Now in its third edition, the event has evolved from an ambitious sporting initiative into an internationally recognised rendezvous for trail runners, adventure seekers, and nature lovers alike. The 2026 edition attracted participants from 14 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, all drawn to Seychelles’ rare combination of technical trails and breathtaking scenery.

Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism, Amanda Bernstein, welcomed the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and highlighted the event’s growing international appeal.

“I am delighted by the feedback we continue to receive from runners. The Seychelles Nature Trail offers a rare combination of technical challenge and exceptional natural beauty. Participants are leaving with unforgettable memories and are already expressing their desire to return next year. It is inspiring to see runners from around the world discovering Seychelles through this unique adventure,” said Minister Bernstein.

Far more than a race, the 22-kilometre course offers an immersive journey through the wild beauty of Seychelles. Runners traverse the dense forests of Morne Seychellois National Park, rugged mountain paths, dramatic granite formations, and spectacular coastal viewpoints before descending into Grand Anse. The route passes through Port Glaud, Cap Ternay, Anse Major, Mare aux Cochons, Cassedent, and Tomassin, delivering over 1,200 metres of elevation gain alongside sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

International athletes praised both the challenge and uniqueness of the course. French trail-running icon Sylvaine Cussot, who finished second in the women’s category, described the race as one of the most remarkable trail experiences she has encountered. UK participant Charly Pauly also highlighted the exceptional diversity of terrain and scenery.

Pakistan’s Wiqar Ahmad Nasir successfully defended his title for the second consecutive year, crossing the finish line in 2:11:39. South Africa’s Daniël Classen secured second place in 2:13:00, while Jonathan Quatre claimed third place, becoming the first Seychellois athlete to complete the race.

In the women’s category, South Africa’s Emily Djock claimed victory in 2:55:05, followed by Sylvaine Cussot in 3:02:05 and Seychellois athlete Aisha Radwan in 3:14:05.

What distinguishes the Seychelles Nature Trail is not only the course itself, but the destination experience surrounding it. Unlike many large-scale international races, Seychelles offers participants an intimate connection with nature, culture, and community, where warm Creole hospitality, pristine landscapes, and sustainability remain central to the experience.

The growing popularity of the event also reflects Seychelles’ evolving tourism identity. Long celebrated for its idyllic beaches and luxury resorts, the destination is increasingly gaining recognition for adventure, wellness, and experiential travel. Through the Seychelles Nature Trail, Tourism Seychelles continues to showcase the islands’ exceptional biodiversity and growing potential as a leading nature and sports tourism destination.

As demand for authentic outdoor experiences continues to grow worldwide, the Seychelles Nature Trail is positioning the islands as a rising destination for adventure and wellness tourism, offering participants not just a race, but an unforgettable immersion into nature, culture, and community.

From tropical forest trails to sweeping Indian Ocean vistas, the event continues to showcase Seychelles as a place where adventure meets paradise.

The move forms part of a broader effort to raise global awareness of Saint Helena’s hiking offering, while improving access to accurate, user-friendly route information for visitors.

“Our island is genuinely unlike anywhere else, offering an extraordinary combination of volcanic scenery and rich biodiversity,” says Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena. “By improving free digital access to our trails, we’re making it easier for travellers to explore confidently and discover the scenery that makes St Helena so special.”

The Post Box Walks are the island’s established trail network, covering a wide range of difficulty levels and landscapes. Some follow coastal paths with views over the South Atlantic. Others cut through National Conservation Areas where less than 700 endemic St Helena plovers call home.

“A few walks directly through the island’s history, including routes near Longwood House, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his years of exile, and others lead to East India Company coastal fortifications,” Passaportis adds.

Although routes are clearly signposted and graded for all skill levels, he highlights how getting accurate, up-to-date route information online for St Helena’s hiking network has historically been a challenge. By listing on Outdooractive, a leading digital platform for outdoor enthusiasts, the island’s trails are now searchable, mappable, and available offline, which matters when you’re somewhere this remote.

St Helena has always been a travel-list-topping destination for intrepid travellers, but Passaportis emphasises how the island’s remote location means we are often viewed as an untouched and difficult frontier.

