A new guide has been produced aiming to reduce damage to the rainforest caused by tourism, reports Mark Rowe.
March 31, 2008
Mainstream media continues to pay closer attention to sustainble travel practices: ATTA Member and partner Conservation International appears in the UK’s Telegraph (March 28, 2008) on the topic of good practices for tour operators operating in tropical rainforests
TRUSTe Report Reveals Consumer Awareness and Attitudes About Behavioral Targeting
March 31, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO, CA- Consumer privacy organization TRUSTe announced today the results of a study conducted by global market insight and information group TNS regarding American Internet users’ knowledge, attitudes and concerns about behavioral targeting and its implications on their online privacy. Overall results indicate a high level of awareness that internet activities are being tracked for purposes of targeting advertising, and a high level of concern associated with that tracking, even when it isn’t associated with personally identifiable information.
Behavioral targeting has become a hot button issue recently, as industry enthusiasm for delivering customized experiences and improved marketing metrics runs up against consumer privacy concerns and calls for greater transparency around emerging tracking and targeting techniques. Based on the results of the survey, lack of transparency may factor into privacy concerns. 71 percent of online consumers are aware that their browsing information may be collected by a third party for advertising purposes, but only 40 percent are familiar with the term “behavioral targeting.” 57 percent of respondents say they are not comfortable with advertisers using that browsing history to serve relevant ads, even when that information cannot be tied to their names or any other personal information.
An overwhelming majority (91 percent) of respondents expressed willingness to take necessary steps to assure increased privacy online when presented with the tools to control their internet tracking and advertising experience, suggesting a need for added education, transparency and choices for behavioral targeting. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) would choose to see online ads only from online stores and brands that they know and trust and 44 percent of respondents would click buttons or icons to make that happen.
To the contrary, a similar proportion of consumers (42 percent) say they would sign up for an online registry to ensure that advertisers are not able to track browsing behaviors, even if it meant that they would receive more ads that are less relevant to their interests. This division poses a serious dilemma for BT practitioners and industry privacy advocates, because consumers say they want more relevant advertising, but don’t want to be tracked in order to get it.
“Education once again appears to be the key to finding a constructive balance between behavioral targeting and consumer privacy, because no matter how much we assure anonymity, there is still significant discomfort with the idea of tracking,” said Fran Maier, executive director of TRUSTe. “We have a solid indication that consumers want us to find a way to get them the advertising that is relevant to them. In order to do this, behavioral targeting is one of the most promising methods, but at the very least, it has to be made more transparent, provide choices, and deliver real value.
For the TRUSTe behavioral tracking study, TNS conducted an online survey among a randomly selected sample of American adults whose households belong to TNS’s online consumer panel. In total, 1,015 interviews were completed between February 1 and 5, 2008. The data were weighted by region, market size, age, gender and household size, composition and income, to reflect the demographic composition of the online adult population in the continental U.S.
The full research results are available to TRUSTe sealholders at no charge. Media can obtain a complete copy of the study by contacting Morgan McDowell of blast! PR.
About TRUSTe:
TRUSTe helps consumers and businesses identify trustworthy online organizations through its Web Privacy Seal, Email Privacy Seal and Trusted Download Programs. Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2007, TRUSTe certifies more than 2,400 Web sites, including the major internet portals and leading brands such as AOL, eBay, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft and Oracle. TRUSTe resolves thousands of individual privacy disputes every year. To learn more about internet privacy visit www.truste.org.
About TNS:
TNS is a global market information and insight group. Its strategic goal is to be recognized as the global leader in delivering value-added information and insights that help its clients make more effective business decisions. TNS delivers innovative thinking and excellent service across a network of 80 countries. Working in partnership with clients, TNS provides high-quality information, analysis and insight that improve understanding of consumer behavior. TNS is the world’s leading provider of customized services, combining sector knowledge with expertise in the areas of Product Development & Innovation, Brand & Communications, Stakeholder Management, Retail & Shopper and Customer Intelligence. TNS is a major supplier of consumer panel, media intelligence and audience measurement services.
TNS is the sixth sense of business™. www.tnsglobal.com
Wildland Adventures Seeks Program Director for Africa or Latin America
March 28, 2008
Adventure travel industry professionals seeking new jobs may access positions currently featured at the ATTA Career Center, while companies seeking to hire may also post new positions at the Web site. Here’s an example of a recent posting by ATTA Member Wildland Adventures:
Join a small group of specialized travel professionals working together in a dynamic ecotourism company to provide personal and responsive customer service designing international adventures that are life-changing experiences for travelers and host country communities. Program Directors are responsible for sales and administration of group and individual travel arrangements for specific destinations in Africa or Latin America. They have a large degree of autonomy, contribute to strategic decision-making, and work together in a collaborative atmosphere.
