Annual Report 2008

TIES Annual Report:

Our Projects and
Milestones in 2008
OUR NETWORK: Members around the World • Sponsors & Supporters
EDUCATION: Events & Outreach • University Consortium Field Certificate Program
GLOBAL IMPACT: GSTC Partnership • Your Contribution • 2009 and Beyond

Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel

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 Annual Report 2008

OUR NETWORK | EDUCATION | GLOBAL IMPACT

TIES Global Network of Members

Members Quick Overview:

around the
Membership growth in 2007-2008: 28%*
World
Number of countries represented by members: 90
Local, na�onal and regional ecotourism associa�ons: 55
Sponsors & *Increase in the total number of members from 2007 to 2008.
Supporters
Membership Benefits Updates:
All new members joining at the Business member-
level will receive a free copy of the bestselling book
“The Ecolodge Sourcebook for Planners & Developers”
New video and mul�-media resources, includ-
ing the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Con-
ference 2008 (ESTC 2008) session videos, are
available for download to TIES mem-
bers (Professional level and above).

TIES members of all levels receive special discounts

to the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Con-
ference 2009 (ESTC 2009) and other TIES events.

In addi�on to the marke�ng opportuni�es through TIES

website, TIES members receive up to 50% discounts on
adver�sing in EcoCurrents and Digital Traveler eNewsle�ers.

*See: www.ecotourism.org or contact membership@ecotourism.org for details

Where are TIES members?

