In an epic journey that spanned more than 13 years and 46,505 miles (74,408 km), Jason Lewis ended where he started, at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England. This made him the first human to circle the world fueled by nothing other than his own power. Lewis walked, biked, pedaled boats, skated and didn't even use sail power to cross bodies of water, paddling instead. He set out on the journey in 1994 with his friend, Stevie Smith, who wasn't able to complete the challenge. Lewis made it back to his starting point this Saturday, satisfied that he had spent over a decade seeing the world quite literally on his own two feet.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sustainable Tourism
- Jason Lewis' journey highlights the potential of sustainable travel that reduces carbon footprint and promotes physical activity and wellness.
- Active Travel
- The rise of interest in active travel and adventure tourism, with individuals seeking to explore more through activities like hiking, biking, and paddling for prolonged durations.
- Solo Travel
- The growing popularity of solo travel and its appeal to those searching for a sense of accomplishment and adventure.
Where This Applies
- Tourism
- The tourism industry can capitalize on sustainable and active travel trends, providing options for travelers to move towards carbon-neutral alternatives and offer unique experiential packages that promote adventure and a sense of accomplishment.
- Sporting Goods
- There are opportunities for sporting goods companies to develop tailor-made equipment for long-term active travel, as well as utilizing more eco-friendly materials.
- Fitness
- The fitness industry can explore active travel and adventure tourism, promoting physical fitness and wellness through experiential travel opportunities.
