Sustainable Travel

The UK government is to define criteria for carbon offsetting schemes to bring "greater clarity" to the industry.

Offsetting flights has become increasingly popular

Environment Secretary David Miliband said offsetting was not "the answer" to climate change, but that the voluntary standards would "raise the bar".

The standards, based on schemes using certified credits, including those under the Kyoto protocol.

Mr Miliband said the new criteria would help consumers pick offsetting projects that entail "genuine" emission cuts.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will name four providers that already meet the criteria, including Pure, Global Cool, Equiclimate and Carbon Offsets.

Confused

"I'm delighted that the government has finally acted to introduce some voluntary regulation into this industry," said Phil Levermore, managing director of Ebico, the not-for-profit energy firm behind Equiclimate.

"Our research shows that many people who would consider offsetting are confused by the various ad hoc project-based schemes on offer."

Carbon offsetting has grown hugely popular as a way to tackle climate change, but it has also faced criticism for its lack of transparency and regulation, as well as price inconsistency.

BBC environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee says that of the estimated 60 offsetting schemes available, only four meet the government's new gold standard, and none of these are being run in the UK.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "The code of practice proposes that offset providers supply consumers with clear information and transparent prices."

A Defra spokesperson said the move was intended to bring "greater clarity and certainty for business and consumers".

But she added: "It shouldn't be expected that everyone will meet it immediately, and we will be continuing to work with the offsetting industry and those who wish to offset."

Avoiding emissions

While the move should reassure consumers their money is well spent, Mr Miliband said offsetting "isn't the answer to climate change".

"The first step should always be to see how we can avoid and reduce emissions," he said.

But offsetting has a role because "some emissions can't or won't be avoided", he added.

Mike Mason from Climate Care - one of the firms that would be brought under new regulation - told the BBC he disapproves of the government's approach.

He said: "They've proposed a standard with no consultation with the industry and the standard that they're proposing, I believe, will do the environment a disservice.

"It's not that we want low standards, but that we want things that amplify the existing arrangements and make use of the voluntary sector, not shut it down."

Corrine Le Quere, an environmental scientist at the University of East Anglia said: "It is absolutely necessary that [offsetting] standards be implemented and regulated. At the moment anything is possible."

The websites of the 4 organisations named by DEFRA are:

Pure
Global Cool
Equiclimate
Sustaiable Travel International

New UK standards

Schemes must have certified credits to meet the standards

The key is less the type of scheme and more how projects are assessed to meet international standards

The Kyoto protocol's CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) produces such credits

CDM schemes - such as methane capture or windfarms - only take place in the developing world

Many small schemes - like installing more efficient cookers in developing nations - are not certified under Kyoto

Credits under the EU's carbon allowances system also qualify

Source: BBC

Posted by BrianM at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Considering the most varied ecotourism potentialities, the opportunities of wealth and employments creation, simply stated, the powerful economical lever that constitute the tourism activities;

Considering the continually growing ecotourism market segment at the world-wide level;

Considering that the anticipations of the United Nations World Tourism Organization puts Africa as the first privileged destination for international tourism for the coming years;

Considering the competences of communities and groups in application of the texts governing decentralization in the management of protected areas;

We, Participants at the National Ecotourism Roundtable hold at the International Conferences Center, Cotonou Benin, on January 15th 2007, after wide and fructuousness discussions and harmonization on ecotourism issues for a basis sustainable development,

- recommend that the strategic action plan takes into account all the ecotourism, patrimonial and socio-cultural dimensions;

- recommend local elected authorities to integrate in their Communal Development Plan ecotourism development in a realistic vision;

- recommend to local elected authorities the preservation of the ecotourism lands heritage;

- ask the scientific committee the pursuit of the long-term analysis for the definition of an dapted vision to our means and natural resources;

- wish that ecotourism funding in Benin be in the priorities of our partners for development.

