeing dividends , and most importantly the local communities are seeing some of their income return .
“ We are so happy to give back to the countries that we ride in that have done it so hard over the last few years ,” added Reilly .
The sentiments echo the ATTA report that say staffing levels of such companies have remained stable over the past 12 months , it doesn ’ t suggest that levels have grown since 2020 but many businesses have had no need to reduce employee levels . Keeping staff on has seen revenue losses for many businesses yet many see this as a ‘ minor
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