Join the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) for a 2020 World Tourism Day Webinar entitled Lessons from COVID-19 for Tourism in a Changing Climate, Tuesday, September 29, 11:00 am–12:30 pm EST
CREST’s annual meta-analysis, The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics, will share key studies on COVID-19 and climate change and the lessons that may be applied from the former to meet the challenges of the latter. CREST’s World Tourism Day Webinar will share the report’s key findings and will bring together experts to discuss consumer, business, and destination trends in the context of recovery.
Distinguished speakers will explore the unprecedented opportunity to mitigate two existential threats, climate change and COVID-19, with one coordinated approach, truly making the world a safer, more equitable, and more resilient place for all.
Panelists will include:
Dr. Daniel Scott, Executive Director, Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change (IC3), University of Waterloo
Moderator: Denaye Hinds, Owner and Managing Director, JustaTAAD, LLC
The latest report, The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics 2020, a special edition on lessons from COVID-19 for tourism in a changing climate, comes at an unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has highlighted the immense need and value of tourism, while fundamentally changing the way destinations, businesses, and travelers will plan, manage, and experience tourism. At the same time, climate change remains an existential threat that has real consequences for destinations and communities everywhere.
The report includes a special focus on the two major crises facing our world today: climate change and COVID-19. Sharing cutting-edge research and examples, the report describes how travelers, tourism businesses, and destinations are implementing workable, sustainable solutions to support our planet and its people. The report also provides an overview of what consumers, businesses, and destinations are experiencing during COVID-19 and offers sustainable solutions that can help the tourism industry on a road to responsible recovery.
“Crisis often breeds innovation, and destination communities and businesses must now take the time to reconsider the path forward,” said Gregory Miller, Executive Director of CREST. “As we look to the future of tourism, the same rigor and dedication that is needed to adapt to the pandemic must also be applied to neutralize the threat of climate change.”
Trends & Statistics 2020 updates CREST’s previous industry studies, released every year since 2013. This year’s report was prepared in collaboration with more than 30 leading organizations, researchers, and institutions, including the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Wentworth By the Sea, a grand historic resort on New Castle island, off Portsmouth, NH (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
WASHINGTON D.C. – With new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showing staggering job loss to the hospitality and leisure industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association today released a “Roadmap to Recovery,” calling on Congress to prioritize relief for hotel workers and small businesses in the next stimulus package. The April Jobs Report showed the hospitality and leisure industry was the hardest hit, losing 7.7 million jobs—nearly as many jobs as the next four sectors combined. (Click here to read AHLA’s letter to Congress.)
AHLA is urging Congress to provide immediate assistance in these four areas:
Help hotels retain and rehire employees by extending the Paycheck Protection Program, offering employees direct tuition assistance or tax credits, and expanding the Employee Retention Credit
Protect employees and guests through tax credits for cleaning equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Keep hotel doors open by providing relief for hotel commercial mortgages and increasing the size and flexibility of PPP loans
Incentivize Americans to travel again when it’s safe with a new, temporary travel tax credit and restoring the entertainment business expense deduction
“The hospitality industry is in a fight for survival,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “We are grateful to the leadership of both parties during one of the most difficult health and economic challenges we have faced. We are urging Congress to do even more to help the hotel industry so that our small business hotel operators can keep the lights on and retain and rehire employees.”
COVID-19 continues to devastate the hotel industry: 2020 is projected to be the worst year on record for hotel occupancy, and experts estimate it will be at least 2022 before hotels return to their 2019 occupancy and revenue levels. So far, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry has been nine times worse than September 11. In a recent survey of AHLA members, more than 8 in 10 hotel employees said they have had to lay off or furlough workers. Only 37 percent have been able to rehire any staff through economic relief measures such as PPP.
With a presence in every congressional district in America, hotels are central to getting our economy back on track and supporting millions of jobs. Prior to the pandemic, hotels were proud to support one in 25 American jobs—8.3 million in total—and contribute $660 billion to U.S. GDP. A representative hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports nearly 250 jobs in the community and generates $18.4 million in guest spending at neighborhood shops and restaurants. Hotels also generate $186 billion in local, state, and federal taxes each year.
“While the hotel industry was one of the first affected by the pandemic, we have collectively stepped up to serve our communities during this public health crisis. We need Congress to continue to prioritize the industries and employees most affected by the crisis, so we can retain and rehire the people who power our industry, our communities and our economy,” concluded Rogers.
Click here to download the hotel industry’s Road Map to Recovery one-pager.
