tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3 2010-08-18T23:38:48Z Movable Type 3.33 tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6311 2010-08-18T23:37:52Z 2010-08-18T23:38:48Z

Greenland hit the headlines this week after a vast block of ice broke off from the country's Petermann Glacier. The 600-foot thick iceberg is around four times the size of Manhattan. Researchers monitoring the Greenland ice sheet have said it...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org www.grida.no/ltc ]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6310 2010-07-22T17:12:22Z 2010-07-22T17:19:28Z

Special Workshops, Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award Ceremony To Be Hosted at This Year’s ESTC, Portland, Oregon USA, Sept 8-10 The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is pleased to collaborate with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to host the...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org Special Workshops, Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award Ceremony To Be Hosted at This Year’s ESTC, Portland, Oregon USA, Sept 8-10 The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is pleased to collaborate with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to host the following three events during the upcoming Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC): Global Perspective Workshop “Biodiversity and Our Lives” on Wednesday, September 8th; Award Ceremony for the 2010 Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website (ITBW) Award on Friday, September 10th, and ITBW Web 2.0 Workshop on Saturday, September 11th. Global Perspective Workshop: Biodiversity and Our Lives will be held on Wednesday, September 8th, 2010, from 12:30-2:00pm at Hilton Portland (Galleria South). Highlighting various global initiatives around the International Year of Biodiversity and the roles of biodiversity in our lives, this workshop will feature key examples of wildlife conservation, environmental education and awareness-raising efforts relevant to travelers and the tourism industry alike. This workshop is free and open to the public. The workshop will feature the following expert presenters: Oliver Hillel is Programme Officer for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international treaty (entered into force in December 1993) to sustain the rich diversity of life on Earth. Prior to joining the Secretariat, Oliver Hillel was Project Team Leader in Palawan, the Philippines, producing a provincial master plan for sustainable tourism development and building capacity of local governments and businesses. Jenny Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria which operates three zoos in Melbourne, Australia. Zoos Victoria has embarked on an ambitious, new strategic direction, - to transform into a conservation organization. Zoos Victoria is committed to ensuring that every undertaking will bring about net conservation gain: through working with animals (both in captivity and in the wild), and empowering visitors and communities to take actions that will assist wildlife. Dr. Wallace J. Nichols is Co-Founder of SEE Turtles, and has been a leading ocean conservationist for over 15 years. He is a Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences, Former President of the International Sea Turtle Society, and Eastern Pacific Co-Chair for the IUCN’s Marine Turtle Specialists Group. He cofounded Ocean Revolution and WiLDCOAST, two international advocacy groups. The Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award (ITBW) is a collaborative effort between CBD and Planeta.com, with the support of the Heidehof Foundation. The competition highlights the contributions of Indigenous operators to biological and cultural diversity, and recognizes best practice examples of innovative use of online communication tools and web technologies. Applicants from 10 countries around the world (Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Micronesia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sweden) entered the 2010 ITBW Award, and the following operators have been selected as this year’s winners. Nutti Sami Siida (Winner, 2010 ITBW Award) features reindeer sled trips and excellent nature and culture tours in Sweden. Owners Nils Torbjörn Nutti and Carina Pingi are both Sami from Gabna Sameby and work with experienced and knowledgeable guides who ensure the quality. TIME Unlimited Tours (Winner, 2010 ITBW Popular Vote Award) from New Zealand, operated by the Maori-European couple Ceillhe Tewhare Teneti Hema Sperath and Néill Sperath, provides personalised and interactive Auckland and Maori Indigenous Cultural Tours. TIES is pleased to welcome Neill and Ceillhe Sperath of TIME Unlimited Tours and Nils Torbjörn Nutti, Carina Pingi of Nutti Sami Siida, and Joe Doherty of Te Urewera Treks (Finalist, 2010 ITBW Award), who will be joining the ESTC in September, and attending the ITBW award ceremony to be held during the Closing Reception on Friday, September 10, 2010. The ITBW delegates will also be joining the ITBW Web 2.0 Workshop, which allows participants to get a hands-on experience of Web 2.0 channels for immediate and inexpensive communication, including genuine conversations and guerrilla marketing. Registration for the ESTC 2010 is available at: http://www.ecotourismconference.org/register.]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6309 2010-07-22T17:12:22Z 2010-07-22T17:15:09Z