“By showcasing our spectacular Post Box Walks on Outdooractive, we are quite literally placing our island into the hands of global hikers. This isn’t just about mapping routes; it’s about giving travellers the confidence to immerse themselves knowing they have world-class digital guidance in their pocket,” he concludes.

The routes are live now and free to access here.

SATSA, in partnership with Futureneer Advisors, has released a new white paper revealing South Africa’s adventure tourism industry generated R12 billion in direct revenue in 2024, while supporting 91,000 jobs.

The strategic document outlines the full economic impact of adventure tourism (which reaches R25 billion when multiplier effects are applied), gaps and opportunities, and how South Africa can capitalise on the global adventure tourism market, projected to reach USD 1.68 trillion by 2032 with an annual growth rate of 9.42%.

Key findings:

• Adventure tourism offers significant opportunities for geographic expansion beyond established tourism hotspots.
• The sector creates meaningful social inclusion in areas with high unemployment.
• South Africa faces a critical choice to either lead with its extraordinary diversity of adventure experiences or risk losing market share to global competitors.
• The report highlights the importance of integrating professional standards through initiatives like SATSA’s 101 Adventures self-regulation framework (which now covers more than 101 adventure activities), inclusive of a  free self-assessment tool,  Adventure Tourism Self-Regulation Roadmap, Category-specific Codes of Good Practice and Adventure Industry Toolkits.

“Adventure tourism is no longer a niche market for adrenaline junkies. It’s a powerful economic force reshaping how and where tourism revenue flows across destinations,” explains Nic Shaw, Chair of SATSA’s Adventure Chapter. “It spreads economic benefits into previously bypassed communities, creating opportunities for sustainable regional development – while meeting the changing needs of international visitors.”

Those needs centre on cultural immersion, natural environments, and physical activity that creates authentic connection rather than passive consumption.

For South Africa’s tourism industry, this shift offers visitors something beyond iconic destinations like Cape Town and Kruger, dispersing economic benefits into rural corridors, mountain ranges, and coastal trails. It creates jobs for guides, shuttle drivers and hospitality staff – roles that keep value local and build career ladders for youth.

Call to action

For SATSA, the question isn’t whether adventure tourism represents opportunity, it’s whether South Africa will act decisively to claim its share, as global competitors double down on adventure tourism for regional development.

“Other countries aren’t sitting still,” explains Hannelie du Toit, SATSA COO. “Australia, one of our biggest competitors, continues expanding its adventure portfolio, with regional Australia presenting massive opportunity. And yet, our offering is deeper and more diverse. It’s an opportunity we can’t afford to let slip through our fingers.”

The full white paper is available for download at here.

Review SATSA’s 101 Adventures Self-Regulation Framework here.

Adventure Tourism | Southern Africa Tourism Services Association

As the only African association representing the Southern Africa’s tourism industry in the ATTA stable, SATSA is now linking its 1,200+ members — particularly SMEs in nature-based and community tourism — with ATTA’s network of 30,000+ professionals across 100 countries, unlocking access to international buyers, market intelligence and specialist sustainability expertise.

“Adventure tourism creates jobs in communities where potentially few other economic opportunities exist — from tourism entrepreneurs and guides to local craft makers and hospitality providers,” says Hannelie du Toit, COO of SATSA. “This collaboration helps us scale that impact by connecting operators with international markets that value authentic, conservation-focused but credible experiences.”

The partnership is already active. SATSA recently participated in a global stakeholder call with ATTA alongside more than 30 international partner associations. “The knowledge-sharing potential was immediately evident,” says du Toit. “These connections will directly benefit our members.”

“There’s strong value in the two-way exchange this creates,” says Nicolás Caram, Vice President: Destination and Business Development at ATTA. “SATSA members can tap into global markets, while we gain deeper insight into Southern Africa’s conservation-led and community-based tourism models.”

At the same time, SATSA is creating Codes of Conduct and practical tools for adventure operators. These guides and checklists help businesses understand safety requirements and put industry standards into practice. The 101 Adventures platform then showcases operators who meet these standards, making it easier for travellers to find quality adventure experiences and helping Southern African adventure businesses reach more customers.