Southampton Inn Bedroom, Cooper’s Beach,Benday Sophia @Ceravolo,
Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and the declaration of a national emergency, the Southampton Inn on the East end of Long Island, remains open to care for guests and the wider community. While larger gatherings are currently not possible, people still need somewhere safe to stay, whether construction workers supporting emergency infrastructure projects or families trying to visit loved ones. Housekeeping protocols at the Inn meet the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Southampton Inn wants to first reassure guests that they can book with confidence. They understand that people are concerned about the evolving situation and, specifically, scheduled overnight stays and future travel plans. To accommodate guests during this time of uncertainty, the Inn will cancel any reservations through April 15, 2020 or will credit your reservations to any available date through March 31, 2021. They are also taking the following steps to accommodate guests:
The Inn is offering a room rate
of $149/night (plus taxes and fees) for their available rooms. Sixteen of the
rooms are pet-friendly.
Claude’s Restaurant is offering
take-out breakfast options daily between 7:00am and 10:00am. The restaurant is
currently closed for dinner and Sunday brunch through March 31, 2020, and
management is monitoring the evolving guidelines.
Guests are welcome to reserve an
extended stay in June, July or August. Prices range from $11,000 – $15,000 per
month (subject to change and availability).
Despite the underlying tensions surrounding the outbreak, spring hasarrived and a welcome breath of fresh air and relaxation awaits at the Southampton Inn. Located in the heart of Long Island’s historic Southampton Village, the Inn is just one mile from gorgeous nationally recognized ocean beaches, hiking and cycling trails.
New this 2020, Claude’s Gallery inaugural exhibition features artwork by Ceravolo & Candice CMC, Charles Ford, Robin Morris and Nickol Renae. Guests can stop by for a tour or call for information about the artists. A well-stocked library provides an ideal place to relax with a book or board game.
Looking ahead, the Southampton Inn currently has a number of events planned starting in May 2020 including:
May 1 – 3 – 2020 May Day Celebration May 8 – 10 – Mother’s Day Weekend getaway and brunch May 9 – The USA Women’s Half Marathon in Southampton Village (pre-race dinner) May 14-17 – What’s New, Southampton Village? (featuring exciting and diverse promotions and events that focus on family fun, history, the arts and recreation – all designed to showcase the Village’s many offerings during one of the most beautiful times of the year). May 24 – Memorial Day Weekend Summer Kickoff Barbecue June 12 -14 – Croquet and Rosé starts June 12-14 and continues every Sunday through the summer: $50/couple includes bottle of selected rosé, croquet on the Inn’s lawn and live music.
The Southampton Inn is classic, unassuming and utterly charming. The Inn, on five acres, offers the personal attention of a bed & breakfast with the services of a hotel. The 90 guest rooms, all with slightly different decor, offer individual temperature control, sparkling tiled bathrooms, refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The grounds consist of several acres of manicured lawns and gardens, with amenities that everyone can enjoy: 50-foot heated outdoor pool, All-weather tennis court, croquet and volleyball, Game Room for all ages, and Claude’s Restaurant.
When things return to normal, The Inn and Claude’s Restaurant are also popular, established settings for corporate retreats, meetings, reunions, destination weddings and other gatherings, combining the natural beauty of the East End of Long Island with seasonal amenities, all in one convenient location.
This is huge for New York State’s tourism and recreational
opportunities: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s is proposing a $300 million plan
to reimagine the Erie Canal by creating recreational activities on the Canal to
boost tourism and recreational
fishing, mitigate flooding, enhance irrigation and restore wetlands.
“When the Erie Canal was created in the
19th century it set the state and the nation on a path to
prosperity, and this year we will repurpose the canal to fit our state’s
21st century needs,” Governor
Cuomo said. “This bold and visionary plan to transform
this historic waterway will build on the success of the Empire State Trail (750
miles of connected bikeways), grow tourism across Upstate New York,
improve resilience of today’s Canal communities and ensure the
economic sustainability of the waterway into the future.”
“The canals have played a crucial role in New York’s history and
growth, and with the implementation of these new exciting projects, the canals
will remain a vital force and make a positive contribution to the economic
well-being and quality of life in the 225 communities they travel through,”
said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
A first phase of funding starting this year – through the New
York Power Authority Board which oversees the Canal Corporation as a subsidiary
– includes a $100 million economic development fund to invest
in communities along the Canal and a separate $65 million investment
in solutions that will help prevent ice jams and related flooding in the
Schenectady area.
The remaining $135 million of the plan’s funding will subsequently be allocated
to research recommended by the Reimagine Task Force, as well
as to solutionsrelated to flood mitigation,
invasive species prevention and ecosystem restoration.
New Economic Development Fund for Canal Communities
In the first phase of the program, a $100 million economic
development fund will support projects that adaptively reuse canal
infrastructure to enhance water recreation, tie the Canal’s new
recreational improvements to the Governor’s Empire State Trail,
celebrate historic canal structures, and develop unique canalside
attractions and activities. Roughly $25 million of that will be allocated
immediately to a set of initial projects:
Connecting Communities: The “Brockport Loop” project in Monroe County will
connect SUNY College at Brockport to the Empire State
Trailand the village of Brockport through
the transformation of a canal guard-gate into a
pedestrian bridge and overlook, with a supporting grant of $2 million
from the Ralph Wilson Foundation.
