SEE Turtles Conservation Pricing Shows Travelers How Their Dollars Are Making a Difference
March 30, 2010
BEAVERTON, OR — Conservation tourism has surged in popularity as travelers continue to seek meaningful opportunities to immerse in and support the natural environments and communities they visit. However, it can be difficult for tour participants to determine just how much of their financial commitment directly benefits conservation projects and the local economies. SEE Turtles has eliminated this guessing game with a unique pricing model that clearly lays out the economic impact of conservation tourism dollars on environmental sustainability and responsible community development. Conservation tourism is travel that supports efforts to protect endangered species through fees and donations and benefits local communities. It can increase awareness and appreciation for our planet’s environmental and ecological concerns among participants while delivering a much-needed sustainable source of revenue for conservation efforts. These tours also provide a viable economic development alternative... Read More →
ATTA Press ReleasesAustralia and Africa Tourism Associations Join ATTA’s Network
March 30, 2010
(SEATTLE) – Adding to its global network of tourism associations, the Adventure Travel Trade Association has secured new agreements with the Australia Tourism Export Council (ATEC)/Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel (BTAP) and the U.K.-based African Travel and Tourism Association, now marketed under the title, Advancing Tourism to Africa. Dubbed the Association Partnership (AP) program, the Adventure Travel Trade Association has assembled 25 organizations since the AP’s 2007 inception, each of which share a common interest in actively collaborating to unify, network, promote, professionalize and responsibly grow the adventure travel market. Productive peer-to-peer networking and community collaboration continue to serve as the driving force behind increased participation in the AP program. With the newest member additions, these alliances will help expand marketing networks between North America and European organizations with those in Australia and Africa. Nigel Vere Nicoll, CEO of... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesGlobal Rescue Sponsors Climb up an Unexplored Side of World’s Fifth-tallest Peak
March 25, 2010
Participants in the 2010 Shared Summits Makalu Expedition arrived in Nepal on Wednesday, their sights set on the world’s fifth-tallest peak. The ambitious climb sponsored by Global Rescue is ground-breaking, as the group will be the first to attempt a route along Makalu’s South Face. Overall, this marks the tenth time that an American team has attempted a new route on an 8,000 meter (24,000 foot) peak. Only 13 Americans before this group have successfully conquered Makalu, the “Great Black.” Accompanying climbers Chris Warner and Marty Schmidt is a team of filmmakers who are making a documentary on the historic ascent. Warner is the President of Earth Treks, Inc, has been on more than 160 international mountaineering expeditions, and is a motivational speaker for corporate executives on the topic of leadership. Marty Schmidt has spent years as a guide on Mt. Everest and has set speed records on both Cho Oyu and Aconcagua. Global Rescue regularly rescues injured climbers from the... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesGap Adventures to Resume Tour Operations on Peru’s Inca Trail after April 1
March 25, 2010
Toronto — Gap Adventures is pleased to announce the resumption of tours to Peru’s majestic Inca Trail following April 1, 2010. The trail, which leads to the mountain-top citadel of Machu Picchu, was closed following a series of recent mudslides which rendered the tourist hotspot nearly inaccessible. “The Inca Trail has long been one of our most popular destinations and I’m thrilled that we can continue providing life-changing visits to one of the world’s true wonders,” said Gap Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip. “We’re delighted that our trips will help rebuild the local economy and bring a bit of happiness back into the lives of locals after such a difficult period.” Local authorities have stated that both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu will reopen April 1, 2010. Gap Adventures intends to make every effort possible to operate scheduled itineraries to the region in the immediate period following that reopening date. However, due to limited... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesEndangered Species, Ancient Culture and Voluntourism Combine in Planeterra’s New-for-2010 Project China
March 24, 2010
TORONTO – With fewer than 1,000 giant pandas left in the world, travelers on Planeterra’s new Project China voluntour will have an opportunity to directly participate in efforts to protect this endangered species. Voluntourists at the Bifengxia Research Centre will work with trained conservationists in meeting the day to day needs of its resident bears, many of which were relocated from Wolong Center, previously the world’s largest panda conservation center. Wolong was badly damaged by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. New for 2010, this tour is just 1 of 11 new programs Planeterra has added to its range of over 20 voluntours in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Planeterra’s Director, Richard G. Edwards sees this tour as an unusual opportunity to be able to conduct this kind of voluntourism in China. “This voluntour will give our travelers a chance to work in China at the largest panda reserve in the world, while also visiting many highlights of one of the most culturally rich nations... Read More →
