New Sustainable Travel Specialist Course Available Through The Travel Institute
February 19, 2010
Wellesley, MA / Boulder, CO – The Travel Institute announced the release of a new Lifestyle Specialist course for travel agents that’s focused on sustainable travel and tourism. This course joins eight other Lifestyle Specialist courses offered by The Travel Institute each one allowing travel professionals to test and earn an industry recognized credential.
The course, sponsored by Virtuoso, was created in partnership with Sustainable Travel International (STI), a non-profit organization that promotes responsible travel and supports sustainable development. This 5-module course teaches travel counselors how to identify the characteristics and benefits of sustainable travel, integrate “green” business practices into their existing business operations, choose travel suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable travel, and explores strategies for practicing sustainable travel and tourism.
“The travel agent community is in a unique position to both service and create demand for sustainable tourism while providing their clients with more authentic and rewarding travel experiences,” explained Brian T. Mullis, president of Sustainable Travel International. “We’re happy to provide them with a distance learning solution that will help them take advantage of the benefits of sustainable tourism.”
“Virtuoso was pleased to support the development of a sustainable travel course in collaboration with The Travel Institute and Sustainable Travel International,” says Mindy Exum, managing director of training & professional development at Virtuoso. “Global economists continue to forecast that international tourism is one of the world’s largest growing industries in the world, increasing three to six percent annually depending on location. We want to encourage awareness and the need for everyone in the travel business to take a responsible approach to tourism so that the world’s remaining biologically diverse habitats and indigenous cultures are protected and preserved for generations to come.”
The interactive Sustainable Travel Specialist course is available online in The Travel Institute’s e-Learning Center as well as on disk. To learn more about all The Travel Institute’s Lifestyle Specialist courses, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com.
About The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence. For more information about The Travel Institute, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call (800) 542-4282.
About Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development through responsible travel by providing programs that help travelers, businesses and destinations protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and promote economic development. STI is dedicated to taking a holistic approach to addressing sustainable development within the travel and tourism industries by providing solutions-oriented programs that generate tangible results and affect long-lasting change. For more information, visit www.sustainabletravelinternational.org or call (800) 276-7764.
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.
Niche Market Stands to Boost Jordan’s Tourism Industry
January 28, 2010
Amman, Jordan – The Kingdom of Jordan may be able to tap a wealth of cultural assets through “voluntourism”, according to tourism industry experts.
David Clemmons, an expert on the niche market and editor of the e-trade publication Voluntourist, said the concept caters to those who would like to leave a lasting impact on the community they visit.
“It wasn’t until voluntourism that we as travellers could express our gratitude,” Clemmons told The Jordan Times.
“There is a need not only to take something back home, but to leave something behind, to leave a piece of the traveler. This is where we see this market heading,” he said.
The concept originated with Western backpackers staying with families in South America and looking for ways to help the local community, according to industry leaders.
Over the past decade, the voluntourism market has grown, with tourists engaging in volunteer activities on all five continents, ranging from building local schools to aiding in harvests.
The 2009 Forecast Poll by Travelocity.com revealed that 13 percent of travelers planned on including volunteer service as a part of their leisure itineraries last year.
According to Clemmons, Jordan has a culture of “hospitality” that can be marketed to facilitate several different types of voluntourism exchanges, and raise the Kingdom’s profile as a stand-alone destination. The types of activities offered, however, NGOs have to determine, he added.
During a seminar sponsored by the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) gathering NGOs and tour operators on Thursday, Rabee Zureikat highlighted the success of his initiative, “Zikra”, in fostering cultural exchange.
Other long-standing initiatives include the Iraq Al Amir women’s cooperative and Bani Hamida, where cultural products are ready to be marketed. Others, such as the Al Ayoun Trail, developed by the Tourism Ministry and local municipalities in Ajloun, utilise hiking and natural scenery to facilitate encounters with local residents.
