There has been much discussion of late of the negative
impacts of over-tourism on communities and the environment. But the travel
industry, which offers a lifeline to communities trying to preserve their
heritage and environment by providing an economic foundation, is working
aggressively to reduce these adverse effects. In addition to introducing
sustainable practices in lodging and touring (getting rid of single-use
plastic, promoting farm-to-table dining and local services, reducing impacts on
water and energy supplies) and transportation (introducing technology to reduce
carbon emissions, increase efficiencies), there are other things that travelers
can do to travel responsibly:
Investigate your destinations before
you travel to see if there is a problem with overtourism.
Consider not visiting a destination
suffering from overtourism during the height of its tourism season. Instead,
try to travel in shoulder or off seasons when there are fewer visitors.
Or, travel to less popular destinations
in Europe that offer many similar experiences and attractions to a bucket list
destination. Resist the temptation to go only to the places you see on
Instagram – destinations plagued by selfie-takers, who only remain for a few
moments to get a photo, are suffering from the negative impacts of congestion
but none of the positive impacts of stayover tourism.
Consider traveling with a responsible
tour operator. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures have
instituted measures to avoid contributing to overtourism, like organizing early
entry when visiting popular attractions, taking travelers to less-visited sites
within historic cities, and offering alternative hikes and treks that avoid
crowded pathways and lead to less-visited sections of ancient sites.
Be responsible about the photos you
take. Get permission to take photos of individuals and respect the physical
environment when taking photos – do not go off trail/into restricted areas to
take photos. Showing restraint in taking photos will allow you to really
experience the destination and be respectful of those around you.
If available, use apps or other devices that can track and help to disperse crowds.
Travel on small cruises that are less overwhelming to a destination.
If using Airbnb or another home sharing site, check beforehand to see if they are legal and what the regulations are in that particular destination. Same for Uber, Lyft and other sharing economy car services – are they legal, and if so, are there rules that you should follow?
Try to use accommodations, transport and restaurants that are certified as socially and environmentally responsible and/or are locally owned. Go on the company’s website to check for this and look for certifications or messaging about sustainability.
Use your dollars toward good. Tourists
need to be mindful of creating a positive footprint on destinations, rather
than a neutral one. Spend on locally owned restaurants, locally made
handicrafts, locally owned hotels and donate to social and environmental
projects.
Based in Washington, DC, the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is dedicated to increasing the positive global impact of tourism. A unique nonprofit organization recognized for its unbiased, academically rigorous, practical research, CREST is also known for its “on the ground” fieldwork applying these findings and analyses. Originally, CREST’s work focused on the role of ecotourism projects in empowering communities and conserving fragile ecosystems through responsible tourism. Over time, it has evolved to examine how all tourism can be more responsibility planned, developed, and managed. CREST has become a leading expert on the full range of tourism models, from small-scale community-based and indigenous tourism to large coastal resort and cruise tourism. Furthermore, its work has also expanded to encompass country-wide responsible tourism master planning and public sector collaboration. In this era of climate change, responsible travel is no longer an option, it is an imperative. Given this reality, CREST remains committed to its original vision of transforming the way the world travels.
A new bill in Congress will, if passed, enable communities
across America to connect their trails, sidewalks and bikeways to the places
that people want to go – by bike or walking – within and between communities.
But our U.S. Representatives need to hear from us to make it happen.
The Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act,
co-sponsored by Reps. Jared Huffman (Calif.-2), Daniel Lipinski (Ill.-3) and
Chris Pappas (N.H.-1), will provide $500 million in direct funding annually to
help communities and regions across the country build connected
active-transportation systems to ensure people can get where they want to go
safely by foot, bike or wheelchair.
This proposal, coupled with increases in funding for
Transportation Alternatives and the Recreational Trails Program, would
provide critical resources for communities to build safe, convenient and
accessible places for people to walk, bike and roll.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s top policy priority is to
create this game-changing opportunity to build a trail and active
transportation system to serve the nation.
“Our research has found that wise investments in connecting
trails, sidewalks, bikeways and other active transportation systems are
creating returns of more than $34 billion in health,
environmental and economic benefits around the country,” said Kevin Mills,
Rails-to-Trails Vice President of Policy. “And that return could even be quadrupled as
more communities have the opportunity to connect their active transportation
systems.
