Partners ATTA & AIA Release First Version of “Guide to Best Practices for Archaeological Tourism”
June 18, 2009
Tourism Industry Feedback Sought, Deadline for Comment July 15, 2009 (June 18, 2009) — Archaeological sites and historic places are major tourist attractions worldwide. In the last few years, visits to historical sites have ranked third—after dining in restaurants and shopping—among activities undertaken by Americans traveling abroad. The number of people that visit archaeological sites rises every year and this increase can have significant negative impacts on archaeological sites. In many instances, increased visits have led to damage at sites and often portions of sites have to be cordoned off from the public to prevent further deterioration. In extreme cases, sites have been closed to the public. The popularity of archaeological sites as tourist attractions makes them valuable sources of revenue, but unfortunately economic exploitation of sites is often not matched by reinvestment in proper site management to ensure both protection of the site and its continued enjoyment by... Read More →
New & DifferentTravel Documentary Scholarship: Go on assignment to Vietnam and have your video broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure!
June 16, 2009
World Nomads, in conjunction with Buffalo Tours, are offering the chance for one lucky aspiring filmmaker to kick start their documentary career. Go on assignment deep into Mai Chau Valley, with documentary producer Trent O’Donnell (who filmed Positive Footprints shown on Nat Geo adventure channel). Trekking with a team of 20 doctors, medical students & volunteers who will be providing vital services to remote hill tribes in Northern Vietnam, you will create your own short video documentary. The lucky scholarship recipient will have their video considered for broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure. That’s right! The holy grail that documentary makers spend their whole lives trying to achieve, could be yours now! Deadline for applications July 5, 2009. apply go to link: http://journals.worldnomads.com/scholarships/post/29785.aspx For more information: http://indochinatravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/world-nomads-travel-scholarship-with.html Read More →
Member Press ReleasesNational Geographic Traveler Awards BikeHike Costa Rica Adventure in their “50 Tours of a Lifetime”
June 16, 2009
National Geographic Traveler has selected BikeHike Adventures’ Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure for their fourth annual “50 Tours of a Lifetime” issue. The 15-day adventure is muscle powered, and travellers traverse from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic shores of Costa Rica by bike, raft, and foot. The feature, which can be found in the May/June 2009 issue, highlights tours that are genuine, immersive, sustainable, and provide a deep cultural connection for travellers. In the congratulatory letter from National Geographic Traveler magazine, senior editor Norie Quintos notes, “Every year, the editorial team combs the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours.” “We are thrilled to be recognized for the second year in a row by National Geographic Traveler magazine,” says Trish Sare, founder and director of BikeHike Adventures. In 2008 BikeHike’s Ecuador, Andes to Amazon Adventure... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBanjaar Tola Receives Best Ecolodge Recognition
June 15, 2009
Within weeks of its opening &Beyond Banjaar Tola Kanha Tented Camp, the fourth in &Beyond and Taj Hotels’ circuit of luxury jungle lodges in India, has not only delighted guests with incredible wildlife sightings, but been named as one of National Geographic Adventure magazine’s Top 50 Ecolodges in the world. Set on the forested banks of the Banjaar River, overlooking the core area of Kanha National Park, Banjaar Tola offers the only tented experience on &Beyond’s tiger circuit in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Two intimate camps of just 9 lightweight tented suites each are spread out either along the riverbank or in lovely sal forests. The tented camps are carefully constructed for low impact on this sensitive riverine environment and Banjaar Tola is a worthy recipient of the prestigious ecolodge award. Contemporary canvas walls and roofs, and immense glass doors create an atmosphere that is light, ethereal and organic. Guests can admire lovely river views... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesCruise North Expeditions
June 15, 2009
Cruise North Expeditions is owned and operated by the people of the region we visit – the Inuit of Northern Quebec. We are the only Aboriginally owned expedition cruise company, and we travel exclusively to Canada’s Arctic. Our expeditions are packed with adventure, exploration and most of all, discovery. We travel to islands in Canada’s Arctic where polar bears, measuring up to 11 feet in length, patrol their favourite beaches, while thick-billed murres in the thousands fly overhead. We visit sites populated by the almost prehistoric-looking muskox, with their crown tusks and skirts of fur. White beluga whales, a walrus colony and all sorts of marine mammals are common sights aboard our expeditions. We travel to virtually untouched archaeological sites dating back thousands of years, explore remote outposts and follow in the footsteps of early explorers in their search of new lands. On ship and ashore we are greeted by Inuit hosts and visit communities where residents still live... Read More →