Celebrating “Iconic Infrastructure”:Interactive, hydro-powered illumination of Canal “movable
dams” – initially in
Amsterdam and Canajoharie in the
Mohawk River valley – will celebrate the Canal’s
heritage and its history as an engineering marvel.
Expanding Water Recreation: A new whitewater destination, at the north end of Cayuga Lake near Seneca
Falls, will rely on existing water control infrastructure to construct an
active water sports course adjacent to the Montezuma National
Wildlife Refuge, to increase eco-tourism and sport visitors to the region.
Adapting Industrial Property for New
Uses: Winner of the Reimagine the Canals competition,
a canalside pocket neighborhood, will be developed by Madison
County in Central New York at a former industrial
property in Canastota along the Old Erie Canal –
demonstrating a new model for 21st century canalside living.
Developing Destination Accommodations: The
historic Guy Park Manor, on the Mohawk River in
Amsterdam, will be reborn as a hospitality destination and a
pedestrian bridge constructed
across the already-existing Canal lock will provide
access to additional overnight accommodation along the Empire
State Trail on the opposite side of the river.
World-Class Fishing and Restored Wetlands
To create world-class fishing in Western New York, the new
plan recommends managing water releases from the Canal to enhance fish
habitat, improve angling opportunities, and extend the fall fishing season in
Lake Ontario tributaries. It also includes funding to expand public
fishing access along key streams in Orleans, Monroe and Niagara
Counties. In addition, it identifies a program to divert Canal water to restore and
re-nourish wetlands in Central New York that were compromised a
century ago by the Canal’s construction. This will allow areas in
close proximity to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, a migratory
stopover for more than 1 million birds each
year, to be significantly enhanced to further
attract naturalists, locals, and visitors from throughout the region and
beyond.
Ideas in this plan originated from the Reimagine the
Canals Task Force recommendations, launched by
Governor Cuomo in May of 2019 to pursue a
comprehensive investigation of how the 195-year-old Erie Canal
could be reimagined for the 21st century. The Reimagine
the Canals Task Force Report was just released.
The Task Force engaged with municipal leaders, stakeholders, local
business owners, scientists and other experts, along with community
members, to identify opportunities and solutions that support a
new vision for future investments in the waterway. Many of the ideas that the
Task Force explored came from the completed Reimagine the Canals competition, held
last year by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal
Corporation. SUNY’s Rockefeller Institute of Government, on behalf of
the Task Force, conducted a series of outreach sessions during the summer
in five canal communities – Lockport, Brockport, Schenectady, Utica and
Syracuse – to solicit new ideas from the public at large. Ideas were also
solicited on a Reimagine the Canals website, offering more
distant canal users an opportunity to provide their views to the Task Force.
The “Reimagine” initiative builds on successful
efforts by Governor Cuomo to invest in the canal corridor, including
the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and successful Taste NY program, which have stoked new industries,
businesses and housing in canal communities. Harnessing the Canal’s full
potential to attract more tourism and recreation is a key focus of the
Initiative. Governor Cuomo and state agency and authority staff
will collaborate with Empire Line communities and continue to consult with
Task Force members and other stakeholders to ensure the success
of projects as they move forward.
There are 1.6 million trips taken annually on the Erie Canal Trailway,
the former towpath used by mules and horses to pull barges in the canals’ early
days. The Trailway is part of Governor Cuomo’s Empire State Trail,
which at 750 miles will be the largest state multi-use trail network when
completed in late 2020. Governor DeWitt Clinton began work on the original
Erie Canal on July 4, 1817.
In addition to investing $300 million in the Canal System, there are
also plans to create two new state parks in the
Hudson Valley, add 4,000 acres of land to parks and introduce a $3 billion
“Restore Mother Nature” bond act.
Meanwhile, registration has opened for the
22nd Annual Cycle the Erie, eight-day 400-mile, fully supported biking/camping
trip, from Buffalo to Albany, operated by Parks & Trails NY, taking place
July 12-19, 2020. For information on
Cycle the Erie Canal, call Parks & Trails New York, 518-434-1583, email [email protected] or visit www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal.
Williston, VT –By 2030, 1.8 billion people – about 20 percent of the global population – are predicted to be tourists traveling the world. As the demand for global travel increases, consumers are faced with numerous decisions on how to make their trips more sustainable, including where to go, what to pack and how to get there. Country Walkers, a leading provider of walking adventures and a leader in responsible tourism for decades, offers travelers the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable world through preserving indigenous cultures, supporting local economies, conserving wildlife and protecting the environment.
“At Country Walkers, we are committed to a healthier planet
and to giving back to the destinations we explore,” said Timo Shaw, President of Country Walkers. “Sustainability is one of our core values, from staying in locally
owned and operated hotels whenever possible and seeking out environmentally and
socially responsible accommodations, to our ardent support of the Slow Food
movement in order to preserve culinary traditions and support biodiversity. As
a result, those who travel with us contribute to a more sustainable world as
well.”