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OUR NETWORK | EDUCATION | GLOBAL IMPACT
TIES Sponsor & Supporter Members 2008 -2009
Adventure Life Journeys: Adventure Life is com-
Members mitted to providing quality small group tours that
have a positive impact on the local culture and en-
around the vironment. Each tour is designed to present the
best of each region. TIES member since 2001.
World
Alaska Wildland Adventures: Alaska Wildland
Adventures has operated tours, lodges, and wil-
derness adventure vacations in Alaska for over 31
Sponsors & years, with the goal of offering a high quality, au-
Supporters thentic Alaskan adventure. TIES member since 1991.
Canadian Mountain Holidays Inc. (CMH):
With the vision to be the leading sustainable tour-
ism operator in North America, CMH collabo-
rates with employees, governments, business,
scientists, and local communities to operate as an in-
tegral part of the community. TIES member since 2002.
Ecocamp Patagonia: Based in Torres del Paine
National Park in Patagonia, Ecocamp Patagonia is
the first hospitality company in Chile to receive
the prestigious ISO14001 Environmental Manage-
ment System certification. TIES member since 2007.
Ecoventura: Ecoventura is dedicated to preserving
the ecological integrity of the Galapagos Islands for
both its scientific value and economic benefit through
various ongoing conservation projects including Smart-
Voyager and the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund.
Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn: Since 1985, Finca
Rosa Blanca has had one important goal in mind: to
leave the minimum trace on the local environment.
Finca Rosa Blanca operates in a sustainable manner,
through regenerating resources, raising social con-
sciousness and providing educational opportunities.
Fachhochschule Eberswalde: Eberswalde Univer-
sity of Applied Sciences offers Germany’s only Master
program in Sustainable Tourism Management, focusing
on destination management, CSR, sustainable market-
ing, ecotourism and tourism in developing countries.
Holbrook Travel: With the goal of helping help travel-
ers experience incredible journeys, Holbrook trips show-
case the world’s natural and cultural wonders. Through
these journeys, Holbrook encourages travelers to truly
embrace travel and to seek new ways to see the world.
InkaNatura Travel: InkaNatura Travel is the only leading
tour operator in Peru owned by a nonprofit conservation
group, Peru Verde. InkaNatura contributes to the mainte-
nance of national parks, reserves, and archaeological sites.
International Expeditions: A founding mem-
ber of TIES, International Expeditions offers envi-
ronmentally responsible expeditions to some of the
world’s most remarkable places, providing guests
with the opportunity to enhance their appreciation
for the natural and cultural wonders of the world.
Intrepid Travel: For travelers with a yearning to get off
the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world.
With a huge variety of travel styles available, Intrepid
travelers explore the world’s most amazing places.
Jungle Expeditions: Through special itineraries and el-
egant River Boats, expert naturalist guides and crew will
lead you on a voyage to discover our 20 year old secret:
the Majestic Amazon Jungle! TIES member since 2008.
Annual Report 2008
La Selva Jungle Lodge: Founded in 1986 in pris-
tine primary rainforest of Ecuador, this Ecolodge
continues to reinvent ecotourism as it has since it
intuited the movement which was only a faint mur-
mur 25,000 guests ago. TIES member since 2008.
Lapa Rios Ecolodge: Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism
project that strives to show that “a forest left standing is
worth more than one cut down.” A pioneer in sustaina-
ble tourism and environmentally sound business practic-
es, Lapa Rios has won neumerous international awards.
Legitify: Legitify offers Digital Media Professional
Services and Publishing Tools. Legitify designs web-
sites, produces content for websites, and devel-
opes sophisticated tools for digital content man-
agement online. Legitify has been a member of
TIES and avid supporter of ecotourism since 1998.
Leisure Hotels: Leisure Group values India’s rich
natural heritage, and supports various eco-friend-
ly activities and community initiatives through
the Group’s propertoes. TIES member since 2007.
Lindblad Expeditions: A world leader in ad-
venture travel, Lindblad continues to pro-
vide real value to guests and to the local com-
munities, following the belief that business and
conservation go hand in hand. TIES member since 2004.
Maho Bay Camps: Maho Bay Camps opened in
1976 on the US Virgin Islands, based on the philoso-
phy that environmental sensitivity, human comfort
and responsible consumption are all compatible and
that they can enhance your vacation experience.
Mithun: A national leader in sustainable design
and urbanism, fresh ideas have emanated from Mit-
hun since 1949. Through an innovative blend of de-
sign, technology and nature, Mithun creates plac-
es that excel in beauty, spirit and performance.
OARS: OARS strives to enrich people’s lives by
providing outstanding adventure experiences.
Since 1969, OARS has been actively supporting
awareness, deeper appreciation, and preserva-
tion of the world’s rivers and natural ecosystems.
Rivers Fiji: Rivers Fiji is committed to sustain-
able tourism practices and works very closely with
neighboring riverside villages. Rivers Fiji guides
are local experts who grew up along the rivers
and know their environment better than anyone.
Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge: Sadie Cove
was built by hand from local driftwood and re-
claimed barn lumber by Alaska pioneer, Keith Iver-
son. The Lodge has been benchmarked by Green
Globe International. TIES member since 2008.
Trans Niugini Tours: Trans Niugini Tours is Papua
New Guinea’s leading inbound tour operator. Trans
Niugini Tours owns and operates a number of award
winning Wilderness Lodges in Papua New Guinea.
Worldnomads: World Nomads travel insurance is
available to people from over 150 countries. Through
its Footprints initiative, World Nomads gives back to
communities by contributing to social and educational
projects that help improve the lives of local people.
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Events & DT Eco-Tour April 30, 2008

Outreach Focusing on key principles of ecotourism and
sustainable travel, DC Eco-Tour explored Rock
Creek Park, the American Indian Museum,
UCFC Program the Senate Rain Garden, the Anacostia Water-
shed and the National Arboretum. Featuring
expert interpretation on DC’s green initiatives,
green transportation and local/organic meals
and snacks, the DC Eco-Tour offered an innova-
tive opportunity to experience the Washing-
ton area for both local residents and visitors.
DC Eco-Tour Sponsors & Partners: Anacos-
�a Watershed Society (AWS), Caribou Cof-
fee, Honest Tea, Na�onal Museum of the
American Indian, Sidwell Friends School

