Eco tour operator beats downturn

Despite the weakening global economy and gloomy fiscal outlook for the near future, G.A.P Adventures, the world’s largest adventure travel company, has bucked the trend emerging in the travel sector and seen a dramatic increase in revenue and passenger reservations over the past year.

Sales through G.A.P Adventures trade partners have seen a 35% increase in revenue compared to 2007 with a 45% increase in passenger numbers. G.A.P Adventures’ direct sales in the UK have grown by 35% with a 53% rise in passenger numbers.

The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner.

“Compared to this time last year, our numbers are up all across the board,” said Bruce Poon Tip, founder and CEO of G.A.P Adventures. “The fact that we continue to thrive demonstrates that even in tough times, niche markets like adventure travel are able to weather the storm of an economic downturn more easily than the industry as a whole.”