Iconic American Brand Eddie Bauer Celebrates 90th Anniversary
February 25, 2010
SEATTLE — Specialty retailer Eddie Bauer, The Original Outdoor Outfitter®, is turning 90. When Mr. Bauer first opened for business in 1920, his “Eddie Bauer’s Tennis Shop” was renting space in a gun shop in downtown Seattle. Within a year he had his own storefront and became renowned as an outfitter and innovator. While he built his business serving hunters and fishermen of the Pacific Northwest, he went on to become America’s premier expedition outfitter during the golden age of Himalayan mountaineering.
Today, Eddie Bauer has approximately 364 stores in the United States and Canada, catalog and online businesses. The company offers premium-quality clothing, accessories and gear for men and women that complement today’s modern outdoor lifestyle. In October 2009, the company launched its First Ascent brand of guide-built gear, signaling a return to the company’s mountaineering roots as an expedition outfitter.
“For the past 90 years, the Eddie Bauer name has meant a lot of things to a lot of people across North America,” said Neil Fiske, President and CEO of Eddie Bauer. “This year, we are happy to celebrate the rich history of the company and the man who not only brought quality, outdoors apparel and gear into people’s homes and closets, but also outfitted some of the world’s greatest adventurers.”
Eddie Bauer, himself, dropped out of school at 14 to go to work. But his lack of formal education didn’t prevent him from producing an impressive string of “firsts” that established his reputation and built his company into an American icon:
First Guarantee In 1922, Eddie put his “100% unconditional lifetime guarantee” into writing. This promise was virtually unheard in the day and became the cornerstone of the Eddie Bauer standard of excellence. Long after he retired, Eddie called his guarantee the greatest of his contributions.
First Labrador Retriever In 1930, Eddie brought the first black Labrador retriever into Washington State. An expert hunter, he became a passionate advocate for the breed. In 1960, he formed Wanapum Kennels to raise champion field trial Labs. In 1974, he was named Retriever Breeder of the Year.
First American Shuttlecocks In 1933, Eddie developed a new badminton shuttlecock and formed Bauer’s Shuttles, Inc., “America’s Oldest Established Shuttlecock Manufacturing Firm.” His first two patents were for his shuttlecock.
First Down Jacket In 1935, after suffering life-threatening hypothermia on a winter fishing trip, Eddie built a prototype down jacket, the “Blizzard Proof.” A year later, he introduced the “Skyliner,” which became the first down jacket patented in America (D119122; 1940).
First Down Flight Suit In 1942, Eddie was asked by the U.S. Army Air Forces to design a “cold weather buoyancy flight suit.” The two main criteria were that it had to keep a flier warm while sitting still for up to three hours in -70°F; and in case the plane was shot down over water, it had to keep a flier with 25 pounds of gear afloat for up to 24 hours. Eddie’s down-insulated B-9 Parka and A-8 Flight Pants passed every test, and saved many lives.
First Mountaineering Parka In 1953, Eddie built his first mountaineering parka, the “Kara Koram,” for the American team attempting the first ascent of K2 in Pakistan. For 30 years, the Kara Koram became the standard of excellence for American climbers.
First Ascent of Gasherbrum I In 1958, Eddie outfitted the American team that made the first ascent of Gasherbrum I in Pakistan. It’s the only one of the world’s fourteen 8000-meter peaks first summited by an American team. For the first time, Eddie built the 1958 parkas using ripstop nylon as the shell fabric. It substantially reduced the weight while retaining significant durability.
First Ascent of Masherbrum In 1960, Eddie outfitted the American team that made the first ascent of Masherbrum in Pakistan.
First American Ascent of Everest In 1963, Eddie outfitted the American Mt. Everest Expedition with down parkas and sweaters, climbing pants, mittens and sleeping bags. On May 1, Jim Whittaker became the first American to reach the summit. On May 22, Barry Bishop, Lute Jerstand, Willi Unsoeld and Tom Hornbein also topped out. Unsoeld and Hornbein did it via the previously unclimbed West Ridge.