Public Forum: Indigenous Business Leaders in

Ecotourism April 30, 2008
Offering dynamic perspectives on conser-
vation, cultural issues, and sustainable
business practices, this international fo-
rum featured the following expert speakers
- Sylvie Blangy, TIES Board member and internation-
al expert on Indigenous community destinations.
- Lennart Pittja, Founder, Pathfinder Lapland,
a leading Sami ecotourism company in Sweden
- Dan Jonasson, Director, Swedish Ecotourism Society
Public Forum Partners: Swedish Ecotourism Society,
the Embassy of Sweden

Ecotourism Gala & Auc�on May 1, 2008

Showcasing many of the finest ecotourism destina-
tions and companies from around the world, TIES’
Ecotourism Gala & Auction featured an exclusive
collection of eco-holiday packages, generously
donated by TIES members from around the world.
Alexandra Cousteau, Co-Founder of EarthEcho In-
terna�onal, was the guest speaker at the Gala.
Granddaughter of legendary explorer Jacques-Yves
Cousteau, she is an inspira�onal social environmen-
tal advocate dedicated to promo�ng conserva�on
and sustainable management of water resources.
Ecotourism Gala & Auc�on Partners: House of Swe-
den, Washington DC

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Events & Ecotourism and Sustainable Development in El Salvador Workshop

Outreach February 25-27, 2008

As part of a collabora�ve project

UCFC Program by TIES and FUNDEMAS (the Busi-
ness Founda�on for Social Ac�on)
in El Salvador, this workshop aimed
to establish a na�onal strategy for
the sustainable development of
tourism through effec�ve partner-
ships among various stakehold-
er groups and decision makers.

Addressing key na�onal and interna�onal stakeholder groups, the work-

shop featured interna�onal experts represen�ng the Conven�on on Bio-
logical Diversity (CBD), the U.S. Agency for Interna�onal Development (US-
AID), the George Washington University, and the private sector groups.

The workshop par�cipants also engaged in a site visit in the Western re-
gion of El Salvador, highligh�ng the areas where the Improved Manage-
ment and Conserva�on of Cri�cal Watersheds Project by USAID is taking place.

The development of El Salvador’s na�onal strategy for ecotour-

ism and sustainable development recognizes the importance of promot-
ing economic growth that supports the conserva�on of the environment and
natural resources, while s�mula�ng local economies and improving the qual-
ity of life in rural areas through alterna�ve and innova�ve means of produc�on.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008 (ESTC 2008)

October 27-29, 2008
Held in Vancouver, BC, Canada, the ESTC
2008 was a�ended by more than 400 par-
�cipants represen�ng over 40 states and
provinces in the United States and Canada,
and 26 countries from around the world.

The conference featured expert presentations

by a wide range of ecotourism and sustainable
tourism professionals and community stake-
holders. Addressing critical issues and chal-
lenges facing the tourism industry in the US and
Kelly Bricker, TIES Chair, and Mikael Castro, TIES Director of Canada, these presentations offer case stud-
Special Events, at the ESTC 2008. ies on latest industry trends, critical views on
current problems and innovative solutions.

ESTC 2008 Des�na�on Host: Bri�sh Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts

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Events & What is the UCFC Program?

Outreach
TIES’ exci�ng new educa�onal ini�a-
�ve, the University Consor�um Field
UCFC Program Cer�ficate (UCFC) Program, works col-
labora�vely with member universi�es to ad-
minister an ecotourism/sustainable tourism
cer�ficate of study applicable to a range of
academic disciplines and degree programs.

UCFC Vision: All travel professionals will demonstrate an inher-

ent, reality-based understanding of the principles of ecotour-
ism and sustainable tourism programming and development.

UCFC Mission: To foster a holis�c understanding of ecotour-

ism and sustainable tourism programming and development through
the educa�on of mul�-disciplinary students and professionals.

Who are the UCFC Participants?