Special Workshops, Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award Ceremony To Be Hosted at This Year’s ESTC, Portland, Oregon USA, Sept 8-10 The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is pleased to collaborate with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to host the...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org Special Workshops, Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award Ceremony To Be Hosted at This Year’s ESTC, Portland, Oregon USA, Sept 8-10 The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is pleased to collaborate with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to host the following three events during the upcoming Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC): Global Perspective Workshop “Biodiversity and Our Lives” on Wednesday, September 8th; Award Ceremony for the 2010 Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website (ITBW) Award on Friday, September 10th, and ITBW Web 2.0 Workshop on Saturday, September 11th. Global Perspective Workshop: Biodiversity and Our Lives will be held on Wednesday, September 8th, 2010, from 12:30-2:00pm at Hilton Portland (Galleria South). Highlighting various global initiatives around the International Year of Biodiversity and the roles of biodiversity in our lives, this workshop will feature key examples of wildlife conservation, environmental education and awareness-raising efforts relevant to travelers and the tourism industry alike. This workshop is free and open to the public. The workshop will feature the following expert presenters: Oliver Hillel is Programme Officer for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international treaty (entered into force in December 1993) to sustain the rich diversity of life on Earth. Prior to joining the Secretariat, Oliver Hillel was Project Team Leader in Palawan, the Philippines, producing a provincial master plan for sustainable tourism development and building capacity of local governments and businesses. Jenny Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria which operates three zoos in Melbourne, Australia. Zoos Victoria has embarked on an ambitious, new strategic direction, - to transform into a conservation organization. Zoos Victoria is committed to ensuring that every undertaking will bring about net conservation gain: through working with animals (both in captivity and in the wild), and empowering visitors and communities to take actions that will assist wildlife. Dr. Wallace J. Nichols is Co-Founder of SEE Turtles, and has been a leading ocean conservationist for over 15 years. He is a Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences, Former President of the International Sea Turtle Society, and Eastern Pacific Co-Chair for the IUCN’s Marine Turtle Specialists Group. He cofounded Ocean Revolution and WiLDCOAST, two international advocacy groups. The Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award (ITBW) is a collaborative effort between CBD and Planeta.com, with the support of the Heidehof Foundation. The competition highlights the contributions of Indigenous operators to biological and cultural diversity, and recognizes best practice examples of innovative use of online communication tools and web technologies. Applicants from 10 countries around the world (Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Micronesia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sweden) entered the 2010 ITBW Award, and the following operators have been selected as this year’s winners. Nutti Sami Siida (Winner, 2010 ITBW Award) features reindeer sled trips and excellent nature and culture tours in Sweden. Owners Nils Torbjörn Nutti and Carina Pingi are both Sami from Gabna Sameby and work with experienced and knowledgeable guides who ensure the quality. TIME Unlimited Tours (Winner, 2010 ITBW Popular Vote Award) from New Zealand, operated by the Maori-European couple Ceillhe Tewhare Teneti Hema Sperath and Néill Sperath, provides personalised and interactive Auckland and Maori Indigenous Cultural Tours. TIES is pleased to welcome Neill and Ceillhe Sperath of TIME Unlimited Tours and Nils Torbjörn Nutti, Carina Pingi of Nutti Sami Siida, and Joe Doherty of Te Urewera Treks (Finalist, 2010 ITBW Award), who will be joining the ESTC in September, and attending the ITBW award ceremony to be held during the Closing Reception on Friday, September 10, 2010. The ITBW delegates will also be joining the ITBW Web 2.0 Workshop, which allows participants to get a hands-on experience of Web 2.0 channels for immediate and inexpensive communication, including genuine conversations and guerrilla marketing. Registration for the ESTC 2010 is available at: http://www.ecotourismconference.org/register.]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6303 2010-07-13T22:48:06Z 2010-07-13T22:49:10Z

The International Ecotourism Society’s New Award Recognizes Innovation Leaders Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), as part of a series of initiatives commemorating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the world’s oldest and largest...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org The International Ecotourism Society’s New Award Recognizes Innovation Leaders Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), as part of a series of initiatives commemorating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the world’s oldest and largest association dedicated to promoting ecotourism, has launched the annual Innovation Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Awards to recognize and honor accomplishments by sustainable tourism leaders and pioneers. The Innovation Award has been created by TIES to recognize those individuals and organizations who demonstrate leadership in innovative actions that effectively promote sustainable tourism and bring tangible benefits to communities and conservation. The Award winners – one individual and one organization – will be honored for their best practices and innovative actions, judged based on one example of an innovative project, product, or program developed in the previous year that supports the goal of uniting communities, conservation, and sustainable travel. “Throughout the history of TIES,” says Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair of TIES Board of Directors, “we have been working with our members from around the world towards the goal of uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. TIES Innovation Award offers a unique opportunity to share tangible examples of the importance of this goal, and to honor those who are driving positive change through leadership in conservation efforts and travel product development. It really is a wonderful opportunity to honor those making a difference.” Nominations are being accepted now for the 2010 TIES Innovation Awards. Nominations must be received no later than Midnight Monday, August 2, 2010 US Pacific Daylight Time. The winning two finalists will be honored at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), being held from September 8-10, 2010, Portland, Oregon, USA. The Innovation Award Presentation Ceremony will be held annually during the ESTC, to be hosted by TIES and ESTC sponsors. More information on TIES Innovation Awards and nomination instructions are available at: www.ecotourism.org/innovation-awards. ]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6299 2010-06-30T13:51:56Z 2010-06-30T14:04:34Z

