Adventure Travel with Marjanna Akhtar - Great Expeditions Travel

Adventure Travel - Big World Made Small

Area/Topic
Worldwide, SCUBA Diving, Responsible Tourism
Marjanna Akhtar
Owner
Great Expeditions Travel
Marjanna’s interest in international travel began in the late ‘80s while pursuing her BA in animal biology at the University of Colorado, and she took her first underwater breath on scuba!
That was the beginning of a travel career that spans over three decades; beginning in 1990 with a specialization in the niche market of scuba diving and the destinations found in the South Pacific.
Over the ensuing years, she has evolved the business to reflect the diverse interests of the company’s growing clientele base, as well as her own style and passion for world-wide travel. Destinations in Africa, Central & South America, SE Asia and Europe now feature strongly in the company's portfolio and incorporating authentic experiences into customized itineraries for individuals, families and small groups of friends are the foundation of Great Expeditions Travel.
Throughout her travel career, exploring the world did not halt when motherhood arrived and her son, now a young adult, has been immersed into international travel since the age of 9 months.
When not on her desk, you can often find Marjanna on the back of her horse, enjoying the rural small communities of western Colorado with her dogs and husband.
https://greatexpeditionstravel.com/
Summary
Marjanna Akhtar, owner of Great Expeditions Travel, discusses her background in adventure travel and the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism. She shares her personal experiences and the impact of travel on her own life. The conversation also touches on the challenges of over-tourism and the role of tour operators in promoting responsible travel. Marjanna emphasizes the need for travelers to support local communities and conservation efforts, and the importance of connecting with people and cultures while traveling. Marjanna Akhtar discusses the benefits of being a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and the importance of networking and connecting with responsible tour operators. She highlights the role of ATTA in bringing together all the components of the travel industry to grow the market in sustainable ways. Marjanna also emphasizes the challenges and rewards of running a tour operation business, including the need for extensive knowledge and education in the industry. She discusses the value of human contact in travel and the importance of personalized experiences. Marjanna shares the satisfaction of creating life-changing experiences for clients and the pride she feels in her work.

Takeaways

• Adventure travel can be a means to explore a destination and connect with local communities and nature.
• Responsible tourism involves supporting local communities, conservation efforts, and distributing income to the people on the ground.
• Over-tourism is a concern, and it is important to find ways to minimize the negative impact of mass tourism.
• Tour operators play a crucial role in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism and educating clients about their choices.
• Travel can help break down prejudices and foster understanding and connection among people from different cultures and backgrounds. Being a member of ATTA provides networking opportunities and connections with responsible tour operators.
• ATTA brings together all components of the travel industry to grow the market in sustainable ways.
• Running a tour operation business requires extensive knowledge, education, and the

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