Cotonou, January 15th, 2007

The participants

Benin Ecotourism Concern (ECO-BENIN)
Abomey-Calavi, Route de l'IITA
Rue début Clôture IITA, Immeuble Confhôtel
04 BP 0338 Cadjèhoun, Bénin
Tel.: +229 95 28 52 20, +229 97 27 31 57
Email: ecobenin@yahoo.fr
Web: www.ecobenin.africa-web.org

Posted by BrianM at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Linda Fox

Long-haul flying in 30 years will be the reserve of an elite group of people as a reduction in flights becomes the only way to alter the impact on the environment.

This was the bleak picture painted by senior industry figures at Travelmole's Travel Industry Question Time green debate.

Federation of Tour Operators director general Andy Cooper said: "In 30 years time Dubai's biggest markets will be India and China and we will be staying relatively close to home. An elite number will be going long-haul. We won't just be flying less but flying closer."

Other panellists agreed that Cooper's vision could become more of a reality as other potential solutions failed.

Responsibletravel.com managing director Justin Francis said: "It's hard to see in five or 10 years time what the solution will be. There is so much regulation to stop taxation on the airline industry and experts say putting airlines into the emissions trading solution would break the scheme."

Cooper also advised against blaming the aviation industry for everything and added that imposing more taxes on other sectors, such as the motor industry, had not stopped the growth.

Panellists also criticised the government for its apparent lack of support when the travel industry is seeking guidance on the best way forward.

Speaking about the government's latest initiative setting standards for carbon offsetting schemes - which has lready been criticised by Silverjet - Cooper said: "There is no sense of joined up thinking from government.

"There are a lot of people setting up carbon offsetting schemes so there is the possibility of cowboys moving in to the market but we don't want to end up with schemes that don't work. We want to ensure that projects are in places our customers are going to."

He added the initiative had been launched without the full co-operation of the industry.

"We did not feel it was appropriate. It's great in theory but bears no relationship to the real world."

Francis added that the industry was ready to make changes but the government was not responding.

Posted by BrianM at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All-Business Class, Luxury Airline Begins Daily New York - London Flights

Silverjet, which offers business class travelers the most comfortable and cost-effective option for trans-Atlantic service, will embark on its inaugural flight this Thursday, January 25. Silverjet has eliminated the common frustrations and hassles associated with travel, creating a sanctuary in the sky:

* Silverjet combines a private jet terminal experience that requires that customers arrive a mere 30 minutes before departure time

* Customers enjoy outstanding in-flight service aboard Boeing 767's fitted with 100 award-winning flat bed seats

* Each flight features a women's-only toilet

* Silverjet's price, which starts at only $1,798 is about 50 percent less than most business class tickets on major airlines

Silverjet is also the world's first airline to be 100 percent carbon neutral. Included within each ticket price is a mandatory carbon offset contribution, giving passengers the opportunity to reinvest "Carbon Points" into a number of climate-friendly projects around the world.

For more information, visit www.flysilverjet.com.

Posted by BrianM at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mexico Travel Marketplace, the travel industry tradeshow series that has frequented U.S. and Canada cities since 1995, has adopted the theme of Sustainable Tourism: Our Shared Legacy for its 2007 events. By introducing this theme, show producers hope to raise awareness with both industry suppliers and travel agents about sustainable tourism practices.

The Sustainable Tourism theme will be infused into the show’s destination and supplier presentations. “We will also encourage our exhibitors and sponsors to convey sustainable tourism practices and success stories with agent participants,” says Greg Custer, Vice President of Destination Ventures, Ltd.

Travel professionals in 16 cities will spend an informative evening learning about how their travel decisions can make a difference in protecting and conserving Mexico’s historic and natural treasures. In this unique educational setting, experienced presenters will cover sustainable tourism practices, how to partner with responsible operators, and challenge existing perceptions about true eco-tourism.

“Travel agents will come away with much more than a bag full of brochures,” says Custer. “And they’ll also be helping the long-term well-being of local communities across Mexico.” A portion of agent registration fees are to be donated to the World Heritage Alliance for preservation projects around Mexico’s 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Examples of practices that tourism companies can undertake to enhance sustainable tourism are:

• Minimize negative environmental impacts, and where possible, make positive contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, wilderness, or natural and human heritage.