“People across the country want to be able to safely walk
and bike where they need to go. The Connecting America’s Active Transportation
System Act is a major leap forward because it would reshape federal
transportation law to recognize that communities nationwide need safe,
connected trail and active-transportation networks.
“Urge your representative to sign on to the Connecting
America’s Active Transportation System Act.”
In the heart of the Costa Rica jungle sits the Pacuare Lodge, a remote rainforest paradise. Western River Expeditions guests raft in with a small group and, once at the lodge, find themselves surrounded mostly by dense jungle and the sounds of the nearby river.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – When it comes to a vacation
in Costa Rica, the experts advise that “you gotta know the territory.” But how
can you if you’ve never been there?
Follow the tips of Western River Expeditions, soon to enter its 59th season of
award-winning adventure travel. Here are a few of many questions this company
suggests you ponder before booking a Western River Expeditions’ 9-Day Costa Rica Vacation Package.
When is the best time to visit Costa
Rica? This is the question that everyone asks and the
answer is, “It depends!” Mid-December to April can often be drier, but due to
this, and the fact that it’s a popular time to get away to warm destinations,
the crowds can be greater. During May through the first half of December, daily
rainfall is more common. It’s a period the locals refer to as “the green
season.” During this period, you might experience different wildlife and fewer
crowds. Generally, the rain doesn’t last all day and guests find periods of
lovely sunshine each day as well.
But here’s a little secret! In some years, visitors reap the rewards of Costa
Rica’s “Little Summer” (Veranillo de San Juan or Little Summer of Saint John)
in July. Because of a little-known weather phenomenon that in-the-know wildlife
lovers are keen to, July is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. The
secret is a drier break after the rains of May and June that yield flowering
trees and fruits, which attract a lot of wildlife.
Do you appreciate crowds or are you looking for
something more secluded? The time of travel will affect
the crowd levels in popular destinations such as Arenal and Manuel Antonio, but
Western River Expeditions has built in to its Costa Rica itinerary a few days
of blissful seclusion. In the heart of the jungle sits the Pacuare Lodge, a
remote rainforest paradise. Guests raft in with a small group and, once at the
lodge, participants find themselves surrounded mostly by dense jungle and the
sounds of the nearby river. A hike along centuries-old trails to the top of the
Talamanca Mountains brings a visit with the Cabécar Indians, the largest
indigenous group in Costa Rica. This is only one of the eight lodge-based
activities to choose from. Extending a stay at the lodge (optional) gives
visitors even more time to participate in the various experiences offered.
When is the best time to go rafting in Costa
Rica? The Pacuare River (rated among the top 10
rivers in the world by National Geographic) offers 38 Class II-IV
rapids over 16 river miles with the caveat that the excitement varies by how
high and fast the river is flowing. During the dry season of January to
April whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is
more sanguine than during the misting and green months of May through December.
That said, there can always be unpredictable rainfall any time of year that
raises the water levels – and the excitement levels.
Is birding a passion? From a
bird watching tour at the Pacaure Lodge, to the Mistico Hanging Bridges tour
which boasts over 200 species of birds, to the Manuel Antonio National Park
which is home to more than 180 different species visitors will find plenty of
rare picture taking opportunities.
Interested in surfing? Experienced
surfers appreciate the bigger waves of September and October on the Pacific
Coast. Adrenaline-seeking travelers wanting to take optional surfing lessons
while in Manuel Antonio (highly recommended), might appreciate the somewhat
tamer surf during the remainder of the year.
Do you love authentic wildlife viewing? You’ll
likely find wildlife in Costa Rica no matter when you choose to visit. One of
the top destinations on the Western River 9-Day Costa Rica itinerary is the
Manuel Antonio National Park. Home to a variety of mammal species, it is a
thrill to be personally greeted by multiple curious Mono Titi monkeys on a day
tour.
“Our guests experience Costa Rica by the activities they choose, such as river
rafting, zip lining over the rainforest canopy and a 3km walk over 15 bridges
suspended from the ground to the treetops. But guests are also taken to the
base of the Arenal Volcano where they can soak in therapeutic cascading hot
springs, through the sights and sounds of primitive rainforests and jungles as
well as to Manuel Antonio National Park (named one of the world’s 12 most
beautiful national parks by Forbes). This park is home to 109
species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Here on the Pacific Ocean are the
sandy beaches and gentle surf that fulfill the requirements of a great
vacation,” said company CMO Brandon Lake.