Media Buzz Member Press ReleasesOutside Television Announces New Senior Executive Hires
March 24, 2010
Carmine Parisi appointed as SVP of Sales and Catherine Rasenberger tapped to lead Distribution Expansion NEW YORK, NY – Outside Television, the active lifestyle network formed in partnership with Outside Magazine, today announced the appointment of media sales veteran Carmine Parisi as Senior Vice President of Sales, and cable industry veteran Catherine Rasenberger as EVP of Distribution on a consulting basis. Parisi will manage all of the sales initiatives for Outside Television, which he identifies as a network that is “poised for rapid expansion.” Parisi says, “We have the right executive management team, brand, positioning, and assets to grow aggressively. Outside Television will satisfy the needs of advertisers looking for unique, integrated marketing solutions targeting an upscale, passionate, and active audience.” Parisi comes to Outside Television from the National Football League where he expanded the NFL network and NFL.com by five times between 2006 and 2009 in his... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesRenowned Naturalist Kitty Coley to Lead International Expeditions Galapagos Voyage Starting July 9
March 23, 2010
Guest Leader and Expert to Highlight the Islands’ Unique Ecosystems BIRMINGHAM, AL – Kitty Coley, noted geologist, naturalist and avid birder, will join International Expeditions’ July 9, 2010 Galapagos Voyage as special guest lecturer. A consultant to National Geographic magazine, Kitty has more than 12 years of leading natural history tours for both National Geographic and the Smithsonian. The world leader in nature travel, IE is well known for providing high caliber guest lecturers such as Kitty Coley, who help deepen the experience of journeys to natural outposts such as the Galapagos Islands. Mixing popular sightseeing spots and less-visited gems on the 10-day tour, the voyage will unfold the islands’ legendary deserts, beaches, lush highland forests and volcanoes, a flourishing treasure trove of plants and animals, many found nowhere else in the world. Along the way, Kitty Coley’s lectures will offer travelers a deeper understanding of this ecological wonder. Coley,... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesJordan Travel Mart 2010 a Success
March 18, 2010
McLean, VA – On February 21-23, 2010, over 100 Travel professionals from North and South America met with their Jordanian counterpart at the Third Annual Jordan Travel Mart in the Dead Sea. Media personnel from the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Jordan were also in attendance covering this three day event with Albert Herrera, Vice President of Hotels, Destinations, and Tours at Virtuoso, as well as Phil Otterson, President of the American Tourism Society as keynote speakers. Pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments between travel specialists along with workshops and presentations from the Airport International Group, led by CEO Curtis Grad, as well as Performance Media Group and Baxter Travel Media, were some of the highlights of the event. The Marriot Jordan Valley Dead Sea and Spa hosted the opening dinner with a Bedouin-style reception. The subsequent dinners took place at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea and Movenpick Dead Sea, each boasting their own unique themes. During the event... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesIncident involving Quasar Nautica Expeditions’ M/S Alta
March 18, 2010
Editor’s Note: ATTA Member Quasar Nautica Expeditions‘ contacted the ATTA March 18, 2010, to share background on a recent development from the Galapagos. The following Incident Report was released March 18, 2010: Incident involving the M/S Alta March 18, 2010 18h00 GMT The Vessel M/S Alta On March 17, 2010 at 8:30 PM local time (14h30 GMT), while entering the harbor at Puerto Ayora, on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador, the M/S Alta, struck a reef and was unable to free itself. Passenger & Safety The passengers were evacuated to the nearby waterfront in a safe and orderly fashion with the assistance of the Galapagos National Park vessels, the Ecuadorian Navy and the crew of the Alta. No injuries were reported and arrangements were made for the passengers to stay at an ocean front hotel where their tour is continuing with a visit to Charles Darwin Station and the Santa Cruz highlands to view tortoises in the wild. Puerto Ayora is the main port and... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesBarefoot Holidays St. Lucia Ltd
March 18, 2010
Barefoot Holidays St. Lucia, the premier Destination Management Company on the Caribbean island offers a wide range of services to all incoming visitors and continuously seeks to exceed client expectations. Our soft adventure programs give visitors the opportunity to discover the unsurpassed beauty of St. Lucia, its culture, history and most importantly meet its people. For many years we have been creating life enriching experiences and providing treasured memories for our clients. We offer a host of services to incoming visitors which include but are not limited to the following: Programs/Activities for adventure and sporting enthusiasts Special Interest group tours Incentive groups VIP groups Enjoyable Island excursions Cruise Ship excursions Airport/Hotel Transfers Meet & Greet services for all arriving and departing passengers Tour Operator representation services Destination Wedding and honeymoon planning and co-ordination Hotel and Villa bookings Travel agent assistance Barefoot... Read More →