The move also responds to proven market demand. In 2025, SATSA conducted South Africa’s most comprehensive adventure tourism market study with Wesgro, engaging over 4,200 travellers. Results confirmed a strong appetite for nature-based and culturally immersive experiences, alongside operators’ need for support in meeting international standards.

“Our members are doing exceptional work, especially in remote areas where tourism creates meaningful economic impact,” says Nic Shaw, SATSA Adventure Chapter Chairperson. “This alliance provides the international connections and practical support they’ve been seeking to grow sustainably.”

The collaboration also advances SATSA’s policy work, including South Africa’s first Adventure Tourism White Paper, due for release this month.

“We’re focused on building a sector that benefits local communities long-term,” adds du Toit. “Learning from ATTA’s global experience helps us avoid the pitfalls other destinations have faced and build something genuinely sustainable.”

Why the sudden surge of bravery? It turns out travel rewires our instincts. When routine falls away, identity becomes fluid. Freed from office roles and daily expectations, travellers start asking not “What would I usually do?” but “What can I do differently here?”

According to Zay Ferguson‑Nair, Flight Centre South Africa’s Customer Experience Leader:

“Courage is contagious, and travel provides the perfect incubator for it. People want to test their limits safely, to feel bigger than their everyday lives. The travel industry is evolving fast to meet that need.”

That evolution is visible right here at home. Hannelie du Toit, COO of SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism in South Africa, explains how self-regulated safety and benchmarking are helping adventurous South Africans (and international visitors) channel their inner daredevil with confidence.

“SATSA has a dedicated focus on adventure tourism through our 101 Adventures brand. Our Codes of Good Practice and new self‑assessment tools empower operators specialising in both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ adventure to deliver the thrill responsibly.”

Together, these shifts have given rise to a new kind of traveller: the ‘try‑anything traveller’.

Why we’re braver on holiday

Psychologists have a name for the mental transformation that happens when we step off home soil: “identity fluidity.” When the usual cues of daily life fall away, we temporarily become someone less defined by circumstance and more guided by curiosity.

Studies like those published in Frontiers in Psychology and the Journal of Travel Research show that this “working‑self reboot” makes travellers more open to novelty, less risk‑averse, and quicker to say yes. The brain’s reward centre, flooded with dopamine by new sights, tastes, smells, and languages, loosens our internal brakes. It’s all curiosity chemistry. Our minds literally reward us for daring to do things differently.

Travel also removes one of bravery’s biggest saboteurs: judgment. At home, social roles quietly govern what’s acceptable – the colleague who doesn’t surf, the parent who doesn’t skydive. On holiday, those roles dissolve. For a week or two, we get to replace what we “should” do with what we “could” do.

And the benefits don’t end when we unpack. Research into “mastery experiences” shows that overcoming a fear, like rappelling down a canyon or trying an unfamiliar food, triggers longer‑term wellbeing gains, from improved confidence to stress resilience. Every daring act abroad plants a seed that blooms later in daily life when we’re back home.

“Bravery on holiday is practice for bravery in real life. Once you’ve hiked through the Drakensberg in the rain or eaten something you couldn’t pronounce, you come home just a little less afraid of the unknown,” comments Zay Ferguson‑Nair.

South Africans at the front of the bravery boom

Ours is a nation built for courage: where mountains merge with the ocean, where safaris share terrain with skydives, and where “just popping out for the weekend” can mean white‑water rafting or paragliding without crossing a border.

According to SATSA, adventure has quietly become one of the country’s strongest calling cards. In fact, it now rivals family time and relaxation as a key travel motivator – a change driven by both demand and design.

The result? Rather than simply exporting brave travellers, South Africa is hosting them, too. Recent years have seen a surge in micro‑adventure itineraries, women‑led expeditions, and multi‑generational adrenaline holidays that mix comfort with (controlled) risk. Operators increasingly cater to what’s being called ‘soft’ adventure tourism. Think experiences like sandboarding in the Atlantic dunes, guided cave crawling in Oudtshoorn, or treehouse sleep‑outs in predator country, designed to thrill safely.