This program is for those who want to develop a holistic understand-
ing of structuring, programming, and implementing ecotourism and
sustainable tourism. The UCFC certificate will ensure an educational
foundation in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, with a combina-
tion of flexible and standardized components, including experiential and
service learning opportunities, and internationally diverse opportunities.

Meet the UCFC Member Universities

Participating universities (as of December 2008): California
Polytechnic University, North Carolina State University, Universi-
ty of Minnesota, University of Utah, and West Virginia University.

“
What a great opportunity
learn side by side with pro-
fessionals as
I get my degree!”
UCFC Contact Informa�on:
Dr. Kelly Bricker, TIES Execu�ve Director and TIES UCFC Chair
Jeremy Schultz, UCFC Outreach Coordinator
Email: ucfc@ecotourism.org

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OUR NETWORK | EDUCATION | GLOBAL IMPACT

GSTC STSC: Sustainable Tour-

Partnership ism Stewardship Council
Tourism businesses can demonstrate
Your their commitment to sustainability
by mee�ng the social and environ-
Contribution mental standards created by leading
third-party cer�fica�on programs.
2009 and There are more than 50 na�onal
and interna�onal cer�fica�on pro-
Beyond grams for sustainable tourism, and
more are being created every year.
But how can the public tell which of
these programs are credible?
How can tourism businesses choose
which sets of standards will have
legi�macy?
And how can tourists be confident
that those businesses are serious
about social and environmental ac-
countability?
In response to these challenges, a
coali�on of tourism industry associa-
�ons, NGOs and government agencies
has been working to create the Sus-
tainable Tourism Stewardship Counsil
(STSC) - an global umbrella organiza- Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria Workshop at the
Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008
�on that would set universal minimum (ESTC 2008), October 27, 2008, Vancouver,
standards for cer�fica�on programs Bri�sh Columbia, Canada

Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) Partnership

The GSTC Partnership is a coali�on of 25 organiza�ons working together to foster in-
creased understanding of sustainable tourism prac�ces and the adop�on of universal
sustainable tourism principles. The Partnership, which was ini�ated by Rainforest Alli-
ance, the United Na�ons Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Na�ons Foun-
da�on, and the United Na�ons World Tourism Organiza�on (UNWTO), launched the
Sustainable Tourism Criteria at the World Conserva�on Congress in October 2008.
These criteria will serve as the minimum standard that any tourism business should
aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural re-
sources while ensuring tourism meets its poten�al as a tool for poverty allevia�on.
TIES is a member of the GSTC Partnership Steering Commi�ee, along with a number
of other organiza�ons represen�ng both public and private sectors, including: Car-
ibbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), Conde Nast Traveler, Conserva�on
Interna�onal, the Conven�on on Biological Diversity (CBD), Expedia, Inc., Interna-
�onal Hotel & Restaurant Associa�on (IH&RA), IUCN, Ecotourism Kenya, Sabre/Traveloc-
ity, Solimar Interna�onal, Sustainable Travel Interna�onal, Tourism Concern, and VISIT.

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GSTC Giving Back to the Global Ecotourism Community

Partnership
Your membership contributions, financial and in-kind donations in 2008 have helped
TIES give back to conservation, communities and sustainable travel in a numbe r of ways:
Your
Contribution Supporting Future Ecotouriosm Leaders
As part of our efforts to support students in ecotourism and sustainable
2009 and tourism, TIES offers opportunities for students to participate in the network-
ing and knowledge sharing experiences through our programs, providing
Beyond access to first-hand knowledge of the latest developments in the industry,
and practical skills. Through student discounts, volunteer opportunities,
and scholarships sponsored by partners, TIES made a contribution of over
US$8,700 to help more than 50 students participate in the ESTC 2008.

ESTC Student Scholarship Sponsors: Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Thompson Rivers University.

