Latest news with #adventuretravel
Al Bawaba
13 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Marathon Des Sables confirms Jordan as the 2025 venue for the fifth year in a row
In a major announcement for Jordan's tourism sector, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, and CEO of the Global Marathon Des Sables (MDS), Cyrilie Gauthier, held a press conference in Amman to officially launch the fifth international edition of the Marathon des Sables, scheduled to take place in Wadi Rum from November 1 to 8, desert ultramarathon, organized by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and Experience Jordan Adventures, is one of the world's most challenging endurance races, that brings together about 650 runners from across the European Union and beyond. The growth of this global event in Jordan has been a testament to the country's ideal setting and this year the event is expected to be the largest Annab said, 'Hosting the Marathon des Sables in Jordan for the fifth year in a row firmly cements our country's position as a premium adventure travel destination. Over the past decade, Jordan has made significant strides in shaping its adventure tourism landscape, investing in trails, infrastructure, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with our nature, culture, and heritage. From the world-renowned Jordan Trail, which spans more than 650 kilometers through diverse terrains and communities, to this iconic race set against the magnificent backdrop of Wadi Rum, Jordan continues to spotlight the richness and variety of its outdoor offerings.'Minister Annab concluded by extending her 'gratitude to the organizers of the Marathon des Sables, and to all the extraordinary runners joining us from around the world. We look forward to welcoming them this November and wish each participant the very best of luck on this extraordinary journey.'The CEO of MDS stated, "MDS Jordan has become the crown jewel of our global series. Its extraordinary landscapes, unmatched hospitality, and the emotional connection it creates with runners from around the world have set a new benchmark for what adventure racing can be. But this is only the beginning. We believe this is the right country to grow, innovate, and build a long-term vision where sport, culture, and tourism intersect in a powerful way. Jordan has all the ingredients to become a global hub for our endurance events, and we are proud to be part of that journey."Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, stated: "We at the Jordan Tourism Board are proud to support world-class events like the Marathon des Sables. This event not only highlights Jordan's stunning landscapes, but also reflects our ongoing efforts to position the Kingdom as a leading destination for adventure tourism. Through such events, we welcome responsible travelers who are seeking authentic connections with nature, culture, and history. Events like this help visitors discover the true spirit of Jordan and the richness that makes our country truly unique.'Commenting on the occasion, CEO of Experience Jordan Adventures, Ayman Abd-AlKareem, said, "As the official local partner, Experience Jordan Adventures is proud to continue hosting this iconic race, which brings together hundreds of international runners in a celebration of endurance, connection, and discovery." He stressed the team's commitment to sustainability and community partnership in Wadi Rum, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support of the Ministry of Tourism, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), and the Jordan Tourism Board in strengthening Jordan's position as a leading adventure travel destination. As a host of the Marathon des Sables, Jordan marks a milestone in its emergence as a leading destination for international sporting and adventure tourism. More than just a race, it offers a transformative experience that blends endurance, culture, and exploration against the breathtaking backdrop of Wadi Rum's desert landscapes. As global interest in adventure travel continues to rise, MDS Jordan positions the country at the forefront of this growing sector, attracting high-value international visitors and supporting the national tourism strategy by showcasing Jordan's natural beauty, heritage, and hospitality on the world stage.