To further support special conservation and charitable
projects in communities and habitats worldwide, Country Walkers created The
Travelers Fund, which makes a donation on behalf of every traveler who
books a specific tour. More than half of Country Walkers’ tours are associated
with an initiative, including:
Mountain Rescue at Club Alpino Italiano (Country Walkers tour: Italy: The Amalfi Coast & Capri). Safety comes first
on the Amalfi Coast with a donation to the local mountain rescue team, which
primarily relies on volunteers and donations to obtain and maintain equipment
for rapid emergency response for visitors and locals.
Wildlife Conservation in the Rocky
Mountains (Country Walkers tours: Montana: Glacier National Park and Wyoming: Grand Teton & Yellowstone[KG1] ). The Yellowstone to Yukon
Conservation Initiative seeks to re-connect segments of land that have been
separated by development, allowing animals to safely move from region to region
on wildlife-friendly highway overpasses. Contributions are used towards
constructing one of these wildlife structures.
Therapeutic Travel for Cancer Survivors
in Quebec (Country Walkers tour: Quebec: Quebec City & the Saguenay Fjord). Country Walkers supports the Fondation Sur La Pointe des Pieds
(“On the Tip of the Toes”), which provides young people ages 14 to 29 living
with cancer with an opportunity to regain their sense of well-being through
therapeutic adventure expeditions.
Assisting Pilgrims on Camino de
Santiago (Country Walkers tour: Spain: Classic Camino de Santiago). The
Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago
coordinates a vast national network of hostels, volunteers, parishes, churches
and shelters in an effort to keep more than 200,000 pilgrims safe, healthy and
informed as they walk the Camino de Santiago.
Clean Water in Zambia (Country Walkers tour: Zambia Safari: Exclusive Camps & Bush Walks). In Africa, currently 345 million people live without access to
clean drinking water. Together with local partners in Zambia at Charity Begins
Home, Country Walkers supports the “Commit to Clean Water” Fund, an initiative
that seeks to transform rural communities by drilling wells into deep aquifers
and pumping potable water to the surface.
Maintaining the Long Trail in
Vermont (Country Walkers tour: Vermont: Fall Foliage). A highlight of the tour is walking
along one of the most spectacular portions of the legendary 270-mile Long
Trail, the nation’s first long-distance hiking trail. Country Walkers supports
the Green Mountain Club, the stewards of this “footpath through the
wilderness,” who also promote conservation of and education about Vermont’s
mountains and rural land.
Advocacy for Small Businesses in
Palermo (Country Walkers tour: Italy: Sicily). Country Walkers supports the nonprofit
Addiopizzo movement, a grassroots coalition of over 850 shopkeepers aimed at
squashing corruption in Sicily and educating locals about ethical business
practices.
Conserving a Historic Chapel in
Monterosso (Country Walkers tour: Italy: Portofino & Cinque Terre[KG2] ). In 2013, severe landslides destroyed the grounds of the
historic Convento dei Cappuccini chapel and monastery. “Let’s Rebuild
Monterosso’s Paradise” raises funds for the restoration, a cost far beyond the
modest means of the town or diocese.
Cornwall Coastal Preservation (Country Walkers tour: England: The Cornwall Coast). The South West
Coast Path Association advocates for improvements to more than 630 miles of
this historic coastal trail system. As maintenance is costly, donations from
Country Walkers on behalf of guests help maintain these paths that are
heavily utilized on the tour.
Farming for the Future (Country Walkers tours: Portugal: Sintra, Óbidos & the Coast and Portugal: Porto to Lisbon). The Herdade do
Freio do Meio farm applies principles of sustainability within the context
of the Portuguese montado, a traditional pastoral agricultural system in which
reducing reliance on fossil fuels and marketing regionally to provide fresh
foods and minimize transport costs are key policies. The farm processes and
sells many products on site, providing training and employment for locals.
Campobello Whale Rescue Team (Country Walkers tour: New Brunswick: Bay of Fundy & Campobello Island). Created by Mackie Green, the same captain who offers a whale
watching excursion and boat transfers on the Country Walkers tour, the team is
trained to dive and rescue whales trapped in fish netting. Donations support
equipment and training.
Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (Country Walkers tour: England: The Cotswolds). Stretching over
790 square miles, the Cotswolds is the largest recognized Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty in England due to its breathtaking scenery and rolling hills.
Country Walkers supports efforts to keep the area well-preserved on behalf of
every Cotswolds guest.
For more than 40 years, Country Walkers has provided active, experiential, and stunning travel experiences on five continents. Based in Williston, Vt., the company’s specialized adventures and insider access bring the beating heart of a destination to life with well-crafted itineraries for Guided Walking and Self-Guided Walking. All walking trips highlight local cuisine, authentic accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences. Country Walkers is recognized as one of the leading providers of Walking Adventures worldwide, having garnered countless awards including National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards.
