By Tourism-Review.Com
Published May 7, 2010
Slovak Republic, Israel, Czech Republic and Estonia are the four leading nations for adventure tourism among the developing countries for 2009.
The ranking examines the commitment of 192 countries around the world using 10 pillars of adventure and tourism market competitiveness: Sustainable Development Policy, Safety and Security, Tourism Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, Adventure Activity Resources, Entrepreneurship, Humanitarian, Health, and Image.
1. Slovak Republic
Slovakia is the number one in adventure tourism among the developing countries for 2009. The country is famous for its mountainous landscape. The Tatra Mountains offer excellent travel resources and are known by the tourists for its beautiful valleys and lakes. Slovakia got high rankings especially in the category of image, infrastructure, natural resources, and entrepreneurship.
2. Israel
The reputation of Israel as a tourism hotspot is despite political unrest constantly growing. Besides 273 km long coast the country boasts deserts, plains, highlands as well as mountains. Among the popular travel activities are scuba diving, hang gliding, camel safaris and skiing.
In the Index Israel got the highest rating in infrastructure, sustainable development and cultural resources.
3. Czech Republic
This Central European country is famous, especially for its historical capital, Prague. Its regions, however, offer also a number of unique natural attractions including cave systems, lakes, mountain ranges, low hills, plains, and rivers. Among the most popular adventure activities are cycling, various water sports, fishing and hiking. In the Index the Czech Republic got very positive ranking in sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure.
RELATED: RwandAir Resumes Mombasa Stop for Dubai Flights as Precision Air Flies to Kigoma
4. Estonia
Estonia, in the Eastern Europe, gained its freedom after the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991. Today the country offers dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife. Almost half of the country is covered with forest. Estonia also has the lowest population density in Europe, which offers ideal opportunities for hiking, camping and observing wildlife in a quiet atmosphere. According to the Index, Estonia’s strengths lie especially in infrastructure, entrepreneurship and cultural resources.
5. Slovenia
Slovenia moved up considerably in this year’s Index thanks to good opinions on its safety and cultural resources. Slovenia is located in Central Europe and borders with Croatia, Hungary, Austria and Italy. It has 43 km of coastline and half of the country is forested but mostly the country is mountainous. In the Index Slovenia got positive ranking especially for its infrastructure, image, and adventure resources.
6. Chile
Thanks to its narrow shape, Chile offers varied climate. The terrain ranges from the Andes to central valleys and coastal mountains. Tourism in Chile is steadily growing because of a wide range of activities including exploration tours in the Atacama Desert or hiking in Patagonia. According to the index Chile’s strength lies in sustainable development, natural resources, and image.
RELATED: Africa Set for Milestone Tourism Events in 2013
7. Bulgaria
The landscape of Bulgaria, a country situated in South Eastern Europe, varies from the Black Sea coast and Danube Plain with its mild climate to the Alpine snow capped peaks of Rila, Pyrin and Balkan mountains. Bulgaria offers a large variety of activities in its seaside resorts such as swimming, sailing, diving, as well as in the winter resorts. Bulgarian mountains also lure numerous hikers who enjoy here both spectacular views as well as quiet atmosphere.
8. Latvia
Latvia is located in North East Europe and borders with Estonia, Lithuania and Russia. The country separated from the former USSR in 1991 and in 2004 joined the EU in 2004. It lies on East European plain and is largely covered by forests. As such it is an ideal place for observing wild life; deer, moose, lynx, bear, and fox are among the animals that you can see there if you behave quietly. Hiking in the rural areas is one of the most popular activities why adventure tourists choose Latvia for their holiday.
