LEADING TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE SEEKING BEST PRACTICE CASE
STUDIES ON ECOTOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS STRATEGIES
Call for Speakers Now Open for the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2011 - September 19-21, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA
WASHINGTON, February 15, 2011 - The ECOTOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM CONFERENCE (ESTC), now in its fifth year, is a unique annual tourism industry conference providing practical solutions and innovative ideas to help green the tourism industry. Organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), this year's ESTC is being held from September 19-21, 2011, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA. The ESTC organizers are currently seeking quality submissions of speaker proposals highlighting key ecotourism and sustainable tourism best practice case studies.
Dr. Kelly Bricker, TIES Board Chair and ESTC Co-Chair, urges sustainability experts, business leaders and policy makers to be an active part of the conference by taking advantage of the speaking opportunity at the ESTC. The ESTC 2011 will be a key meeting place for industry pioneers and those who are driving change in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, said Dr. Bricker. This is a great platform to share your knowledge and expertise with hundreds of key
industry players, and engage in dialogue promoting innovative ideas and inspiring solutions for a greener future of tourism.
The ESTC 2011 will feature presentations and discussions with the goal of helping tourism businesses and professionals gain necessary tools and resources to effectively implement social, environmental and economic sustainability practices. Designed around four main tracks Business Sustainability Practices; Conservation and Communities; Partnerships in Press, Policies and Politics; and Places and Experiences the ESTC 2011 sessions offer insights into questions such as:
* /What does it mean for mass tourism to go green;
* /What makes some community-based ecotourism projects successful
- and others unsuccessful - in becoming viable businesses
* /How can tourism businesses better partner with policy-makers
working on land management and permitting practices
* /What does it take to become a frequently-written-about tourism
business
* /How is interpretation used to effectively develop and promote
memorable experiences
The deadline for ESTC 2011 speaker application is Monday, March 21st, 2011. For more details on the proposed session topics and speaker submission guidelines, please see:
WWW.ECOTOURISMCONFERENCE.ORG
MEDIA CONTACT:
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
Ayako Ezaki, Director of Communications
Email: media@ecotourism.org[5]
Phone: +1 202-503-5066
Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Jessica Gardo, Manager, Marketing & PR
Email: jgardo@hiltonheadisland.org[6]
Phone: +1 843-341-8377
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Eco-Business Zone planned and funded around Toronto's Pearson International Airport
Green Municipal Fund supports the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Pearson's planned Eco-business Zone
February 10, 2011, Toronto, Ont. – Hans Cunningham, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and director of the Regional District of Central Kootenay, B.C., and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a Green Municipal FundTM (GMF) grant of $68,069 for the Region of Peel, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. Together the partners have made an investment to develop North America’s largest eco-business zone on more than 12,000 hectares of industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) land surrounding Toronto Pearson International Airport
"Through the use of sustainability indicators, the plan assesses baseline levels of energy and water consumption and land use, while also setting targets for improvement in these areas. The plan lays the groundwork for eco-business infrastructure projects in the areas of transit, district energy, wastewater treatment, waste-to-energy initiatives and brownfield redevelopment."
For more information: - see the Press Release on www.fcm.ca/gmf
February 10, 2011, Toronto, Ont. – Hans Cunningham, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and director of the Regional District of Central Kootenay, B.C., and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a Green Municipal FundTM (GMF) grant of $68,069 for the Region of Peel, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. Together the partners have made an investment to develop North America’s largest eco-business zone on more than 12,000 hectares of industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) land surrounding Toronto Pearson International Airport
"Through the use of sustainability indicators, the plan assesses baseline levels of energy and water consumption and land use, while also setting targets for improvement in these areas. The plan lays the groundwork for eco-business infrastructure projects in the areas of transit, district energy, wastewater treatment, waste-to-energy initiatives and brownfield redevelopment."
For more information: - see the Press Release on www.fcm.ca/gmf
Sunday, January 23, 2011
tOES seeks consultant to partner with us to publish 2nd Ed of Responsible Suppliers Guide for Travel and Tourism in Ontario
Request for Proposals ~ Development of a 2nd Edition of the Responsible Suppliers Guide for Travel and Tourism in Ontario
Requirement: The Ontario Eco-tourism Society is seeking proposals from consultants to provide professional services to create a 2nd edition of the Responsible Suppliers guide for Travel and Tourism in Ontario, both on line and in print versions.
Deadline for submissions: 4 pm on Friday, Feb. 4th, 2011.