All Thomson and First Choice’s sustainable tourism initiatives have been brought together under an umbrella brand, Holidays Forever. TUI said Holidays Forever represents the next stage of the company’s sustainable development strategy and aims to get its customers to support...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org All Thomson and First Choice’s sustainable tourism initiatives have been brought together under an umbrella brand, Holidays Forever. TUI said Holidays Forever represents the next stage of the company’s sustainable development strategy and aims to get its customers to support sustainable tourism ‘to help preserve their holidays long into the future’. The new brand, launched during Make Holidays Greener Week, will also be used to raise awareness of sustainable tourism among employees. Holidays Forever encompasses 20 sustainable commitments that Thomson and First Choice have pledged to achieve. These include reducing the carbon emissions from TUI Travel airlines by 6% by 2014, working towards having all of its suppliers being graded to Travelife standard by 2014 and aiming to recycle 30% of the cans it hands out onboard its flights, equating to 13 tonnes of aluminium in the next year. Travelife is ABTA's online directory of environmentally friendly holidays. Holidays Forever was launched following customer research that found 96% of holidaymakers care about protecting the local environment and wildlife in the resorts they visit. A further 83% said they appreciate advice from a tour operator on how to make their holiday more environmentally and socially responsible when they’re abroad, while 73% want to be able to easily identify a greener holiday. When compared with First Choice research carried out five years ago, customers are now more familiar with the concept of sustainable tourism, but although the percentage of people recycling has increased, they are still less likely to recycle on holiday than at home. TUI is planning to launch Holidays Forever microsites for both brands, which will be fully functional by the end of July. Jane Ashton, head of sustainable development, said: ‘We appreciate our holidays have an impact on the environment and the people who live and work in our destinations across the planet. ‘While we are proud of the efforts we have made to date, we recognise that we are still at the start of our sustainability journey.’ tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6283 2010-05-25T00:41:11Z 2010-05-25T00:42:52Z

The leading environmental organizations The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and Cleaner Climate have joined forces as partners to launch a new GPS based CO2 tracker developed by Pocketweb Ltd, the provider of Pocket Life, an award-winning location-based web and mobile...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org www.GreenTravelChoice.com), the new application gives responsible travelers a simple and effective way to make informed travel choices, helping reduce the carbon footprint of their journeys – whether it’s the next trip overseas or just a ride downtown. With only two clicks, the Green Travel Choice map will show possible travel options (out of nine typical modes of transport) for your route and the expected CO2 emissions for each transport option. When you download the Green Travel Choice app, you will also receive a US$15 voucher to join The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) as a Traveler member. “TIES team is excited to support and be part of this joint initiative to raise awareness of the climate impact of individual travelers,” says Ayako Ezaki, TIES Director of Communications, "Green Travel Choice is not your usual carbon calculator; it offers a new and innovative – and fun – approach to measuring and managing your footprint." Unlike other tools that offer static carbon calculation, Green Travel Choice allows you to track and monitor your emissions as you move. The application includes the Travel Logbook function that stores information on each trip, serving as a summary of your travel carbon footprint over time. At any time, you can use this information to optimize your CO2 saving, offset your emissions or share your numbers with your friends, colleagues, and sustainability programs at your workplace. According to Ben Muir, Managing Director of Cleaner Climate, the average motorist in Australia emits around 0.08kg (0.2lbs) of CO2 every week in car travel related emissions. “With the Green Travel Choice application, you can design a weekly route incorporating low-carbon alternatives to car travel and reduce your motoring carbon footprint significantly as well as the related costs such as fuel and vehicle maintenance.” The partnership approach of Green Travel Choice helps to continually drive clean technology innovation, as well as helping incorporate carbon footprint awareness into consumers’ everyday travel choices. “The Green Travel Choice app,” adds Muir, “is also a unique and innovate way of promoting and supporting clean energy investment, so we are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting development.” Green Travel Choice is available on the iPhone App Store now. ### About the Green Travel Choice Partners The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities. Representing the voices of stakeholders from all corners of the world, 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. www.ecotourism.org Cleaner Climate is a specialist climate change consultancy providing clean technology solutions to industry as well as cutting edge, low-carbon programs for retail travel organisations and large corporate with current or pending compliance obligations. Cleaner Climate is headquartered in the United Kingdom with local offices in Australia, South Africa and Thailand. www.cleanerclimate.com Pocketweb works out of Australia, New Zealand and Germany and develops and provides technologies and solutions for Location Based Services (LBS) and LBS-enabled Social Networks including customized mobile applications across leading mobile platforms. In 2008 Pocketweb launched the leading geo-integration platform "Pocket Life" for mobile devices and web browsers which provides applications and bundled solutions for consumer and B2B markets. www.pocketweb.com.au]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6275 2010-05-03T19:53:58Z 2010-05-03T19:54:54Z

This Earth Day, Israel's Ministry of Tourism, North America is launching a 24-month promotion underscoring Israel's pivotal role in the worldwide environmental movement: ISRAEL: ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF GREEN. For the next two years, the Israel Ministry of Tourism will...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org www.travelgreenisrael.com www.goisrael.com Source: Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6273 2010-04-30T14:20:43Z 2010-04-30T14:21:34Z

A Kick-Off stakeholder workshop was held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel on Friday April 23, 2010 to conclude "Phase 0" within the development of the National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan. The workshop ended a four day tour of destinations...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org info@sustainabletourismbz.org or visit the STP website www.sustainabletourismbz.org Source: Belize Media Center]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6271 2010-04-28T18:55:20Z 2010-04-28T18:56:25Z

