Today-June 28
Some travel agencies here specializing in adventure trips are seeing more bookings after borders reopened. One said that travelers are looking for more than the usual sightseeing trips. Another said clients want to push their limits and experiences. These travel agents said that they are mindful of safety and have emergency plans in place. Over 10 years of doing rock climbing, Mr Daniel Soh has dislodged a suitcase-sized boulder and watched someone dislocate an elbow after a bad fall. The 24-year-old recent university graduate said: “Over my years of climbing, I’ve witnessed a few very scary incidents that have made me reconsider whether I truly want to actively engage with outdoor rock climbing.” However, he said that he has come to understand how much he enjoys the sport and has accepted the associated risks. He is learning to manage the risks involved. Mr Soh is among a growing group of Singaporeans who are taking up more adventurous activities when they are overseas, such as trekking, diving and rock climbing. With the reopening of borders from the Covid-19 pandemic, people are looking to make up for lost time, and the demand for travel has grown, especially trips that appeal to thrill-seekers. Grand View Research, a consulting firm based in the United States, has estimated that the global adventure tourism market size was valued at US$282.1 billion (about S$390 billion) in 2021 and is projected to expand at a rate of 15.2 per cent from 2022 to 2030. In Singapore, a check with seven travel agencies here that specialize in adventure tours found that six have seen an increase in the number of bookings for these activities. Read more at: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/adventure-tourism-overseas-holiday-travel-agents-risks-safety-2200466
