Eco-Directory: A unique destination guide designed to help consumers make responsible travel choices. The guide can also be a useful tool for tour operators interested in industry Best Practices.

PR Services and Media Kits: Tourism suppliers - get the attention of media professionals and travel writers through on-line media, feature story presentations, and email press releases.

Refer a Friend. If you know someone who would be interested in receiving information from us, you can subscribe them to our Sustainable Travel Report.

Privacy Policy: The Sustainable Travel Report is a free online e-Newsletter about sustainable tourism, eco-certification, eco-tourism, and community development. Subscribers receive monthly installments of the e-Newsletter and little more. Sustainable Travel International respects your privacy. We will never sell or disclose any information that identifies you to a third party without your consent.

Vol. 2, No. 6 June 2004


Sustainable Travel Report
The Responsible Tourism e-Newsletter


In this issue you will find:
1. Message from STI President, Brian T. Mullis
2. Member Benefits: Adventure Travel Media Source
3. Tourism Eco-certification Pilot Test Underway
4. Featured Tourism Supplier: Gecko Travel
5. Travelers' Philanthropy: What's in it for Travel Companies?

----------------------------------------------------------------

Message from STI President, Brian T. Mullis

With the release of the Hollywood Blockbuster, The Day After Tomorrow, Global Warming is starting to receive the attention it deserves in the U.S. The fact is, however, that global warming is happening today, not the day after tomorrow.

Since 1990, we've seen 10 of the hottest years on record. The world's glaciers are receding, 20 to 40% of the North Pole ice cap has melted, and the sea level across the globe is slowly rising.

Most scientists agree that this unprecedented warming is caused by emissions from burning fossil fuels, particularly CO2. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in our country alone electricity generation accounts for 33% of total global warming emissions, transportation activities for 27%, and industrial activities for 19%.

The good news is we already have the tools and information we need to fix the problem. Learn more about global warming. And support the Climate Stewardship Act, a bipartisan bill that would cut global warming pollution.

Also, keep your eyes out for STI's carbon offset program which will provide you with opportunities to offset your carbon emissions on-line.

Best regards,

Brian T. Mullis
President
brianm@sustainabletravel.com

---------------------------------------------------------------

Member Benefits: Adventure Travel Media Source

There are a number of benefits to travel companies who become members of Sustainable Travel International. This month we're profiling our friends at Adventure Travel Media Source. ATMS provides comprehensive media relations services to a wide range of travel industry segments, including eco-tourism and responsible travel.

In a nutshell, the company hosts press information for its clients on its web site. Press releases are sent out bi-weekly via email to over 5,000 travel writers and editors that write for U.S. and international magazines, newspapers, and travel trade journals. The internet approach allows ATMS to provide its services at a cost that is much lower than traditional PR firms charge their clients.

Over the last 5 years, ATMS has fostered relationships with many travel writers and editors, helping to increase the number and quality of responses their clients receive. They also personalize their approach with their clients, helping them to receive the best value possible. As evidence of this, ATMS' client renewal rate averages 90%!

Current STI "Premium Partner" members are entitled to a 15% discount off of ATMS' services, and "Supporting Business" members are entitled to a 10% discount off of their services. For more information, please email Bobbi Bolio or click here.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Tourism Eco-certification Pilot Test Underway

The Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program™ (STEP) is currently underway and is open to travel and tourism providers, governmental agencies, NGOs, and consumers.

If you are interested in reviewing the program and providing STI with constructive feedback, simply register online, and then follow the instructions outlined at the top of the page.

Your input will help us to maximize the program's impact as a positive force in the travel industry. For more information, call 800-276-7764 or email STI.

Disclaimer: STI's Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program™ ("STEP") is not in any way affiliated with the World Tourism Organization's Sustainable Tourism - Eliminating Poverty ("ST-EP") program.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Featured Tourism Supplier
Gecko Travel

This month's featured travel provider offers responsible tours for those who wish to discover the real Southeast Asia. In fact, respect for local people, their cultures, traditions, religions and environment are essential to Gecko Travel's philosophy.

Gecko Travel works really hard to ensure their groups have a positive impact on the places and people visited which is reflected in their sustainability policy as summarized below:

Economic responsibility: Gecko Travel uses indigenous local agents as well as minority ethnic groups 100% of the time for tour activities and chartered transport. In addition, 100% of the company's guides are local guides with proper national accreditation, where required.

