Call for Speakers - Interational Ecotourism Conference

Opportunity to Present at Leading Tourism Industry
Conference on Sustainability

Call for speakers now open for the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2010 (ESTC 2010) – September 8-10, Portland OR, USA

Portland, OR, February 2, 2010 - Pioneering ecotourism and sustainable travel organization, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), this year presents its ESTC in Portland, Oregon, with a call for speakers to present on conference sessions focusing on triple bottom line approaches to sustainability in travel and tourism. Co-hosted by Travel Portland and Travel Oregon, the ESTC 2010 will bring together 450+ business leaders, travel and tourism professionals and community members.

Representing the conference organizers, Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair of TIES Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the ESTC 2010, urges tourism professionals and industry leaders to play an active role in the conference by participating as a speaker. “Highlighting innovative multi-stakeholder solutions,” notes Dr. Bricker, “the ESTC 2010 will be a key meeting place for sustainability experts, business leaders and policy makers who are driving innovation and sustainable change in ecotourism and sustainable tourism. We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with hundreds of key players in the field of ecotourism and sustainable tourism.”

An increasing number of ecotourism and sustainable tourism businesses around the world are recognizing the importance of sustainability as a market driver, and the need to implement effective business strategies to cater to the choices of the new travel consumer seeking travel experiences that align with their environmental and social values, not just economic considerations.

Noting the shift in consumer trend, Richard Edwards, Director of Planeterra Foundation and Co-Chair of the ESTC 2010, calls for tourism professionals to share creative ideas and practical solutions. “We are focusing on sustainability and authenticity as effective responses to the fundamental change that the travel industry has experienced in recent years,” says Edwards. “Rather than discussing what happened as a result of the economic crisis, the conference will foster new opportunities through partnerships and collaboration by engaging participants in action-focused dialogues addressing business opportunities, environmental solutions and community initiatives.”

The ESTC is designed to utilize practical examples of ecotourism and sustainable tourism strategies so that attendees can implement these tools. The ESTC 2010 organizers are seeking submissions of presentation abstracts, that incorporate case studies and best practice examples based on academic research and/or applied experience. Speaker application instructions and online application form can be accessed at: www.ecotourism.org/estc2010-call-for-speakers.

ESTC 2010 sponsors and partners include: Host Destination Travel Portland and Travel Oregon, Expedition Sponsor Gap Adventures, Voluntourism Partner Planeterra Foundation, Journey Sponsor La Cusinga Lodge, and University Partner University of Utah (Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism).



About ESTC

ESTC 2010Providing invaluable networking and knowledge sharing experiences, the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) is a place where innovative minds meet to discuss practical ideas and solutions, and to bring about change in the tourism industry. Hosted by Travel Portland and Travel Oregon, the ESTC 2010 will be held in Portland, Oregon, from September 8-10, 2010. The ESTC 2010 will bring together business leaders, travel and tourism professionals and community members, providing opportunities to share the latest trends in ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

About TIES

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a non-profit association committed to promoting ecotourism, which is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people" (TIES, 1990), through outreach, education, and collaboration. TIES' global network supports and is supported by members from over 90 countries, who are leading the vital efforts to make travel and tourism more sustainable.

Market Survey finds demand for Ecotourism

Is there proof that the marketplace demand for sustainable tourism exists and is growing? This is a question we find ourselves at tOES occasionally asked.

Yes Virginia, there is a...

(From CTC’s Green Your Business Toolkit for tourism Operators)

"... growing market of sustainably minded travellers. Variously labelled as "ethical travellers," "future-shapers," or "green consumers," this group's purchase decisions are now being noted across a wide range of markets. Although concerns about price or weather at the destination continue to be important factors in choosing vacations and packages, a growing number of travellers are making purchase decisions based on a prospective destination's commitment to sustainable business practices.

Preliminary findings from the CTC's 2008 Global Tourism Watch survey reveal a growing number of consumers in the nation's core markets are interested in sustainable tourism and are willing to pay a premium for sustainable travel products. Of the nine countries surveyed, 60% of travellers (on average) in those countries are willing to pay a one percent to 10% premium for environmentally friendly travel products. Another international survey (TripAdvisor, April 2007) of 1,000 travellers worldwide found that 40% take environmentally friendly tourism into consideration when making travel plans. TNS Canadian Facts has found in its own survey research that these "future shapers" exhibit a growing awareness of global warming and of matters such as child labour or the plight of indigenous peoples. Many of these travellers plan their trips independently, are Web savvy and are beginning to alter purchasing habits. Beyond their commitment to "green" values, these consumers expect higher standards of cuisine, accessibility to spa and wellness facilities, and other higher value "authentic" products and experiences.

To see TNS Canadian Facts full market survey presentation and other ecotourism research, see our resources page.

The Tourism Sustainability Council

The Tourism Sustainability Council - an article featured in Ecotourism Ontario , winter 2010 edition. See our newsletter pages for the complete and past publications.