• Promote travel that respects culture and traditions and recognizes the rights of all peoples to be involved in decisions that affect their lives and to determine their future.

• Have a written policy covering their environmental impact, employment and cultural policy.

• Identify the key environmental issues facing them and how to deal with them.

• Employ local guides and trip leaders.

• Provide training opportunities for local employees, including training in responsible tourism practices.

• Limit the size of its groups to minimize impact and maximize interaction with the host community.

• Have a “green” purchasing policy. In other words, a large proportion of their produce, building materials and services are sourced from the immediate local area. Alternatively, they have a fair trade policy.

• Employ business practices where monies spent by travelers remain in, or revert to, the local community.

• Work with local charities or conservation projects, or initiate projects of their own that “give back” to the community.

• Engage guests to reduce and use wisely both energy and products while enjoying their visit.

“Travel professionals have a responsibility not only to their clients, but to people in the places that their clients visit,” says Custer. “We hope that by raising awareness of these choices and their outcomes, we can positively influence the conscience of the industry as a whole.”

The Mexico Tourism Board-sponsored events will come to four Canadian and twelve U.S. markets in February through May of 2007. Here they will bring together Mexico's most important tourism suppliers with a small, qualified audience of travel professionals. A full calendar and details, as well as online registration, is available at www.mexicotravelmarket.com.

Posted by BrianM at 4:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Human rights pressure group Friends of Maldives added more resorts to their ethical tourism boycott list on Friday, accusing two of the Maldives’ top businessmen of hampering the democratic reform process.

Baros resort and Kurumba village resort, owned by Koli Maniku and MU Maniku of Universal Resorts, were added to the list of 24 holiday islands that FOM is urging foreign holidaymakers not to visit. FOM accused the two businessmen, who are both economic advisors to President Gayoom, of ‘collusion’ with an authoritarian regime accused of human rights abuses.

“The economic advisors to the President play an important role in the regime and therefore have a direct influence on the democratic process,” FOM said in a press release. “In addition MU Maniku is the Chairman of Island Aviation Services based in Male’. The use of Island Aviation Services by Gayooms security services was instrumental in preventing the demonstration planned by the opposition on the 10th of November 2006,” they added.

FOM, which is based in Salisbury, England, says they are not urging a total travel boycott of the Maldives. Rather, the group hopes to persuade tourists to choose a resort that is not associated with the regime. In an email sent to Minivan News on Friday, FOM coordinator Sara Mahir said the boycott campaign was gathering strength.

“FOM has been contacted by members of the British public with enquiries about the Campaign and almost all are supportive of the FOM Selected Resort Boycott Campaign and horrified to hear about the human rights abuses in what they had perceived as the Paradise Islands,” Mahir said. “It is also heartening to see support for ethical tourism from organisations like Tourism Concern, Ethical Consumer and also major newspapers like The Times and the world famous travel guides Lonely Planet. Other media who have noted the campaign include the Economist and the Guardian. We have also had contact with several Tour Operators voicing support for the campaign.”

The campaign, which was launched on 10 December 2005, has been a source of irritation to the government and the country’s business elite. Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), an industry lobby chaired by MU Maniku, have denounced the boycott, accusing FOM of “actively encouraging the destruction of the country’s economy.” “MATI fails to comprehend how those who call themselves friends of Maldives engage in disrupting the livelihood of thousands of Maldivians who work on the country’s tourist resorts,” the lobby group said. But FOM have vowed to continue their campaign, which has garnered significant press coverage in Britain, where the Maldives is a top tourist destination.

“One of Gayoom’s principal pillars of support are his supporting businessmen who have fully prospered and benefited from a system of patronage and favouritism over the last 28 years. Although the FOM campaign is growing and there is increasing awareness worldwide of Gayoom’s 28 years as president the support by these business elements remains. They should really be aware that the longer Gayoom perpetrates human rights abuses against his own people the more likely their businesses are to be affected. It’s really very short sighted,” said Mahir.