Gecko Travel provides financial assistance to local operators and to local charities. Wherever possible, tours visit 'off the beaten path' places, thus bringing associated economic benefits to those areas. Tours also make use of small family-run guest houses, locally owned hotels, small restaurants, and public transport.

Environmental responsibility: Gecko Travel is focused on waste minimization. In its UK office, recycled and recyclable materials are used wherever possible, and biodegradable waste is composted in the company garden. Gecko Travel also uses biodegradable or reusable containers when serving meals, and refillable bottles are used to transport water while trekking. Where water is scarce guests are made aware of the need to be frugal with its consumption.

In addition, all of Gecko Travel's guests are educated about Leave No Trace™ principles and the ecosystems visited. And their guides are always available to provide any necessary clarification of appropriate behavior as needed.

Social responsibility: All of Gecko Travel's guests are furnished with a document advising them as to what constitutes appropriate and culturally sensitive behavior and dress in Southeast Asia.

Gecko Travel is currently refraining from conducting tours in Burma. They consider the political regime to be unsuitable for organized tourism, and they do not wish to appear to legitimize or to contribute financially to it.

Gecko Travel also runs an annual fundraiser for The Pattaya Orphanage. And the company supports local community initiatives such as handicraft projects in Thailand, landmine clearance in Cambodia, and school projects in Laos.

In summary, Gecko Travel is a leader in responsible tourism in Southeast Asia. For more information, visit STI's Eco-Directory or Gecko Travel's Responsible Travel Policy.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Travelers' Philanthropy:
What's in it for Travel Companies?

Travelers' Philanthropy involves conscientious consumers and responsible travel companies donating financial resources, time, talent and economic patronage to protect and positively impact the cultures and environments they visit.

Gifts and donations are typically channeled through foundations operated by partnerships between community leaders, travel companies, and non-governmental agencies.

Civic-minded travelers and travel companies gain satisfaction from furthering the well being of the places they visit. But what other reasons exist for a travel company to create a foundation focused on Travelers' Philanthropy?

Responsible Travelers. There is ample research to support the size and scope of the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Heath and Sustainability) and sustainable tourism markets. Nonetheless, it can be challenging for responsible travel companies to determine if new business stems from their commitment to sustainability. Measuring your positive impacts and marketing them along with your responsible tourism policy will help to send a strong message about your company. If you ask the right questions, you may be surprised to find that many of your guest's decisions to travel with your business were directly influenced by your company's values.

Media. Most travel writers and editors are inundated by press releases, familiarization trip offerings, and exciting story angles from travel companies around the world. As a result, unique stories tend to be the only stories that attract their attention. By framing your press releases and story angles through your businesses' commitment to environmental, socio-cultural and community-based issues, you will set your business apart. By focusing on positive impacts and how you've improved the well being of local communities, you will position your business in a positive light, creating an opportunity to dramatically increase your media exposure.

Industry Evolution. In tough economic times, it can be difficult to get travel companies to buy into the benefits of responsible tourism. Often, tour operators are more concerned about their supplier's pricing structure and amenities than their commitment to destination stewardship and environmental management. However, the tides are turning. Travel companies are beginning to promote the ways in which they positively impact the people and places they visit. This is an exceptional brand and reputation builder as it reflects the company's values.

Community Benefits. Businesses based within successful communities have a better chance to be successful themselves. Your business can affect the local communities where you operate in a meaningful way if you take into account their needs and aspirations and provide them with quantifiable benefits. By forming partnership with local non-governmental agencies and community leaders and focusing on positive outcomes for all, you can strengthen your efforts to help support community development, biodiversity conservation, and other improvements including providing jobs, educational and professional training opportunities, health care and environmental stewardship.

--------------------------------------------------------------

STI Outreach

Over 4,200 conscientious consumers, travel companies, governmental agencies, and conservation-based organizations receive the Sustainable Travel Report each month. Please help us to expand our outreach by telling your friends about STI.

---------------------------------------------------------------

For More Information

Please visit our web site, email or call 800-276-7764. If you want to spread the word about sustainable travel and tourism, link to us!