First Ascent of Mt. Kennedy In 1965, Eddie outfitted the expedition that made the first ascent of Mt. Kennedy in Canada’s Yukon. At that time, it was the highest unclimbed peak in North America. The first man to the top was Senator Robert F. Kennedy, brother of slain American President John F. Kennedy, for whom the mountain was named.
First Ascent of Mt. Vinson In 1966, Eddie outfitted the American Antarctica Mountaineering Expedition. They made first ascents of six peaks in the Sentinel Range, including Mt. Vinson, highest peak on the continent.
First American Ascent of Dhaulagiri In 1973, Eddie Bauer outfitted the American team that first summited the world’s seventh highest peak. The summiteers climbed without bottled oxygen.
First American Ascent of Peak Lenin In 1974, Eddie Bauer outfitted the first American team invited to climb in the Soviet Pamirs. Led by Pete Schoening, the expedition summited Peak Lenin and Peak XIX.
First Ascent of Nanda Devi North Ridge In 1976, Eddie Bauer outfitted the first team to summit Nanda Devi in India via the North Ridge.
First Ascent of Great Trango Tower In 1977, Eddie Bauer outfitted John Roskelley when he was part of the 5-man team to make the first ascent of Great Trango Tower in Pakistan.
First American Ascent of Makalu In 1980, Eddie Bauer outfitted the first American team to summit the world’s fifth highest peak. They climbed without supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support.
First Ascent of Everest East Face In 1983, Eddie Bauer outfitted the first team to summit the East Face of Mt. Everest. No one has successfully done so since.
First Ascent Gear In 2009, in collaboration with a dream team of world-class mountain guides, Eddie Bauer launched its new line of mountaineering gear, First Ascent, from the top of Mt. Everest. The First Ascent guides developed the line from the ground up, leading the design process, then testing the gear under some of the harshest mountain conditions throughout the world. Nothing goes to market without their consent. The team is led by Peter Whittaker, son of acclaimed mountaineer Lou Whittaker and nephew of Jim Whittaker, who wore Eddie Bauer gear on his historic first American ascent of Everest. Also part of the team is Ed Viesturs, the first American to summit all fourteen 8000-meter peaks without bottled oxygen; Dave Hahn, who has summited Everest 11 times, more than any non-Sherpa; and three accomplished guides from Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI), the largest mountain guide service in the U.S.: Melissa Arnot, Seth Waterfall, and Chad Peele. Lou and Jim Whittaker have acted as advisers to the team.
In 2010, Eddie Bauer will be celebrating its landmark 90th anniversary with a special one-day event on February 27, and with product launches and other events throughout the year, including the launch of its First Ascent ski collection this fall. As with its First Ascent mountaineering line, Eddie Bauer is working with backcountry guides to build and test ski gear and apparel in some of the alpine’s toughest conditions. Check out the BornOutThere blog at http://blog.firstascent.com/ to follow ski guides and brothers, Reggie and Zach Crist, and extreme skier, Lynsey Dyer, as they travel the country in search of conditions to put the gear to the test.
To learn more, visit the interactive, multimedia timeline at www.eddiebauer.com/heritage.
About Eddie Bauer
Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. The Eddie Bauer brand is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style and customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 364 stores throughout the United States and Canada, through catalog sales and online at eddiebauer.com.