Source: Maldivan News

Posted by BrianM at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has hit back at claims that his airline is irresponsible and un-environmentally friendly.

Last week, climate change minister Ian Pearson attacked the budget airline saying it represented the "irresponsible face of capitalism."

However, multi-millionaire Mr. O'Leary retaliated, claiming that Ryanair was the "greenest airline in Europe" and that Mr. Pearson "hadn't a clue what he was talking about."

Mr. O'Leary expressed his anger that airlines were receiving so much negative press when they accounted for just two percent of emissions.

"What [Mr. Pearson] should be attacking is the power generation stations and the road transport who between them account for over 50 percent of emissions," he said.

In his recent pre-Budget report Chancellor Gordon Brown made several pledges to counteract the environmental damage caused by air transport.

Air passenger duty was doubled form £5 to £10 on short haul flights, and levies on long haul destinations could see passengers paying up to £80 more.

However, green campaigners say these measures do not go far enough, and have called for an end to airport expansion plans and tax breaks for airlines.

Source: Environmental Transport Association

Posted by BrianM at 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meet ECPAT International

ECPAT International is a global network of organizations and individuals working at all levels to build collaboration among local civil society and the broader child rights community to form a global social movement to eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children. ECPAT stands for End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes. Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) consists of criminal practices that demand, threaten and abuse children, including prostitution of children, child pornography, trafficking of children for sexual purposes and child sex tourism. ECPAT International encourages the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free from all forms of CSEC. ECPAT began in the late 80s as a campaign to raise awareness of the growing incidence of CSEC in Asia, and gradually extended to formalize links with other groups and organizations around the world. The ECPAT network now comprises 85 members in 76 countries.

At the First World Congress in 1996, tourism was high on the agenda as a potential vehicle for the abuse of children world-wide; not only by pedophiles, but also by 'situational' abusers traveling to places where, it was presumed, sex with children was acceptable. Child sex tourists take advantage of their anonymity as well as the socio-economic disparities in the locations they visit.

For the past ten years, ECPAT International and ECPAT groups around the world have worked with the tourism and travel industry to raise awareness and to take practical measures against children being sexually exploited.

Partnerships have been established with the hotel industry, tour operators, and other members of the tourism sector for the prevention of child sex tourism. A major mile stone is the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism, initiated by ECPAT Sweden. Consisting of six criteria, the Code requires the establishment of an ethical policy regarding child sex tourism, continuous training of staff, and providing information to travelers on the issue of CST. The Code is supported by UNWTO and UNICEF. Currently, over 250 tourism companies in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and Latin America have signed the Code. Other successful projects include in-flight videos, campaign materials for tourists, training for tourism professionals, and partnerships with specific hotel groups. In short, many actors in the travel industry are taking a firm stance against child sex tourism and are providing protection for all children.

ECPAT International is a permanent member of the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Executive Committee for the Task Force on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tourism. In addition, ECPAT International is also a permanent member of the Steering Committee and Executive Committee of the Code of Conduct Project.

Recently last month, ECPAT International released its Global Monitoring Report on the Status of Action against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children to mark the Tenth anniversary of the Global Action since the 1996 Stockholm World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. The global reports highlight the widespread sexualization of images and contact with children. This coincides with trends of children being frequently victimized by adults for commercial sex, under the wrongful concept of their ability to consent to exploitation.

For more information about ECPAT or the free global reports, please visit ECPAT International’s website at www.ecpat.net.

Source: eTurboNews.com

Please note that eTN Publisher Thomas Steinmetz is a member of the UNWTO Executive Committee of the Task Force to protect children from sexual exploitation in tourism.

Posted by BrianM at 4:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

CHA, CAST, AHATA, and ATA join efforts to facilitate sustainable tourism initiatives

Two years ago, Caribbean Marketplace took a first step in its 26-year history to reduce waste by going paperless, replacing bulky printed directories, with electronic directories that are continuously updated. Now, Caribbean Marketplace 2007 is taking definitive measures to renovate event logistics in favor of more responsible, conscious business practices among organizers and attendees. The conference is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, January 14, 2007, and runs through Tuesday, January 16, 2007, in Aruba. The annual regional tourism marketing event is presented by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA), the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), and American Express.