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Why endurance is the new escape
Across deserts, oceans and mountain ranges, a new kind of holiday is gaining ground – where pushing yourself to the limit is the whole point. We are swimming 3km from Cape Pelegrin, a headland on the north-eastern corner of Croatia's Hvar island, across an open water channel to the island of Palmižana. The water is choppy, Palmižana just a distant headland above the waves. When we reach the other side there is a further 5km to go – tracing the indented coastline of the Pakleni Islands, past hidden coves and quiet pine-fringed bays. But I am not looking at the scenery, I am focussed on the pink tow floats of the swimmers ahead. In peak summer, this archipelago is filled with day-trippers from Split, lounging on boats and floating in the turquoise shallows. But in early May, the beaches are empty, the water is cool and the only sound is the rhythmic splash of arms breaking the surface. I'm here to take part in UltraSwim 33.3, a four-day, point-to-point adventure across Croatia's sun-splashed southern coastline, covering 33.3km – the equivalent distance of an English Channel crossing. UltraSwim is part of a growing trend in travel: endurance-based holidays where the goal isn't relaxation but transformation. "I wanted to create something that's a cross between a race, a challenge and an adventure holiday," said founder Mark Turner. "There's a generation – people aged 40 to 60 – who still want that challenge, but also want to stay in a nice hotel, eat well, maybe bring their partner along and explore the region. The Channel is an iconic swim, but the experience itself isn't that nice. What I've tried to create is the same sense of achievement, but in clearer waters with incredible surroundings – and a glass of wine at the end." UltraSwim is just one example of a growing wave of endurance-based travel experiences that are redefining what it means to take a break from work. Rather than lounging on a beach or exploring a new city, more and more travellers are opting to push their limits – whether that's a 171k ultramarathon around Mont Blanc, running 250km across the Moroccan desert or cross-country skiing 220km through Finland's Arctic Circle. Alison King, a 56-year-old landscape architect from London, is one of them. "I decided to enter the Ultra 33.3 swim in Croatia, because I was hungry for more life after two decades bringing up my two children and being tied [down] by schools and routine," she told me. King, who had never considered herself particularly athletic, was initially daunted by the 12km swim on the longest day. "I liked swimming but I'd never done team or competitive sports. At first, I felt like an imposter. But I absolutely smashed it. I finished strong, calm and elated. It was scary at times, but the joy of being out there in the world, connecting with others and to the ocean – that's something I'll carry with me. It wasn't just a holiday. It was a reset." That sense of transformation is common in ultra-endurance circles. Across disciplines, participants often talk about their experience in near-spiritual terms – not despite the pain and effort, but because of it. "I'd describe it as the best and worst week of my life, with the highest of highs but the lowest of lows all rolled in to one," says Gemma Morris, a 41-year-old private jet flight attendant from West Sussex who completed the Marathon des Sables, a 250km ultramarathon across the Moroccan Sahara. "You're running huge distances in brutal heat, sleeping rough, living on the bare minimum. But there is something incredibly magical about that landscape – the sunrises, the silence, the starry skies with no light pollution. The solitude gives you time to think, to be present with yourself. Most of all, it makes you appreciate the smallest things." As endurance events boom worldwide, these excursions are no longer niche pursuits. UltraSwim expects to attract nearly 600 participants from 38 nationalities in 2025, with ambitions to expand to six to eight events and more than 1,000 swimmers within three years. The UTMB World Series, a global circuit of mountain ultramarathons, now hosts 200,000 runners across 50 sold-out events annually. In cycling, the Race Across France has grown from 300 participants in 2021 to 1,400 this year, spanning distances from 300km to 2,500km. And swimrun events, a hybrid of trail running and open-water swimming pioneered in Sweden, are rapidly multiplying worldwide. And while ultra sporting events push the limits of human endurance, they also deliver significant economic, social and cultural benefits to the countries that host them. "A typical event with 250 people might generate €50,000 in food and accommodation spend," said Michael Lemmel, co-founder of the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series, which began in the Stockholm Archipelago. "But more than that, they bring a different kind of visitor; someone who's more connected to nature, to outdoor experiences, not just the party scene." Hvar, once known mostly for its hedonistic summer