Safe Harbor Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “intends,” “potential” and similar expressions. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, management’s assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate. We caution you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are not guarantees of future events, and we cannot assure you that such statements will be realized. In all likelihood, actual results will differ from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including our inability to hire, retain and train key personnel; delays in enhancement of our disclosure controls and procedures; our inability to revitalize Eddie Bauer as a premium quality brand; changes in general economic conditions, consumer confidence and consumer spending patterns; risks associated with legal and regulatory matters; risks associated with rising energy costs; risks associated with reliance on information technology; challenges as a result of our involvement in our former parent’s bankruptcy process; the diversion of management’s attention from operations while establishing post-emergence infrastructure; our inability to improve profitability of our retail stores, catalogs and website operations; our inability to source our requirements from our current sourcing agents; a significant disruption in our back-end operations; the inability of our joint venture partners to operate our joint ventures effectively; our inability to protect our trademarks and other proprietary intellectual property rights; unseasonable or severe weather conditions; our inability to use our net operating losses to reduce taxes; and the other risks identified in our periodic reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.
2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Finalists Announced
February 8, 2010
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the 12 finalists for the 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Under WTTC’s stewardship since 2003, the prestigious Awards recognise best practice in sustainable tourism in four different categories – Destination Stewardship, Conservation, Community Benefit and Global Tourism Business. Over 160 entries were received this year from over 45 countries.
The 12 finalists were selected by an international team of independent judges (ATN Editor’s note: In 2009, ATTA President Shannon Stowell was named to serve on the ‘finalist selection committee’ for the 2010 awards process - below the finalist list finalist one may view the selection committee, on-site evaluators, and winner selection committee) in each of the four award categories for having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism practices, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage, social and economic benefits to local people, and environmentally friendly operations.
Destination Stewardship Award
- Botswana Tourism Board – www.botswanatourism.co.bw
- Country of Montenegro, Ministry of Tourism – www.montenegro.travel
- Mount Huangshan Scenic Site, China – www.chinahuangshan.gov.cn
Conservation Award
- Emirates Hotels & Resorts, UAE – www.emirateshotelsresorts.com
- Inkaterra Perú SAC – www.inkaterra.com
- Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania – www.singita.com
Community Benefit Award
- Namibia’s Communal Conservancy Tourism Sector / NACSO -www.nacso.org.na
- Tourindia, India – www.tourindiakerala.com
- Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd, New Zealand – www.whalewatch.co.nz
Global Tourism Business Award
- Accor, France & Global – www.accor.com
- Banyan Tree Holdings, Singapore & Global – www.banyantree.com
- Wilderness Safaris, South Africa & Global – www.wilderness-safaris.com
**Winners will be announced May 26, 2010.
The Judges
Under the direction of the Chairman of Judges, Costas Christ, a judging panel of 15-20 judges, representing diverse professional backgrounds related to Travel & Tourim, and from different regions of the world, carries out the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards judging process. Together these judges make up the finalist selection committee, on-site evaluators, and winner selection committee. All play a critical role in the success of the Awards.
Chairman of Judges
2010 winner selection committee
2010 finalist selection committee
2010 on-site evaluators
Other site visits have also been conducted by Tony Charters, Costas Christ, Marilú Hernández and Michael Singh.
Outdoor Industry Association Awarded Portland Development Commission Grant for Development of Industry Eco Index
January 13, 2010
BOULDER, CO, January 13, 2010 – Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has received a $10,000 grant from the Portland Development Commission (PDC) that will allow OIA to finalize the development of the association’s Outdoor Product Environmental Leadership Standard (OPELS) project, a family of environmental leadership standards for outdoor products scheduled to debut in August 2010.
The Phase 1 Eco Index, scheduled to be released at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010, will include guidelines for packaging, product manufacturing and materials used in outdoor products as well as tools for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste. The initial Index will be open for beta testing by global brands. The final Eco Index will be released in winter 2011.
OIA has also announced plans to develop a companion tool focusing on fair labor practices and recently opened collaboration with the European Outdoor Group to ensure global adoption of the index.
OIA will hold a panel discussion January 22 at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2010 featuring product designers from major brands discussing the practical use and business case related to the adoption of the Packaging and Material Guidelines. The panel is a primer for designers on adopting the initial pieces of the index that will prepare companies to adopt the Phase 1 Index next year.