The event will gather some 900 private and public sector tourism representatives from 36 Caribbean destinations - from Anguilla to the United States Virgin Islands - to spend two days of pre-scheduled business appointments, discussing existing contracts, developing packages, and contracting for future business with buyers from around the world. "This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our members that a collective effort is essential to assure the preservation of Caribbean's natural resources. It's about what we say, what we do - and what we say we do," said Peter Odle, president of CHA. "If we are able to improve the way we do business in a more responsible, conscious manner by just 5%, we can have a huge positive effect on our communities and the environment."

The initiative has multiple approaches. On one hand, organizers have implemented a plan of operations to neutralize the negative environmental impacts of the event, with simple, effective measures. These include the use of energy efficient equipment; recycling of paper, plastic, and aluminum waste generated during the event; and shifting away from the habit of artic cold temperatures common to conferences, in favor of a comfortable temperature range of 20° - 22° to reduce carbon emissions. In addition, CHA and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) are working with AHATA's Environmental Committee and Aruba's Parke Nacional Arikok to plant trees and plants to help offset those carbon emissions. The trees help combat soil erosion and encourage a healthier environment.

Likewise, delegates have been asked to contribute by relying less on glossy brochures and tapping technology to showcase their business through computer presentations; for that purpose, the business floor at Caribbean Marketplace will be a Wi Fi hotspot, to allow delegates to go online wirelessly. Additional options include the use of live plants instead of flower arrangements to decorate exhibit booths, which can be later replanted, and selecting fairly-traded products from their respective countries to give away, rather than generic promotional items. "Amenities are common in tourism marketing events; we are suggesting that locally-produced gifts highlight the destination, while supporting traditional skills, small enterprises, and the artisan communities," added Deirdre Shurland, director of CAST, the environmental arm of CHA.

Secondly, Caribbean Marketplace 2007 will support the marketing edge of 'green' hotels in the region, with prominent signage and promotion of Green Globe certified properties in the Caribbean.

Since effective communication is paramount for any sustainable development program, a Green Bulletin will be edited and distributed daily - on recycled paper - to all delegates. Topics will include checklists of small things that make a large difference - such as reusing linens and towels in their hotel room in Aruba; best practice case studies of exhibiting green hotels; and the quadruple bottom line of sustainable tourism, where the hotel, the guest, the community, and the environment win.

For their part, Aruba looks forward to featuring its offerings for the eco-friendly tourist. "In Aruba there are plenty of options for the visitor that seeks an experience that is more in harmony with the environment and respectful of the local communities," said Ed Malone, past president of CHA and chairman of the Caribbean Marketplace 2007 Host Committee. "We are developing a program to make it easy for delegates to explore," he added. In addition, the AHATA Environmental Committee will highlight at Caribbean Marketplace 2007 those local suppliers who work with or sell environmentally-friendly and/or fairly traded products.

CHA, with the assistance of CAST, expects to take on the challenge of expanding this "greener plan" throughout its annual calendar of conferences. However, the regional hospitality organization does not intend to go it alone, but with the guidance of its members and partners. As a first step, an electronic survey "green suggestions" will be circulated to all delegates after the conference, to assist CHA to develop guidelines for sustainable events. The association seeks to spread the word about the intrinsic benefits of this fair-trade, sustainable business vision, as experienced in other destinations worldwide: hoteliers register an increase in the length of stays and repeat business, viral and word-of-mouth marketing and referrals. For their part, tour operators and wholesalers benefit from increased business revenues and profitability from this mushrooming market, while the local communities are empowered through new employment and enterprise opportunities and the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage.