The Indian Government has banned Tiger tourism in the core regions of most of its National Reserves in a desperate effort to protect fast diminishing Tiger populations that are being 'loved to death' by tourism. This announcement marks an historic...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org The Indian Government has banned Tiger tourism in the core regions of most of its National Reserves in a desperate effort to protect fast diminishing Tiger populations that are being 'loved to death' by tourism. This announcement marks an historic moment in the history of ecotourism. By banning tourism the Government has effectively admitted its historic inability or unwillingness to properly manage Tiger tourism. Largely unregulated tourism development has resulted in new lodges being built in sensitive areas within the Reserves, new hotels have blocked corridors between protected areas used by Tigers. There has been little or no enforcement of guidelines for wildlife guides designed to help minimise disruption to Tigers, and tourist numbers have spiralled without any real consideration of the impact on Tigers. It is the creep of unregulated tourism by irresponsible tourism businesses that the Parks Board and Government have turned a blind eye to which has contributed to the reduction in Tiger numbers. Many responsible tourism businesses have worked very hard for Tiger conservation in India, and we market many of these holidays. I am extremely sad for these businesses and the communities they help support. As India has been unable to manage responsible Tiger tourism responsibletravel.com reluctantly agrees that a temporary ban is necessary at this critical stage. We would hope that in the future properly regulated and managed responsible Tiger tourism can resume. The drop in tourism revenues that support such conservation measures as do exist will have to be met by the Government. However it is important to remember that it is not tourists which are the biggest threat to Tigers, but poachers killing Tigers for their body parts used in traditional Chinese medicine. Efforts to educate the consumers of these products about the consequences to Tiger populations, and to tackle the poaching overlords need to be stepped up. Of great concern to responsibletravel.com is loss of incomes and livelihoods for local communities who provide services to the tourism industry. They already face the 'opportunity' costs of NOT utilising the Reserves for firewood, grazing and water and now their ability to earn an income from the Reserves is reduced. If no alternative sources of income or compensation are forthcoming we predict greater tensions between communities and Parks authorities to the detriment of Tiger conservation. The Head of India's National Tiger Conservation Authority states that local people will be removed from core Tiger habitats. If not handled well this has the potential to further damage relations with local communities. It's very sad that it's come to this, let's hope it's not too late. Source: Justin Francis- responsibletravel.com tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6267 2010-04-21T19:05:12Z 2010-04-21T19:05:57Z

In celebration the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, The Hay-Adams hotel is commemorating the occasion by providing seedling burlap trees for all guests, patrons, and associates of The Hay-Adams. All young guests of the Hotel under the age of 12...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org www.hayadams.com/earthdaycontest. ]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6265 2010-04-13T16:26:55Z 2010-04-13T16:29:15Z