The OIA Eco Working Group, formed by OIA in 2007 to explore the issues of environmental sustainability as related to the outdoor industry, was instrumental in establishing the OPELS project, which will lead to the industry’s first environmental assessment tool or “Eco Index.” The OIA Eco Working Group consists of more than 125 individuals from more than 80 outdoor businesses collaborating to develop the index, which aims to contain environmental guidelines, environmental performance metrics and a comparative scoring system. PDC provided a grant of $30,000 in November 2008 to initiate the project.
“PDC is committed to providing a strong foundation for the outdoor industry’s first Eco Index, as a strategic initiative in building the region’s leadership and competitiveness in the outdoor industry,” said Bruce Warner, executive director of PDC.
“The Portland Development Commission has been an exemplary partner to our industry and its members,” commented Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association. “The PDC’s support of this project is instrumental in the final product and its long-term benefits for our businesses and ultimately, our consumers.”
The PDC funding has enabled OIA to use Portland-based Zero Waste Alliance as the working group’s project manager for the development of the index. Upon completion of the draft Eco Index, OIA will set a public comment period to collect additional stakeholder input.
“Portland is making a name for itself by being one of the greenest cities in America. The grant money PDC has earmarked for the OIA Eco Working Group provides a timely infusion to an effort that will likely have global implications and will reflect well on Portland, “added Jill Dumain, chair of the OIA Sustainability and Fair Labor Advisory Council and director of environmental analysis for Patagonia.
“We’ve worked with the outdoor industry for several years to identify the areas where PDC can be most supportive and are very pleased to provide funding to complete the creation of the OIA Eco Index. This grant responds to the industry’s desire to more clearly define ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ and leverages the efforts of several Portland companies committed to environmental responsibility, notably Columbia Sportswear, Keen and Nau,” added Jennifer Nolfi, PDC’s liaison to the outdoor industry.
Stakeholders interested in participating in the completion of the Eco Index are encouraged to contact Amy Roberts, OIA vice president, government affairs at aroberts@outdooindustry.org or 303.327.3511 for more information.
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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 more than 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 trade shows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.
About Portland Development Commission
PDC was created by Portland voters in 1958 to serve as the city’s urban renewal agency as laid out in Chapter 15 of the City’s Charter. PDC’s mission is to bring together resources to achieve Portland’s vision of a diverse, sustainable community with healthy neighborhoods, a vibrant central city, a strong regional economy, and quality jobs and housing for all.
Karen Boe
Media Relations for Outdoor Industry Association
Office (801) 484-8971
Cell (801) 230-5404
Email: kboe@outdoorindustry.org
New Study Sparks Adaptation Strategies for Adventure Tourism Companies Coping with Climate Change
December 30, 2009
Newly published research — Adventure Tourism Companies & Climate Change: Observations from the Himalaya, Amazon, and Polar Regions Spark Adaptation Strategies for Business — is available now in PDF format (Download now, 2.9mb: click here) and offers management and business practices for sustaining adventure travel businesses in sensitive environments affected by climate change. With international media buzzing on the topic, as a result of the UN Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) in Copenhagen, this report provides valuable research and actionable solutions for some of the first to be affected by climate change: adventure traveler operators.
The following preface to the study is offered by Editor and Adjunct Research Supervisor, Christina Heyniger, of Xola Consulting, who remains committed to observing and following trends and changes in the adventure industry and will continue to publish on this subject in the coming years:
In contrast to leisure tourism, where more emphasis may be placed on man-made settings, adventure tourism’s business model is thoroughly exposed to the slightest environmental changes.
Adventure tour operators, with products and services that depend on healthy natural environments, have a regular and direct connection to important environmental issues such as climate change.
Given that the broader tourism industry has mainly focused on adaptation strategies for two major travel sectors so far — coastal island and ski tourism – we felt it was worthwhile to examine the smaller players in remote environments.
Anticipated Benefit/Outcome of this Research: This research offers management and business practices for sustaining adventure travel businesses in sensitive environments affected by climate change.