Period of Contract: Feb. 24th-Sept.30th, 2011
Project Summary: The successful candidate will work to prepare and produce printed and online guides in 2011, using the standards of inclusion developed for the first Edition and with improved results / returns in terms of networking and funding/advertising exchanges. For detail, please refer to our news page from which complete RFP and Terms of Reference are attached.
For an online copy of our 1st Edition of this resource, see our resources page:
Requirement: The Ontario Eco-tourism Society is seeking proposals from consultants to provide professional services to create a 2nd edition of the Responsible Suppliers guide for Travel and Tourism in Ontario, both on line and in print versions.
Deadline for submissions: 4 pm on Friday, Feb. 4th, 2011.
Period of Contract: Feb. 24th-Sept.30th, 2011
Project Summary: The successful candidate will work to prepare and produce printed and online guides in 2011, using the standards of inclusion developed for the first Edition and with improved results / returns in terms of networking and funding/advertising exchanges. For detail, please refer to our news page from which complete RFP and Terms of Reference are attached.
For an online copy of our 1st Edition of this resource, see our resources page:
Thursday, January 13, 2011
tOES Starts the New Year with fresh ideas on our board and with our members' packages
The Ontario Ecotourism Society is celebrating the new year with fresh ideas and energy on our board of directors. To learn more about new board members, roles and the outcomes of our December 2010 Annual General Meeting, check out our news webpage.
Our professional members, a diverse group of ecotourism operators based in Ontario are also offering a great variety of refreshing ways to get out and enjoy this winter. From cross-country skiing weekends and snowshoe and dogsledding adventures to yoga retreats, their ecotours deliver vacations that are good for both travellers and the earth and waters. Here's a sampling of what January holds, please see our events page or members' listing for more recomended winter ecotours and events in Ontario.
Walk into Winter Hike, Sat. Jan 2nd or weekend experience Jan-March, Haliburton ~ by Yours Outdoors
The Ultimate Winter Experience ! ~ kicksledding, tube tobogganing, sauna....~ 15% off accommodation & experience packages until Jan 23rd at Nature's Harmony, Mattawa
Our professional members, a diverse group of ecotourism operators based in Ontario are also offering a great variety of refreshing ways to get out and enjoy this winter. From cross-country skiing weekends and snowshoe and dogsledding adventures to yoga retreats, their ecotours deliver vacations that are good for both travellers and the earth and waters. Here's a sampling of what January holds, please see our events page or members' listing for more recomended winter ecotours and events in Ontario.
Walk into Winter Hike, Sat. Jan 2nd or weekend experience Jan-March, Haliburton ~ by Yours Outdoors
The Ultimate Winter Experience ! ~ kicksledding, tube tobogganing, sauna....~ 15% off accommodation & experience packages until Jan 23rd at Nature's Harmony, Mattawa
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Join us ~ by livestream, train, carpool..tOES AGM Dec. 4th
You're invited ~ tOES AGM on Dec. 4, 2010
All members and potential members interested in building a sustainable tourism industry in Ontario are invited to take part in the tOES AGM and the priorities we set there for our projects in the year ahead.
You can join us at our South River Blue Canoe location (accomodations available through member Northern Edge Algonquin) by public transportation or from the comfort of your own home or business. We will be livecasting from 11 am - 12 noon. You will be able to watch, listen and add comments to the meeting in real time from your computer.
Meeting Agenda
1. Welcome and Annual Summary of Work
2. Treasurer's Report
3. Recognition of Directors
4. Election of New Directors
5. Facilitated Discussion of 2011 work priorities ~ the Board welcomes tOES member input on charting direction for our projects, funding applications and membership services in the year ahead.
If you are interested to join the meeting you need to:
1. email to let us know; admin@toes.ca
2. open a livestream account (no cost to you) - login to northernedgealgonquin.com/live-video.html and set up an account (while further ahead is recomended, you can set up the account 10 minutes beforer the meeting and still join us).
3. Login to your livestream account at 11 am Sat. Dec. 4 and join the meeting.
4. There is no cost to you to participate.
Look forward to your input!
All members and potential members interested in building a sustainable tourism industry in Ontario are invited to take part in the tOES AGM and the priorities we set there for our projects in the year ahead.
You can join us at our South River Blue Canoe location (accomodations available through member Northern Edge Algonquin) by public transportation or from the comfort of your own home or business. We will be livecasting from 11 am - 12 noon. You will be able to watch, listen and add comments to the meeting in real time from your computer.
