This year’s Adventure Travel World Summit, popularly abbreviated to ATWS, was held in Hokkaido Japan last week. Destination Manager Navarana Bidstrup participated here and represented the Qeqertalik region with Destination Diskobay, who together with eight other destination developers from Greenland took the long journey to the East.
The event brought together around 800 tour operators, destination representatives, adventure travel writers and influencers from around the world. The aim was to delve into new travel trends, create new connections and explore innovative business solutions within adventure travel.
In addition to the meetings with other stakeholders, the delegation got an insight into several exciting topics around adventure tourism.
One theme focused specifically on the growing number of Asian adventure travelers and their interest in sustainability, and how as a destination developer you can engage and develop the segment in your own region. Another theme emphasized the restoration of natural ecosystems and the well-being of animals in the wild, to achieve a harmonious balance between adventure tourism and environmental protection. Very topical at a time when Kommune Qeqertalik is working to create a nature park around Nordre Strømfjord.
”I am delighted to have had the chance to represent our region at ATWS and promote our local operators. Our region is an excellent choice for adventure travelers, as there are plenty of fascinating adventures just waiting in our region. I was proud to be able to represent the Qeqertalik region to worldwide travel agents, media professionals and influencers during the event.” said Destination Manager, Navarana Bidstrup.
During the meetings, there was also room to discuss challenges and triumphs with the other destinations from around the world. ATWS gives Destination Diskobay a unique opportunity to promote the region and interact directly with adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Travelers from other countries are increasingly interested in environmentally friendly activities as well as in sustainable accommodation, which we must all do better to offer, also in our region!