We believe that while adventure tour operators may respond to climate impacts in varying ways depending on their location of their operations, they can apply similar business practices to cope with its effects. We hope that by sharing this research, adventure companies will continue learning from each others’ experiences.
A case study approach was used to examine operators in three different regions: polar, mountain and tropical forest.
Three companies agreed to participate in this study:
■ Snow Leopard Adventures; Uttarkhand, India
■ Quark Expeditions; Arctic and Antarctic
■ Amazon Tree Climbing; Manaus, Brazil
Findings:
The overall trend that we observe is that climate change has not yet had a significant effect on the polar or tropical region adventure tour operators interviewed, but has affected tour operations in India’s Himalaya mountain region slightly more. All of the companies interviewed are implementing operational and management focus towards climate change adaptation.
Study Contributors: This paper was developed by Cambridge University student Ryan Piotrowski in collaboration with Christina Heyniger of Xola Consulting – who served as the study’s Editor and Adjunct Research Supervisor – from June – September 2009. Special thanks is given to Parth Joshi from Snow Leopard Adventures, Ltd, New Delhi, Bill Davis, Francesco Contini and Prisca Campbell of Quark Expeditions and Eduardo Cunha of Amazon Tree Climbing for so generously sharing their time, experiences, and field observations.
Executive Summary
With their close relationship to the environment, adventure tourism companies feel and react to climate impacts to different degrees depending on location, but can follow similar business practices to cope with its effects. Common strategic, operational and marketing practices can be used to reduce business threats and take advantage of business opportunities as a result of climate change. As climate change effects become more prevalent and pronounced, companies need to proactively engage in adaptation, moving beyond a corporate responsibility mindset to the application of strategies to manage its business impacts. In reviewing the various adaptation methods currently applied, a general adaptive framework emerges for making climate change part of business and operational strategy.
Data gathered in interviews with three adventure tour companies in different environments — polar, mountain, and tropical forest — reveal ideas for specific climate adaptation techniques and strategic guidance for other adventure tour companies and the tourism industry in general. The interviewed companies’ practices indicate that some adaptation methods for increased extreme weather events have always been practiced, while the long-term impacts of climate change have not significantly affected operations and strategy.
The graphic below summarizes the climate effect companies highlighted in this paper can expect to experience over time. The companies participating in this study are a polar cruise company that operates in the Arctic and Antarctic, a Himalayan- based adventure company, and a tree climbing operator in the Amazon. A brief review of climate change in the interviewed companies’ specific regions is provided along with a discussion of each region’s general climate conditions.
Surprisingly, we observe that climate change has not yet caused significant changes in business for the polar or tropical region tour operators interviewed, but has affected tour operations in the Himalayan mountain region of Uttarakhand, India. Regardless, all of the companies interviewed are beginning preparation to adapt through education and training, while slight itinerary changes have been a response to any existing climate impacts. Subtle differences between the companies are highlighted to provide insight towards future adaptation techniques.
Our research indicates that while adventure tour operators may not be adapting as rapidly as we expected to climate change, opportunities and threats from climate change need to be understood and managed as soon as possible. Strategy, operations and marketing highlight some initial areas for discussion around climate change adaptation. In order to adapt to climate change an Adventure Tourism Climate Change Adaptation model is recommended for the adventure travel industry based on existing models, interview findings. Adventure travel companies must proactively and dynamically engage in strategic adaptation to climate change in order to sustain their business.
OpenTravel Launches the OpenTravel Forum
December 22, 2009
Editor’s Note: Long-time partners of the ATTA, the Open Travel Alliance, a community where companies in the electronic distribution supply chain work together to create an accepted structure for electronic messages, opened a new forum for professionals within the adventure travel sector to actively contribute to the dialogue. Below, please find OTA’s Executive Director Valyn Perini’s open invitation to participate:
“Members and friends of OpenTravel,
Over the years, hundreds of you have used the OpenTravel Implementers Forum to post your questions or comments about implementing OpenTravel schema. Built on the free Google Groups platform, this forum was technically unsophisticated and completely unmoderated by OpenTravel. It met a need, but had limited usefulness.