By Lisa Hoffman Mullis We’re bumping down a dusty dirt road in northern Mozambique when the Toyota van we’re riding in starts overheating. My first thought is “What’s going on? This is a Toyota for goodness sake!” My second thought,...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org By Lisa Hoffman Mullis We’re bumping down a dusty dirt road in northern Mozambique when the Toyota van we’re riding in starts overheating. My first thought is “What’s going on? This is a Toyota for goodness sake!” My second thought, as our driver Asman rolls the van to a stop on the left shoulder, is “Uh-oh. How far back was that last village we just passed through?” As we climb out of the van all you can hear is the steamy hiss of the engine vapors and the flies buzzing. Otherwise, silence. In other words, no one’s around. As I look around for a place to pee I half expect to see tumbleweed blowing across the road but in reality, it’s only a lone baboon. Who knows when we’ll come upon the next village. If we have to get there by foot, it’s definitely going to be a long way off. Fortunately Asman had purchased a large 1.5 liter bottle of water at a stop we’d made a couple of hours ago. He’s got just enough left, he thinks, to rehydrate the engine and get us to the next village. Despite our warnings to wait until the engine has cooled, he risks second degree burns as he wrenches the cap off the reservoir. He is determined and he tells us, or shows us rather, that he’s more concerned about his passengers’ comfort than his own. I can tell he’s anxious to get us out of the blaring sun and heat and on our way to Nampula. For us, breakdowns, flats and unexpected stops are a normal aspect of travel in emerging destinations. For him, this is unacceptable for his guests, and you can tell he’s a little embarrassed. After some clankity-chugs, the engine revs into a pleasant drone and Asman has gotten us underway. To our surprise and relief, the next village is less than 10km down the road. We stop again, this time under the shade of a marula tree, and the locals, who’d been conducting their business on either side of the road, come to cluster around the van. Women and children huddle around our left; a large group of men and teenage boys press in on us from the right. The men approach Asman as he gets out and requests help. He explains the situation and the need for a few gallons of water. At least this is what we surmise from the inflections in his tone and his illustrative hand gestures. For a handful of small bills in meticaish, one of the men goes to fetch a plastic jug of water. These plastic water containers are ubiquitous throughout the north because taps are not. It’s a big deal to share your water when it takes so much work to get it. And most folks don’t have autos so they’re unaccustomed to expending a precious resource on engines. While the men help Asman with the engine, my husband and I patiently bear the scrutiny of curious eyes. White people are by far a minority and tourists in these parts even more so. Soon the engine has chugity-chugged back into life. Asman motions for us to go and we mark our departure with gestures of farewell and gratitude. About an hour and several engine checks later, we hit tarmac and the drive smoothes out. We settle in for the rest of the long-haul transfer to Nampula and resume our marvel of Mozambican scenery, the villages and people and animals that flash past our windows. Asman’s resourceful, positive nature, the villagers’ curiosity and their willingness to help are illustrative of northern Mozambican’s cultural values. After almost 15 years of civil war that decimated both human and animal populations, Mozambique is making a rapid recovery, in large part due to its citizens’ determination to improve their livelihoods and to restore and conserve Mozambique’s valuable resources. Whatever the war’s atrocities, you don’t get a sense that the people are left with any residual bitterness. Rather they are warm, welcoming and quick to please without coming across as subservient. And particularly in the north, where tourism is just beginning to flourish, travelers are treated like family. Whether or not locals understand how tourism dollars impact their country’s economy and thus, eventually themselves, they are genuinely curious about outsiders and readily willing for positive interaction. They are proud of their culture and eager to share it. They like to practice their English or teach you some Portuguese, and they’re excited to show you the many beautiful aspects of their country from nature-based architecture to cultural dances to fascinating flora and fauna. Ibo Island Lodge Our overland journey to Nampula that day was one section of a larger traverse that began with a relaxing and intimate one day stay at Pemba Dive & Bush Camp (www.pembadivecamp.com) where the proprietor treated us to a genuinely friendly and colorful welcome. From there we transferred to Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, which is zoned for World Heritage Status and home to one of the oldest and arguably most atmospheric towns in Mozambique. There we had the great pleasure of spending several days at Ibo Island Lodge (www.iboisland.com). Ibo Island Lodge is one of several community-based tourism enterprises in Mozambique. The Mozambican government requires any tourism lodge established and run by foreign interests to provide some type of program or service that benefits the local community. Ibo Island Lodge was actually built by the community and employs a great percentage of local population in all manner of positions from chefs to wait staff to tour guides. The Lodge has built an English Montessori school to provide education for the children and while English is not their native tongue, its vital to tourism development and greatly increases the odds for students to eventually be hired on at Ibo Lodge or other tourist-based business in the Archipelago. Other projects the Lodge has initiated are a community agriculture program largely focused on cultivation of the island’s Ancient Arab coffee plantations, marine turtle research and conservation, and a silversmith jeweler’s initiative where the Lodge provides silversmiths the materials and tools needed to create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind creations for sale to tourists. Tourists are encouraged to visit and learn more about all of the community-based projects. Indeed many of the day’s potential activities involve touring the silversmiths’ workshops or visiting the school. But when one is not immersing themselves in the ins and outs of the various projects or exploring the island’s Arabic and Portuguese history, Ibo Island Lodge provides a luscious, atmospheric environment in which to soak up the tranquility of island life. Situated right on the waterfront, the Lodge comprises several historic mansions once built for and occupied by Portuguese government officials. All facilities have been modernized yet the architecture and décor meticulously retain the essence of its storied past. If that sounds melodramatic and romantic, the reality of it is no less than that. The breezy verandas, double-door entries that open out to the beach and gauzy mosquito netting draped over the king-size four-poster beds are sensual and understatedly opulent. The food is no less excellent, creative and elegant. But for all the five-star comfort, the Lodge is committed to sustainable facilities management and energy conservation and it operates within the normal rhythms of village life where electricity is a considered convenience, not a given. This only adds to the allure of the Lodge and the feeling that you’ve been invited to fit yourself into life here rather than coerce the experience into one of your own design. To me, this is an important aspect of having a truly authentic connection with the land and the people in which I’m traveling. Guludo Beach Lodge After several days on Ibo where we vacillated between guided interpretive active excursions – sea kayaking the mangrove forests, snorkeling, bicycling around the island and beachcombing – and lazy indulgences like reading and afternoon naps, we headed back to the northern mainland coast to spend the next several days at Guludo Beach Lodge (www.guludo.com). Guludo Beach Lodge is the creation of Amy and Neal Carter-James, a young energetic couple who passionately believe business can help alleviate poverty and enable environmental conservation. After establishing Bespoke Experience, the parent company of the Lodge, the Carter-James’ hired local tradesmen and craftsmen to build eco-friendly facilities that consist of a main lodge, a series of Bandas (rooms) that each open out to the white sand beach and various staff quarters. Afterwards many of the builders where retained as staff and Guludo Beach Lodge continues to employ a great number of the people from the surrounding villages. The accommodations are ingeniously designed to balance comfort and luxury with environmental integrity. The most notable example being the solar-heated, hand-powered showers where sun-warm water filters through a perforated coconut showerhead. There is a definite sense of hand-craftedness, a purposeful use of natural resources and a respect of the flora and fauna all of which give you a feeling of cozy, downhome intimacy you don’t often experience until after you’ve spent a good deal of time somewhere. All of Guludo Beach Lodges’s community outreach programs (and there are many) are coordinated through the Nema Foundation (www.nemafoundation.org), an organization the Carter-James’ established as the philanthropic arm of Bespoke Experience. The Nema Foundation has accomplished an incredible amount of work in the few years it’s been in existence. In addition to actively working with 12 villages and building a new school, providing malaria and nutrition education and support, and establishing a handicraft enterprise, Nema has also completed the building or rehabilitation of more than 25 water points and pumps that provide clean, fresh water to more than 12,000 locals. Nema owes a lot of its success to the communities they partner with and to the dedication and support of Guludo’s guests and island visitors who are moved by the story, the apparent needs and challenges and then are compelled to make a contribution. But the key to it all has been the Carter-James’s unflappable spirit and the dedication they have to Mozambique—the land they now call home—its people, its wildlife, its culture. This passion permeates Guludo’s air, influences how guests are accommodated, which activities are offered, how they are delivered and the opportunity to make a heartfelt connection with the local people. Needless to say, we were deeply impressed by the strides Bespoke Experience has made in the communities surrounding the Lodge and through the Nema Foundation. They are an exceptional example of successful community-based tourism. We were equally impressed with the surrounding beauty, the friendliness of the locals (they teased us good-naturedly about walking so far barefoot on hot sand and welcomed our curious observations of their local fishing customs), and the stunning array of wildlife we saw in the waters during our SCUBA dives. Probably one of the best parts of Guludo was what we came to call “forced relaxation.” For two people who consider a computer and a cell phone vital organs and who are used to cramming in as much to-do-list items in a day as possible, having long hours for reading, sun soaking, beachcombing and napping in between organized activities was perhaps the most foreign aspect of all. Before arriving at Guludo we struggled with how to do this thing called “relax,” but afterwards we were truly getting the hang of it. Nkwichi Lodge Departing Guludo, we set out on a 48-hour journey to the shores of Lake Niassa (also called Lake Malawi) on the other side of the country where we’d be holing up at Nkwichi Lodge (www.mandawilderness.org) for the next five days. Most African travel adventures involve some sort of arduous overland journey—it’s almost a requirement. We were willing to meet it, and we steeled our resolved to deal with the worst. But after an 11-hour van ride full of the stereotypical heat, bumps and lumps, an overnight stay in the capital Nampula, a one-hour flight, a four-hour car ride and lastly a one-hour boat ride, I have to admit our biggest adventure was our van’s minor breakdown and our driver Asman’s subsequent resourcefulness. As it is with long complicated journeys to out-of-the-way places, the destination is generally more than worth the hassle to get there. Nkwichi is no exception. Exceptional is more apropos—it’s one of those places out of a dream or a storybook you can hardly believe is real. Ironically, at this point in our travels we were both reading a sort of story book about the fantastical adventures of Stanley and Livingstone. So when we read that Livingstone had dubbed Lake Niassa “Lake of the Stars” and then we got to see with our own eyes what he meant, it was truly a book coming to life. On the shores of the lake, Nkwichi Lodge is nestled among pristine forest teeming with birds, vervent monkeys and reptilians of all sizes. The white sand beaches are punctuated with rock pools and ancient boulders where one can snorkel, swim, canoe and even drink the tropical-blue waters that are home to the greatest variety of indigenous fish species of than any other lake in the world. Up and down the stretch of shoreline around Nkwichi run trails that are the local byways connecting villages and allow for day-excursions or safaris into the Manda Wilderness Reserve, a 600 square km game reserve created by the founders of Nkwichi Lodge in alliance with the local communities to restore and protect the wildlife in this area. Nkwichi is the financial cornerstone of the Manda Wilderness Project and the Lodge’s proceeds have allowed the Project staff (mostly local villagers) to develop the Manda Wilderness Agriculture Project (MWAP) which has assisted more than 350 farmers with tools, information and sustainable farming management strategies to conserve, improve and increase the yield of their lands. Indeed Nkwichi is able to purchase nearly all of its produce from the large organic garden that is part of the MWAP’s training center. In addition to MWAP, Nkwichi funds along with private donations have enabled the establishment of a health center where locals train and are trained on basic healthcare, HIV/AIDS and midwifery. Six schools have been built or are currently under construction to address the insufficient opportunities for education. A mill house for processing the locally grown maize and cassava, a football team and more than 40 kms of road and tacks built in recent years are examples of other projects that fall under the Manda Wilderness Project umbrella and which Nkwichi funds have enabled. As a guest of Nkwichi, you have many opportunities to visit the various projects and see first-hand how the efforts have impacted the surrounding communities. It’s humbling and thought-provoking to have this dual experience of five-star luxury service in Nkwichi’s fantastically creative eco-friendly accommodations and bear witness to life in impoverished villages. But it’s inspiring to see what the Manda Wilderness Project has accomplished here and know that the monies we’ve spent at the Lodge or buying handicrafts in the villages are being put to good use. For the community-based enterprises on Ibo Island, Guludo and in the Manda Wilderness, labor, construction and materials were and continue to be locally sourced. This simple fact gives some insight into the key to their success: the local people are invested physically, emotionally and in many cases financially in the projects they help to develop, implement and support. The initial ventures may have been funded by outside interests, but ultimately it has been up to the people most directly affected to ensure their success. The net result exemplifies how public-private partnerships revolving around small enterprises that employ relatively small numbers of employees can improve the quality of life of thousands of individuals while at the same time providing visitors with experiences to last a lifetime. ]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6264 2010-04-09T00:32:02Z 2010-04-09T00:33:37Z