The Travel Corporation’s non-profit foundation, Treadright, welcomes new project partnership in Seville, Spain with The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art to support the conservation of flamenco dance.
Cypress,
Calif.- The TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family
of award-winning brands, including Trafalgar, Uniworld, Insight Vacations,
Contiki and Red Carnation Hotels, has announced a new project
partnership with The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Artin
Seville, Spain. The new project falls under TreadRight’s ‘People’ pillar,
which encourages the cultures, traditions and arts of the communities TTC
visits.
The
Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art is a private, non-profit entity,
created in 1993 in Seville by Cristina Heeren, Hispanist and American patron.
Its aims are the promotion, the teaching and the conservation of flamenco both
in Andalusia and Spain, as well as internationally.
The
TreadRight Foundation is supporting The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco
Art by establishing four scholarships for advanced guitar, singing and dance
students at the Foundation. The TreadRight scholarships will
be dedicated to advanced students who need financial assistance to complete
their third or fourth year of training. These higher-level students display
great skill and competence in their disciplines, however, they often struggle
to find the funds to continue or complete their training. The TreadRight
scholarship will now allow them to see their training through to its completion.
In
addition, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold guests will have a culturally
immersive and unique experience while visiting The Cristina Heeren Foundation
on select trips. They will start with a flamenco dance
class before taking front-seats for a fiery performance of flamenco to truly
embrace the artform.
“Anyone
who has ever had the chance to experience a flamenco performance can’t help but
be moved by the centuries old artistic tradition. It is obvious why UNESCO
recognized flamenco as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010,” says Brett Tollman,
Chief Executive, TTC and Founder, The TreadRight Foundation. “It
represents such an incredible and indelible contribution to Spanish culture and
heritage, as well as world culture and heritage. We are delighted to be
partnering with The Cristina Heeren Foundation to help support the brilliant
young artists working to keep this beautiful tradition alive and thriving.”
“That
our friends at the TreadRight Foundation should have understood the importance
of Flamenco, a unique art form, is close to miraculous,” shared
Cristina Heeren, President of The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art. “Indeed,
few people realize that flamenco is unique, being a product of the numerous
ethnic influences left behind by those groups that settled in
southern Spain over the centuries. Now, thanks to the TreadRight
scholarships, our most promising students will be able to enter the
professional world,” she continued.
Since
1996, the prestigious school has trained more than 6,000 youths from around the
world in song, dance and guitar. It has been recognized with the Flamenco
in the Classroom Prize from the Andalusian Government, the Order
of Alfonso X from Spain’s Ministry of Culture, the National Teaching Prize from
the Chair of Flamencology in Jerez and the distinction Flamenco Thursdays from
the Cajasol Foundation, among other honors.
Created
as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands,
The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to safeguard the planet,
wildlife & people for generations to come. TreadRight’s mission is to
#MakeTravelMatter through conservation, leadership and support for
communities. To date, TreadRight has supported over 55+ sustainable
tourism projects in 280+ communities worldwide. Foundation priorities are set
by the Steering Committee. Past project partners include WWF,
Conservation International, WildAid, The Travel Foundation and The
National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include the Wildlife Conservation
Society’s Big Cat fund, WE.org and inspiring nature advocates
like Céline Cousteau, Costas Christ and Terri Irwin. To learn more about our
past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,
and Twitter using our hashtag
#MakeTravelMatter.
SANTA ROSA, USA –The 16th annual edition of The Global Scavenger Hunt, known among travel cognoscenti as the world travel championship, is set to take place over 23-days between April 17 and May 9, 2020, is now accepting applications for entry. Eager Indiana Jones-types of adventurers and curious travelers wanting to test their travel IQ against other travelers in an extraordinary around-the-world travel adventure competition that crowns The World’s Greatest Travelers, can apply at GlobalScavengerHunt.com.
“Competitions, trophies and titles provide inspiration,” says Event Director William Chalmers, “We want the best international travelers to participate. The 2020 event will find out if travel writers and bloggers know the world as well as they claim to; whether social media influencers and travel agents can go beyond their staged selfies and glossy brochures; and whether some of the world’s ‘most traveled people’ and Amazing Race wannabe’s actually have any real-world travel skills. Winning our event is the ultimate test and proof.”
The 2020 event will pit savvy international travelers against each other by taking them on A Blind Date with the World, visiting ten secret destinations without any prior preparation, and then have them unravel a constant blitz of highly authentic, participatory and challenging culturally-oriented scavenges along the way, like: meditating with monks, training elephants, taking flamenco lessons, cooking local dishes with local chefs, searching out Lost Cities, cracking sacred temple mysteries, joining in local celebrations, and learning local languages enough to decipher their scavenger hunt clues. Trusting strangers in strange lands will be their focus as they circle the globe for three weeks. The event has touched foot in 85 countries to date.
The title of The World’s Greatest Travelers and free trip around the world to defend their titles in the 2021 event await the travelers worthy enough to win the 16th edition of the world travel championship.
