Member News & Profiles
New Fall Harvard Extension School Course Explores Sustainable Tourism
September 2, 2010
CAMBRIDGE, MA — Tourism is considered by the United Nations as one of the largest industries in the world, but its diverse, global footprint can threaten ecosystems and local cultures worldwide. Recognizing the need for formal training in the area of sustainable tourism, the Harvard Extension School this fall offers the new course, Environmental Management of International Tourism Development—both online and on campus—as part of its Graduate Program in Sustainability and Environmental Management. Taught by sustainable tourism expert Megan Epler Wood, the course lays out specific methodologies for managing tourism sustainably worldwide. Lectures and readings on the global tourism industry’s business and supply chain models preface an in-depth review of how mainstream tourism companies can more effectively take on the challenge of environmental management worldwide. Explains Ms. Wood, “Industries around the world are making environmental management an integral part of their... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesAdventureSmith Explorations Helps Guide Return Of Small Ship Adventure Cruising To Alaska’s Inside Passage
September 1, 2010
Two Newly Refurbished Ships and Never Before Offered Activities All Set for the 2011 Season Where the Concept of Active Cruising Began Tahoe City, CA–AdventureSmith Explorations, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships returns to the Alaskan wilderness in the summer of 2011 with two newly renovated ships and a variety of unprecedented off-ship activities. The redesigned vessels now in place for next summer are the same pioneering small ships that AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president, Todd Smith, helped design and direct during their first deployment to Alaska in the 1990s. They were the first cruises of their kind to offer enough kayaks and gear to accommodate every passenger during off-vessel wilderness activities which evolved to become the primary focus of today’s adventure cruise. “When these ships (the M/V Wilderness Adventurer and M/V Wilderness Discoverer) were pulled in 2005... Read More →
WorldNomads.com Increases Travel Insurance Coverage Age
August 31, 2010
WorldNomads.com has an exciting update to their insurance coverage for US residents. In response to ATTA member feedback to raise the maximum age limit of their travel insurance, World Nomads will increase its maximum age limit for US customers from under 61 years old to under 66 years old at trip departure. WorldNomads.com realizes the need to continuously improve their product and they hope this change further demonstrates their commitment to ATTA members to provide the best travel safety products, content and services in the market. For more information on the WorldNomads.com travel insurance product contact Christina Tunnah - christina.tunnah@worldnomads.com Read More →
ATTA Member Profiles
Cyclomundo
August 30, 2010
Cycling tours in France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland Cyclomundo is a one-of-a-kind travel company offering a diverse array of cycling vacations: guided and self-guided, pre-arranged or customized, leisurely or challenging… even some based around cyclosportive events like the Etape du Tour. Our tours are perfect for independent riders, families, friends, and groups of varying levels – you can choose elements “a la carte” for your trip in all regions of France as well as some regions in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland. Based in France, Cyclomundo was born out of our founder’s life-long love of cycling. Our philosophy is to use local experts who passionately share their heritage with guests and to adhere to the concept of sustainable development. Cyclomundo’s goal is for clients to experience the cultural, regional, historical and gastronomical heritage of their chosen destination and, of course, to have great, healthy fun on their bicycling adventure Through the ATTA, we seek... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesJITOA wins a one year grant from JEDCO/JSMP
August 30, 2010
The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) announce wining a grant worth 100.000 Euros from the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) and signed the grant agreement Monday for over one year period under the Jordan Services Modernisation Programme (JSMP) managed by JEDCO. The grant is funded by the European Commission (EC-Financed and JE managed) for implementation of the action entitled “Developing the Capacity of JITOA and its Members”. The grant aims at implementing several projects and activities within the association’s strategies to build on JITOA capacity development and sustainability through enhancing the performance and profitability of its members, and enhancing JITOA communication and networking channels within the tourism industry. Mohammad Samih, JITOA Chairman said “we anticipate quantifiable outcomes from the activities that will be implemented under this grant due to the various opportunities it will offer to our members and the tourism sector... Read More →
ATTA Member Profiles
Seascape Kayak Tours
August 19, 2010
