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Adventure travel gains allure in depressing economy

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-04 15:44

"For those still in the workforce who view their portfolio as a long-term investment, these are actually quite good times."

KEI's Greening described demand for trips to Southeast Asia including Borneo and Laos as "fantastic, brilliant at the moment," and said Africa remains a major draw, though interest in European trips such as Mont Blanc trekking slowed somewhat.

"Everybody wants somewhere exotic that doesn't cost too much," he said.

Others said escapism was the major driver of the unexpected rise in adventure tours amid a broad slowdown for the travel industry, which the World Tourism Organization has projected will experience a 0 to 2 percent decline in business this year.

Will Weber, director and owner of Journeys International, based in Michigan, said that while many households are likely to cut back on resort trips to save money, out-of-the-ordinary trips will keep attracting people with a passion for travel.

"We are fortunate in that many of our clients are retired or professionals whose jobs are not threatened," he said. "We are using this time to check with our best customers and let them know that we are ready when they are ready."

G.A.P. Adventures is also banking on the positive bent of their clients, who are mainly in the 25-to-45 age bracket.

"These are people who are less affected by the present economic climate. They are educated and professional people who, up to until this point, are still confident that they will be employed in the future," Poon Tip said.

Montana-based Austin Lehman Adventures is also counting on off-the-beaten-track trips retaining allure in tough times ahead. "Our customer base is still going to travel," said company director Dan Austin. "People will need to get away."

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