Brother Andrew, director of the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf, underlined that institutions whose sole focus is non-cultural may provide opportunities for “volunteering”.
Industry stakeholders mostly agreed that although there is potential in Jordanian voluntourism, this type of tourist offering needs to be developed to be presented to tourists looking to plan their holiday.
Wendy Botham, director of Petra Moon Tourism Services, said NGOs need to develop and showcase products so that operators will know what to market to consumers.
“We have the opportunity to start from the ground up and develop professional products to offer visitors,” she noted.
NGOs underlined a need for training on how to take advantage of their services and involve foreign visitors.
NGOs lack the business savvy, product development and pricing mechanisms that tend to be common knowledge in the private sector, while operators may not be as aware of local cultural assets and opportunities for exchange as organisations well-immersed in the community, according to Clemmons.
As part of an effort to introduce the niche market to the sector, JITOA sponsored a field trip to various initiatives on Friday, and held several seminars by Clemons for both NGOs and tour operators.
The seminars are part of the EU/Jordan Service Modernisation Programme.
In its second phase, JITOA intends to meet with NGOs in order to present activities to tour operators and develop a web portal showcasing NGOs’ services, opportunities and schedules of events, according to JITPA CEO Nizar Adarbeh.
He said JITOA is looking to develop a code of conduct and guidelines for tourists, tour operators and NGOs on voluntourism in order to promote best practices in the nascent sector.
With the interest of industry operators and NGOs “piqued”, he expressed hope that the voluntourism concept will take root in the Kingdom soon.
“We are just at the beginning, and we need to give a helping hand to support good causes in Jordan,” he said.
Clemmons agreed. “Through voluntourism you can open up the heart of a traveller and open up the heart of a destination,” he said.
The Icarus Foundation Releases Climate Change-Tourism Discussion Paper, Adds to Growing Body of Knowledge
January 27, 2010
Adding to recent discussions concering climate change and tourism (including ATTA Member and Partner Xola Consulting’s 2009 release of Adventure Tourism Companies & Climate Change: Observations from the Himalaya, Amazon, and Polar Regions Spark Adaptation Strategies for Business), The Icarus Foundation today released a new discussion paper about the role of Canadian Tourist Boards and their efforts in mitigating and adapting to climate change. The study, led by Dr. Rachel Dodds, who recently contributed to a panel on sustainable tourism at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit, on behalf of Icarus, examines through key stakeholder interviews, the role of tourist boards in mitigating and adapting to climate change in Canada.
The new study complements a growing body of knowledge within the travel and leisure market – including recent work by the Xola Consulting, The George Washington University and the ATTA – that is aiding the entire adventure travel supply chain, most notably DMOs and tour operators.
Click here and scroll down the page to access and download the full report. Questions or feedback regarding the report? Visit the Foundation’s blog.
World’s Innovative Travel Entrepreneurs to Gather to Share Geotourism Successes
January 21, 2010
WHAT: The Second Annual Geotourism Change Summit will take place at National Geographic headquarters Tuesday, Feb. 2, as travel leaders whose businesses range from eco-tours in rural villages to top-line resorts in major cities gather. They will share how to best cultivate destination stewardship and protect the world’s special places from the negative effects of mass tourism.
Geotourism, a growing travel trend, is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.
Registration $175 (general delegate)
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2.
WHERE: National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.
Enter at 1146 16th Street N.W.
WHO: The 10 finalists of the 2nd Geotourism Challenge, representing Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Mongolia, Spain, the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their enterprising tourism ranges from adventure bike tours through Cambodia to hut-to-hut visits with nomadic families in Mongolia.
