By Ms. Niharika Nigam, Director-Business Development, Jumpin Heights
Experiential travel has gained momentum over the years. People want to spend on experiences and creating memories more than ever before, which is a very favourable trend for the adventure sports industry.
Comprising of various diverse activities services and experiences, it has created a niche for itself in all holiday packages and itineraries be it budget trips or luxury vacations.
The term ‘extreme sports’ is associated with high- adrenaline activities like bungy jumping, skydiving, scuba diving, surfing, rock climbing, etc.; They are different from our usual sporting activities, in that they are more mentally challenging than physically demanding. They are more about overcoming fears and consciously establishing equanimity amidst ‘perceived chaos’ or usually fearful situations, rather than a test of skill and stamina. Which is why standing at the edge of the bungy bridge, you can have an athlete back off, while someone at 110 kgs could not only attempt it, but accomplish it as well! Its an entirely different ball game- and we love seeing people face their fears- and rise above them!
Why indulge in adventure sports?
Adventure sports offer thrill, excitement and the adrenaline rush of having accomplished a milestone by overcoming fears. By indulging in these action-packed activities, people get to have their once in a lifetime hero-moment like experiences and memories to be cherished forever. Needless to say, it’s a great de-stressor to shake out of the monotony of an otherwise mundane routine.
It is a common misconception that adventure sports are for fitness/adventure enthusiasts or ‘experts’. Just like any other activity in life, while better fitness levels improve the experience, it is most definitely not a prerequisite. In fact, one must experience these activities to generally improve their joie de vivre or the joy of living!
We have often seeing travellers book budget hotels and spend more of their time and money on adventure and experiential services instead.
What makes individuals choose extreme sports?
> To test our limits
> To face – and overcome- our fears
> Step out of our comfort zone
> The excitement and thrill of it
> To feel alive!
> The happy hormone released because of the adrenaline rush
A once-in-a-lifetime experience and memories to cherish forever
When the pandemic struck us, tourism was the worst hit. However, once everything started getting unlocked, people, as an outlet for being stuck inside, eventually took solace in travelling and adventure sports to satiate their wanderlust.
While these activities are getting more accessible and feasible, it is becoming a natural preference for the avid traveller, which will further aid its growth. One needs to ensure they fit the medical parameters of these activities, such
Summing Up
A notable fact is that these adventure sports are not just limited to already planned vacations. They have upscaled their reach and are now the major reason for a one day travel as well, minimising on the cost of stay and the travel time. Also, an increasing number of festivals are being organised to increase their reach: It was just a few days ago that The Tripura Government recently organized a five-day festival dedicated to adventure sports. This was a brave move, especially during the COVID-19 times. But such initiatives are important for the growth and uplifting of the adventure sports sector. We are hoping that 2021 will come up with its share of opportunities, advancements, and happy times for the adventure sports vertical.