SUMMARY OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES AND REQUIRED EXPERTISE
• Destination Sales and Marketing: Conceptualize marketing strategy for the region; develop competitive positioning and rationale for each itinerary; provide marketing direction; customer phone and email sales
• Trip Development: Conceptualize, design and craft detailed itineraries
• Trip Operations: Manage block space reservations and confirm land services; ensure on-site logistics; build relationships with outfitters and guides; trouble shoot and solve problems in the field; assure quality; coordinate air reservations
• Administration and Pre-Departure Services: Prepare and maintain accurate and current marketing and customer materials in print and web.
• Finance: Client invoicing, accounts payable and receivables; supplier deposits and payments; budgeting, reporting, and negotiate pricing.
Travel typically includes an average of 3 weeks per year on educational and business trips to inspect service providers, develop local ground operator relations, and maintain detailed destination knowledge in order to provide exceptional travel planning expertise to our clients.
Qualifications include 2-3 years experience in tour operations and administration, or commercial adventure travel field experience in Africa or Latin America with first-hand knowledge of destinations, travel logistics, accommodations and related tourism services. Essential skills include excellent spelling and English language ability, exceptional organizational skill, detail-oriented, vibrant and confident telephone presence, and versatility in defining and completing a variety of tasks.
Acceptable applicants should be highly proficient with computers and will develop a working knowledge of our database, word processing, spreadsheet calculations, and desktop publishing. Knowledge of Microsoft WORD, Excel and database management necessary.
Wildland Adventures, Inc. is an award-winning ecotourism and adventure travel company specializing in worldwide cultural and natural history explorations for small groups, families, and individuals since 1986. Active and inquisitive travelers appreciate our extraordinary itineraries, boutique accommodations, and exceptional native guides creating authentic cross-cultural encounters on soft-adventures that include walking, hiking and trekking, wildlife safaris, small yacht voyages, honeymoon adventures, and personalized custom adventure travel to Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East, the South Pacific and Alaska.
Business Hours: 8:00AM to 5:30 PM Monday-Friday
Salary: Based on experience
Benefits: Medical, Travel, paid holidays and sick leave, vacations, optional 4-day workweek
Wildland Adventures office is located in north Seattle with a spectacular view of Mt. Rainer, Lake Washington, and the Cascade Range. Office features include gourmet kitchen, outdoor deck, office garden, and yard for staff dogs. Our Program Directors travel an average of 3 weeks per year on educational and promotional business trips to inspect service providers, develop local ground operator relations and maintain detailed destination knowledge in order to provide the best advice to our clients.
For Further Information: Email letter of intent and resume to jobs@wildland.com. [Please no unsolicited employment calls.]
An Equal Opportunity Employer
39% of tour operators surveyed by the ATTA recorded more than 16% growth in 2007
March 28, 2008
ATTA’s 2007 industry-wide snapshot represents more than $300,000,000 of adventure travel business and 875,000+ travelers. 57% from North America, last year was 61%. The profile of tour operators that took this year’s survey was very similar (size, number of employees, year started, etc) to those in 2005 and 2006.
Reflecting on 2007 and looking ahead to 2008:
• 86% indicated positive growth rates, with 39% recording more than 16% growth in 2007
• 40% reported more than 11% net margin
• 98% project growth in 2008, with 66% expecting more than 16% growth
• Trends evident to tour operators:
- 34% reported increased competition among adventure operators (marketing, pricing, sales promotions)
- 59% reported increases in demand for custom itineraries/trips
- 38% reported increases in demand shorter duration trips (less than one week long)
- 43% reported increases in demand for eco-tourism/environmental trips
- 35% reported increase in demand for cultural/educational trips
• Most significant threats:
- 45% reported increased cost of operating (capital/infrastructure spending, equipment )
- 39% reported increased cost of marketing due to competition from other adventure travel businesses
- 39% reported reduced client travel due to poor economy
Tour Operators – most productive types of marketing used in 2007:
85% – Word of Mouth/Viral
70% – Repeat Business/Clients
64% – Travel Agents
*Internet (SEO, Web links, emailing, etc.) and PR follow in the 50+% range
According to Leisure Trends Group: 2007 Dive industry sales totaled $804M, up 5%
March 28, 2008
In 2007, dive industry sales totaled $804 million*, an increase of 5%.
- Scuba Dive equipment sales grew 1% in units, 4% in average retail selling price
- Equipment sales grew 5% in dollars and finished the year with $375M
- With $74M in sales, the dive suit category jumped 8% in units and 10% in dollars
- Equipment sales total nearly half of the $804 million in total sales
*Scuba dive sales are comprised of equipment, apparel, wet and dry suits and dive services
Source: How free are we to travel?