Seascape Kayak Tours has been offering unique, small-group interpretive sea kayaking experiences in Canada and Costa Rica for more than 15 years. The company enjoys a loyal customer following in both locations, where fully guided expeditions – from day trips to week-long adventures – focus on education, wildlife observation and sound environmental practices. “Our goal is to offer guests the highest quality sea kayaking experience possible,” says founder and owner Bruce Smith. “Our mission is to help our clients develop a sense of place and make an authentic personal connection to the natural environment. When they do this, they become willing to help protect it.” Seascape Kayak Tours has built its reputation on exceptional quality, extensive experience, high safety standards, personalized, friendly service, and a strong commitment to the culture, history and natural environment of each of its areas of operation. Bruce Smith and his team of guides is headquartered June through... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesEcoventura’s Santiago Dunn in The International Ecotourism Society’s Spotlight As an Award Designee and Featured Conference Panelist
August 19, 2010
MIAMI, Aug. 17, 2010 – Ecoventura, the pacesetter for responsible tourism to the Galapagos, announces Executive President Santiago Dunn will be a guest panelist at the The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), September 8-10 in Portland, OR. Dunn, on behalf of his visionary, small-ship expedition cruise company, Ecoventura, is also a finalist for TIES’ 2010 first annual Innovation Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Award that will be announced at the Presentation Ceremony during the closing reception on Friday, Sept. 10. On Sept. 9 during the Tour Operators roundtable discussion on sustainable tourism business strategies Dunn will discuss how since 1999 Ecoventura has become a recognized leader in sustainable tourism to the Galapagos Islands. Through its core commitment to the ongoing sustainability of this fragile and at-risk ecosystem, Ecoventura is a case study for communities and regions seeking to discourage the negative effects... Read More →
Member Press Releases Trade EventsSpecial Denver Premiere: “Global Sustainability: Central America to Maine”
August 19, 2010
Presented by AFAR Magazine In Cooperation with Denver Green Drinks Special Guest Speaker: Joshua Berman, Author of “Moon Nicaragua” Please join Green Living Project for it’s newest multi-media event showcasing cutting-edge global sustainability stories! This exciting event features projects across Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Maine)! Special 20% Off Coupon at Tattered Cover Book Store. Plus, complimentary food, beer, beverages, free giveaways for the first 50 attendees, LIVE music, and much more! A voluntary $10 donation is requested at the door, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a featured GLP Project – chosen by YOU! Join us for this Special Denver event! HIGHLIGHTS - Popular multi-media event on global sustainability - Special 20% Off* Coupon at Tattered Cover Book Store - 1st 50 attendees receive free gear giveaways - Complimentary food by Mad Greens, Mercury Cafe, Chipotle - Beer and beverages compliments of New Belgium... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBook the Adventure of a Lifetime with AvidTrips.com; BETA Site Launches
August 19, 2010
New York, NY – AvidTrips, a next generation online adventure travel marketplace, today announced the launch of its beta site, www.AvidTrips.com. Featuring a rapidly growing inventory of horseback riding, bicycling, mountain climbing, hiking/trekking and safari tours, the new website is an encompassing resource for both searching and booking authentic, transformational travel experiences around the globe. AvidTrips offers the rare opportunity of connecting travelers directly with local tour operators, providing a trustworthy platform to ask technical questions on everything from gear and equipment to local conditions. Users will also find side-by-side comparison of rates, difficulty levels and routes among different operators, and can easily book on AvidTrips.com – at no service charge. “We’re excited to bring transparency and efficiency to one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry,” said Sanem Eruçar, Founder and CEO. “While adventure... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBruce Smith of Seascape Kayak Tours Wins Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award
August 18, 2010
Richardson, Deer Island, New Brunswick– It was announced August 13 in Fredericton, N.B., by New Brunswick’s Environment Minister, Rick Miles, that Bruce Smith of Seascape Kayak Tours Inc. is the winner of the Department of Environment’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition is one of six Environmental Leadership Awards presented annually to individuals, groups and businesses in New Brunswick that demonstrate exceptional leadership in the enhancement and protection of the environment. A panel of independent judges selected the recipients, who will be honored later in the year. “I deeply appreciate the support and confidence placed in me by the Department of Environment and by our provincial government,” said Smith, founder and owner of Seascape Kayak Tours. “This important recognition is an honor not only to me, but to the entire Seascape team, without which it would not be possible.” A Canadian leader in sustainable adventure travel and ecotourism, Seascape Kayak Tours... Read More →