RezHub.com will donate all proceeds earned through travel bookings made on its website on Earth Day to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Any hotel reservation, car hire booking or flight confirmation made on April 22, 2010 will...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org RezHub.com will donate all proceeds earned through travel bookings made on its website on Earth Day to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Any hotel reservation, car hire booking or flight confirmation made on April 22, 2010 will count towards this donation. April 22, 2010 will be the busiest travel booking day in the history of RezHub.com. That is the hope of Will Strohl, Technology Director, and the rest of the RezHub.com staff as this year's Earth Day approaches. However, it is not RezHub.com that will benefit from this record day, but instead the beneficiary is the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. "We decided to donate all revenue earned from travel bookings made on Earth Day," Strohl stated. "And, we all felt that Second Harvest was the best option." A closer look inside Second Harvest reveals why. Florida, and in particular Central Florida, has been hit extremely hard by the current economic downtown and conversly the need to feed the hungry in the area has grown. In its 2008-09 fiscal year, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida distributed over 21 million pounds of food through 600 local distribution sites; which averages to over 30,000 meals provided per day. And yet, the need to feed the hungry continues to grow. “The community’s need for food in these trying economic times is nothing short of historic. Second Harvest Food Bank continues to stretch in our mission to provide more food, for more people, than at any other time in our history. We’re very proud of the 21 million pounds of food and grocery products we were able to distribute for our neighbors in need last year, but very aware that much, much more is needed,” said Dave Krepcho, President & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. "We are very excited to be working with such a wonderful cause, and will be doing our best to earn as much as we can for Second Harvest", said Strohl. RezHub.com, an online travel agency, has experience in sustainable and charitable efforts. The site is known for its travel hubs, particularily its Green Travel Hub and Volunteer Travel Hub, along with its unique travel tools. RezHub.com was the first online travel agency to identify green hotels in the booking path and remains the only OTA to detail each property's green hotel score (in number of green branches - determined by its proprietary scoring system), a list of the green amenities provided by the hotel and the ability to filter by and sort by green score. The donation will be generated by any hotel reservation, car rental booking and/or flight confirmation made on April 22, 2010 and more information can be found at http://www.rezhub.com/Earth-Day.aspx About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 600 partner agencies in six Central Florida counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia and is located online at http://www.foodbankcentralflorida.org. About RezHub.com RezHub.com is an online travel agency that is built around travel hubs, like the Green Travel Hub or the Volunteer Travel Hub, that focuses on the specific interests, concerns and motivations for traveling. Through these hubs and RezHub.com's commitment to customer service, every traveler can “Feel Good about Travel™.” RezHub can be found online at http://www.rezhub.com. ]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6263 2010-04-07T19:15:34Z 2010-04-07T19:17:13Z

