Top Adventure Tourism Destinations Around the Globe

Iceland stands out as the premier destination in the world for adventure tourism, according to recent research.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the country's most spectacular — Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the country’s most spectacular Image by Andrés Nieto Porras / CC BY-SA 2.0

Germany, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland round out the top five for adventure travel as assessed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. These rankings derive from an extensive scorecard that evaluated ten distinct categories, including natural resources like coastline and population density.

Alongside natural resources, cultural assets such as national parks or UNESCO World Heritage sites were also included in the assessment. Furthermore, the evaluation considered resources that facilitate outdoor and nature-based activities, while examining tourism infrastructure that enhances the appeal for adventure travelers, including the availability of trail maps, eco-lodges, and access to trained guides.

The Mhondoro Game Lodge in South Africa offers intimate encounters with wildlife from an underground waterhole hide. — Eco lodges were shown to be tempting to adventure travelers. Image: Mhondoro Game Lodge

The “Adventure Tourism Development Index” also classifies countries by region, with Iceland emerging as the standout in Europe and North America. New Zealand topped the rankings in East Asia and the Pacific, while Croatia led in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Chile in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, Israel, Bhutan, and Botswana were recognized as the top nations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the report, adventure tourism significantly benefits countries by attracting tourists while also assisting in the preservation of cultural heritage. It asserts that “For countries and communities fortunate enough to possess outstanding natural and cultural characteristics, adventure tourism can provide a source of much-needed income and an impetus to conserve elements of the past, ongoing cultural identities, and ecological marvels.” Notably, the adventure tourism industry was valued at an estimated US$263 billion in 2012, the latest year for which figures are available.