This product development brief contains basic information for marketing
hiking-focused trips to assist destination or tour operators interested in
creating a hiking, trekking, or backpacking adventure itinerary. These
trips can include unique cultural, scenic, wildlife and human/natural
history experiences.

For a standard trekking itinerary participants will expect a balance
between physical activity and cultural/nature experiences as well as the
ability to explore areas that are difficult to access by car or train.

Hiking day segments should average 5-30 km per day with an average
hiking time per day of 2-4 hours before lunch and potentially repeated
after lunch. Varied levels of hiking activity and unstructured time
should be identified to frame a difficulty rating for each itinerary.

Various levels of accommodation should be identified for each stop in
order to cater to multiple demographics, from tented camps to high end
hotels.

Routes should be designed to take travelers into remote areas of low
tourism.

Creating a wilderness experience has strong appeal, especially for
people traveling from crowded cities. The ability to experience the
natural and archaic world in its most pristine state also holds high
appeal: this includes natural and unaltered flora, fauna, geology, and
indigenous history, cultures, and traditions.

Hiking/trekking with an experienced guide also greatly enhances the
experience, as this person will be able to identify flora and fauna, tell
stories about the landscapes, and bring the past (both recent and
geologic) to life, ultimately enhancing the hikers lifelong connection to
the land and desire to return.

To build international awareness for you destination once you have a
product to sell, invite reporters or pitch stories on your destination to
hiking, trekking, and backpacking magazines. Advertising online on
websites dedicated to selling walking, trekking, and backpacking gear is
also recommended.

Good publications and online media that can be used to reach hikers:

Outside magazine: http://outside.away.com/index.html
Backpacker magazine: http://www.backpacker.com/
National Geographic Adventure:
http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/
National Geographic Traveler: http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/
The Backpacker: http://www.thebackpacker.com/

Multi-destination tour operators who might support trip sales include:

Backroads: http://www.backroads.com/
Intrepid: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/
REI: http://www.rei.com/adventures
Country Walkers:
http://www.countrywalkers.com/portal/site/CountryWalkers
KE Adventure Travel: http://www.keadventure.com/

A genuine commitment to the preservation of the local cultures and
environments greatly enhances the appeal of the experience. Adopt
Leave No Trace strategies (http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php),
incorporate local businesses and sustainable harvested food whenever
possible, and educate clients on the importance of conserving local ways
of life and resources.