Spotlight: SustainabilityTO DO! – International Contest Socially Responsible Tourism again calling for entries
June 9, 2009
Berlin, 9 June 2009 – At a time when “Corporate Social Responsibility“ was not yet a hot topic, the Institute for Tourism and Development (Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung e.V.) initiated the “TO DO! Contest Socially Responsible Tourism.“ That was in 1995. Now the TO DO! for the fifteenth time is going in search of projects and measures which prove that a sustainable and future-orientated course of action in tourism is possible. Of special importance: The interests and needs of the local people have to be considered and safeguarded through their participation. The latest TO DO! award winners from Brazil, Peru and Switzerland have once again shown how that is done. They received the awards at the International Tourism Exchange in Berlin (see: www.to-do-contest.org). “The winning projects show“, said the Institute’s Managing Director Wibke Reger, “that a tourism which is good both for tourists and people who work in tourism needs commitment and far-sightedness.“ Public... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesAncient Civilization Meets Wildlife Rehabilitation
June 8, 2009
Maya Key a Showcase for Cultural Preservation on Roatan ROATAN, Honduras – Roatan’s newest and finest cultural attraction will give visitors a little taste of Honduras all in one place. Developed and operated by the iconic Anthony’s Key Resort (AKR), Maya Key is located in the harbor of Coxen Hole, Roatan. Opened to visitors in the first week in June, 2009, Maya Key boasts reconstructions of Copan’s famous Maya ruins, a native arts & crafts studio, a traditional Maya village, and a wildlife rescue center displaying many of Honduras’ diverse wild animal species. “Honduras is a small but diverse and culturally rich country and we want to pay tribute to that,” says Samir Galindo, General Manager of AKR. “We are very proud of our country and we want the world to get to know us better, and this is a convenient and quick way to do that.” Maya Key will operate on a beautiful 11.5 acre private key conveniently located just three minutes across the bay from the Roatan cruise... Read More →
By the Numbers Partner News Travel & Outdoor GearOutdoor Industry Association Survey Reveals Industry Cautious About Economic Recovery
June 5, 2009
Revenue and inventory plans appear appropriately conservative Boulder, CO, – In a survey released June 1, 2009, by Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), small businesses reported they have lowered revenue expectations, reduced inventory levels, and believe their businesses will rebound later than they expected last fall. OIA, in conjunction with Piper Jaffray Companies, recently surveyed industry executives with respect to their view of current economic prospects, recovery timeline, cost inflation, and the effect of tightened credit market on near-term business operations. Results of that survey are now available in a new report entitled, The Piper Jaffray Outdoor Industry Survey. This was the second survey conducted by OIA and Piper Jaffray in the past six months, and reflected a cautious and realistic picture of the economic situation facing the industry. Nearly all respondents were independent businesses with revenues less than $50M annually, which provides an excellent gauge of the... Read More →
Member Press Releases New & DifferentWorldNomads.com Breaks Rules Again, Gets “Van-Tastic”
June 5, 2009
(Sydney, Australia) June 3, 2009 — Leading online travel insurance company, WorldNomads.com is offering travellers the chance to win an Australian road trip of a lifetime. WorldNomads.com Global Programs Manager, Amanda Byrne, says applications are now open for the ‘Van-Tastic Adventure’, where travellers can win a trip to Australia and spend 6 weeks driving across the country capturing their adventure on video to ultimately win $10,000 cash and flights from Virgin Blue. “We’ll fly a team, of up to 2 people to Australia, and give them the Van-Tastic Van to drive across the country for 6 weeks. They’ll share their adventure online, making videos, stories, and posting photos, and ultimately create a mini-video documentary of their trip.” says Amanda. “The van, supplied by our friends at Travellers Auto Barn, will be loaded with camping gear, video camera, laptop, editing equipment and wireless broadband access, and the Van-Tastic adventurers will get fuel money and a whole... Read More →
ATTA Press ReleasesAdventure Travel Trade Association Strengthens Size, Range of Network
June 5, 2009
(SEATTLE) – June 5, 2009 – Productive peer-to-peer networking and community collaboration continue to serve as the driving force behind increased participation in the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Association Partnership Program, which today announced the addition of six new members, which expands the group regionally and by specific areas of expertise. With the addition of continental representation from Europe, the ATTA’s total Association Partner (AP) network has risen to 24 associations on six continents. The newly added associations include: • France – French Ecotourism Association • Japan – Japan Ecolodge Association • Jordan – Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) • Scotland – Wild Scotland (WS) • Sweden – The Swedish Ecotourism Society/Nature’s Best • United States – The Dude Ranchers’ Association Increased destination trade missions and participation in industry... Read More →
