2026 Newsmakers of the Year: Adventure Travel Trade Association

The Groups Today “Newsmakers of the Year” initiative recognizes the individuals, organizations, associations, and companies that have recently made the biggest impact on the group travel industry. From tour operators and advisors to destinations, suppliers, and industry leaders, this feature spotlights those who’ve shaped important conversations, introduced new ideas, closed impressive deals, or drove meaningful change within the group travel space.

Keep reading to learn more about 2026 Newsmaker, the Adventure Travel Trade Association!

The mission of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is to make tourism a force for good, something the association’s President, Gustavo Timo, said they’re relentless in making happen across the globe in many different shapes and forms. A notable recent example was AdventureWEEK Cabo Verde, the first niche specific market activation initiative done by the country that brought adventure travel buyers, media, and storytellers to present Cabo Verde as a global class hiking destination to key strategic markets.  

The AdventureWEEK included travel to Santo Antão, São Nicolau and São Vicente, some of the most prominent islands for hiking and cultural activities, as well as a full day market place where Cabo Verde suppliers were able to meet with buyers and media.

“In one week, we were able to showcase the incredible and iconic assets Cabo Verde has to offer to be recognized as a sustainable travel destination focusing on trails, culture, gastronomy and its unique people,” Timo shared. “The outcomes are strong: expected ROI of $7.2 million USD in the coming three years, and approximately 3,000 travelers, 23 new itineraries, extraordinary videos and articles being featured to B2B and B2C audiences and right on time to take advantage of the World Cup momentum.”

Travel done right, Timo added, has the power to create shared economic value, including protecting the environment, specially protected areas, supporting rural communities, and preserving and valuing cultural diversity.

“Cabo Verde is a prime example of this potential and we can see the transformation happening in front of us,” Timo said. “We also have other strong examples from other parts of the globe where sustainable travel is a meaningful tool for transformation and creating real impact on the ground bringing dollars, economic energy, and social connections where otherwise there would be no alternative.

“At ATTA we strongly believe in the 3 Ds approach: diversification of products, dispersion of travelers and deepening of experiences. The focus is on the right type of traveler, the one that brings value to the destination and respects its ethos, nature, culture and community. This is tourism as a force for good.”

Click here to read more from the rest of Groups Today’s 2026 Newsmakers of the Year.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.