We’ve heard your requests for a more robust Forum to use as a resource for your implementations of OpenTravel schema, so we are delighted to announce the launch of the OpenTravel Forum.
Built on phpBB, a well-known open source bulletin board application, the OpenTravel Forum has all the functionality you’d expect from a full-featured discussion board, with forums for:
* Architecture
* Hospitality
* Transport
* Travel Services
* Tours and Activities
* Implementers Discussion
We’ve also included OpenTravel documentation, mailing list subscription, events and announcements, and feedback boards, as well as the OpenTravel Showcase where companies that provide tools, services or technologies to assist in the implementation of OpenTravel schemas can post about their offerings.
Best of all, for employees of OpenTravel member companies, several of the discussion forums are moderated by individuals who have in-depth experience with OpenTravel schema and their implementation in production environments. Members can post a question and get an answer from a moderator within 24 hours (Monday to Friday). For more details on forum moderation, check out the FAQs.
We hope you’ll take advantage of this tool to make your implementations of OpenTravel schema successful!
Please forward this email to anyone in your company who might be interested in this service.
Kind regards,
Valyn Perini”
_____________________
Ms. Valyn Perini
Executive Director
OpenTravel Alliance
+1 978 263 7606
www.opentravel.org
On Twitter: @valynp and @opentravel
On LinkedIn: OpenTravel Group
On Skype: valyn.perini
First ISO Adventure Tourism Working Group Meeting Set for October 23, Adjacent to 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit in Québec, Canada
August 26, 2009
Summit Gains Traction as Organizers Schedule Around ATTA’s Annual Conference
(SEATTLE) – Led by two authoritative standards organizations – Brazil’s Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT) and the United Kingdom’s BSI, endorsed by the global Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and backed by a 27-country ISO vote, the newly formed ISO Adventure Tourism Working Group (ISO TC 228) has scheduled its first meeting adjacent to the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit October 19-22 in Charlevoix, Québec, Canada.
The ISO group’s October 23rd meeting coincides with other specialized tourism entities that are scheduling meetings and events throughout the ATTA’s annual fall Summit. For 2009, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), VAST (Virtuoso Active & Specialty Travel), ABETA – the Adventure and Ecotourism Association of Brazil, and Trusted Adventures, a collection of U.S.-based tour operators, each will collaborate with the ATTA in assembling co-located meetings and activities. Increasingly, the ATTA is fielding special requests for Summit adjacency meetings so that complementary organizations may take advantage of the annual assembly of hundreds of adventure tourism industry professionals.
Created as a forum to discuss and establish standards to key issues that affect tourism industry competitiveness and development in the long term, the ISO TC 228, together with the Brazilian and U.K. standards organizations, invite delegates and experts from all over the world to contribute to this meeting. It is the first time that “Adventure Tourism” is being recognized by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization – www.iso.org), the world’s largest developer and publisher of International Standards.
Global standardization in the field of adventure tourism is designed to promote good practices and improve the quality, safety and services within the adventure tourism sector. In recent years, many different countries have developed various initiatives to organize and develop standards for adventure tourism. The very existence of the multiplicity of solutions in the global market led to broad industry support for the pursuit of consensus-based International Standards.
Proposed by the national standards bodies (NSBs) of Brazil and the United Kingdom (ABNT & BSI), the new Working Group on Adventure Tourism will focus on developing working plans that lead to three new areas of International Standards including:
- Safety management requirements (including a glossary of terms),
- Leader/guide competence/cies, and
- Minimum information provided to clients.