The basic rate is from $3,705 per person, double inclusive of transfers,
hotels, activities, 11 meals and most activities. Western River Expeditions’
core Costa Rica program can be arranged for just two people or for up to 25 and
can be customized by lengthening or shortening the trip and by adding or
deleting activities. Year-round departures on a space-available basis can be
tailored to travelers’ schedules.
The tour utilizes four distinguished properties selected
for panache, location and comfort. In the gateway city of San Jose is Hotel
Grano de Oro. At Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort guests enjoy a swim-up bar,
local and international gourmet cuisine and they are positioned to explore the
geology of Arenal Volcano and nearby hot springs. While on the Pacuare River
guests enjoy Pacuare Lodge (National Geographic Traveler World’s
Best Ecolodge). Tulemar Bungalows (a Travel + Leisure World’s
Best award winner) in Manuel Antonio National Park offers and ocean and
beaches.
To request a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 catalog and for questions,
availability and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local:
801.942.6669), or visit the award-winning website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered
in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia,
Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers
on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any
other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the
largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure
Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).
Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho
rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado
River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure
Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic
Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the
“Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards
Program for sixteen consecutive years.
Moab Adventure Center, a major tour company, addresses the ying and the yang of the popularity of Moab, Utah for travelers.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT– Taking ownership – and
responsibility – for a pet, a cause or even a place comes after people feel
vested in the pet, cause or place. Take a place called Moab, Utah, for example.
Every year this region known as the red rock playground is a joyful discovery
for thousands of first-time visitors. But as the word continues to spread about
this breathtaking destination, a new set of challenges arises.
On one hand, it’s a blessing to local businesses and economy that this remote
region of Utah along the Colorado River is so popular. On the other hand, with
every sound of an ATV and even with the quieter pace of a mountain bike or step
of a hiking boot comes the potential to erode the playground’s fragile
infrastructure.
“When our guests depart the river after a rafting adventure, or hike out of a canyon
after canyoneering or
step off a horse after horseback riding, or float over all of this
beauty in a hot air balloon, they’re
forever changed. And they ‘get’ why we ask them to become stewards of this landscape,”
says Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions that
guides guests through the rapids of the Colorado River. A sister company, Moab Adventure Center, arranges activities for
people staying for a day or a week in or around Moab.
“I don’t think we have a problem of too many people, but we do have challenges
on how to disperse them at certain times of day and in busy months,” says
Merrill. “Our challenge is to showcase the region in the spring, fall and
winter. The beauty doesn’t go away – but the crowds do.”
The region is expanding infrastructure to keep up with visitor demand. In 2020
an additional 500 lodging rooms are scheduled to come on line. However, since
this infrastructure was approved, both city and county have created moratoriums
on new nightly rentals, including turning a spare bedroom into an Airbnb. To
help disperse visitors, regional and state marketing efforts are trying to
divert people to a myriad of iconic sites beyond the bucket list Arches
National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
“Some long-time locals want the town to go to sleep again. Others value the
fact that things are going well here. Fairly recent transplants bring along a
not-in-my-backyard attitude and want to shut the door behind them. I understand
all these sentiments,” Merrill says. He notes that Western River Expeditions
does have approval for occupancy in a building that will house up to 64
employees, helping the company retain valuable seasonal employees and reducing
the demand on local housing.
Jason Taylor is operations manager for the company’s Utah and Moab-specific
programs. His messaging to Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center
guests echoes that of the Moab Area Travel Council. Additional sustainable
practices include giving guests who are on multi-day outings steel vacuum water
bottles they can take home with them, thus eliminating plastic. Recycling and
using energy-efficient tools are imbedded into the protocol, as is the
importance of hiring locally.
In addition, a major part of what Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure
Center are doing, according to Brandon Lake, VP and Co-Founder of Moab
Adventure Center, is to help guests understand how to create a low impact
during their guided exploration of the area. “Guides who can teach guests how
and where to hike, ride and drive in our fragile landscapes can make a major
difference in reducing impact over those who explore these same areas on their
own without understanding the damage they may be doing.” This is one of the
many benefits to choosing a local tour company to help you experience Moab.