This local evolution mirrors a global pattern: a higher proportion spending more on boundary‑pushing experiences. Revenue in the adventure sector climbed even as headcounts stabilised. A sign that courage, not compromise, is driving new value.

Planning a ‘bravecation’ – tips from Flight Centre’s Travel Experts

Here are a few expert‑backed strategies Flight Centre’s Travel Experts recommend when building a boundary‑pushing escape:

1. Start with intent, not itinerary. Decide why you want the thrill (connection, confidence, catharsis) and let that be the foundation of your holiday.
2. Layer bravery. Pair high‑adrenaline moments (like a skywalk) with “soft‑edge” challenges. For instance, navigating local markets solo or joining a surf lesson.
3. Prioritise certified operators. Partner only with activity teams accredited under SATSA’s Codes of Good Practice or equivalent frameworks worldwide. A thrill backed by insurance and inspection is the real luxury.
4. Build in reflection. Journalling or digital detox days amplify the transformation that bravery unearths. The pause cements the growth.
5. Bravery can be cultural as well as physical. For some travellers, sharing a meal with unfamiliar ingredients or attempting another language provides just as much courage currency as a freefall dive.

Remember, bravery isn’t a personality trait. It takes practice, and travel is its best rehearsal space. When you take the plunge or say that ‘yes,’ it all becomes part of a growing evidence file for courage. You’ve been scared or nervous before, and you were fine.

The “try‑anything traveller” is changing how the world moves, replacing the search for perfection with the pursuit of presence. South Africans, it turns out, are leading that charge, proving that courage can be joyful, safe, and meaningful all at once.

“We meet new versions of ourselves whenever we step out of our comfort zones when travelling. And that might be the bravest journey there is,” Ferguson-Nair concludes.

But here’s what makes South Africa’s story different: the same women driving demand are also the ones building the industry to meet it. From the boardrooms of SATSA to the trails of the Drakensberg, women are simultaneously the customers and the creators of South Africa’s adventure tourism revolution, setting the safety standards, and redefining what adventure means in the first place.

The female adventure travel boom

Nearly 40% of women have planned solo trips for 2025 – an 8% jump from last year, according to Skift. Behind these numbers is growing confidence in safety and a hunger for meaningful experiences, alongside a noticeable shift toward multigenerational and boutique travel.

As Stacey van Wyk of Safari for Six (a 100% locally women-owned and operated safari company in St Lucia) notes:

“One of the most striking changes since the pandemic has been the move from couple travel to multi-generational experiences. Women are now more often bringing their children and even parents along, seeking to share transformative safari and adventure moments with those closest to them.” Family, friendship, and connection are taking centre stage.

But what attracts women to South Africa’s adventure scene? Above all: authenticity and empowerment. Today’s female travellers are searching for journeys that feel safe and meaningful. Their confidence is bolstered by improved safety standards, professional guiding, and the knowledge that women are increasingly leading at every level of the industry.

Through organisations like SATSA, the Voice of Inbound Tourism, women are setting new industry standards and expanding what “adventure” means in South Africa.

“Women are making adventure travel more inclusive, community-based, and mindful of impact,” says Hannelie du Toit, COO of SATSA and Adventure Chapter Committee Member. Female-run businesses across the country are implementing rigorous safety protocols and building transparent, trust-based relationships with travellers.

According to du Toit, women hold three out of nine seats on SATSA’s Adventure Chapter Committee, actively crafting codes of good conduct that set the tone for the industry. And innovation definitely doesn’t end with paperwork. Responding to the market’s call for safety and credibility, SATSA has rolled out a free, comprehensive self-assessment toolkit for operators. Du Toit stresses, “safety is not just a tick-box exercise; it’s part of how we build trust with travellers and expand market access.”

Meanwhile, the business models reflect a deeper understanding of inclusivity and respect.

“As a woman running a boutique safari company, I’ve always believed that women don’t want to be singled out. They simply want the same level of respect and attention to detail as anyone else,” explains van Wyk. Small group sizes, immediate responsiveness (like direct WhatsApp support), and a culture of care have become distinguishing hallmarks for the best operators.

