Within the framework of the MEDUSA project’s examination of adventure tourism development, our researchers led a research and study of market demand, supply, and competitiveness, analyzing multiple fields from a socio-economic, political, and environmental perspective in the following countries: France, Germany, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Each country presents insights for MEDUSA Projects, which will be analyzed in these publications.

According to DRV Fakten un Zahlen, the German speaking population in Germany’s market volume has increased from (48,9%) to (51,2%), with this population spending of almost 94,800 million Euros per year over the past 7 years.

Germany has 31 commercial airports, the most important of which is Frankfurt Airport, which receives the fourth highest number of passengers in the world (69 million passengers a year).

Though Germany is the primary destination for German tourists, two MEDUSA destinations (Italy and Spain) are among the top five outbound countries, while Tunisia and Jordan are becoming increasingly popular destinations. The growth of trips to Lebanon is still moderate, yet Mediterranean destinations were able to increase their market share to 38% of all holiday trips.

The age of adventure tourists stretches between 18 and 70 years, and because of its large scale, travel organizations and agencies provide a range of experiences on different levels.

The average age of German tourists is 48,5 years, with 50-59 years old making the largest age groups (18.2%). They often go on hikes with a guide, especially on routes abroad. Their market opts for organized trips with groups of 5 to 15 people more than any other.

 The lack of sun and beaches in Germany, compels German tourists to seek warmer destinations in order to enjoy longer summers, as well as breathtaking nature and new experiences. Access to sustainable sources of transport such as trains, bicycles, hiking trecks and the like, is important to German travelers.

• Between 10% and 15% of hikers take long routes.

For information and inspiration, slightly more than 25% refer to destination websites and around 25% refer to brochures or catalogues, travel agencies or accommodation websites, while the opinion of friends and family remains very important to German travelers.

The availability of picturesque scenery, music concerts, winter sports, and other adventurous actives, entice German tourists, while experiences local cuisine and to have the option of purchasing local products also play a major role, the presence of which in MEDUSA destinations will be highlighted. For these destinations offer unique products and activities, especially the culinary products and magical spots that can take the trip to another level.