Should you not wish to receive this and other information from Sustainable Travel International, simply reply to this message with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 1313 BOULDER COLORADO 80306

PHONE 800-276-7764
EMAIL info@sustainabletravel.com
BUSINESS HOURS: 8am-5pm MST
size:10px; color:#333333;">: The Sustainable Travel Report is a free online e-Newsletter about sustainable tourism, eco-certification, eco-tourism, and community development. Subscribers receive monthly installments of the e-Newsletter and little more. Sustainable Travel International respects your privacy. We will never sell or disclose any information that identifies you to a third party without your consent.

Vol. 2, No. 6 June 2004


Sustainable Travel Report
The Responsible Tourism e-Newsletter


In this issue you will find:
1. Message from STI President, Brian T. Mullis
2. Member Benefits: Adventure Travel Media Source
3. Tourism Eco-certification Pilot Test Underway
4. Featured Tourism Supplier: Gecko Travel
5. Travelers' Philanthropy: What's in it for Travel Companies?

----------------------------------------------------------------

Message from STI President, Brian T. Mullis

With the release of the Hollywood Blockbuster, The Day After Tomorrow, Global Warming is starting to receive the attention it deserves in the U.S. The fact is, however, that global warming is happening today, not the day after tomorrow.

Since 1990, we've seen 10 of the hottest years on record. The world's glaciers are receding, 20 to 40% of the North Pole ice cap has melted, and the sea level across the globe is slowly rising.

Most scientists agree that this unprecedented warming is caused by emissions from burning fossil fuels, particularly CO2. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in our country alone electricity generation accounts for 33% of total global warming emissions, transportation activities for 27%, and industrial activities for 19%.

The good news is we already have the tools and information we need to fix the problem. Learn more about global warming. And support the Climate Stewardship Act, a bipartisan bill that would cut global warming pollution.

Also, keep your eyes out for STI's carbon offset program which will provide you with opportunities to offset your carbon emissions on-line.

Best regards,

Brian T. Mullis
President
brianm@sustainabletravel.com

---------------------------------------------------------------

Member Benefits: Adventure Travel Media Source

There are a number of benefits to travel companies who become members of Sustainable Travel International. This month we're profiling our friends at Adventure Travel Media Source. ATMS provides comprehensive media relations services to a wide range of travel industry segments, including eco-tourism and responsible travel.

In a nutshell, the company hosts press information for its clients on its web site. Press releases are sent out bi-weekly via email to over 5,000 travel writers and editors that write for U.S. and international magazines, newspapers, and travel trade journals. The internet approach allows ATMS to provide its services at a cost that is much lower than traditional PR firms charge their clients.

Over the last 5 years, ATMS has fostered relationships with many travel writers and editors, helping to increase the number and quality of responses their clients receive. They also personalize their approach with their clients, helping them to receive the best value possible. As evidence of this, ATMS' client renewal rate averages 90%!

Current STI "Premium Partner" members are entitled to a 15% discount off of ATMS' services, and "Supporting Business" members are entitled to a 10% discount off of their services. For more information, please email Bobbi Bolio or click here.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Tourism Eco-certification Pilot Test Underway

The Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program™ (STEP) is currently underway and is open to travel and tourism providers, governmental agencies, NGOs, and consumers.

If you are interested in reviewing the program and providing STI with constructive feedback, simply register online, and then follow the instructions outlined at the top of the page.

Your input will help us to maximize the program's impact as a positive force in the travel industry. For more information, call 720-273-2975 or email STI.

Disclaimer: STI's Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program™ ("STEP") is not in any way affiliated with the World Tourism Organization's Sustainable Tourism - Eliminating Poverty ("ST-EP") program.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Featured Tourism Supplier
Gecko Travel

This month's featured travel provider offers responsible tours for those who wish to discover the real Southeast Asia. In fact, respect for local people, their cultures, traditions, religions and environment are essential to Gecko Travel's philosophy.

Gecko Travel works really hard to ensure their groups have a positive impact on the places and people visited which is reflected in their sustainability policy as summarized below:

Economic responsibility: Gecko Travel uses indigenous local agents as well as minority ethnic groups 100% of the time for tour activities and chartered transport. In addition, 100% of the company's guides are local guides with proper national accreditation, where required.