- James Gilmore, coauthor of the books “Authenticity: What Customers Really Want” and “The Experience Economy,” will deliver the keynote address
(10:30 a.m.). He will discuss why the “experience economy” is the next economic era, following the agrarian economy, the industrial economy and the most recent service economy. Gilmore is a Batten Fellow and Visiting Lecturer at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
- Jonathan Tourtellot, Director, National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations
CONTACT: Barbara Fallon, National Geographic, (703) 489-0880, bfallon.nationalgeographic@gmail.com
Green Globe Mexico Launched
January 18, 2010
Green Globe Certification (GGC), announced today the launch of Green Globe Mexico to service markets in its home country and Latin American neighbors. Green Globe Mexico has been appointed a three year license, with opportunity to extend, to provide sustainability certification and related services under the Green Globe brand.
Green Globe Mexico is a 100% Mexican company supported by environmental organizations including PRONATURA SUR A.C and Productos y Procesos Sustentables A.C., both having a long history of environmental stewardship in Mexico as well as certification of sustainable agriculture.
PRONATURA Executive Director Ms. Rosa Vidal said, “Our mission at PRONATURA has been the conservation of flora, fauna and priority ecosystems, while promoting society’s development in harmony with nature. Our organization has been a pioneer for more than 25 years, linking environmental projects to local capacity building, environmental policy development, a focus on gender issues and innovation in financial services.
“Within the last decade, PRONATURA has been part of the remarkable efforts in Mexico to achieve social, environmental and economic sustainability. From this work a number of independent organizations, companies and networks have been born. PRONATURA has been at the heart of these initiatives which support new partners and alliances working for a better world.
“Today we are proud of supporting the incorporation of Green Globe Mexico, a sister company which certainly will be the landmark for green and sustainable tourism and related services in Mexico. We know that tourism businesses recognize the importance of better management of natural resources, energy and waste and with Green Globe Mexico there is a very good opportunity to offer qualified services in Spanish language to this important sector”, concluded Ms Vidal.
Green Globe Certification CEO, Mr. Guido Bauer said, “We are honored to be associated with the sustainability initiatives and programs in Mexico via our new license with Green Globe Mexico.
“Green Globe Mexico is a 100% owned and registered Mexican company, which means they will be able to meet the specific needs of their clients using Green Globe’s Spanish language system. Furthermore with their years of experience they will be able to ensure all Green Globe clients in Mexico are compliant with all Mexican as well as international regulations” added Mr. Bauer.
Plans are already underway to utilize the experience and network from Green Globe Mexico’s office to deliver the Green Globe Spanish language program in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Guatemala and throughout Latin America.
Green Globe Mexico is an agent for all Green Globe marketing services including assisting clients with their promotion at Luxury Travel Show Las Vegas, ITB Berlin, IMEX Frankfurt, Arabian Travel Market and other international travel shows. Green Globe Mexico will also assist Green Globe clients in Latin American with their inclusion in the inaugural Green Globe Book, a compendium of the best travel and tourism businesses.
About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability certification based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA and operates in over 83 countries via the Green Globe Alliance. Green Globe is the only certification company to be an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and is partly owned by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
For information visit www.greenglobe.com
About Green Globe Mexico and ProNatura in Mexico.
Green Globe Mexico, is a Mexican private company. It is formed by experienced professionals from business and environmental sectors. The company will apply the highest international standards to bring about a new era of environmental respect and efficiency.
For information visit www.greenglobe.com.mx
Pronatura México was first created in 1981 and in the following years, regional and state representative offices were constituted. Together, they integrate Pronatura’s National System, with strategies and actions oriented towards achieving the conservation and sustainable development of priority regions and sites for biodiversity preservation in the country. Pronatura SUR A.C. supports activities related to the conservation of important natural ecosystems for future generations. They also collaborate with and support domestic, foreign and international organizations whose activities are related to the conservation of natural ecosystem as well as conduct or assist in educational efforts that strive for an environmentally conscious society.
Contact: Bradley Cox, Green Globe Director of Communications : bcox@greenglobe.com
Computer Clicks Can Be Music to Ears Of World’s Poor and Less Fortunate
January 10, 2010
Littleton, COLORADO – A program called The Footprints Network aggregates thousands of consumer micro donations made while conducting online transactions in order to help fund community development projects that fight poverty worldwide.