March 28, 2008
March 2008 – As millions of people prepare to take a spring holiday break, there are mutterings in the background: from governments wanting to raise taxes; environmental groups decrying excessive leisure travel; and destinations fearing for the survival of local culture.The freedom to travel can be viewed as a major political freedom, comparable to the right of freedom of expression. It is essential to human contact for business or leisure, and it widens the horizons of individuals both literally and figuratively.
But how free is it? Over and above the financial cost to the individual traveller, there are clearly other factors to take into account.
The environmental and cultural impact of increased numbers of travellers can be either positive or negative, depending on how the flows are managed. Travel & Tourism can sustain, support and nurture the environments and cultures it touches – but without the right strategies it can also do harm.
The fact that many people in the world have neither the freedom nor the funds to travel is another obvious challenge. How far can Travel & Tourism play a role in the economic, social and even political developments that can widen access to its benefits?
Pricing carbon into products and services may offer some scope for solutions – but if conducted as a policy in isolation it risks increasingly restricting Travel & Tourism to an elite few rather than widening access.
Leading businessmen and politicians from around the world will discuss these issues at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Dubai from 20 to 22 April, 2008 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. They aim is to explore the approaches that can balance the prizes of freedom and opportunity to travel with sustainability in a changing world.
Bringing public and private sector leaders together should throw new light on their respective roles in this issue – and, indeed, on the role of the individual – in achieving the hallowed balance. The summit itself is the consequence of a major public/ private partnership comprising the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Emirates Group, Jumeirah Group and Nakheel.
ENDS
For a full list of speakers and the programme, please visit www.globaltraveltourism.com/programme
For all updates or for your chance to be part of the Summit please visit www.globaltraveltourism.com or contact WTTC PR Manager Louise Oram on +44 20 7481 8007 or at louise@wttc.travel
On Sunday 23 March at 2pm (GMT) WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten will take part in online discussion on issues related to Travel & Tourism at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/talking_point_programme/default.stm
About The World Travel & Tourism Council
WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chairmen and Chief Executives of one hundred of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.
WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world’s largest industries, employing approximately 238 million people and generating nearly 10% of world GDP.
ATMS News Now Indexed by Google
March 27, 2008
ATMS is a PR agency based in
For information, please visit www.atmstravelnews.com or call
Study Says Nearly Half Say Social Media Tools Becoming More Important Than TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines
March 26, 2008
Social media tools such as Facebook, YouTube and blogs have become an essential component of the communications mix,
according to an overwhelming majority (85 percent) of Canadian business and marketing leaders. Nearly half (46 percent) say social media tools are becoming even more important than television, radio, newspapers and magazines. The results are contained in a survey of 444 business and marketing leaders conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights for com.motion, a new offering from Veritas Communications.
FREE! Adventure Travel Supply Chain Practical Guide to Good Practices
March 26, 2008
All adventure travel industry professionals may access for free Conservation International’s Practical Guides to Good Practices for three different environments – you are encouraged to share these with your entire supply chain. The ATTA works with partner Conservation International to globally disseminate to the trade education and knowledge resources which support sustainable tourism efforts:
Mountain Tours
A Practical Guide to Managing the Environmental and Social Impacts of Mountain Tours
View Guide [PDF] >>
View Recorded Webinar >>
View Guide [PDF] (Spanish) >>
Check List [PDF] (Spanish) >>
Tropical Rainforest Tours
A Practical Guide to Managing the Environmental and Social Impacts of Tropical Rainforest Tours
View Guide [PDF] >>
View Recorded Webinar >>
Marine Tours
A Practical Guide to Managing the Environmental and Social Impacts of Marine Tours
View Recorded Webinar >>
COMPLETED! May 15th Tune In Webinar: Guidance: The Role of Carbon Offsets in Adventure Travel
March 26, 2008
ATTA’s Tune In Webinars are typically reserved for ATTA Members - *In the case of Carbon Offsets, the ATTA is making this special Webinar available to all adventure travel industry professionals. Click here to register.
COMPLETED – Recorded Webinar to be posted the week of May 19th Thursday, May 15th, 2008 from 10:00am to 11:30am PDT Due to the global importance of this topic, this Webinar (a 90-minute session) will be OPEN TO ALL adventure travel industry professionals. Brian Mullis (see bio.) and Richard Edwards (see bio.) will help industry professionals better understand the value of the potential of the voluntary offset market into the future. Participants will learn how to choose an offset provider that meets target businesses goals. Participants also gain the information and insights needed to make a decision on whether carbon offsets are right for their adventure travel company.
- History and Background of the Voluntary Carbon market
- Are carbon offsets part of the solution?
- Carbon offsets as part of your Sustainable Travel strategy
- Benefits of carbon offsetting to your business
- Addressing the issues of credibility, transparency, and your investment
- Philanthropic and humanitarian benefits
ATTA Members: To access more information about this and other Tune In Webinars, login at the Members Only site.
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