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.