OFFERS INSIDERS’ LOOK AT HUGE SIERRA NEVADA REGION The wonders of Yosemite National Park are just the starting point of National Geographic’s newest online Geotourism MapGuide, the latest in digital mapping loaded with interactive features for fun and custom trip...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org www.SierraNevadaGeotourism.org, is the first of four regions to be highlighted within the enormous Sierra Nevada. The Yosemite Gateway map shares locals’ secrets of one-of-a-kind coffee houses in historic buildings, spectacular drives without the crowds, deserted mining towns, even details on the upcoming Mariposa Butterfly Festival. More than 800 map point nominations were received from the region’s residents, making the MapGuide a unique resource for the millions of annual visitors as well as for locals seeking unspoiled outdoor places and authentic cultural experiences. The MapGuide will be unveiled at the iconic Yosemite Lodge, following a meeting of the Yosemite Gateway partners. Sponsoring the map are the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Sierra Business Council in conjunction with National Geographic. The MapGuide also received funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Scenic Byways Program and the Morgan Family Foundation. “The entire world has heard of Yosemite, and rightly so. However, the magic of this MapGuide is that it includes the surrounding Sierra Nevada, a region that deserves to become a household name, too,” said James Dion, associate director of National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations. “Our commitment is to preserving the enormous scenic and cultural assets of both.” For the purpose of this project, the Sierra Nevada is sectioned into four phase areas. The MapGuide Web site reflects the completion of the first phase in the Yosemite Gateway area and the transition into sequential phase areas. This summer the project will solicit nominations from the Tahoe Emigrant Corridor, which includes the counties of Placer, Nevada, El Dorado, Washoe, Douglas and Carson. The final two MapGuides will guide visitors through the Northern and Southern Sierra regions. “The breadth of the beauty in the Sierra Nevada is unique. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks are incredible jewels in this 400-mile-long region,” said Steven Frisch, president, Sierra Business Council. “The Sierra Nevada Geotourism Project is the perfect synthesis of economic outreach to culturally rich communities and respect for the planet.” “The Sierra is where Californians come to discover, unwind and imagine,” said Sierra Nevada Conservancy Executive Officer Jim Branham. “With the National Geographic Geotourism initiative, visitors will realize that there is so much more to see than they ever imagined, and they will come away from their next adventure with a better sense of connectedness to the Sierra Nevada, its residents and its resources.” National Geographic defines geotourism as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.” Dion noted that the online Yosemite Gateway map is “living and breathing, constantly being updated.” Site visitors can add comments, read what others have posted, even hit a key to connect to Facebook or Twitter accounts to advise friends instantly of what they’ve found. It’s not too late to make a nomination for the map; suggestions will be considered for possible inclusion on the WebMap or a print copy to come. Web site visitors can learn about the John Muir Highway, where they can relive the inspirational transformation that Muir experienced during his first journey to Yosemite Valley. Agritourism suggestions include the Larsen Apple Barn, the oldest (c. 1860) continuously family-owned and -operated farm in the area, featuring produce and such baked delights as Cream Cheese Apple Pie. Also featured are rustic and eclectic accommodations — many too small to make a traditional guidebook — like the Yosemite Bug Mountain Resort & Spa situated on 50 acres of forested hillside. History buffs and adventurers, backpackers and foodies, birders and sightseers can discover destinations based on recommendations from those who know best — residents of the Sierra Nevada. The National Geographic Society has worked with community-based alliances to develop similar geotourism MapGuides in other regions of the world. MapGuide projects have been completed or are ongoing in California’s Redwood Coast, Central Cascades, Montreal, Greater Yellowstone, Crown of the Continent (Alberta, British Columbia, Montana), Guatemala, Sonora Desert (Arizona, Sonora), Peru, Baja California, Vermont and Appalachia. A major 2002 Geotourism study by National Geographic Traveler magazine and the Travel Industry Association of America found that at least 55 million American adults can be classified as “geotourists” — a strong incentive for scenic regions to protect assets for future visitors. The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com. ]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6207 2010-03-15T22:24:33Z 2010-03-15T22:25:18Z

