Recovery from COVID-19

• On average, trips were 65% full (up from 52% in 2021), and only 1% of respondents had zero guests in 2022 (down from 9% last year and 16% in 2020)
• The average number of travelers served by respondents was 4,243, a 213% increase from 1,355 in 2021 and up 658% from 2020
• Most departments have seen an increase in staffing over the previous year, especially the guides, sales, and operations teams
• Only 10% of respondents had some reduction in revenue compared to 2021. 14% had a 2022 gross annual revenue of less than $50,000, down from 30% in 2021 and 45% in 2020
• Operators have primarily responded to COVID-19 by modifying and creating products and customizing their offerings
• 60% of respondents have created new cancellation policies, and 24% have revised their partner agreements

Popular Trip Itineraries, Destinations and Activities

• Respondents’ most popular itinerary is priced at $3,000 (for 8 nights), 76% of which ($2,280 on average) is spent with local suppliers
• The most popular consumer motivations for traveling were new experiences, to go off the beaten track, and to travel like a local
• The hottest trending destinations were the Mediterranean, Western Europe, South America, Scandinavia, and Central America
• Top trending activities remain hiking/trekking/walking, cultural, culinary/gastronomy, mountain biking, and safaris/wildlife viewing

Sustainability and Safety and Risk Management Practices

• 68% have or are working toward a sustainability certification
• 85% have a documented safety and risk management plan, up from 77% last year

Future Outlook

• Globally, 74% of respondents expect their 2023 net profit to be equal to or better than 2022, and 63% expect it to be higher than 2019
• 43% of respondents are seeing an improvement in domestic travel demand for 2023, down from 73% in 2022, showing a stabilization in demand
• 87% of respondents are seeing an improvement in international travel demand for 2023

Marketing Trends

• Globally, approximately two-thirds (62%) of bookings are made directly with the service provider, the same as last year
• 68% of respondents have an online reservation system that takes credit cards, up from 62% last year

1. Introduction
2. Respondent Profile, Staffing & 2022 Guests
3. Financial Health & Response to COVID-19
4. Marketing & Sales Channels & Tactics
5. Sustainability, Safety & Risk Management
6. Consumer & Itinerary Trends
7. Most Popular Adventure Trip
8. Future Outlook & Closing Comments