Event participation is open but limited; the $25,000 per team entry fee includes all international airfare, First Class hotels, 40% of meals, and special event travel gear. All travelers are interviewed for suitability and single travelers are welcome to apply. For additional information please visit GlobalScavengerHunt.com, or contact GreatEscape Adventures Inc., at +1.310.281.7809. (CST#2071053-40)
On
one issue I take exception to the courageous climate activist, Greta Thunberg:
travel – even airline travel – is not the enemy of the climate action crusade,
travel is its best ally. She may have taken two weeks to sail the Atlantic to
reach the United Nations Climate Action Summit, but the thousands of diplomats
and heads of state she scolded and shamed into action, could not.
“What would happen if we
stopped traveling, stopped flying? Would we save the planet or unleash a global
conservation crisis? There would be global conservation crisis,” asserted Costas
Christ, chairman of The TreadRight Foundation, a philanthropy created by The
Travel Corporation’s 42 brands, to preserve and protect the planet, people and
wildlife.
Christ, who came out of
the Wildlife Conservation Society, pointed to the three great forests on the
planet – New Guinea, Amazon Basin, Central African rainforest including Gabon. But
in the early 2000s, Gabon’s economy was dependent on mining and timber
concessions.
The Wildlife
Conservation Society went to Gabon’s president and said, “If you continue
mining, cutting trees, the party is over in 50 years, but if put aside area for
conservation, travelers will come, alleviate poverty and save the forest – your
great grandchildren will be able to make their livelihood here.
“With stroke of Gabon
President’s pen, he created 11 national parks, protecting 13 million acres –
Travel Matters,” Christ said. “Travel is
the alternative to exploitation – preserve and protect instead of poach and
encroach.”
“If travelers did not go to the African
continent, the future would be unrelenting poverty. Travel is hope,
conservation.”
Colombia, where The
Travel Corporation has introduced new travel programs, is one of the 30 places
on the planet which are the “Noah’s Ark of Life,” a biodiversity hot spot harboring
one out of 10 species.
“If we are able to help Colombia protect its natural
resources we will protect the second largest biodiverse place on the
planet.”
“We make an impact when
travel supports conservation, protects wildlife and alleviates poverty. Travel
matters when it is planned, managed well, sustainable. Then magic happens – we
deliver on our promise to make the world a better place.
It is significant that
travel benefits the destinations, but travel also enriches individuals, in a
mutually virtuous circle.
What is wanderlust and why
do we seek out other places? Christ asks. Marco Polo understood. So did John
Steinbeck, who, in
his Pulitzer-Prize winning book, wrote:
A journey
is a person in itself; no two are alike.
And all plans, safeguards, policies and coercion are
fruitless.
We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip;
a trip takes us.
Mark Twain, who actually was a travel writer, wrote in “The
Innocents Abroad,” “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and
narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.
Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by
vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
Costas Christ
traveled to meet the Dalai Lama, who travels constantly, to ask ‘Why travel?.’ “He said, ‘in ancient Tibetan ‘gropa’ is
the word for human being, but the literal meaning is ‘one who goes on
migrations.’ We define the essence of being human to travel – to travel is to
be human.
“We think of the word
‘progress’ as hitting goals, but to pro-gress is a kind of travel. In Middle English,
“progress” means “to go on a seasonal journey” – so success is a journey,
success is linked to travel.”
The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created 10 years ago as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, takes a percentage of profit from 42 companies to make sure goes to projects that make a difference. TreadRight supports 55 projects in 280 communities in 26 countries in three basic categories: planet, people and wildlife.
TTC, a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, is
joining in a commitment for the industry – which accounts for one in 10 jobs
around the world and accounts for 10% of the global economy, to become carbon
neutral by 2050. TTC will also take steps to eliminate plastics through its
supply chain, and reduce carbon emissions.
“We’re committed to be carbon neutral before 2050 and not through carbon offsets. Carbon is what’s destroying climate, not offsets,” Brett Tollman, Chief Executive, The Travel Corporation and Founder, The TreadRight Foundation. said at a reception marking TreadRight’s 10 years.
“We are at an unfortunate tipping point, where unless we careful, this industry will be the poster for all that’s bad,” he said. “We have the opportunity to make change, but we have to be courageous.”
But though travel –
particularly airline travel – does have a carbon cost (until the technologies
improve), not traveling would be far worse for the quest of saving the planet
and communities from the impacts of climate change and promoting a more just
society.
Christ points to places devastated
by climate catastrophe that have rebounded because of tourism, communities and
cultures destroyed by war and conflict, like Bosnia and Croatia, rebuild and
thrive because of the economic support of travel dollars.
For example, working with the Jordan tourism Board, TreadRight
supports the Queen Noor Iraq Alamei, a
cooperative that employs women as potters and artisans – giving women jobs
outside the home but within the village. With TreadRight support, the
cooperative built up a gift shop and opened an Air BnB.