For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 catalog, questions, availability
and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit
the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt
Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona.
Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on
professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other
company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon.
Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/) is
a division of Western River Expeditions and the largest single tour provider in
Moab, UT. Located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT the center is a one-stop
resource for a myriad of outdoor adventures. It also boasts a 2,000-square-foot
retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing and souvenirs. For
information and tour reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163.
ST. LUCIA – Jade
Mountain and Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia have been recertified for
the internationally renowned Travelife Gold Certification for Hotels and
Accommodations. The twin properties are the only Gold-certified accommodations
on the Caribbean island, the luxury resorts’ owners, Nick and Karolin
Troubetzkoy, announced.
Travelife, the sustainable tourism certification system, has
reassessed Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet’s performance in responsibly
managing their socioeconomic and environmental impacts. The resorts first
achieved certification in 2017 and have worked hard to maintain the title.
To gain a Travelife Gold certification, Jade Mountain and
Anse Chastanet were assessed against 88 sustainability criteria that take into
account the following environmental issues and positive social impacts:
Protecting the environment, by minimizing the
amount of energy, waste and water used;
Respecting and treating employees fairly;
Respecting the local community, including its residents and
the safeguarding of children;
Protecting the local culture, heritage, and wildlife of the
destination; and
Supporting the local economy and its businesses.
The Troubetzkoys said of the accolade: “We are
absolutely delighted to have achieved Travelife Gold Certification once again,
as environmental efforts have always been at the heart of our resorts. It is
incredibly important to us that we continue to commit to sustainability and to
supporting the local community year-over-year.”
Environmental concerns, sustainability and community efforts
are at the epicenter of Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet, with daily practices
set up to conserve water and energy and increase recycling efforts. These
include but are not restricted to the following:
The design of Jade Mountain reinforces the connection to the
natural environment with passive ventilation of the rooms and natural
day-lighting. Heating and cooling of the sanctuaries (rooms) are based entirely
on the natural rhythms and cycles of the world. Not being dependent on
artificial cooling or lighting of the rooms decreases the use of precious
energy resources and minimizes the carbon footprint of the resort.
The exterior plaza of Jade Mountain was designed to capture
all the rainwater in Koi ponds and planting areas. The plants are then
harvested for use in the resort’s restaurants.
A natural coral tile was used for exterior walkways and roof
areas. It is highly reflective and effectively diminishes any “heat
island” effect in the local micro-climate.
Potable water for the resorts is produced by collecting it
in a reservoir that was originally constructed and used by the British and
French to power the water wheels that crushed sugar cane. The reservoir was
repaired after decades of not being used and now collects over 1.5 million
gallons of water annually that is gravity-fed to a state-of-the-art water
purification system.
Only local, indigenous plants were used in the landscaping,
which minimizes the need for watering and protects a precious resource.
The resorts were the catalyst behind the coral reefs of St.
Lucia being declared a marine reserve to protect this valuable resource.
The resorts provide alternative transportation for its
employees. On a daily basis, shuttles are scheduled hourly to transport workers
from the resort to the local community, keeping carbon emissions to a minimum.
During the construction of Jade Mountain, any left-over
construction materials were distributed to the local workforce for use on their
own properties.
Construction materials that were used primarily came from
the island, reducing the use of fossil fuels for transportation and the
resultant pollution. For example, wood used was harvested from a managed
forest.
During construction, the workers were protected through the
implementation of an Indoor Air Quality plan that minimized worker’s exposure
to harmful airborne compounds.
Low emitting materials (paints, adhesives, etc.) were used
throughout the resorts, which effectively eliminated volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) that are detrimental to a person’s health.
Guests are given the opportunity to learn about the resorts’
sustainability programs and actively participate in environmental
activities such as reef cleaning and tree planting.
Nightly rates at Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain start at
$375 and $1,080, respectively, per room based on double occupancy. Rates
are subject to 10% service charge and 10% VAT. To book visit www.ansechastanet.com or www.jademountain.com.