Sharing Opportunities for Indigenous Business Leaders

Recognizing the important roles that Indigenous peoples, as business lead-
ers and environmental stewards, play in the sustainable growth of tour-
ism, TIES is committed to supporting initiatives promoting and strength-
ening Indigenous peoples’ voices in the global tourism industry. TIES has
established the Indigenous Leaders Fund, a donation-based scholarship fund
that will contribute to supporting Indigenous leaders’ participation in the
ESTC and other TIES conferences and workshops. Through special discounts
and scholarships sponsored by TIES and partners, we made a contribution of over US$4,800 to
support Indigenous leaders’ participation in the priority interest workshop “Indigenous Business
Leaders in Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism” (October 27, 2008) and the ESTC 2008 conference.

ESTC Indigenous Leaders Scholarship Supporters: the Tourism Company, Sir Andrew
and Lady Fairley Foundation, Canadian Ecotourism Services, Hitesh Mehta, HM Design.

Strengthening Our Network of Ecotourism Networks

Providing the vital links between governments, NGOs, businesses and cit-
izens, our partners in local, national and regional ecotourism associations
are the nucleus of the global movement for ecotourism. TIES is proud to
serve as an umbrella organization for ecotourism associations around
the world. TIES offers complimentary membership to not-for-profit, non-
governmental and multi-stakeholder associations that serve as national
or regional bodies supporting ecotourism businesses and organizations.

Sustaining Ecotourism Initiatives

As the world’s oldest and largest ecotourism organization, TIES is commit-
ted to promoting the principles of ecotourism and responsible travel. With
the goal of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel,
TIES continues to serve as the global source of knowledge and advocacy in
ecotourism - through our advocacy campaigns, training and education
programs, events and outreach, online networks, and membership servic-
es. Please see more news and updates from TIES at: www.ecotourism.org.

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GSTC Leading the Efforts to Make Tourism Sustainable

Partnership
Together with our members and partners, TIES continues to promote efforts to make
tourism a viable tool for bio-cultural conservation and sustainable development.
Your
Contribution ESTC 2009 - Portland, Oregon, USA
The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2009 (ESTC 2009) will
2009 and be held in Portland, Oregon, USA, from November 2-4, 2009. The ESTC
2009 will be co-hosted by our 2009 destination hosts: Travel Portland and
Beyond Travel Oregon (TIES Sponsor & Supporter Members). Building on the suc-
cesses of the past conferences, and the lessons learned from the collec-
tive experience of the ecotourism and sustainable tourism community,
the ESTC 2009 will continue to seek sustainable change for bio-cultural
conservation, with renewed and strengthened focus on solutions, implementation, and action.

Learn more & Get involved: www.ecotourismconference.org

GSTC as a Practical Tool for Businesses and Communities

TIES is organizing workshops on implementation of the GSTC for communi-
ties and ecotourism operators. These workshops will assist ecotourism op-
erators and communities interested in learning more about sustainable op-
erations in their own work, which ultimately assist bio-cultural conservation
and poverty alleviation through tourism around the globe. Presently, TIES
is planning to launch the first workshop on implementing the GSTC at the
ESTC 2009, in conjunction with the development of key indicators to support this global initiative.

Learn more about the GSTC: www.sustainabletourismcriteria.org

The Climate-Friendly Traveler

How are YOU responding to the challenge of climate change? TIES new
e-publication, The Climate-Friendly Traveler, will be launched in Janu-
ary 2009. This exciting new addition to our e-library will feature prac-
tical tips and resources on how to reduce travelers’ climate foot-
print. We encourage our members to share ideas and tips - tell us
what you have done to minimize the climate footprint of your travel!

Share your stories and ideas: editor@ecotourism.org

Your Travel Choice Makes a Difference

Through our new and ongoing ecotourism initiatives in 2009 and be-
yond, TIES will continue to engage a wide range of tourism profes-
sionals, community stakeholders and travelers around the world,
encouraging everyone to make the travel choice that makes a differ-
ence every time. Working with our members and destinations around
the world, we aim to positively transform the way the world travels.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months: www.ecotourism.org

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