Meeting Agenda
1. Welcome and Annual Summary of Work
2. Treasurer's Report
3. Recognition of Directors
4. Election of New Directors
5. Facilitated Discussion of 2011 work priorities ~ the Board welcomes tOES member input on charting direction for our projects, funding applications and membership services in the year ahead.
If you are interested to join the meeting you need to:
1. email to let us know; admin@toes.ca
2. open a livestream account (no cost to you) - login to northernedgealgonquin.com/live-video.html and set up an account (while further ahead is recomended, you can set up the account 10 minutes beforer the meeting and still join us).
3. Login to your livestream account at 11 am Sat. Dec. 4 and join the meeting.
4. There is no cost to you to participate.
Look forward to your input!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
tOES members honoured at Ontario Tourism Summit Awards
On the evening of Monday November 8 th, 2010 two members of the Ontario Ecotourism Society (tOES) were honoured with nominations and one with an award at the Ontario Tourism Awards Gala and Dinner.
The Ontario Tourism Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the tourism industry. The program is organized by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) in partnership with judges such as those with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. The awards presentations were made at the gala dinner portion of the OTMPC's Tourism Summit conference at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario.
tOES members, the Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat and Northern Edge Algonquin were both nominated for the Industry Awards of Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, with the latter winning the award. Northern Edge was commended for the example they've set in building their solar-powered nature-retreat centre and over the last 15 years at the NW corner of Algonquin Park and the sustainability of their business and programs that reconnect visitors with themselves, the environment and community. The innovative partnership they engaged in this past year with another tOES member, the Bike Train, through their Rails, Trails and Ales program was highlighted as one of the drivers for judges to recognize this family-run company as an industry leader.
Co-founders of Northern Edge Algonquin, Todd and Martha Lucier both took the stage to accept the award. They gave thanks to the team of staff and partners who have helped build their successfull and sustainable business over the years, mentioning in particular Greg Waters who has not only overseen the building of inspiring spaces with sustainable materials but the serving of delicious, locally sourced and primarily organic cuisine as well. Todd also proved his leadership within the industry, encouraging the significant representation of Ontario's tourism industry present in the room to not consider the field limited to the likes of the two small retreats set in Algonquin Park, but that "everyone in this room can do sustainable tourism". He reminded attendees that energy and water conservation, renewable power sources and sustainable products and waste treatments are not only possible but important for all in the tourism industry to engage with if our industry is to survive and thrive in the future.
The Summit Awards and Conference programs were attended by tOES board members intending to use networking and learning gained there to strengthen our education and marketing programs supporting sustainable tourism in Ontario in the weeks and year to come. Some follow-up will be discussed at the tOES AGM to be held December 4, 2010...could be an expanded tOES Sponsored Sustainable Tourism Awards program, a new partnership proposal with the OTMPC.. join or contact us to support us in these endeavours or to attend the AGM.
written by Kara Mitchell
The Ontario Tourism Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the tourism industry. The program is organized by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) in partnership with judges such as those with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. The awards presentations were made at the gala dinner portion of the OTMPC's Tourism Summit conference at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario.
tOES members, the Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat and Northern Edge Algonquin were both nominated for the Industry Awards of Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, with the latter winning the award. Northern Edge was commended for the example they've set in building their solar-powered nature-retreat centre and over the last 15 years at the NW corner of Algonquin Park and the sustainability of their business and programs that reconnect visitors with themselves, the environment and community. The innovative partnership they engaged in this past year with another tOES member, the Bike Train, through their Rails, Trails and Ales program was highlighted as one of the drivers for judges to recognize this family-run company as an industry leader.
Co-founders of Northern Edge Algonquin, Todd and Martha Lucier both took the stage to accept the award. They gave thanks to the team of staff and partners who have helped build their successfull and sustainable business over the years, mentioning in particular Greg Waters who has not only overseen the building of inspiring spaces with sustainable materials but the serving of delicious, locally sourced and primarily organic cuisine as well. Todd also proved his leadership within the industry, encouraging the significant representation of Ontario's tourism industry present in the room to not consider the field limited to the likes of the two small retreats set in Algonquin Park, but that "everyone in this room can do sustainable tourism". He reminded attendees that energy and water conservation, renewable power sources and sustainable products and waste treatments are not only possible but important for all in the tourism industry to engage with if our industry is to survive and thrive in the future.