In addition to Summit delegates, countries forming the TC228 will invite their respective experts and delegates to the inaugural meeting. The overall approach proposed for this new standard has the potential to lead to improved coordination and enhancement of the application of standards for specific activities in each country through the provision of a common, fundamental approach to risk assessment and management. Lead NSBs include: ABNT – the Brazilian Standardization Body, responsible for the development of the Brazilian national standards and responsible for represent Brazil at the international level in regional and global standardization discussions; and BSI – a U.K.-based global independent business services organization providing standard-based solutions in more than 120 countries.
To align expectations from all participants, the ISO TC 228 is beginning to establish the meeting agenda with all the stakeholders For more information about the ISO TC 228 Adventure Tourism Working Group meeting, contact Janaina Zonzin, ABETA Public Relations Coordinator, 55 31 3261 5707, janaina@abeta.com.br.
# # #
About the International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO, the world’s largest developer and publisher of International Standards, is a network of the national standards institutes of 162 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system. ISO is a non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private sectors. On the one hand, many of its member institutes are part of the governmental structure of their countries, or are mandated by their government. On the other hand, other members have their roots uniquely in the private sector, having been set up by national partnerships of industry associations. Therefore, ISO enables a consensus to be reached on solutions that meet both the requirements of business and the broader needs of society.
About the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA): Established in 1990, the 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, 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.
OpenTravel Announces 2009-2010 Board of Directors
August 13, 2009
(August 12, 2009) – The OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel), the travel industry’s leading distribution specification standards development organization, announced its board of directors for 2009-2010. For the first time, the board includes representatives from the timeshare/vacation rental and tour operators segments.
“The travel distribution world is changing, and OpenTravel is changing along with it. We know emerging travel segments like vacation rental, golf and tour operators are poised to explode their online distribution capabilities,” said Valyn Perini, executive director of OpenTravel. “With representation on the board from companies in the vanguard of these emerging segments, we are well-positioned to provide to these segmentsthe value of standard messaging and interoperability.”
Air Carrier Board Representative
Michelle Aaron, Director Application Development, PSS Replacement, American Airlines
Hotel Company Board Representative
Lisa Fues, Director of Reservations, Inventory and Distribution, Marriott International
Rental Car Company Board Representatives
John Turato, Vice President Technology, Avis Budget Group
James White, Director of Global Automated Marketing, The Hertz Corporation
At-Large Supplier Board Representative
Eric Mason, Vice President Global Product Development, Group RCI/Wyndham Worldwide
Non-Supplier Board Representatives
Greg Berman, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, HBSi, an IBS Group Company
Lew Harasymiw, Director of Interface Solutions, SynXis/Sabre
Stephen Joyce, Chief Executive Officer, RezGo
Kevin Short, Client Industry Executive for Global Travel and Hospitality, EDS
International Board Representative
John Lambe, Chief Technology Office, OpenJaw Technologies
“The travel community is made up of hundreds of players, many of which have not been a part of the e-distribution landscape. I’m excited about the opportunity to help shape distribution standards for the tens of thousands of small businesses that make up the tour and activity segment,” said Stephen Joyce, CEO of RezGo. “The impact standards will have on this emerging segment will be significant, will help drive local economies and open up a world of distribution opportunities for enterprises both large and small. OpenTravel has a big role to play in fostering innovation in this relatively untapped and under-represented segment of the travel community.”
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.
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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First Ascent Team Summits Everest, Including ATTA Advisory Board Emeritus Member Viesturs
May 22, 2009
Viesturs and Whittaker Return Eddie Bauer to the Top of the World
SEATTLE, WA – On the morning of May 19, two legendary mountaineers on the First Ascent “Return to Everest” expedition reached the highest point on Earth. Ed Viesturs and Peter Whittaker stood on the summit with members of their production crew before descending to High Camp at 26,000 feet. Forced to spend an extra 24 hours in the “death zone” while waiting for high winds and whiteout conditions to improve, the team began their final summit push around 11:00 p.m. on the evening of May 18. Their successful summit comes 46 years and 18 days after Whittaker’s uncle, Jim, became the first American to do so, on May 1, 1963.