Rising majestically above the 600-acre beachfront resort of
Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort
on St. Lucia’s southwestern Caribbean coastline is a cornucopia of organic
architecture celebrating the island’s stunning scenic beauty. Architect owner
Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with
Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural
design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries
and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain
one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences. For more
information, visit www.jademountain.com.
Anse Chastanet is set amid a lush 600-acre estate with two soft-sand beaches and breathtaking views of St. Lucia’s twin Pitons mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amidst St. Lucia’s lush tropical beauty, activities range from jungle biking, hiking and bird watching to snorkeling on the reef within swimming distance of the beach. The environmentally friendly, award-winning resort comprises 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, and 12 that are nestled within a tropical garden at beach level. Innovative menus – one of which is entirely vegetarian – are offered in four different locations and feature fresh produce served up from the resort’s organic farm. Guests can partake in interactive chocolate-making classes in the resort’s chocolate laboratory and a variety of water sports are also on offer. For further information, visit www.ansechastanet.com.
Venice is one of the world’s cherished places being loved to death by tourists. Rather than being part of the problem of overcrowding in Venice, Wildland Adventures recommends, take the ferry to the small fishing town of Rovinj, where you are welcomed by locals who take you around in a traditional Batana fishing boat. (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
SEATTLE, WA – Certain places on our planet are getting loved to death. Why and what should responsible travelers do about it?
Not long ago, international travel was the purview of the rich and worldly. Today, however, the middle class enthusiastically travels the globe with bucket lists that concentrate attention on the most popular places in the world (and rightly so). Unfortunately, the byproduct of this increase in travel means that If the original character of these places is not in jeopardy now, it soon will be.
Kurt Kutay is founder and president of Wildland Adventures, a travel company that for over 30 years has created opportunities for guests to experience destinations from the inside out. Utilizing the Wild Style of travel, Wildland trips build lasting intercultural, interpersonal and environmental bonds. By impressing sincerity, compassion and understanding at each step of the journey, the aim is to enhance rather than exploit the place and people we’ve come to visit. To this end, Kurt offers 6 Ways to Travel Responsibly in an Age of Over-Tourism.
1. Manage Your Expectations and Emotions As with much of life, aligning expectations with reality is half of the road to happiness. Planning travel is no different in this regard, as you anticipate what you will experience. If we allow preconceived notions of the Taj Mahal or Machu Picchu – without crowds — drive our desire to travel halfway around the world to experience these iconic destinations first hand, we may indeed leave disappointed.
The proper research will help you to align expectations with reality. Ask many questions, but ask the right questions and don’t be afraid of the answers. Most importantly, stay open to the experience before you. It is unknown what lies ahead and that is the magic of travel. Be diligent in letting go of preconceived expectations, they are persistent. Refuse to let them as well as annoyances like crowds distract you from what drew you there in the first place. That’s when the true joy of discovery flows — no matter what it looks like.
2. Find a Local Connection Hire a passionate, local guide help to deepen the travel experience while avoiding the ‘group think’ impact of large tour groups. A good local guide can help skirt the crowds at popular sites and even introduce less-known sites for a unique perspective.
For example, a good guide will take you to the Taj Mahal twice, once to get in line before it opens and later in the afternoon before it closes to experience variable lighting. Kutay remembers his last visit, “Instead of passing through the main gates twice, our local guide took us to the Mehatab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) across the Yamuna River, far from the tourist hordes, where we stood arm-in-arm, standing alone and moved to tears by the beautiful silhouette.”
3. Rethink Your Bucket List Discover wonders of the world beyond UNESCO’s at-risk sites or the favorite ports of call of the cruise industry. Instead of the crowded hilltop towns of Tuscany, try the hills of the Istrian peninsula of Slovenia and Croatia. Rather than being part of the problem of overcrowding in Venice, take the ferry to the small fishing town of Rovinj, where you are welcomed by locals who take you around in a traditional Batana fishing boat.
4. Timing Is Everything — Spend Time at the Right Place Plan your day at famous sites carefully and be sure to get the latest information as local conditions and regulations change constantly. The best plan is familiar the world over. In Croatia, plan to tour Dubrovnik before cruise ship passengers disembark, in Cambodia visit Siem Reap before tour buses disgorge, and in Peru arrive at Machu Picchu before the daily trains do. When you finally are where you’ve dreamt of being, follow slow travel principles and linger longer, but in fewer places.
