Months after the sub tragedy, extreme tourism is… more popular than ever?
Oct 17, 2023
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Months after the sub tragedy, extreme tourism is more popular than ever. Discussion on Sweet Green's salad robots and the impact of the Titan Submersible tragedy on extreme tourism. Exploration of the growth of extreme tourism, including the rise of space travel and shock over the amount of money spent on risky adventures.
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Quick takeaways
Despite the risks, extreme tourism continues to thrive, with the industry expected to grow by over 15% annually through the end of the decade.
The allure of pushing boundaries and seeking unique experiences outweighs safety concerns, driving the growth of extreme tourism.
Deep dives
Extreme tourism continues to thrive despite recent tragedy
Despite the Titan Submersible disaster raising awareness about the dangers of extreme tourism, the industry has not seen any significant slowdown. Extreme tourism encompasses a wide range of adventurous and boundary-pushing activities, from kayaking to deep-sea and space tourism. The industry has been a bright spot for the global tourism industry, with a market exceeding $282 billion in 2021. Surprisingly, 90% of businesses in the adventure travel trade association reported revenue increases last year. Experts even expect the industry to grow by over 15% annually through the end of the decade, highlighting the willingness of thrill-seekers to engage in high-risk activities despite the potential risks involved.
The allure of extreme tourism despite its dangers
It is astonishing how extreme tourism continues to attract customers despite the well-known risks involved. The allure of pushing boundaries, joining a tribe of enthusiasts, and seeking out unique experiences appears to outweigh concerns about safety. This is evident as more individuals are willing to spend large sums of money on perilous excursions, including space and deep-sea travel. The industry's steady growth suggests that even high-profile incidents like the Titan Submersible disaster do not prompt a critical evaluation of these dangerous adventures. The trend in extreme tourism demonstrates a shifting definition of what is considered 'extreme,' as more people engage in once-rare activities like visiting Antarctica or exploring the Mariana Trench.
Challenges and limitations of extreme tourism
While extreme tourism continues to thrive, there are challenges and limitations that the industry faces. The costs of these excursions can be exorbitant, making it a niche market accessible primarily to wealthier individuals. Additionally, the safety and profitability of some tour operators remain concerns, as highlighted by Sweet Green's struggle to turn a profit despite implementing salad-making robots. Pricing and competition from fast food options may hinder the growth potential of extreme tourism. However, as long as there are adventurers willing to take risks and spend money on unique and thrilling experiences, it seems that extreme tourism will persist and expand, potentially encompassing even riskier endeavors in the future.
Earlier this summer, the catastrophic loss of the Titan submersible put a spotlight on the extreme tourism business, highlighting the industry’s rise, as well as its risks and high costs. Months later, expedition organizers are reporting business is better than ever. Why? Plus: TikTok boosts its moderation team and Spotify makes a placating move.
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