Contributor: Catalina Etcheverry (United Nations Foundation)
Sustainable Tourism Program Manager

The widespread and worldwide movement towards sustainable production and consumption is finally catching up with the tourism industry. Luckily policy makers, business owners, service providers, local, national, and regional industry associations, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and concerned travelers are all beginning to recognize the role they have to play in promoting sustainable tourism. As a result, they are looking for ways to inform their decision making and verify the credibility of the tourism products they support. There is great potential right now to think smartly about how the tourism market can be used to preserve the environment and change people’s lives.

The Tourism Sustainability Council is borne with the mission to improve tourism’s potential to be a driver of positive conservation and economic development for communities and businesses around the world and a tool for poverty alleviation. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative created to serve as the international body for fostering the increased knowledge and understanding of sustainable tourism practices, promoting the adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles, and increasing the access to markets of sustainable product.

The biggest challenge for sustainable tourism was that, until recently, there was no clear and easily digestible definition with universal buy-in among the tourism industry, travelers, media and others. With no "common denominator" of what would be considered sustainable, there is inevitable uncertainty among travelers as to what they're actually embarking on and a certain inherit skepticism in the process. Clearly this artificially dampens the value of sustainability for operators and destinations. Until recently, there were hundreds of different measures for what constituted “sustainable tourism.” Some were good; some were bad; none was universal.
And so, along with the Rainforest Alliance, the UN Environment Programme, and the UN World Tourism Organization, the UN Foundation reached out to over 80,000 people and engaged more than 30 organizations to help launch a global standard for “sustainable tourism” that would let everyone know that they are on the same page. In 2008, a coalition of more than 50 partners representing industry, governments, nongovernmental organizations and academia, launched the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a set of 37 criteria derived from certifications and best practices that are global in nature and feasible to implement.

Using these Criteria as a guide, tourists will know if they are traveling in a responsible way. Businesses, big and small, can profit from being able to certify their good works as they attract a growing number of people around the world who see personal value in this kind of tourism. The goal with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria is to help leverage and capitalize on the growing consumer interest by aligning all tourism stakeholders with a common understanding of sustainable tourism – from purchasers to suppliers to consumers.

The Criteria’s success depends on its universality, so great pains were taken to get everyone’s input over the course of 18 months. Through this process, four main characteristics that define sustainable tourism were developed: maximizing tourism’s social and economic benefits to local communities; reducing negative impacts on cultural heritage; reducing harm to local environments; and planning for long term sustainability.

To some this may sound like something that fits into the traditional mold of corporate social responsibility. But, it is becoming increasingly clear that tourists and travelers are beginning to demand sustainable tourism options. Embracing these values and practices early in the game will allow businesses to maximize their profits and become pioneers of sustainable tourism, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Cycling Ecotour for Youth - Ontario and Canada

Here's an enriching sustainable travel and group living & learning experience for adults 19-30 organized by non-profit group based in Ottawa, Otesha. They have organized for 2010 (March deadline for participant registration) some inspiring partnerships with organic farms and cycling routes both here in Ontario and across Canada. I've worked with a few alumni and past communities touched by the project in the ecotourism and education fields and found that they gained significantly from the volunteer experience.
~ Kara Mitchell of tOES

In Search of Change-Making Cycling Volunteers What is The Otesha Project? The Otesha Project is a Canadian non-profit organization. We organize bicycle tours which engage with communities through theatre, aiming to mobilize youth to make change in their communities, and the world. We believe that we can create a more sustainable future by building community, making conscious lifestyle choices, reducing consumption and having a really good time all the while. We'd like you to join us as a Tour Member on a challenging journey towards sustainability. The Vision The Otesha Project's vision is to see sustainable consumption and lifestyle choices enter the mainstream of Canadian culture. What does it mean to be a Tour Member? As a tour member you'll answer tough questions about how you want to live and through collaboration with other amazing, hopeful, energetic young people (your teammates!) you'll build a mobile sustainable community. Before you know it, your bicycle will become a vehicle of change. Ingredients include: leadership training, phenomenal bike touring, and a hilarious play that opens the conversation about environmental sustainability and social justice issues with thousands of Canadians. Visit our infopack for more info, including 'a day in the life of a tour member', and fundraising details. What tours could you go on? ...check them out, below. Tours of 2010 In 2010 the Otesha Project is offering three of the craziest cycling and performing tours it has cooked up since it started in 2003. The details are below - and frequently asked questions answered on our faq's page. If you apply before February 15th you will receive two books to go towards your fundraising efforts. Applications close on March 15th, 2010. You can apply online!