vibe, is starting to lean into this new identity. In addition to UltraSwim, the island now hosts cycling camps, trail running events and long-distance swims. "Endurance events help extend the tourist season and attract more engaged visitors," said Iva Belaj Šantić, director of the Hvar Town Tourist Board. "But they also enrich the life of the local community. Growing up on an island can mean limited access to activities. These events bring visibility and inspiration – especially for our youth. The reason a visitor comes is just as important as what they leave behind." Paula Reid, an adventure psychologist who has completed multiple polar expeditions and ocean crossings and helps others prepare for similar challenges, believes there's a biological explanation for this growing appetite for ultra-sport holidays. "These holidays offer a kind of evolutionary reset," she explained. "We evolved to hunt and gather over long distances. For many people, life has become far too easy. It's physically undemanding. But we are biologically built for discomfort, challenge and adversity. We need it to grow." More like this:• The rise of the slow swimming holiday• Paddling the dramatic 'Grand Canyon of Canada'• Morocco's new cross-country cycling route The result is a kind of travel that doesn't just restore you, it reshapes you. It's about seeing a new landscape and seeing yourself differently within it. And for many, that's worth far more than a beachside cocktail. As we haul ourselves out of the water at the end of the final stage in Hvar Town, the Sun is setting behind the harbour walls. My shoulders are sore and salt is crusted on my skin. But there is something quietly triumphant in the shared fatigue, the congratulatory handshakes, the laughter and the promise of grilled fish and red wine just up the hill. We travelled through a place, and worked for it. And somehow, that makes the place – and the memory of it – all the more lasting. -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Trailborn Offers Meaningful Experiences In Iconic Outdoor Destinations
Trailborn hotels are well suited for the adventurous traveler. Kort Havens for Trailborn While many people travel for rest and relaxation, more and more Americans are actively engaging in adventure travel. Activities like hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking, water sports and sailing are among the top choices for adventurous travelers. However, adventure travel isn't just about thrills. Often, travelers are seeking personal growth along with the ability to step outside their comfort zones. The Rockies are a majestic sight to behold for travelers. getty In order to meet the demands of today's discerning, adventurous travelers who are looking for meaningful outdoor experiences without sacrificing elevated design or a sense of place, Ben Weinberg and Mike Weiss – two Goldman Sachs alums – launched Castle Peak in 2021. An investment and operating platform with a singular focus on hotels and resorts in iconic outdoor destinations across North America, Castle Peak's Trailborn hotels are located at the base of the Rockies, the Blue Ridge Mountains, seaside on the North Carolina coast, cliffside in Northern California and at the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Castle Peak is a next-generation investment firm focused on creating and scaling niche real estate platforms. Trailborn is the first embodiment of Castle Peak's playbook and the singular focus of the firm today. Trailborn brings a new level of hospitality to magnificent outdoor destinations where it doesn't currently exist, with elevated hotels designed to help travelers rediscover the beauty of America. Each property offers a guided experience, led by passionate local experts who curate recommendations, excursions and essential amenities for an unforgettable, active stay. The thesis is that modern travelers want experiences over destinations, comfort over formality and connection to place, especially in nature-rich locations. The North Carolina coast offers an array of activities. Christian Harder for Trailborn As a founding anchor brand of Marriott's new outdoor-focused portfolio, Trailborn brings a sustainability-minded approach to growth, focusing on adaptive reuse to reimagine existing properties in iconic destinations where ground-up development is often neither viable nor environmentally responsible. 'In just over a year, we've introduced five new Trailborn properties and will open three more within the next year, which speaks to the strength of demand and the resonance of our brand,' says Weiss. 