SAGUENAY, QUEBEC – AdventureELEVATE, powered by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), has successfully wrapped up its second adventure travel conference in Saguenay, Quebec. Taking place from June 6-7, the conference invited tour operators, destination representatives and travel writers and photographers to share ideas, create new partnerships and take part in some of the region’s top adventure excursions. Ranging from harder excursions like mountaineering and sea kayaking to more soft adventure options like ghost tours of the village of Val-Jalbert, the tours allowed important networking to take place prior to the start of the conference.

“Delegates on our ‘Day of Adventure’ feel comfortable networking in a space while doing activities they enjoy. This allows them to break the ice before the conference officially begins,” said Jen Pemberton, Communications Manager for the ATTA.

A total of 206 delegates, media and partners attended AdventureELEVATE from 18 different countries. Saguenay was chosen as this year’s host destination because in addition to its special natural environment, the community offers the power of collaboration and networking through its adventure travel and ecotourism cluster.

Photo is provided by © ATTA / Juno Kim

Russell Walters, ATTA’s North American strategic director, stated, “ATTA is here to educate, amplify and show the industry that adventure means business.” Walters also said that business had to be done in collaboration and in creating shared economic value through the sharing of economy and ideas.

Over two full days, keynote speakers spoke about everything from food tourism and creating excellent customer service to helping you leverage storytelling for your brand delegates. The media exchange also allowed companies to connect to media partners throughout the conference.

Just announced last week, Travelweek and ATTA have formed a strategic partnership that positions Travelweek as the organization’s sole Canadian trade media partner. In this role, Travelweek will help educate and inform the Canadian market of the trends and benefits of adventure travel and of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. In addition, Travelweek hopes to expand its presence across the adventure travel space and will be offering opportunities for adventure companies to reach the Canadian market in new and innovative ways.

Wrapping up the conference, Walters said, “ I hope you are all struck by the rugged authenticity of Saguenay, and we thank you for your partnership.” Lastly and most importantly, Walters reminded delegates to “stay connected, stay involved and connect with people at home.”