Ferocious Farm Tour Ottawa to Toronto and Back! May 3 - June 25 or Aug 28 (2-4 months) This tour will focus its performance route on farming based communities, providing an opportunity to connect to & understand the food landscape of Ontario. Tour members can extend their experience by working on small scale and/or organic Ontario farm for the months of July and August. Learning extravaganza! To learn more, go to FAQs. Coast to Capital Vancouver to Ottawa June 25 to Oct 20 (4 months) Ride through the Rockies, across the Prairies and skirt down the edge of the Great Lakes, ending up in our nation's capital. Watch the landscape change as you ride with the seasons, starting in the summer and rolling to a close as the leaves drop. Epic adventure! Physically Challenging! Highlands and Islands Fredericton to Halifax Sept 7 to Nov 2 (2 months) Ride with the tides, dance with the Scots and pull some red mud potatoes while you're at it! This route starts in New Brunswick and tours to each breathtaking corner of Prince Edward Island. Finally, it crosses the hills of Nova Scotia ending up in Halifax. Lots of Performing!

Ready to walk your talk? Apply. Or email us with questions at info@otesha.ca, follow us on Twitter, & add us on Facebook! To hear more from us, sign up to receive our monthly e-journal here. Peace & Bicycle Grease, The Otesha Project

How to list green travel experiences you offer in Ontario on Ontario Tourism Websites

Hey there green travel and ecotourism operators offering eco travel experiences in Ontario

If you haven't already taken advantage of free online listings available with Ontario Tourism, check out the how-to-page and / or learn more about marketing opportunities available with the OTMPC (Ontario Tourism and Marketing Partnership Corporation) at www.tourismpartners.com (deadlines for 2010 print advertising are listed here too)

For outdoor experiences you offer in Ontario, they have another website, www.ontariotravel.net/outdoor on which you can receive up to 6 listings / eco tour package descriptions. To do so, contact Heather Bot (heatherbot "at" vianet.ca) & she'll send a form.

Based in Northern Ontario? stay tuned for more info on being represented in a new marketing site being built to represent the north and how eco travel experiences you offer there will be represented. If you're intersted in helping tOES provide ecotourism specific content for that site, email us at getinvolved "at" toes.ca .

See tOES members listings to find leaders in green travel experiences in canada, the best eco tourism experiences our lands, waters and people have to offer.

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership CorporationMarketing Information Sessions

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership CorporationMarketing Information Sessions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~OTMPC is offering a series of workshops across Ontario to informtourism stakeholdersabout their programs and how to align with their tourism marketing.All sessions are free and include lunch. Register directly with OTMPCby emailingevents@ontario.ca Learn about the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation(OTMPC) marketingplans for the coming year and how you can get involved in OTMPCprograms, partnershipopportunities, and leveraging of the Ontario brand.Interact with the OTMPC's in-house marketing, partnership, Ontariotravel information,and Ministry of Tourism staff.Register now [mailto:events@ontario.ca] for an engaging discussion onthese and other topics to learn how you can align your activities with OTMPC.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- Stratford -DATE: Wednesday, November 18, 2009TIME: 10:00am - 2:00pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Stratford Old City Hall AuditoriumMain Floor, Old City Hall1 Wellington Street, Stratford, ON N5A 6W1RSVP by Monday, November 16:

Kingston -DATE: Tuesday, November 24, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Old Fort Henry , Dining Room1 Fort Henry Drive, Back (East) Gate entranceRSVP by Monday, November 23:

Cobourg -DATE: Wednesday, November 25, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Northumberland Heights, Birch Room795 Northumberland Heights Road, Cobourg, ON K9A 4J8RSVP by November 18:

Burlington -DATE: Thursday, November 26, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Royal Botanical Gardens, Café Annex680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4RSVP by November 23:

Vaughan -DATE: Tuesday, December 1, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Holiday Inn Express, 6100 Highway 7Vaughan West II RoomVaughan, ON L4H 0R2RSVP by November 25:

Gravenhurst -DATE: Wednesday, December 2, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre, Ditchburn Room275 Steamship Bay RoadGravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z0RSVP by November 30:

Collingwood -DATE: Thursday, December 3, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Blue Mountain Village Conference CentreNippising Room242 Jozo Weider Blvd.Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 3Z2RSVP by November 30:

Windsor -DATE: Friday, December 11, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Holiday Inn Select Windsor1855 Huron Church RoadWindsor, ON N9C 2L6RSVP by December 4:

Cornwall -DATE: Tuesday, December 15, 2009TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)LOCATION: Ramada Hotel & Conference CentreAdirondack Room, 805 Brookdale AvenueCornwall, ON K6J 4P3RSVP by December 4:

Environmental Tourism starts with you.

How can you make a difference you ask? You can start be asking when you call to book a hotel room whether they have a recycling program. You can take that further by asking if they have an environmental program before you make a reservation.
Small steps. You may find that some hotels do not have such a program. But I invite you to consider what would happen if hotels, inns, B&B’s, resorts got these sorts of questions from 85% of the people who called to book a room.
These businesses would know that it was on the minds of their clients and would be far more likely to take action.
Small steps lead to giant leaps. Take that small step next time you travel.