Digital connectivity has also greatly enhanced the climate of support and inclusion. As van Wyk observes, “Today, tools like WhatsApp and social media mean women have instant access to updates and assistance wherever they are.” This connectivity has fundamentally changed the experience of adventure travel, broadening horizons for those who might have once felt excluded or exposed.

However, not everyone agrees that the trend needs a gendered lens. Lisa Sheard, owner of Mpumalanga’s Misty Mountain and the Panorama Route’s well-known Long Tom Toboggan, challenges the narrative of adventure as a gendered pursuit:

“Adventure travel is about being adventurous. Gender doesn’t come into it. You are your own keeper in adventure. You will know what you want to and don’t want to do, what feels comfortable and fun for you.”

For Lisa, framing adventure travel primarily around women may be more industry-driven than reality-based and risks diminishing the autonomy that is core to any adventure, regardless of gender.

This diversity of perspectives reveals a sector where women are confidently determining what adventure feels like for everyone: safer, more open, and more authentic.

Emerging and shifting barriers

Women’s leadership is especially evident amongst a new generation of founders and emerging operators forging their paths across South Africa’s legendary landscapes.

For Innocentia Mbuyane, the journey to opening Hazyview’s Extreme Adventure Camp began with a passion for the outdoors and a clear sense that adventure should be accessible to all. “There are so many opportunities out there for women – we just lack information and mentorship,” she notes, highlighting both the promise and persistent gaps women often face.

Mentorship and access to support remain crucial. “I was a SATSA Tourism Business Incubatee and received mentorship from the programme managers, Sigma International, financial coaching, and a grant from Europcar. This assistance was pivotal,” Mbuyane says.

Yet, obstacles are real. Exposure on the international stage comes at a steep price. “Access to market is still a challenge because some of the exhibitions are too costly, like the international trade shows and roadshows. As for the local exhibitions, I do manage to attend them.”

Thankfully, industry bodies like SATSA are intentionally building support ecosystems for emerging female entrepreneurs by offering business coaching and platforms like Tourism LinkUp to encourage connections and improve market access.

As more women build visible, thriving businesses, their influence ripples outward. For Mbuyane and others blazing new trails, the goal is to see more women step into the sector and contribute to the growth and diversification of South African tourism.

The road ahead: Barriers, solutions, and aspirations

Despite progress, funding gaps, limited access to networks, and outdated stereotypes still hold too many back. But women in South African adventure tourism refuse to wait for permission. Instead, they’re choosing to support each other and push boundaries every day.

Their advice? Invest in professionalism, build your networks, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The future lies in breaking down barriers and building up opportunity – and the future is bright. Because women are no longer part of the journey; they’re leading the way.

Chantal Gouws, General Manager at Flight Centre Independent (FCI), says: “We’re seeing a marked increase in requests for specialised itineraries. From marine conservation expeditions along the Wild Coast to mindfulness retreats in the Drakensberg, travellers are looking for holidays that reflect their individual passions.”

This trend is not isolated to South Africa. Globally, the adventure tourism market, valued at USD 366.7 billion in 2022, is projected to reach USD 4.6 trillion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. Meanwhile, wellness tourism and sustainable travel are also gaining traction, with the global wellness tourism market expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2023 to 2030, as reported by Grand View Research. Solo travel, particularly among millennials, is another niche seeing significant growth in South Africa, according to research conducted by the Flight Centre Travel Group.

This paradigm shift isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a fundamental change in how South Africans approach travel. For independent travel consultants (ITCs), this evolution represents more than just a challenge—it’s an unprecedented opportunity to redefine their role and value in the travel ecosystem. By specialising in niche markets, ITCs can transform themselves from mere booking agents into indispensable travel partners, curating experiences that speak directly to their clients’ passions and dreams.

Gouws explains: “Niche travel is where ITCs truly shine. As experienced travel professionals, our ITCs – or travelpreneurs as we like to call them – are uniquely positioned to specialise in niche travel, showcasing their passion and expertise while tailoring their businesses with complete freedom as they wish.”