New
travel programs in Colombia help create a wildlife nursery and install solar
panels, while another program in Sierra Nevada, through Trafalgar, creates an opportunity
for visitors to be hosted by a family.
“Travel
is an incredible gift. It has the ability to open our eyes to the unique
cultures and spellbinding beauty of the natural world. But with this gift comes
a responsibility – to protect the world as we know it. At TreadRight, our
mission is clear; to have a positive impact on the people and communities we
visit, to protect wildlife and marine life, and to care for the planet we call
home.”
Craig
Kielburger, the co-founder of WE charity, explained how Treadright’s family of
travel companies is partnering with We.org, which builds schools, promotes
sustainable agriculture, brings pure water to communities – to offer programs
in which travelers can immerse themselves into that community.
In partnership
with ME to WE, travelers have the opportunity to visit three iconic
destinations: India, the Ecuadorian Amazon and Kenya. In conjunction with TTC,
guests can book ME to WE Immersive Volunteer Trip extensions on upcoming set
departure dates or as a requested custom trip. Travelers stay among local communities in comfortable
lodges, owned and operated by ME to WE. All meals, ground transfers,
transportation and local sightseeing excursions hosted by an expert facilitator
are included.
You
can run with the Masai, help build a school, see what it feels like to have to
carry water barrels on your back; stay in a family’s home in Ecuador; in India,
visit an elephant rescue preserve instead of riding on one. (See TreadRight.org site, https://www.TreadRight.org/trips/).
“Travel is a privilege,”
said Celine Cousteau, a documentary filmmaker and TreadRight Ambassador and
storyteller. “Experience places and people, become a part of who they are.
Travel fosters profound change. Travelers become storytellers. Traveling on an
airplane has a carbon footprint, yes, but the value it brings more than
compensates. Travel is an opportunity to
bring a thriving economy, conserve, preserve. Make a choice to do good and if
travel, make it count.”
TTC’s ‘Make Travel Matter’ Pledge
TreadRight has made
#maketravelmatter its mission and its theme and on this year’s World Tourism
Day, made this pledge:
“This World Tourism Day, Friday, September 27th, 2019, engaged citizens will examine the positive impact travel has on the globe and TreadRight is making its commitment public to Make Travel Matter,” the company stated.
Inspired by Palau’s First Lady, Debbie
Remengesau who introduced the Palau Pledge, every one of TTC’s 10,000 team
members and 42 companies worldwide are committing to make travel matter, with
its new official pledge standing to help protect people, planet and wildlife.
In celebration of World Tourism Day, all members of TTC’s family of brands will
use the opportunity to stand up and personally commit to share TreadRight’s
ethos as travelers, as travel providers and as members of the global travel
industry.
“Our Make Travel Matter Pledge is another step on our journey and an impactful one as it further solidifies our commitment to helping protect the destinations we work with, its communities and local wildlife,” Tollman said. “As responsible travelers, TreadRight’s ethos has become part of our company’s DNA and what we stand for, and we share our pledge with our guests as well as partners in hopes they will join us.”
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER PLEDGE
I will make my travel matter –
for our planet, for people and for wildlife.
When I explore this planet, I
will do my best to TreadRight.
I will refuse single use
plastics when I can and recycle what I cannot avoid.
When possible, I will offset my
travels.
When I meet new people, I will
honor their home as I do my own and do so in the spirit of diversity and
inclusion. I will purchase locally made items wherever possible and pay a fair
price.
When I experience wildlife, I will do so in nature.
I will not ride animals that
ought not be ridden, nor support animal cruelty in any way.
Together, we will TreadRight
upon the earth – and we will make our travel matter.
For more information about TTC, visit www.ttc.com.
TreadRight
is not the only entity that facilitates authentic, transformative, responsible travel
experiences – there is a whole travel industry subcategory, many represented by
Center for Responsible
Travel (responsibletravel.org), Global
Sustainable Tourism Council (gstcouncil.org), Earthcheck
(earthcheck.org) and the Rainforest Alliance (https://www.rainforest-alliance.org).
At the third New York State Tourism Summit, State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a commitment of $50 million to promote statewide tourism, create jobs, and attract more visitors to every region of New York. This investment, which is one of the largest ever by the State, builds upon the historic investments in the tourism industry which generated a $100.1 billion economic impact in 2014.
The summit, held in Albany, brought hundreds of tourism experts to the Capitol to discuss innovative ideas and new ways to encourage travel to all 11 vacations regions of the State. As a result of the Governor’s support of tourism, the industry has seen an increase in spending, state and local tax revenue, visitors and employment since 2011, and a record-breaking economic impact of $100.1 billion in 2014.
Last year, New York’s tourism industry generated direct spending of $62.5 billion, producing $7.8 billion in state and local taxes. The number of visitors to New York increased by 8.2 million with nearly 227 million visitors in 2014. As New York’s fourth largest employment sector, one out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. Data from 2014 show the tourism industry supported 867,900 jobs and generated more than $31 billion in wages.
