Is Adventure Travel (Finally) Becoming More Inclusive?

Two women sitting in a green hammock

Women, BIPOC, and queer travelers are just a few of the groups that sometimes feel unwelcome and unsafe in the outdoors. It doesn’t help that the adventure travel industry has historically done a poor job of creating opportunities to increase access to outdoor adventure among underrepresented communities. The good news is, there are many awesome folks in the outdoors industries who are deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Thanks to them, adventure travel is finally becoming more inclusive!

I was thrilled to see the latest data from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) on diversity and inclusion in outdoor travel.

The numbers show that adventure travel companies are making a conscious effort to expand their audience by marketing to women, people over 50, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities.

Wondering about BIPOC? I am too. The graph did not report on adventure travel’s marketing to people of color. Nor did it break down specific demographics within the LGBTQ community.

While their report gives just a snapshot of data around inclusive marketing, overall the news is good.

Companies are realizing that by catering to cis, white men, they miss out on travel spending by women and queer people.

And we spend a lot on travel!

A woman camping alone, standing next to a yellow and white tent. Behind her are mountains.

Sure, It might be in their economic interest to market to diverse audiences, but ultimately these efforts benefit marginalized groups.

When we see people who look like us in marketing materials, or read testimonials from people with a shared identity, we feel invited.

When we do not see people “like us” represented, we receive the message that we are not welcome.

Seeing ourselves represented is one step to giving ourselves the permission to go on that adventure. Especially when it’s a major trip we don’t have the skills to do on our own โ€“ the sort of adventure where we rely on the expertise of a guide, or want the comfort of a group trip.

ATTA reports that these numbers have held constant for the last few years. This suggests that companies aren’t doing DEI on a whim, but are trying to move the needle on inclusive travel.

Want more inclusive companies? Browse brands standing up for trans equality and inclusive outdoor apparel brands!

Two yellow rafts seen from overhead. Inclusive travelers are rafting through whitewater rapids, with rocks in the middle of the river.

There is still plenty of work to do!

But I am excited to see that tour operators are finally catching on helping to make big bucket adventures safer, and more inclusive, for all travelers.

As travel consumers, we can vote with our dollars. If you are planning a big adventure and want to go with a group, check their commitment to inclusive travel.

By rewarding companies that are committed to inclusion, we can show that LGBTQ travelers are a sizable market worth serving. We also get the reward of having an incredible trip with tour leaders who want to make us feel comfortable in every sense of the word.

Have you gone on an incredible adventure that was also inclusive? I want to hear about it! Drop a note in the comments to let me know where you went, who you traveled with, and what make it inclusive!