The global initiative was organized in 2004 by WorldNomads a company that is setting the travel services industry bar for corporate social responsibility. As of this writing, 302,278 people have helped raise more than $785,383 for 53 projects around the world.
The aggregate contributions, which individually range from $1 to $5, assist in alleviating crushing poverty and the health, social and environmental ills that accompany it which today affects over two billion of the world’s population that live on less than $2 a day.
Projects include sight restoration, farming, education, clean water, sanitation and other essentials. Most projects The Footprints Network supports are in developing countries, which yield the greatest social return on investment.
In evaluating the merit of each project, the Footprints Networks uses the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals as guide and compass: – Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger – Achieve universal primary education – Promote gender equality and empowering women – Reduce child mortality – Improve maternal health – Combat HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases – Ensure environmental sustainability – Develop a global partnership for development
“Alleviating the extreme cycle of poverty and the ills that accompany it is everyone’s moral responsibility. Yet the extent of world poverty can seem so overwhelming that many of us are left feeling helpless and that the problems are just too big for any one person to make a difference,” said Christy McCarthy, Community Manager for WorldNomads.com and co-producer of the Positive Footprints documentary series.
A commitment to overcome this feeling of powerlessness motivated the WorldNomads.com team to found The Footprints Network after the 2004 Asian tsunami. In five years it has grown into an independent network of e-commerce businesses that share the same ethics and values and, through technology, seek to change the world by asking customers spending money online to make a small donation to charity at the same time.
WorldNomads.com supports all administrative costs of the program so 100 percent of donations go directly to the projects. The Footprints Network is an alliance of e-commerce companies and their customers plus project partners. The business partners include WorldNomads.com, Travel Insurance Direct, JetAbroad.com, SurfStitch.com and REMO General Store. Charity partners include Oxfam, the Fred Hollows Foundation, Save the Children, Water Aid and many more.
“We’re looking for more online e-commerce business partners to integrate the Footprints mechanism into their shopping carts and transaction by transaction, help make a difference” said McCarthy.
WorldNomads.com, the travel services company that’s in the business of helping independent travelers stay safe and stress-free on the road, offers a website full of products and tips offering advice, breaking destination news and relevant traveler recommendations. Please see WorldNomads.com’s Travel Safety Hub.
“We are committed to being an integral part of every adventurous traveler’s journey. Since launching in 2002, our focus has been on providing a range of services to keep adventurous and independent travelers safe on the road,” said McCarthy.
WorldNomads.com products and services include global travel insurance protecting residents from over 150 countries with high value medical and evacuation coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance and coverage for a large range of adventure activities; language guides and travel blogs plus a stream of travel safety information to ensure all World Nomads stay informed, educated and safe while out exploring the world.
WorldNomads.com clients may also donate to a range of community development projects when purchasing travel insurance through the company’s Footprints Charity program.
For travel services, charitable contributions and more information please visit WorldNomads.com.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Alexia Nestora
Lasso Communications
alexia[at]lassocommunications.com
FOOTPRINTS NETWORK PARTNER ENQUIRIES:
Christy McCarthy
WorldNomads.com
Christy[at]WorldNomads.com
TOFT Points The Way to Outstanding Eco Lodges in India’s Tiger Parks
January 1, 2010
Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT) is delighted to announce that it has 2 eco lodges that raise the standards of the PUG Certification programme to its highest level when it comes to their sustainability and environmental footprint.
Over 50 lodges from some of India’s finest Tiger parks have now been audited but only the very best obtain the highest award, that of an ‘Outstanding’ ranking.
The prized lodges are a small, intimate and privately owned tented camp on the borders of Corbett Tiger Reserve in Utterakhand, called Camp Forktail, and one of India’s largest hotel group properties in partnership with &beyond, Taj Safaris new upmarket lodge, Baghvan, on the borders of Pench National park in Madhya Pradesh.