Registration for Caribbean Marketplace 2007 is still open for Caribbean's suppliers and qualified buyers. Buyers are wholesalers, incentive buyers, meeting planners, group buyers and dive shop owners - from the USA, Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Asia/Pacific, Africa, and Europe. They can choose appointments with a range of suppliers from 36 different national hotel associations representing our intimate inns, guesthouses and villas, business, meeting and incentive, time-share, all-inclusive and chain hotels from the entire Caribbean region. Buyers who attended Caribbean Marketplace in 2006 generated more than US$80 million in new business, while suppliers realized over US$120 million in new business.

Caribbean Marketplace 2007 is hosted by the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, the Aruba Tourism Authority, Aruba Resort & Spa, and the Radisson Aruba Resort. For more information, go to caribbeanhotelassociation.com.

Posted by BrianM at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said today that 2007 should be a critical year to consolidate tourism as a key agent in the fight against poverty and a primary tool for sustainable development.

Against a projection of continuing worldwide growth in international tourism of more than 4% for international arrivals and revenues, Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli called for renewed effort to include sustainable tourism in the international development agenda, as a key tool to advance the Millennium Development Goals.

He identified five major areas for consolidated global action:

• First: for Industrialized and Newly Emerging States to craft pro development strategies and agreements which encourage tourism to the world’s poorest countries to advance economic well being, social development and mutual understanding.

• Second: for Least Developed States to collectively recognize the impact and potential of tourism across their economies, integrate it into national accounting systems using the UN Tourism Satellite Account and place it at the heart of their Poverty Reduction Strategy Programs.

• Third: for All States

o In acting within the Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organization, to increase tourism commitments and provide specific tools to help poor countries use tourism services to fight poverty and promote sustainable development.
o In acting on Climate Change, to build a pro development element into tourism and climate strategies, particularly for airline flights, taxation and emission trading.
o In acting on Security Enhancement, to recognize the importance of tourism in building understanding between people and to facilitate tourism links between industrialized and developing states as well as providing the technology and training support to poor countries.

• Fourth: for International Development Agencies – the World Bank Group, the Regional Development Banks and National Aid Agencies, to place Tourism amongst their key priorities for infrastructure and entrepreneurial support.

• Fifth for Tourism Stakeholders – public sector, private sector, non government organizations, tourists and the destinations they visit, to embrace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and pursue sustainable and responsible practices laid out in the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics.

Frangialli said that “mainstreaming tourism in the International Development Agenda did not require such a great leap of faith. The tourism sector is the largest common area of export income and foreign direct investment across the world’s poorest countries. Tourism to these countries is growing at twice the rate of industrialized markets. No sector spreads wealth and jobs across poor economies in the same way as tourism.”

“In the UN, which is at the heart of the Development Agenda, we have a new Secretary-General from a region that has recently seen summits with Africa in China and Korea. Look at the difference the huge numbers of travellers forecast from India and China in the years ahead could make in Africa and the Asia Pacific region.”

“It just needs imagination and political will. And the same holds true for the industrialized states who should see their tourists as human development support, with the additional benefit that they build bridges of understanding between cultures.”

The Secretary-General said that the organization would intensify its actions to support the sector, advance the MDGs and promote the Global Code of Ethics in the years ahead. In this context and in order to help respond to the immediate challenges and opportunities he announced that in 2007, UNWTO as the UN Agency for Tourism would:

• Convene a World Summit on “Tourism and Religion”, hosted by the Government of Spain, which will explore ways to strengthen the interrelationship between tourism and the world’s great religions so as to further encourage peaceful development and intercultural dialogue.

• Organize a second Summit on “Tourism and Climate Change” hosted by the Government of the United Kingdom and in collaboration with World Travel Market. The Summit, which will consider new international developments like the UK Stern Report and President Chirac’s call for a post-2012 international climate change policy, would be preceded by a technical conference and would build on the foundation of the 2003 UNWTO Djerba Declaration.

• Hold a Global Conference for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities, hosted by the Government of Tunisia, to explore how tourism can more effectively encourage understanding between nations and how its benefits can be more readily spread to the community level. It will also explore how to enhance decision making between different levels of government.