Gecko Travel provides financial assistance to local operators and to local charities. Wherever possible, tours visit 'off the beaten path' places, thus bringing associated economic benefits to those areas. Tours also make use of small family-run guest houses, locally owned hotels, small restaurants, and public transport.

Environmental responsibility: Gecko Travel is focused on waste minimization. In its UK office, recycled and recyclable materials are used wherever possible, and biodegradable waste is composted in the company garden. Gecko Travel also uses biodegradable or reusable containers when serving meals, and refillable bottles are used to transport water while trekking. Where water is scarce guests are made aware of the need to be frugal with its consumption.

In addition, all of Gecko Travel's guests are educated about Leave No Trace™ principles and the ecosystems visited. And their guides are always available to provide any necessary clarification of appropriate behavior as needed.

Social responsibility: All of Gecko Travel's guests are furnished with a document advising them as to what constitutes appropriate and culturally sensitive behavior and dress in Southeast Asia.

Gecko Travel is currently refraining from conducting tours in Burma. They consider the political regime to be unsuitable for organized tourism, and they do not wish to appear to legitimize or to contribute financially to it.

Gecko Travel also runs an annual fundraiser for The Pattaya Orphanage. And the company supports local community initiatives such as handicraft projects in Thailand, landmine clearance in Cambodia, and school projects in Laos.

In summary, Gecko Travel is a leader in responsible tourism in Southeast Asia. For more information, visit STI's Eco-Directory or Gecko Travel's Responsible Travel Policy.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Travelers' Philanthropy:
What's in it for Travel Companies?

Travelers' Philanthropy involves conscientious consumers and responsible travel companies donating financial resources, time, talent and economic patronage to protect and positively impact the cultures and environments they visit.

Gifts and donations are typically channeled through foundations operated by partnerships between community leaders, travel companies, and non-governmental agencies.

Civic-minded travelers and travel companies gain satisfaction from furthering the well being of the places they visit. But what other reasons exist for a travel company to create a foundation focused on Travelers' Philanthropy?

Responsible Travelers. There is ample research to support the size and scope of the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Heath and Sustainability) and sustainable tourism markets. Nonetheless, it can be challenging for responsible travel companies to determine if new business stems from their commitment to sustainability. Measuring your positive impacts and marketing them along with your responsible tourism policy will help to send a strong message about your company. If you ask the right questions, you may be surprised to find that many of your guest's decisions to travel with your business were directly influenced by your company's values.

Media. Most travel writers and editors are inundated by press releases, familiarization trip offerings, and exciting story angles from travel companies around the world. As a result, unique stories tend to be the only stories that attract their attention. By framing your press releases and story angles through your businesses' commitment to environmental, socio-cultural and community-based issues, you will set your business apart. By focusing on positive impacts and how you've improved the well being of local communities, you will position your business in a positive light, creating an opportunity to dramatically increase your media exposure.

Industry Evolution. In tough economic times, it can be difficult to get travel companies to buy into the benefits of responsible tourism. Often, tour operators are more concerned about their supplier's pricing structure and amenities than their commitment to destination stewardship and environmental management. However, the tides are turning. Travel companies are beginning to promote the ways in which they positively impact the people and places they visit. This is an exceptional brand and reputation builder as it reflects the company's values.

Community Benefits. Businesses based within successful communities have a better chance to be successful themselves. Your business can affect the local communities where you operate in a meaningful way if you take into account their needs and aspirations and provide them with quantifiable benefits. By forming partnership with local non-governmental agencies and community leaders and focusing on positive outcomes for all, you can strengthen your efforts to help support community development, biodiversity conservation, and other improvements including providing jobs, educational and professional training opportunities, health care and environmental stewardship.

----------------------------------------------------------- focused on strategic marketing in the travel industry. Should you not wish to receive this and other information from Sustainable Travel International, please unsubscribe on our Web site.

If you know someone who would be interested in receiving information from us, they can subscribe on our Web site.

CONTACT US!

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
2060 FLORAL DRIVE
BOULDER COLORADO 80304

PHONE 720.273.2975

info@SustainableTravelInternational.org

BUSINESS HOURS: 8am–5pm MST

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you want to explore how Sustainable Travel International can help your organization achieve its marketing and revenue objectives.

Thanks for taking a moment to get caught up.

Best Regards,

Sustainable Travel International

 

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