“After three years we are delighted that we finally have two lodges that reached our very highest standards, and 12 lodges that reach our Quality practice rating. With travellers increasingly making purchasing decisions on environmental considerations and carbon footprint, so more and more wilderness lodges across India are keen to be involved in the campaign and get audited.” says Julian Matthews, TOFT’s founding Chairman.
The PUG Certification programme, was commissioned in 2007 by the TOFT campaign to allow the Travel community to choose the best practice suppliers in India’s most visited Tiger parks, like Kanha, Ranthambhore and Bandavgarh. The PUG certification audits lodges on their economic, social and environmental impacts in and around their park location.
TOFT is made up of over 180 Indian and International travel operators and service providers, and was catalysed in response to the huge decline in the Tiger population in India in 2005. TOFT seeks to advocate and support a more sustainable way forward both with the wildlife travel community, alongside NGO’s and Park authorities.
For further details call Julian Matthews in the UK on 01963 824514 or visit www.toftigers.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.
A New Vision: Science and Tourism under the Stars
December 23, 2009
Madrid and Canary Islands – The StarLight Tourism Certification System (Starlight Certification) was presented yesterday, 22 December, in a Press Conference held at UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) Headquarters in Madrid. It aims at bringing closer two key components of contemporary society: Science and Tourism.
On the one hand, in this recently opened post-Copenhagen era, it has become suddenly obvious that scientific facts per se will not mobilize political institutions. The outreach of science, its penetration of institutions and civil society have been shown essential.
On the other hand, tourism appears both as a victim and a vector of climate change. Irresponsible tourism will contribute more and more to CO2 emissions; in the end a negative backlash could affect tourism activities as whole.
But tourism can be an excellent vehicle for new ideas and responsible social behaviour. The right coupage of science and tourism could contribute to the global acceptance of the “new ways”, the “green economy” and the “global sustainable village”.
In this framework, the StarLight Certification sets a model for the use of Science both as a resource for tourism and an essential part of sustainable tourism practices. The StarLight Certification indicates that a tourism destination complies with a voluntary standard involving the preservation of nightscapes, including the night sky and the nocturnal bio-systems. Of course it is also concerned with energy conservation and with the use of natural and cultural resources at night time. It is a quality pre-condition for scientific activities in the certified destinations (especially Astronomy): in some cases for professional practitioners, but also importantly, for amateur scientists and students, and for the sensitization of important segments of the general public.
Some world-class destinations –in New Zealand, the Pacific, South America and Europe most notably—have already started to develop astronomy and nightscape-based tourism products and attractors. The task is now to set the criteria and the resulting standards for the optimization of this science-tourism experiences.
This is the raison-d’être of the StarLight Certification. It aims to ensure the quality of tourism experiences involving the nightscapes, the view of stars and the cosmos and the related scientific, cultural and environmental knowledge. This gives tourism a new dimension, aiming to foster its potential to create, disseminate and internalize knowledge and, especially, the very precious scientific knowledge necessary to guide as all in these times of urgent changes.
The StarLight Certification thus evaluates excellence in tourism management processes ensuring customer satisfaction, long-term sustainability and competitiveness and value for the communities, professionals and workers involved, along with night-sky quality and strategies aimed at providing high-ranking scientific knowledge experiences for the visitors and tourists.
The presentation of the StarLight Certification was carried out by Francisco Sánchez, Director of the Astrophysics Institute of the Canary Islands, Eduardo Fayos-Solà, Executive Secretary of the Education and Science Council, UNWTO-World Tourism Organization, Cipriano Marín, Coordinator of the StarLight Initiative and Antonio Gallardo, Director of the Fuerteventura Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
Tourism governance organizations world-wide with adequate nightscape characteristics and wishing to obtain more information on the StarLight Certification, should address their messages of interest to Mr. Cipriano Marin – Dr. Eduardo Fayos-Solà at certification@starlight-foundation.org
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