• Celebrate the role of women in tourism, linking its UN World Tourism Day theme of “Tourism opening doors to Women” with MDG 3 promoting gender equality. Host of the 2007 World Tourism Day on September 27th will be the Government of Sri Lanka.

• Strengthen its ST-EP Program (Sustainable Tourism - Eliminating Poverty) by consolidating funding partnerships with government / private sector sources, by boosting the activity of the Foundation established in Seoul, Korea and by launching new projects – particularly in Africa.

• Intensify its eTourism initiatives, together with Microsoft, to introduce an Emergency Response System; operationalize the Windows on Africa Portal for Distribution and Destination Management; explore ways and means to use technology to increase Security and simultaneously reduce hassle for travellers: coordinate action on tourism across the UN system.

• Launch its Centre of Excellence for Destinations in Montreal, supported by the Federal Government of Canada and the Provincial Government of Quebec to promote and support sustainable quality tourism at the community level.

• Consolidate its organization to respond to changing times, through its new management leadership: restructured secretariat and by more active private sector involvement, with a strengthened Affiliate program and expanded PPP network.

These challenges and opportunities will be reviewed at the UNWTO General Assembly which will take place from the 22nd- 29th of November in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

Source: eTurboNews.com

Posted by BrianM at 7:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

By David Browne

Virgin Atlantic has started testing a procedure to reduce the time that airliners run their engines on the ground and so reduce the amount of pollution they cause. The airline’s Boeing 747 jets departing from London Heathrow and Gatwick this month are being towed to a “starting grid” close to the runway before their engines are fired up.

A "starting grid" is a holding area, close to a runway, consisting of several parking bays for aircraft. It means that aircraft can be towed closer to a runway before take-off, substantially reducing the time that engines need to be running. An aircraft would only need to start its engines once on the grid, around 10 minutes before actual take-off.

The experiment is being conducted in cooperation with airport operator British Airports Authority and the air traffic control authority in a climate of increased awareness of the environmental damage being done by carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft. The test runs this month are to be followed up with longer and more detailed trials in the first quarter of 2007.

Environment campaigners have dismissed the action as a token gesture and are calling for less commercial flying and an end to airport expansion as a more urgent need to combat climate change.

Virgin Atlantic claims that reducing the time that aircraft engines are running on the ground will make a small contribution to cutting pollution.

“Towing aircraft from a stand substantially reduces the amount of time they need to taxi with their engines running and reduces the time spent queuing before take-off. Starting grids will also reduce congestion around stands, meaning aircraft that have recently landed will not have to wait, with their engines running, to get onto the stand," said in Atlantic general counsel Jill Brady.

"Once we have examined the results of the test trials, we will be able to look at creating centers of excellence at the busiest airports around the world, airports which share Virgin Atlantic’s goal of reducing fuel burn and CO2 emissions both on the ground and in the air."

Towing aircraft closer to the runway has substantial implications also for people who live close to the airports. They stand to benefit from much lower noise levels because of aircraft taxiing without their engines running, and from much cleaner air on the ground.

Airport operators are monitoring the experiment carefully. “I am very proud for Gatwick Airport to be at the forefront of this innovative and exciting trial with Virgin Atlantic,” said Paul Griffiths, Managing Director, BAA Gatwick. “We welcome this opportunity to work with the airline to understand the benefits this could deliver for the aviation industry, the environment and for our local communities.

"As a company, BAA is committed to working with aviation partners to reduce CO2 emissions, including our support for the inclusion of the aviation industry within the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme.”

As part of its sustainable aviation strategy, Virgin Atlantic will also be unveiling a scheme in the first half of 2007 where passengers can offset their flights, and help to take greater responsibility for their carbon emissions. The offsetting facility will be part of a series of initiatives by the airline, including working with other stakeholders within the aviation industry, to tackle global warming.

The moves by Virgin Atlantic follow Sir Richard Branson's commitment for Virgin Group to invest US$3billion over the next ten years in renewable energy initiatives.

Source: eTurboNews.com

Posted by BrianM at 6:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)