Specialising in a niche market offers several advantages both for ITCs and their customers:

• Enhanced Customer Understanding: By focusing on a specific niche, ITCs can better understand their clients’ needs and preferences, leading to stronger relationships and increased customer loyalty. Travellers benefit from more personalised service that caters specifically to their interests.
• Market Differentiation: By focusing on specific niches, travel consultants can differentiate themselves in a crowded market. This could mean becoming an expert in adventure travel, wellness retreats, or sustainable travel. For travellers, this means they have access to a wealth of specialised information and unique travel opportunities.
• In-Depth Destination Knowledge: With travellers seeking more authentic, localised experiences, in-depth knowledge of destinations – particularly those popular among South Africans like Thailand, the UK, and Indian Ocean islands – becomes crucial.
• Increased Earning Potential: Niche travel often commands premium prices, allowing ITCs to increase their earning potential. For travellers, the higher cost is often justified by the enhanced and tailored experiences they receive.
• Established Authority: By becoming experts in their chosen niche, ITCs can establish themselves as trusted authorities in that segment, further enhancing their reputation as thought leaders. Travellers gain confidence in the expertise and reliability of their travel consultants.

The ability to cater to niche interests and provide personalised, high-value experiences will be crucial for travel consultants in 2025, according to Gouws. Those who can successfully navigate this changing landscape, backed by established industry players like Flight Centre, will thrive in South Africa’s evolving travel market.

For travellers, this shift promises a future of more tailored, meaningful, and unforgettable journeys.

Popular Niche Travel Segments for 2025

• Solo Travel: With 80% of solo travellers being millennials, ITCs can offer tailored itineraries and resources for independent exploration.
• Wellness Tourism: The global wellness tourism market was valued at USD 817 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow significantly. ITCs can specialise in wellness retreats, yoga holidays, and health-focused travel experiences.
• Adventure Tourism: This rapidly growing market includes activities such as hiking, wildlife safaris, and water sports. The global adventure tourism market is projected to reach USD 4.6 trillion by 2032.
• Sustainable Tourism: As environmental awareness increases, sustainable tourism is gaining traction. ITCs can focus on eco-friendly accommodations and responsible wildlife tourism to cater to the growing “conscious traveller” market.
• Destination Specialisation: Focusing on specific regions, such as the Indian Ocean islands, allows ITCs to offer in-depth knowledge and expertise.

The future of travel is niche. As South African travellers continue to look for personalised and meaningful experiences, the demand for niche travel experts will only grow. By embracing this trend, travel consultants can position themselves for success in the ever-evolving South African travel landscape.

In a recent survey* conducted by G Adventures to research predicted travel trends post-pandemic, 69% of travellers said they expect to see travel companies make changes to their health and safety measures. Of those, 51% expect operators to implement physical distancing measures for future travel arrangements, and an overwhelming majority of 88% of respondents also expect increased sanitization and cleaning procedures.

These findings have led the small group adventure operator to increase its commitment to reassuring travellers with the launch of a new Travel with Confidence Plus Collection. This programme of 37 trips in 27 countries incorporates additional physical distancing measures and complements the company’s new Travel with Confidence policy, which outlines increased hygiene and santization across all its tours. The Travel with Confidence Plus Collection launches today and is available for departures from October 02, 2020 up to December 31, 2021.

Simultaneously, G Adventures has partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to create a set of industry health and safety guidelines to assist with the safe return to operation of 10 adventure activities. Released this week are the guidelines for trekking, biking, and rafting, as well as one overarching industry guideline. Created in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, the new ATTA guidelines will be implemented across all G Adventures trips as they are developed, including this collection.

The new Travel with Confidence Plus Collection includes all the new health and safety measures outlined in the Travel with Confidence policy, plus added steps for travellers looking to go the extra physically-distanced mile when travelling as part of a small group:

• Smaller group sizes – All trips will have an average of 8 – 10 travellers as opposed to the average group size of 12. This means being able to stay at smaller hotels and dining at smaller restaurants with fewer people around the dinner table.
• Private transport – While G Adventures is using more private transport where possible on all trips, this collection only uses private vehicles (except for planes) with daily assigned seating for added distance on the vehicles.
• My Own Room – My Own Room option is available for 50% off across all tours in this collection for people wishing for their own space to relax and sleep.
• More personal space – All rooms on trip will be either double or single and have en-suite bathrooms. There will be no multi-share accommodation or shared bathroom facilities on any trip in this collection.

