Travel marketing pros are achieving their goals with just one word -- sports. From spectator pastimes with scenic backdrops to adrenaline pumping adventures that get travelers in top form, sports attractions have become a driving force in world tourism. The variety and polished marketing programs were on display this weekend when the Travel & Adventure Show began its 2013 series in Long Beach, California. Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Washington D.C. will host the program later this year.
Local tourism promoters presented California as a year-round sports travel destination. Iconic Yosemite Park greeted visitors with park rangers who invited all to experience outdoor sports in one of the world’s most scenic destinations. This winter, skating at the ice rink in Curry Village, snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing beckon. Then biking, horseback riding, rafting and rock climbing are in season. Yosemite has equipment and horse rentals for all sports available in Yosemite Park, explains Kari Cobb, a visitor guide. Just outside the park, the Yosemite Zipline Adventure Ranch is moving sports travel into high gear. A veteran owned company, BrushBuck Guide Services, has group travel programs that co-ordinate activities and travel for these kinds of outdoor adventures, typically costing from $575 to $5,000, depending on the size of group and transportation needed.
On California’s scenic coast, Blue Ocean Kayaking is offering guided kayak trips off the coast of Ventura County. Maui has branded its main sports attraction the “Golf Coast,” the ideal destination for daily golf games with cool ocean breezes. Baja Air Ventures is organizing snorkeling trips in a presenting coastal location abut two hours by private plane from San Diego. Five day visits with private cottage style accommodations cost about $1,600. Desert Hot Springs has positioned its resort as a comfortable retreat to recover from rigorous sports with thermal spring and spa treatments.
Sports spectators will find a lot to see and do in Indian Wells, home of the BNP Paribas Tennis Open this March. Idaho Falls is attracting travelers who like to see sports with a personal touch -- Pioneer League baseball today and minor league hockey in the near future.
VIP Travel Group is featuring travel to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. The South America travel specialist reports that lodging for the 2014 World Cup is almost sold out and that many choice properties for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro have already been reserved. VIP Travel Group has made special arrangements with the Santa Theresa resort, a five star luxury landmark on Corcovado, the mountain that rises above Rio’s popular beach areas.
Read more about how to get the most from Olympic visits and business incentive programs in my articles at this link: www.ufollow.com/authors/max.donner.
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