Initiatives announced at the Summit include:
Increased Level of Tourism Funding: The State will invest nearly $50 million in tourism funding. This is more than $5 million compared to last year and includes tourism marketing, transportation promotion, international marketing, and funding for industry development.
Tourism Marketing Campaign:$25 million will be utilized for tourism marketing, featuring the I LOVE NY, Path Through History and Taste NY initiatives. The new marketing campaign will feature TV ads and other media at airports, on roads, on railways, on the web and on mobile devices to promote tourism opportunities throughout New York State. The very successful I Love New York television advertising campaign featuring actors and athletes from New York will continue into 2016.
Increased Transportation Access: A $4 million investment will be utilized to work with the Port Authority and MTA for opportunities to promote Upstate travel and make transportation information easily accessible for all travelers. The investment will also promote linkages from New York City via partners like car rental companies and bus and train operators to create transportation options in key areas where none exist.
Expand Global Tourism Markets: The Governor announced I LOVE NEW YORK will continue to expand its global reach through key markets in Australia and Puerto Rico. New York will create a Tourism Advisory Board in Australia, and host the first-ever Australia trade mission to bring New York travel representatives to meet with airline operators, travel media, and tour operators in Australia. In addition, announced during the Governor’s Solidarity Mission to Puerto Rico, a $5 million joint I LOVE NY tourism ad campaign will be used to promote travel between New York and Puerto Rico. This investment will provide a unique opportunity for travelers to experience the beauty of both Puerto Rico and New York and maximize the newly opened “I Love New York Welcome Center” in Puerto Rico at the NYS Office of Trade and Tourism. New York will also promote Upstate and build awareness of New York’s 11 regions through targeted marketing.
Winter TourismPromotion:
The weekend of January 16-18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend) will be a free snowmobiling weekend to encourage out-of-state and Canadian snowmobile enthusiasts to sled in New York State. State registration fees will be waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York’s 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails. Information on snowmobiling, including online registration for out-of-state snowmobilers is available here
President’s Day weekend (February 13-14) will be a free ice fishing weekend to encourage more New Yorkers to try Ice fishing while many are on winter recess. Residents and visitors age 16 and older will be able to fish the fresh or marine waters of New York State without a license, providing a great opportunity for people to learn about this popular sport. More information is available here
I LOVE NY is also entering a partnership with all five New York State AHL teams: Utica Comets, Rochester Americans, Albany Devils, Binghamton Senators and the Syracuse Crunch to increase economic impact of spectators at New York winter sporting events and expose sports fans to New York State winter getaway opportunities. New York State tourism destinations will be promoted at team games and events and the AHL schedule will be featured on I LOVE NY platforms.
Business Travel and Special Events: To maximize New York State’s appeal to business travelers and event planners the State will: leverage corporate relationships to promote New York State through corporate travel departments to increase the number of meetings and conventions held in the state; engage concierges at New York City hotels, directly and through trade associates, to highlight daytrips and overnight getaways outside of Manhattan through the I LOVE NY Bus; and underwrite a percentage of costs incurred by municipalities or private entities who were successful in drawing new special events to New York State.
Lodging development:A multi-agency, public-private workgroup will be convened to explore incentives and grant programs that would encourage investors and developers to create and improve lodging in areas where few facilities exist.
Outdoor Recreation Promotion:Working in partnership with Department of Parks and DEC, leverage New York’s world-class parks and outdoor recreation facilities by promoting parks, trails and activities to nature lovers through targeted publications and websites.
Agri-Tourism and Heritage Tourism:Through the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Taste NY, continue to build awareness of New York’s agri-tourism industry through culinary tours and encourage the creation of additional farm visit programs for consumers.
Market NY: Funding for the Market NY program will be increased to $13 million. This funding allows tourism assets to make necessary improvements and launch strategic marketing campaigns to increase visitorship. The funding will be awarded through the regional economic development council process.
In addition to increasing the state’s annual investment in tourism, the Governor will continue to host successful events such as the Adirondack Winter and Summer Challenges, and the new Catskills challenge to bring together state and local officials, tourism industry representatives and outdoor enthusiasts to strengthen tourism in Upstate New York.
“Tourism is vital to New York’s economy – it creates jobs and opportunity in virtually every community across the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “When people visit New York, they fall in love with all that our state has to offer and keep coming back. I am proud that our administration is continuing to play a leading role in supporting tourism across the state, and I look forward to seeing the industry and our economy thrive for years to come.”
“As a result of Governor Cuomo’s historic investments, New York State continues to experience record-breaking tourism year after year,” Lieutenant Governor Hochul said. This can be attributed to the Governor’s ambitious agenda that has helped resurrect our I Love New York campaign, create good paying jobs, and attract scores of visitors from the North Fork to Niagara Falls. It’s no wonder that tourism generated over $100 billion dollars in economic impact last year alone. And with today’s $50 million dollars in new investment, we will entice even more people to come see what New York has to offer.”
