Trade News
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 →
ATTA EventsFirst ATTA Regional Meeting in Sweden: Thursday, September 2nd
September 1, 2010
This Thursday, September 2, 2010, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) will hold its first Adventure/Nature Tourism Regional Meeting in Sweden. The ATTA-Västsvenska Turistrådet (West Sweden Tourist Board) meeting will be held in Gothenburg between 14:00 and 17:00. The event is open to all travel industry professionals, and will be conducted in English. Click here for Free Registration (required). Agenda Introductions – Fanny Bergström and Joakim Hermanson of Västsvenska Turistrådet/West Sweden Tourist Board Fanny and Joakim will start the meeting to present the strategy for nature tourism for West Sweden ATTA’s Vice President Chris Doyle will deliver a briefing that includes: North American and adventure tourism research & trends Macro-trends in global adventure tourism Sustainability in adventure tourism ATTA News & Initiatives Briefing, including the 2010 Adventure Travel World Summit After... Read More →
Featured Article
Just Released: Adventure Tourism Market Report
August 30, 2010
The George Washington University (GW), the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Xola Consulting (Xola) undertook a benchmark study of the Adventure Travel Market in 2009. The goal of the study was to gain a better understanding of the size and characteristics of this important market segment. Several key findings were revealed, including that adventure travelers are affluent, educated, and spent more than $89 billion (excluding airfare and gear/clothing) on adventure tourism in 2009. For a summary of the study, please read the previous article, which has been widely reported in the media, including coverage by Reuters that has been syndicated out to news sites in the United States, Philippines, Canada, Arabia, Ukraine and New Zealand. Xola Cosulting and the ATTA are publishing the full results of the research report in order to fully reveal the potential of the growing adventure tourism market. Click here to download the report for free. Read More →
Must Read/ViewSave the Serengeti: ATTA Update
August 25, 2010
In June, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) signed and advocated an urgent petition on behalf of Save the Serengeti, an alliance of independent organizations concerned about the detrimental effect a proposed highway in Tanzania will have on the Serengeti National Park and its wildlife inhabitants. This update to the information of the original ATTA article provides the results of an economic impact study run by the group, including a survey of international tour companies. The study clearly demonstrates how the highway would also have negative and likely permanent consequences on Tanzanian tourism industry, which plays a key role in the country’s economy. Also included here is a letter of support for Save the Serengeti’s cause from the African Travel and Tourism Association, which is an Association Partner of ATTA. Download the Economic Impact Statement overview [PDF] Download the Economic Impact Statement full report [PDF] Click to view Letter of Support - full size Read More →
World Big Cat Safaris & The Ultimate Year of the Tiger in 2011
August 25, 2010
A Visit To Two Of India’s Finest Tiger Reserves, Escorted By Expert Wildlife And Conservation Activists Dr Raghu Chundawat And Mr Dhruv Singh. Introduction to Year of the Tiger by Will Bolsover, Managing Director of World Big Cat Safaris: In line with the Year of the Tiger, World Big Cat Safaris is hosting a specialist led safari to see tigers in the wilds of India and to raise funds for their future protection and conservation. Visiting the renowned tiger parks of Kanha and Bandhavgarh, this safari educates and enthralls as you explore what really goes on in tiger conservation and the trials these endangered Cats face on a daily basis. This safari will be led by two renowned resident experts, Dr Raghu Chundawat and Mr Dhruv Singh. The Year of the Tiger is in fact being celebrated by the Chinese whom are widely thought to be responsible for the poaching and extinction of these beautiful Cats. It is specifically for this reason that we feel we should celebrate this Year in order to fight... 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 →
Featured Article Viewpoints
Championing the Soul of Travel
August 17, 2010
Bill Bryan, Co-Founder & Chairman of Off the Beaten Path, presenting at July's ATTA Regional Meeting in Montana Editor’s Note: Bill Bryan, a long-time advocate of the ATTA and a 2010 Adventure Travel World Summit Advisory Committee member, first contacted the ATTA about, “Championing the Soul of Travel” following the 2009 ATWS. Then in February 2010, Bill joined ATTA’s President Shannon Stowell and Vice President Chris Doyle in Washington, D.C., to bring a voice to adventure tourism within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. Following those sessions, the three discussed the concept of the “soul” of travel. It’s a concept that Bill presented at the ATTA’s Montana Regional Meeting in June – a concept well received by attendees and that stimulated meaty discussion. Here, we solicit your comments to Bill’s perspectives, and ask that you “sound off” so that we know your... Read More →
Featured Article Featured Interview
Q&A with Praveen Moman from Volcanoes Safaris
August 12, 2010
Recently, Shannon Stowell, president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and Praveen Moman from Volcanoes Safaris were having a discussion that stemmed from the Adventure Travel World Summit in Québec, Canada 2009. They were talking about how companies can practically pursue sustainability and responsibility and also be profitable businesses. Curiosity got the better of Shannon and he quizzed Praveen on a number of practices that Volcanoes pursues. This has been published with permission in hopes of shedding light for other operators who might face similar issues: Read More → Read More →
Trade Events
Industry gets behind World Travel Market World Responsible Tourism Day
August 12, 2010
(Forimmediaterelease.net) More companies than ever before have applied to participate in World Travel Market (WTM) World Responsible Tourism Day (WRTD) – the only global campaign, in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), to inspire and educate the industry to actively help save the planet. More than one hundred large and small travel and tourism companies have already applied to use the official 2010 WTM WRTD logo ahead of the actual day on Wednesday, November10. The applications are currently being studied to ensure that they meet WTM World Responsible Tourism Day’s strict criteria. Once approved, successful applicants can use the official WTM WRTD logo for this year on its sales, marketing, letterhead, direct mail, and PR materials, as well as enjoy considerable business, publicity, and profiling benefits. Regardless of whether they are able to attend the occasion at World Travel Market in London, many plan to mark the day in their own... Read More →
New Fee to Fund Travel and Tourism Promotion Will Bring More International Visitors to the U.S., Spur Economic Growth
August 7, 2010
The Department of Homeland Security today announced that it will begin collecting fees on travelers from Visa Waiver countries to fund a global marketing and promotion campaign aimed at increasing the number of international visitors to the United States. Beginning on September 8, 2010, travelers will be charged a $14 fee when applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization. A portion of the fee will go toward funding the Corporation for Travel Promotion, created by the 2009 Travel Promotion Act. “This is an important milestone in the implementation of the Travel Promotion Act,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “Creating a tourism promotion program to encourage international visitors to vacation in America will help spur economic growth and create more jobs.” Travel and tourism is the top services export for the United States totaling $120 billion and supporting more than one million American jobs. Overseas visitors spend an average of $4,000 per person, per trip in... Read More →