'Marriott saw that momentum, and a chance to partner with a fast-growing company that's redefining the outdoor hospitality space, meeting Bonvoy members' demand for lifestyle hotels in untapped markets.' Weiss adds, 'Trailborn's proven model, design-driven approach, and distinct guest experience enrich Marriott's offerings with dynamic new hotels. This agreement allows us to stay true to our independent spirit while gaining access to Marriott Bonvoy's powerful global platform, creating new value for both sides, as well as for travelers seeking something different.' Trailborn hotels have opened in locations across the country. Christian Harder for Trailborn. Weinberg describes Castle Peak as 'a hospitality brand reimagining outdoor travel.' Castle Peak's 'one at a time' approach focuses on identifying a market opportunity, developing an investment strategy and building differentiated platforms one at a time, with a sharp, singular focus on generating alpha. Castle Peak Holdings , the investment firm behind the Trailborn hospitality brands, recently announced the successful close of its second vehicle with total committed capital of $315 million raised over a four month period. The firm's recent acquisition of Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, marks the first investment of this new vehicle and expands Castle Peak's portfolio of hotels and resorts in iconic outdoor destinations across the United States. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a must see experience. getty "Closing this vehicle is a testament to the durability of our model and the belief that exceptional outcomes come from doing the hard work ourselves, strategically, creatively and operationally," explains Weinberg. "We're a team of deep sector specialists, and we believe our relentless, singular focus positions us for success in this type of environment. We're energized by the level of excitement Trailborn has continued to receive from both investors and guests alike. This new infusion of capital will allow us to continue to scale Trailborn's approach to experiencing the great outdoors and deliver customers what they've been searching for." MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Domestic Airfares Increased Less Than Inflation, According To Study By Roger Sands Forbes Explore Celestial Wonders Of The Night Sky At These Locations By Roger Sands
Travel Weekly
13-07-2025
- Travel Weekly
AdventureWomen unveils new trips in North America
AdventureWomen, a specialist in women-only tours, will launch five new North America itineraries next year, in U.S. national parks, Mexico and Canada. AdventureWomen president Paige Davis said the itineraries were designed to foster connection while providing travelers with trips closer to home. "Baja: Sea Lions, Stargazing and Mindfulness" will spend a week exploring Mexico's Baja Peninsula, where travelers will snorkel with sea lions in the Sea of Cortez, partake in daily yoga and attend sound baths and meditations. Other highlights include surfing and stargazing. For those seeking the great outdoors, the six-day "Utah: Moab, Arches and Canyonlands Adventure" takes travelers through the state, where they will raft the Colorado River and go canyoneering and ziplining. Travelers will visit ancient rock formations and petroglyphs. The nine-day "Alaska: Glaciers, Wildlife Encounters and Multi-Adventures" promises to introduce "the untamed beauty of America's last frontier" to travelers. Guests will hike in Chugach State Park, go rafting through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and kayak through glacier-fed waters. Travelers will stay in wilderness lodges only accessible via boat. The tour operator will offer another national parks itinerary with the seven-day "Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Exploring California's National Parks." This trip features hiking through sequoias, climbing Moro Rock and touring with local guides. "Canada: The Ultimate Train Journey and Active Outdoor Adventure" will bring travelers to the Canadian Rockies for nine days, combining luxury rail travel with outdoor adventure. Guests will ride the Rocky Mountaineer train, hike glaciers and unwind in Banff's hot springs.
The Herald
09-07-2025
- The Herald
This is how South Africans want to travel in 2025
Among the notable emerging travel trends the research highlights are 'bravecations', where travellers are more adventurous on holiday, trying activities they wouldn't normally try at home. A total of 85% of local travellers said they are braver on holiday, the highest among all markets surveyed. The trend is particularly strong among younger travellers, with 87% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 91% of 25- to 34-year-olds expressing a willingness to try new and exciting things. Popular activities include: climbing high structures (56%); participating in high-octane activities such as zip-lining, skydiving and theme park rides (54%); and trying unusual foods (45%). Another rising trend are 'heritage holidays', where travellers explore their family's heritage, history or ancestry. A total of 75% of South Africans have taken or plan to take a heritage holiday soon. The trend is more prevalent among younger generations, with 77% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 88% of 25- to 34-year-olds having taken a heritage holiday or planning to, compared to 42% of those aged 65 and above. Key motivations include the desire to understand where their family comes from and what their life was like (64%) and to see where their ancestors lived (53%).