Hoping to redefine the terms “philanthropic travel” and “sustainable tourism,” luxury safari operator, Micato Safaris, is pleased to announce an unprecedented new initiative, One for One. Simply put, for every safari that is booked, Micato will ensure that an African...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org www.micato.com. For more information about AmericaShare, call 212-545-7125 or visit www.AmericaShare.org.]]> tag:blog.sustainabletravel.com,2010://3.6205 2010-03-01T19:11:46Z 2010-03-01T19:14:41Z

By Ben Abramson, USA TODAY Travelers in search of umbrella drinks on warm beaches have plenty of appealing options across the USA. For those looking for a different type of trip, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has just released...

BrianM http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org By Ben Abramson, USA TODAY Travelers in search of umbrella drinks on warm beaches have plenty of appealing options across the USA. For those looking for a different type of trip, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has just released its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, highlighting "cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination." With an emphasis on places that combine vibrant street life and a well-preserved past, this year's list is more than just charming small towns with gallery-strewn streets – though there are plenty of those. St. Louis is singled out for its historic neighborhoods, and Huntsville, Ala., for its combination of southern tradition and thriving aerospace industry. David Brown, executive vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, says the list is targeted to travelers seeking an authentic American experience: "Instead of traveling to Disneyland to see Main Street, USA, they can travel to Ft. Collins, Colorado, to see the real thing that was the model for Disneyland." The list also provides great fodder for budget travelers. While some of the sites like Provincetown, Mass., and Rockland, Maine, are prime vacation destinations, visitors are likely to find relative bargains in towns like Cedar Falls, Iowa and Bastrop, Texas. "Because many of these communities are off the beaten track, visitors can (go) without busting the family budget," says Brown. This year, for the first time, the National Trust will allow travelers to choose their favorite. Have a look at the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list below and then go to PreservationNation.org/ddd to cast your vote. Cedar Falls, Iowa. The list extols this Midwestern city for the way it "delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings" and recommends kayaking on the Cedar River and shopping on its "acclaimed Main Street." St. Louis, Mo. The Mississippi River city sports "historic brick buildings that line cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the 'Gateway to the West.'" Marquette, Mich. This far-northern city "offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown," and has earned accolades for its assortment of art galleries. Fort Collins, Colo. In the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins' Old Town Square "so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for 'Main Street, USA' at Disneyland." Provincetown, Mass. This popular Cape Cod resort town "positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches." It also played an important role in U.S. history as the site where the Mayflower Compact was signed in 1620. Simsbury, Conn. The list calls Simsbury a "quintessential small town" with "top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream." Rockland, Maine. A renowned Mid-Coast Maine gallery town, "Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums." Chestnut Hill, Pa. This Philadelphia neighborhood offers "a unique combination of colonial and modern history" and "features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park." Huntsville, Ala. With "the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become "America's Space Capital." The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, Va. Part of the hot travel trend of linking thematically related historic sites, "The Crooked Road celebrates the region's rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture." Bastrop, Tex. Due east of Austin, "Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River." Sitka, Alaska. A popular cruise port of call, Sitka offers "diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore."]]>