G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip, says the new collection is designed to encourage people to start feeling comfortable and confident about travelling again, and to reassure them that their concerns regarding enhanced distancing and hygiene measures have been heard.

“We absolutely understand different people are going to have different comfort levels, and it’s our job to make sure we cater to all our travellers with trips that meet them where they’re at so we can get all our travellers out exploring the world again.

“By its very nature small group travel allows for more freedom and space, and our incredible team of chief experience officers (CEOs) around the world are dedicated to keeping our travellers safe and well. Their role is going to be more important than ever, and we hope this new collection enables us to change even more lives through travel, and that we re-emerge from this pause as more considerate travellers,” says Poon Tip.

The new Travel with Confidence Plus Collection includes trips from G Adventures’ Active, Classic and Marine travel styles, including:

• Walk the Camino de Santiago – Plus –  If you’re looking to take on your own pilgrimage — along a route filled with beautiful countryside and rustic villages of Northern Spain — start here, at the Camino de Santiago. An eight-day physically-distanced trip is priced from R 16,419 ZAR pp**, departing from Sarria and to Santiago de Compostela.
• Costa Rica Adventure – Plus – If you’re looking for a taste of Costa Rica’s world-class highlights but want to keep things spicy with a sampling of hidden treasures, this action-packed adventure tops the menu. In spite of its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world with volcanoes, wildlife, rainforests, and beaches to explore. A 16-day physically-distanced trip is priced from R 21,519 ZAR pp travelling from San Jose return.
• Sailing Thailand – Phuket to Phuket – Plus– With an experienced captain navigating the southern islands, you’ll drop anchor at highlights and secret spots perfect for a swim. Work up an appetite snorkelling, dine on Thai cuisine, and sleep moored under the stars. A seven-day physically-distanced trip is priced from R 22,779 ZAR pp travelling from Phuket return.
• Best of Iceland – Plus– If you’re looking for a fast but full visit around Iceland this trip fits the bill perfectly. It has tons of hidden gems that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, combined with free time to experience plenty of the highlights, like erupting geysers, visiting glacier lagoons, and exploring breathtaking waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Priced from R 32,859 ZAR pp for a seven-day physically-distanced trip from Reykjavík return.

G Adventures has also implemented a Book with Confidence policy enabling travellers booking tours departing before Dec. 31, 2020 to cancel and rebook up to 14 days prior to departure. Those with trips departing between Jan. 1st 2021 and June 30, 2021 can cancel and rebook up to 30 days prior to departure.

Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Adventures – an expansion of Airbnb Experiences that includes the incredible opportunity for daring guests to channel their inner Phileas Fogg and travel Around the World in 80 Days. This epic voyage across six of the Earth’s continents joins other Adventures now available to book through hosts on Airbnb ranging from tracking lions on foot with Sabache Warriors in Kenya to hunting for UFOs with Nate in Arizona.

Airbnb Adventures is a new collection of bucket list worthy multi-day experiences hosted by local experts that take intimate groups to epic, off-the-beaten-path locations and immerses them in unique cultures and communities. You can now enjoy a six day Galapagos Slow Food Safari, experience the wonders of Oman or camp on a cliff in Colorado – all you have to do is show up.

Introducing guests to natural wonders, cultures and communities that are hard to reach on their own, Airbnb Adventures are led by local experts and meet certain quality and safety standards. Airbnb was advised on safety and best practices for its Adventure by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). They are also affordable; hosts offer a range of prices from $79 for an overnight trip up to $5,000 for a 10-day trek. Today at launch, there are over 200 adventures to choose from that are either entirely exclusive to Airbnb, or provided by small, local operators that are not typically found on any other major booking platform.