The common thread between the two expeditions besides the Whittaker name: Eddie Bauer was the outfitter, then and now. First Ascent marks Eddie Bauer’s return to its heritage as America’s original expedition outfitter.
The Return to Everest expedition includes several of the world’s most celebrated mountain guides and has introduced breakthrough video and audio production techniques to make the extreme challenge of climbing Mt. Everest accessible in ways never before possible. The unprecedented, virtually live coverage of the dramatic climb to the top, including the First Ascent blog with daily posts from the climbers, has created an avid online following.
As Viesturs and Whittaker return to Base Camp, the other team members are moving up for their own summit push. Led by another renowned First Ascent guide, Dave Hahn, the second team includes Seth Waterfall, Melissa Arnot and a client. Dave Hahn has more Everest summits than any other non-Sherpa. If successful, this campaign will mark his eleventh summit.
With Whittaker and Viestur’s triumph, Eddie Bauer returns to its roots. In addition to outfitting the 1963 American Mt. Everest Expedition, Eddie Bauer outfitted many other historical first ascents in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. For the past 18 months, Eddie Bauer has been working with their First Ascent guide team in developing the new First Ascent mountaineering gear. The “Return to Everest” expedition marks the expeditionary launch of the new line.
“This is a milestone for us,” Eddie Bauer President and CEO Neil Fiske says. “It puts us literally back on top of the world. We outfitted some of America’s most famous expeditions. And now with First Ascent and this team of climbers, we’re bridging our past with our future.”
Positioned as “guide built gear,” First Ascent takes a new approach to designing and developing gear. Fiske, along with Peter Whittaker, assembled a “dream team” of world-class mountain guides to lead every step of the development process. “Our goal was simple,” said Whittaker, “build the best gear in the world.” Every component of every First Ascent piece was signed-off on by the First Ascent guide team. Because in their words, “We live in the mountains. Our clothes are our life support.”
Five of the six First Ascent guides are participating in the Return to Everest climb. Those five include:
Ed Viesturs The only American to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen, Ed is recognized the world over as a mountaineering legend. This is his seventh Everest summit.
Peter Whittaker Co-owner of Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI), the largest guide service in the U.S., Peter has been a professional mountain guide for 25 years. This is his third Everest expedition and his first summit. Peter has said that part of his motivation on this 2009 climb was to restore some balance to the bragging rights at Whittaker family reunions. By mid-June, more than 50 RMI guides around the world (and many of their clients) will be outfitted in First Ascent gear.
Dave Hahn Acknowledged as America’s leading Himalayan guide, Dave has summited Everest more times (10) than any non-Sherpa in history. This year, he’s guiding a client, and many of his blog posts from the mountain outline the strategies for successfully climbing in the Himalaya.
Melissa Arnot This is Melissa’s second Everest expedition. In 2008, she reached the top as part of EVEREST TEAM INSPI(RED) to help raise awareness for the organization (RED) and its work for people in Africa suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Seth Waterfall While this is his first trip to the Himalaya, Seth has guided on Rainier, Kilimanjaro and Denali; and he has multiple first ski descents to his credit. He’ll be assisting Dave in guiding their client up the mountain.
The continuing drama is unfolding daily on the Born Out There blog: blog.firstascent.com. Groundbreaking video, still photography and written personal accounts by the climbers create a stunning, enthralling experience.
Eddie Bauer’s mountaineering history:
To learn more, visit blog.firstascent.com.
For interview requests and more information, contact:
Anita Woo (425) 755-8832
anita.woo@eddiebauer.com
Melanie Dennig (212) 889-1700
melanie@turnerpr.com
About Eddie Bauer
Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells casual sportswear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle, as well as expedition-class mountaineering gear. The Eddie Bauer brand is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style and customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 365 stores throughout the United States and Canada, through catalog sales and online at eddiebauer.com.
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