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 visitors. Archaeological sites are fragile resources and inadequate site management will result in deterioration or even destruction of the site and its related social, historical, educational, and economic potential.
With these concerns in mind the ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE of AMERICA (AIA), ARCHAEOLOGY magazine (ATTA Contributing Sponsor), and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) created this manual of good practices for anyone interested in visiting archaeological sites. The guide outlines practices that allow for proper, sustainable archaeological tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to fully experience ancient sites while minimizing any negative impact. The guide is an important resource for tour operators who wish to incorporate archaeological sites in their tour packages, for tour guides who lead people through the sites, for tourists who want to see these sites first hand, and for site managers charged with the maintenance and protection of sites. In conjunction with adequate and properly funded site management plans, these guidelines will help ensure that the public enjoy the experience of visiting ancient places for generations to come.
Tourism industry professionals are encouraged to download and review the first release of these guidelines, and to forward feedback directly to editor@adventuretravel.biz by July 15, 2009. Feedback is requested on the overall content, structure and actual recommendations. Please email key suggestions. You may also use the “Track Changes” function as appropriate for general comment and specific recommendations and/or considerations you suggest the AIA & ATTA consider. Feedback will be evaluated and considered for guideline improvements.
The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is North America’s oldest and largest organization devoted to the world of archaeology with nearly 250,000 members and subscribers belonging to more than 100 local AIA societies in the United States, Canada, and overseas, united by a shared passion for archaeology and its role in furthering human knowledge.
Travel 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
National 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 was also recognized as one of the Tours of a Lifetime.
To learn more on National Geographic Traveler’s “Tours of a Lifetime”, please visit http://www.bikehike.com/toursofalifetime.html
About BikeHike Adventures
Recognized by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of “The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”, BikeHike (www.bikehike.com) specializes in small group Multi-sport Adventures in South and Central America, Canada, Europe, Oceania, Asia and Africa. BikeHike is committed to sustainable tourism practices that benefit the local communities and environment in the destinations they serve, and actively supports projects around the world to help raise cultural and social awareness.
To learn more about BikeHike Adventures Costa Rica, Coast to Coast Adventure, call 1-888-805-0061 toll free in North America, or email info@bikehike.com.
Banjaar 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 from the privacy of their deck and enjoy mouth watering private dinners infused with the fragrant spices of India.
The obvious attraction of visiting Kanha National Park, one of India’s largest, is the excellent game viewing. In 1973, Project Tiger was launched to save the tiger and Kanha was one of nine reserves selected for this undertaking. It is prime tiger country and &Beyond’s guests have been thrilled with regular sightings. During summer these magnificent animals are often seen cooling off in natural pools or rivers in the heat of the day.
The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha shelter a significant population of other rare species such as leopard, tiger, sloth bear, the highly endangered hardground barasingha and Indian wild dog (dhole), and the more commonly sighted species such as the three-striped palm squirrel, langur, jackal, nilgai barking deer and wild pig. Keen birders will also delight in the over 200 recorded bird species.
&Beyond’s Group Conservation Manager, Les Carlisle, who recently returned from a visit in May to Kanha, says, “The game viewing is just amazing – we saw tigers, wild dog and leopard in one day.”
Guests visiting &Beyond Banjaar Tola can fly from Delhi to Jabalpur, followed by a five-hour chauffeured journey by road to the camp. Alternatively, guests can fly from Mumbai to Nagpur, followed by a five-hour chauffeured journey by road.
Cruise 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 traditional lives by harvesting from the land and speaking the Inuit language of Inuktitut.
While relaxing on deck, we glide alongside immense icebergs thousands of years old, and take in the scenery of rolling tundra and towering fiords.
This is the Cruise North experience!
Our main market is North America, but we engage extensively in the German, U.K., France and Australian market as well. We sell direct, through agents and operators, and are looking to advance these relationships further, and establish others. We are especially interested in finding well-fitted Tour Operators in North America.
TO 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 and private institutions and organisations active in tourism may apply for the TO DO! 2009. The deadline for entries is August 31, 2009. The conditions of participation and application forms in German and English can be downloaded on the internet (www.to-do-contest.org) or requested from the organizer. The winners will be honored at the International Tourism Exchange 2010 in Berlin.
For further information please contact:
Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung e.V.,
Kapellenweg 3, D-82541 Ammerland, phone: +49-(0)8177-1783,
fax: +49-(0)8177-1349, email: info@studienkreis.org
Ancient 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 ship terminal, home to the familiar Fins and Flippers program operated by AKR. This key offers two secluded beaches, excellent snorkeling from a scenic pier, a 70,000 gallon swimming pool, a 5,000 square foot lounge deck and lush garden paths bursting with indigenous flora. Within minutes guests can enjoy the sand and surf of the Caribbean upon arriving at the cruise ship terminal.
