Adventure Travel World Summit

TIA members in Brazil

In September 2008 ten TIA members travelled to the Adventure Travel World Summit in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The summit, organised by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) in partnership with the Brazilian Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (ABETA), spanned five days and attracted nearly 700 delegates from around the world.

The New Zealand delegation’s trip was initiated by TIA and funded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) after the summit was identified as one that would provide significant value to some of TIA’s leading, internationally active adventure tourism members.

TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says the funding is an example of a growing partnership between NZTE and the tourism industry. “In a highly competitive global marketplace it’s great to see the importance of New Zealand’s tourism industry being acknowledged and supported in this practical way.”

Tim believes the value to operators should not be underestimated. “All of our members have reported significant learnings from the event, both from the workshops and the window it gave to the world’s adventure tourism industry. Business development, global networking and identifying opportunities for growth and innovation have all been achieved.”

TIA Sector Manager Geoff Ensor, who attended on behalf of TIA, said that while New Zealand enjoyed positive comment on its 100% Pure campaign and the Qualmark accreditation programme, it was quite clear that it also faced very real competition. “In particular the South American adventure tourism sector has evolved into a coordinated industry working hard to improve their quality, standards and collective marketing. Individually and collectively we face a challenge to keep New Zealand a unique and compelling destination.”

TIA members who attended the summit:

Andy Havill	Zorb New Zealand Ltd
Anne Murphy	Hiking New Zealand
Darryl Wilson	Wilsons Abel Tasman
Derek Melnick	NZONE The Ultimate Jump
Geoff Gabites	Adventure South Ltd
Jeroen Jongejans	DIVE! TUTUKAKA LTD
John Thorburn	Ngai Tahu Tourism
Mark Quickfall	Totally Tourism
Matt Hollyer	Shotover Canyon Swing
Rachael Voyce	Haast River Safari

Photos

Brazil Summit Attendees

Geoff's hat

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