To mark the launch of the category, a limited number of lucky individuals will have the truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an 80-day trip around the world. Inspired by the epic Jules Verne classic pen

Getting access to epic and transformational travel has never been easier than through Airbnb Adventures. Like Airbnb Experiences, people can escape their day-to-day and put their screens and devices away but now instead of just a few hours, they have the option to be fully immersed off-the-beaten-path, to push themselves out of their comfort zones and have experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. – Joe “Joebot” Zadeh, VP of Experiences at Airbnb

The breadth of Airbnb Adventures reaches far beyond the challenging to match every passion and skill level. Across each corner of the world, these 200+ Adventures range from Cliff Camping to kayaking to cultural immersions. They are hosted by experienced locals that have fascinating stories to share, and because they always take place in intimate groups, guests can look to learn, make personal connections, seek challenges and grow.

According to the ATTA, the international adventure travel market in 2017 could be valued at over $683 billion, up 21 percent from 2012. With more travelers seeking adventure than ever before, Airbnb is looking to democratize the industry, offering more attainable experiences that are designed to unlock the power of nature, are led by locals and cater to a breadth of interests and abilities.

Announcement Highlights:

• 200+ available globally at launch, with many more to be added before the end of the year
• All Adventures are in small groups with a maximum capacity of 12 guests or less
• Median price of an Adventure is $588 for a three-day trip
• Hosts offer Adventures under a range of budgets from $79 for an overnight trip up to $5,000 for once-in-a-lifetime 10-day treks*
• Adventures covers a wide breadth of activity ranging from active to foodie, farming to camping, music to animals – always with a strong element of local community
• As part of the launch of Airbnb Adventures, Airbnb has partnered with GoPro. Travelers booking an Adventure will get $200 off a GoPro HERO7 Black Adventure Kit. Offer ends 12/31/19.
• The Around the World in 80 Days Adventure will be available to book from June 20, from London to London departing September 1, 2019

*Hosts are the providers of Adventures: they arrange their own Adventure, control when and where they host, the itinerary, where they stay, what services they offer, and what they charge. Flights not included with the exception of inter-country travel within the Around the World in 80 Days itinerary.

Airbnb Adventures at a Glance:

• Track Lions On Foot With Warriors
• Trek Deep Into The Amazon Jungle
• Cowboy Life in the American Wild West
• Dana to Petra Trek
• Paranormal Tour of the US Southwest  
• Camp on the Side of a Cliff in Colorado
• Swedish Islands Culinary Kayaking Trip
• Musical Camping in the California Desert
• 7 Days Accessible Experience Rapa Nui
• Hiking the world’s most silent place
• Farm stay in Indiana Amish country
• Searching for Sasquatch in Washington
• Mystical Oman Trek

The website connects travellers with trusted host operators throughout Africa. Travellers can choose from adventure traveller categories including safaris, cultural experiences, social adventures for single travelers, family trips and water-based activities. Tribal Tourist accepts online payments from customers around the world and features community-generated reviews of the adventures on offer.

Founder Matthew Kearns has spent the past two years personally connecting with hosts and organizers of the most exceptional experiences in Africa, “If our customers want to go kayaking in the Okavango Delta in the wet season we can make that happen. If they want to do a deep-sea diving trip off Zanzibar then they will find the best tour operator for that on Tribal Tourist.”

Tribal Tourist’s main goal is to bring more travellers to Africa and help them connect with local communities in a way that benefits the latter. “The new website is an extension of our real-life sustainable tourism practices. It brings conscious travellers and operators together and is packed with content that embodies our shared low-impact ethos.”

Tribal Tourist’s customers are wholly inbound with the majority coming from the U.S.A., Canada and Germany. As a tribal leader, Kearns also hosts trips to connect with his customers in small, intimate groups. “We want to show people Africa’s adventurous side. At the same time, we are on a mission to educate them about travelling responsibly and how to tread lightly off-the-beaten-track,” said Kearns.

Africa remains untapped as an adventure travel destination. Only three African countries – Morocco, Tanzania and South Africa – made the top 20 adventure destinations in Intrepid’s Adventure Travel Index 2018. Tribal Tourist views this positively: “Adventure travel in Africa is a sleeping giant and we have a responsibility to protect our environment before it starts to wake up. Our new website will ensure people can connect with the best tour operators and the most unique adventures in Africa,” he said.