Twenty years ago AKR pioneered Honduras’ only research and educational dolphin program, the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS). The Institute is a unique on-site research and educational facility with the only dolphin program in Honduras. As one of Roatan’s first dive resorts over the years Anthony’s has expanded to include the RIMS, the Roatan Museum, a fully-equipped medical center, dolphin activities and now Maya Key.
The all-inclusive dive resort is located 35 mi (56km) off the coast of Honduras on Roatan, Bay Islands, part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world.
Outdoor 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 independent channel within the outdoor community. The majority of respondents identified themselves as either vendors or retailers.
Among the highlights:
* Concern has grown: When asked to indicate the level of concern surrounding current economic conditions affecting their business, 98% indicated they are “very” or “somewhat” concerned, up three percentage points from last fall. The level of concern was higher with vendors, where 49% signaled they are “very concerned” versus 36% of retailers. This is a marked increase in the past six months.
* Recovery expectations pushed back: Last fall, the majority of respondents said they expected the recovery to come in late 2009. Nearly half said they believed business would turn in the second half of 2009 and 35% viewed the first half of 2010 as the inflection point. However, based on the results of this more recent survey, that was an optimistic view. Now, only 15% believe the recovery will take place this year. Nearly fifty percent believe the economy will improve in the first half of 2010, one-fourth say the second half of 2010, and 15% believe it will not improve until after 2010.
* Vendors and Retailers are in sync: Last fall, retailers were far more optimistic than vendors about the pace of economic recovery. That disparity has dissipated in this survey with both vendors and retailers having similar perceptions about recovery expectations. This more balanced view is leading to appropriate inventory levels in the channel, which should also lead to improved profitability and pricing integrity as revenues stabilize.
* Businesses prepared for slow-down: Revenue expectations for 2009 have declined since last fall. In the fall survey, more than three-quarters of respondents projected revenues in 2009 would be above 2008. Now, only about one-third expect 2009 revenue to top 2008 and nearly one-fourth expect revenues to decrease significantly.
* Looking Back: The majority of respondents indicated revenues were down over the last three months vs. the prior year. This issue hit retailers harder than vendors, with a majority of retailers saying revenues were down and just over one-third of vendors registering a decline in revenues.
* Looking Ahead: In general, expectations are higher for the next three months, with just under half of respondents expecting revenues to continue declining over the next three months. Overall, we believe a slightly negative outlook on revenues is prudent given that the second quarter of last year was impacted by the federal stimulus package, the personal savings rate is now higher, and the current unemployment rate is higher than in the past.
* Lower sourcing costs: Cost inflation concerns have declined since our last survey as the price of commodities and excess capacity has driven production costs lower.
* Inventory reductions on tap: In response to these economic shifts, respondents report that they have taken appropriate steps in terms of inventory reductions. More than one-half of all businesses are planning inventory levels below last year. Inventory growth below the rate of future sales trends is critical in the current environment to help maintain profitability and keep price integrity.
* Stabilization in the credit markets: There are some encouraging signs in the credit markets with interest rates at historically how levels and some company’s now accessing the market for liquidity. More than three-quarters of all respondents observed no change in their ability to access capital with only a few expressing increased access to capital and 15% seeing a decrease in access to capital.
“This survey reveals that our smaller companies are taking appropriate steps to weather the economic storm,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, OIA President & CEO. “These companies are critical components for our entire industry, and they have made appropriate changes that may accelerate the recovery timeline.”
As the report concludes, “In short, respondents maintain a realistic view of current business trends, sourcing costs, and inventory reductions which should benefit future profitability if sales trends remain stable or improve. While revenue declines are prevalent throughout the sector, for both retailers and vendors, we believe employment reductions; cheaper goods and fewer markdowns will stabilize margins in the second half of the year.”
A copy of the full report, as well as all OIA research is available to members at www.outdoorindustry.org.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous®, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.
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WorldNomads.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 range of activities to experience for free along the way.
Applications are now open for the ‘Van-Tastic Adventure’ which begins in August 2009 and will continue around the country for 11 months. Each team will travel for 6 weeks, covering a different state or territory of Australia and will be given suggested driving routes and itineraries, access to YHA hostels, national parks and camping sites.
“With the help of Australia’s state tourism organisations and backpacking industry, we’ve put together an impressive line up of activities for each team to experience, from surfing on the coast to exploring the outback,” says Amanda.
“The teams will choose where they go and share their adventures on the road, with 2 videos, 2 blog entries, and 10 photos posted online each week.
