International adventure tourism community rallies to support Australia during bushfire crisis

In the wake of the recent tragic bushfires that impacted south eastern Australia, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) has advised how the global adventure travel community can help tourism play an important role in Australia’s recovery.

Speaking last week, ATTA President, Casey Hanisko stated “Australia needs our fearless community more than ever.

“This year’s wildfires in Australia are a chance for the adventure crowd to step up and tell the real stories of this incredible country.

“The bushfires come at a time when urgency and awareness of climate change is intense among members of the adventure travel trade.

“The travel industry employs approximately six million people in Australia, and as we’ve seen in other destinations where natural disasters have occurred, adventure travellers who visit in the wake of that disaster can offer a kind of lifeline.

“After a massive earthquake hit Nepal in 2015, travel-related businesses there wanted the world to know that visiting Nepal was the best way to help.”

A number of adventure and tourism industry organisations have already offered support to firefighters and communities in recovery in Australia:

The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund is collaborating with USA-based Recreational Equipment, Inc (REI) on a funding effort to support local Australian non-profits who are addressing the impacts of the bushfires. We are pleased to report that REI will match every dollar donated by ATTA members up to U$$15,000 with 100% of donations supporting local organisations. 

Tourism Cares - Destination Disaster Recovery Fund

Intrepid Foundation - Australian Bushfire Appeal

ATTA will also be staging its 2020 Adventure Travel World Summit in Adelaide from 6th to 9th October 2020. 

The Summit is where the global adventure travel industry comes together to make connections, get inspired, and enjoy a decidedly adventurous destination. More than just a conference, the Summit is a global gathering of an industry that works hard and plays hard, offering inspirational and cutting-edge educational content, big name keynote speakers, a Day of Adventure, and endless networking and business opportunities.

Hanisko added “the 2020 Adventure Travel World Summit comes at an opportune time to support Australia.

“Bringing together more than 800 delegates (it will see ATTA) emphasising sustainability learning along with climate action.

“We have to learn from each other about the critical role adventure travel has to play in sustainable tourism and climate. Australia represents a real-time example of how travel can help a destination rebound from devastating challenges like the bushfires, and also how we as a community can amplify the conversation around travel and how it can confront the climate crisis.”

Looking forward to the event, Brent Hill Executive Director of Marketing at the South Australian Tourism Commission, concluded "Adelaide … is thrilled to be the first Australian destination to host Adventure Travel World Summit 2020.”

Click here for more information on the Adventure Travel World Summit in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Adventure Activities in the Adelaide Hills (top, courtesy of Morialta Conservation Park/Adelaide Hills Visitor Information Centre) and Adelaide's Torrens River (below).