The Summit Awards and Conference programs were attended by tOES board members intending to use networking and learning gained there to strengthen our education and marketing programs supporting sustainable tourism in Ontario in the weeks and year to come. Some follow-up will be discussed at the tOES AGM to be held December 4, 2010...could be an expanded tOES Sponsored Sustainable Tourism Awards program, a new partnership proposal with the OTMPC.. join or contact us to support us in these endeavours or to attend the AGM.
written by Kara Mitchell
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Ecotourism Marketing...What are the Neighbours Doing ?
~ a selection from summer 2010 issue of Ecotourism Ontario, a quarterly newsletter of the Ontario Ecotourism Society geared towards the striving-for-sustainability members of the tourism industry. This article is contributed by editor, Rod Bilz of FRi Ecological Services
Type “cycling Quebec” in Google and you will be rewarded with a virtual smorgasbord
of cycling adventures in the Province of Quebec. The theme of this issue is “Marketing Ecotourism” and Vélo Québec is a perfect example of a well-executed marketing program for a world-class cycling ecotourism product. National Geographic ranked “La Route Verte” first in the top 10 cycling routes on the planet. They must be doing something right. What makes this
product and the associated marketing so successful?
I just returned from a 5-day cycling tour on the Véloroute des Bleuets around Lac St. Jean (Part of “La Route Verte”) and experienced firsthand what it takes to successfully market and deliver a top-notch product. Obviously the web presence by Vélo Québec is a great starting point and they certainly have done an excellent job ensuring it is easy to find cycling tourism products in Québec. I am not going to spend a lot of time on this component of their marketing because several of the articles in this issue deal specifically with electronic media and marketing.
Perhaps the stronger ties with Europe has allowed Québec to build a culture that sees
cycling as a valid means of transportation and recreation. That cycling culture is evident
everywhere you look. The Véloroute des Bleuets was a showpiece collaboration effort between
15 municipalities, local First Nations, cycling associations and the province. The initial
$10 millon investment has provided an annual return of at least $6 million per year since
2000.
There is no doubt at anytime that you are travelling on the Véloroute. The signage is effective and evident everywhere. The signage itself is an effective marketing tool for anyone that is traveling through the region. But it is much more than signs along the route
and a web site. You can feel the commitment of the community with each person that you meet. Everything from signs on the business windows declaring “Cyclists Welcome” to the more concrete things like secure bicycle lock-ups and storage at restaurants and water stations along the route. There is a real atmosphere of promoting the region that is known as the
blueberry capital of Québec. The restaurants offer local foods and the blueberry features prominently.
So what are the neighbours doing? They are doing it right. Marketing really can encompass everything you do and probably should.
To download the rest of this issue of Ecotourism Ontario see us at: www.toes.ca
Type “cycling Quebec” in Google and you will be rewarded with a virtual smorgasbord
of cycling adventures in the Province of Quebec. The theme of this issue is “Marketing Ecotourism” and Vélo Québec is a perfect example of a well-executed marketing program for a world-class cycling ecotourism product. National Geographic ranked “La Route Verte” first in the top 10 cycling routes on the planet. They must be doing something right. What makes this
product and the associated marketing so successful?
I just returned from a 5-day cycling tour on the Véloroute des Bleuets around Lac St. Jean (Part of “La Route Verte”) and experienced firsthand what it takes to successfully market and deliver a top-notch product. Obviously the web presence by Vélo Québec is a great starting point and they certainly have done an excellent job ensuring it is easy to find cycling tourism products in Québec. I am not going to spend a lot of time on this component of their marketing because several of the articles in this issue deal specifically with electronic media and marketing.
Perhaps the stronger ties with Europe has allowed Québec to build a culture that sees
cycling as a valid means of transportation and recreation. That cycling culture is evident
everywhere you look. The Véloroute des Bleuets was a showpiece collaboration effort between
15 municipalities, local First Nations, cycling associations and the province. The initial
$10 millon investment has provided an annual return of at least $6 million per year since
2000.
There is no doubt at anytime that you are travelling on the Véloroute. The signage is effective and evident everywhere. The signage itself is an effective marketing tool for anyone that is traveling through the region. But it is much more than signs along the route
and a web site. You can feel the commitment of the community with each person that you meet. Everything from signs on the business windows declaring “Cyclists Welcome” to the more concrete things like secure bicycle lock-ups and storage at restaurants and water stations along the route. There is a real atmosphere of promoting the region that is known as the
blueberry capital of Québec. The restaurants offer local foods and the blueberry features prominently.
So what are the neighbours doing? They are doing it right. Marketing really can encompass everything you do and probably should.
To download the rest of this issue of Ecotourism Ontario see us at: www.toes.ca
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