“At the end of each team’s adventure, they will have 2 weeks’ free internet access at a Global Gossip café to create a 3 to 5 minute min-documentary about their ‘Van-Tastic Adventure’ which will be posted online at WorldNomads.com
The most popular documentary, voted by the online travel community, will win $AUD10,000 cash, and 2 Virgin Blue domestic flights, each to the value of $A500.
To apply, budding filmmakers and charismatic travellers should visit http://vantastic.worldnomads.com and prepare a 2 minute or less video of themselves showing off their genuine lust for adventure and filmmaking skills.
Applications close 5 July 2009 for the first leg of the journey which starts in August in Cairns and ends in Brisbane in September.
For more information, details on the 7 legs of the Van-Tastic Adventure, and how to apply, visit http://vantastic.worldnomads.com.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
AUSTRALASIA
Stephanie Childs
S2i Communications
stephanie@s2i.com.au
+61 (0)416 009 035 NORTH AMERICA & REST OF WORLD
Alexia Nestora
Lasso Communications
alexia@lassocommunications.com
T: + 1 303.898.3376
F: + 1 303.993.5538
Editor’s Note: ATN shares this with its readers despite being on the fringe of our industry’s core “adventure”, as such promotional concepts more and more are attracting unusual volumes of attention while effectively leveraging the impact of social media and networking. Such approaches are viral, fun and engaging…and, they’re producing, just ask the promoters.
Adventure 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 events by the ATTA has directly contributed to program growth. For example, recent exploratory missions by the ATTA and its strategic partners have yielded participation from Scotland, Sweden and its first Middle East AP with the addition of JITOA.
“We see the ATTA as the best international partner for JITOA and for our members in developing the adventure tourism niche in Jordan to meet international standards and to pursue and achieve best practices,” said Nizar Al Adarbeh, Executive Director of the JITOA. “Our association with the ATTA will help us to improve our operations, sales, professionalism and visibility and to market Jordan globally as a unique and competitive adventure travel destination. We have already established new and strategic business linkages through the network ATTA offers for its members and partners.”
Combined, the ATTA’s AP program represents thousands of tour operators, accommodations and other travel companies. The ATTA launched the AP program in 2007 to better network and improve cooperation within the specialized sector. The AP also improves intelligence gathering and sharing among destinations and specialty niches of the industry, as well as on critical matters such as sustainable tourism, best practices, trends and research, marketing, risk management and matters essential to raising the quality and professionalism of the industry.
“Our Association Partnership program, along with similar alliances we’ve created with media outlets, travel agent organizations, the outdoor industry and strategic partners invested in a sustainable future, is helping to fulfill the ATTA’s mission,” said ATTA President Shannon Stowell. “And, connecting people within our industry and encouraging partnerships that make a difference is central to that mission.” Beyond the ATTA’s annual Adventure Travel World Summit events, it has invested in ‘The HUB,’ an online community for ATTA Members and Association Partners, which provides a more practical business-to-business platform for year-round connectivity.
In addition to the newly added associations, active members of the Association Partnership program include (listed by continent):
Africa
• Africa – Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA)
Asia
• Bhutan – Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators
• India – Indian Rafting Federation
• Nepal – Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
• Thailand – Thai Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association (TEATA)
North America
• Canada:
o Aventure Ecotourisme Quebec (AEQ)
o Paddling Ontario Alliance (POA)
o Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY)
• Mexico – Asociación Mexicana de Turismo de Aventura y Ecoturismo (AMTAVE), Mexican Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism
South America
• Argentina – Asociación Argentina de Ecoturismo y Turismo Aventura (AAETAV)
• Brazil – Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Turismo de Aventura (ABETA), Brazilian Adventure Travel Trade Association
• Chile – Corporación de Promoción Turistica (CPT), Tourism Promotion Corporation of Chile
• Dominican Republic – Organización Dominicana de Turismo Sostenible (ODTS)
• Ecuador – Ecuadorian Ecotourism Association (ASEC)
• Guyana – Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG)
• Peru – La Asociación Peruana de Turismo de Aventura y Ecoturismo (APTAE), Peruvian Association of Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism
• Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (TTITOA)
Oceania
• New Zealand – Tourism Industry Association New Zealand
Established in 1990, the Seattle-based ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. ATTA members include tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers. Host of the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive trade conferences (www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com), the ATTA also makes possible www.Adventure.Travel, the traveler’s hub of physical, cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour operators from around the globe.
# # #
ATTA AP Program Contact:
For information on association partnership opportunities, contact ATTA Vice President of Business Development Chris Chesak at cchesak@adventuretravel.biz.
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