5. Pay to Play A great many worthwhile experiences cost more. Whether a part of a private and exclusive event or of a carefully managed ecotour that limits the number of visitors, the extra dollars spent help to protect fragile habitats and visitor experiences.
In Africa, this may look like tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda for which there are limited permits. To protect the experience in some locales for years to come, some safaris are very exclusive and conducted in a private nature reserve like Timbavati in Greater Kruger N.P. In Tanzania, the remote camps of Katavi and Mahale require bush flights to access some of the wildest places on the planet.
In South America, the fragile cultural patrimony of the Inca Trail in Peru and delicate balance of nature in the Galapagos Islands are carefully managed by limited permits and fees that control access and provide a source of revenue for critical conservation programs. Advance planning is required to enjoy the privilege of being among the few where limited numbers of permits are allotted.
6. Consider Where You Stay Your choice of accommodations is one of the most important considerations in minimizing impact on the local environs while maximizing the benefits you bring to the local community. Many hotels, camps, ecolodges, yachts and expedition ships are rated for their level of sustainability. They are rated on energy sources, recycling, waste management, water conservation, food sourcing, and other sustainability-focused initiatives. In addition, many are actively involved in nature and wildlife conservation and in educating guests about ecosystems and biodiversity. These accommodations are deeply connected and committed to indigenous culture and the well-being of local communities. The highest rated ecolodges and camps are safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage while delivering the most meaningful guest experiences.
Traveling Responsibly Isn’t About Staying Home
The Center for
Responsible Tourism asserts that traveling responsibly “…is about managing
travel and destinations in an environmentally and culturally responsible way
and designing tourism programs and individual trips carefully to provide
travelers with the experience they seek, while leaving a positive footprint on
their destination.” Destinations are always changing and we have many
choices to make when we travel, “but the important thing is to be mindful of
our impact on the people and places that give us so much and help others to do
the same…and to keep traveling,” says Kutay.
For more information on Wildland Adventures’ worldwide offerings, availability
and reservations, call 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. Visit http://www.wildland.com/.
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).
On World Tourism Day 2019, Patricia Affonso-Dass, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association offered this message:
The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, “Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all”, is particularly relevant for the Caribbean because no other sector creates more jobs or more opportunities in a wider variety of professions and skills.
In addition to the 2.5 million people employed directly, many more
benefit indirectly from the industry’s contributions to Caribbean health,
wealth, education and the environment. Our infrastructure, schools, hospitals,
public services, and parks and recreation facilities are all helped by this
dynamic and growing industry – already the world’s largest sector but also its
fastest growing.
The 2017 hurricanes and Hurricane Dorian that devastated some of
our destinations reinforced the indispensable role of tourism in our lives.
They remind us that for each tourism employee unable to work because of the
storms, many members of their families were also affected.
Initiatives such as “Tourism Jobs for Bahamians”,
just launched by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) together
with the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), are finding interim jobs
for displaced industry professionals.
There will be more jobs as tourism recovers from the hurricanes
and the industry resumes its healthy growth trend, and our task is to spread
the benefits more equitably to a wider cross section of our people. We want to
ensure women, youth, minorities, and the differently abled have open gateways
to employment, ownership and leadership within the industry. There are over
1,000 different job and career paths in the industry, a fifth of which are at
supervisory and management levels. Increasing diversity always strengthens
companies and organizations, especially in tourism. Our visitors come from a
wide range of backgrounds, so our people who welcome visitors to our shores
should also reflect the full spectrum of our rich human diversity.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, with the support of
many of the region’s local associations and our members, is earnest about its
mandate to develop our industry’s human resources. Well over 500 Caribbean
nationals have received higher education scholarships through the CHTA
Education Foundation. More than 1,000 chefs and several hundred bartenders have
honed their skills through professional development opportunities that CHTA and
the industry have provided through our Taste of the Caribbean initiative.
Thousands of employees have benefited from industry-sponsored
professional development training, including over 500 who attended
“diversity in the workplace” courses over the past year. Earlier
this year, CHTA launched its Young Leaders Initiative, in which dozens of
young people are developing their leadership skills and their understanding of
the industry and the opportunities it offers.
This does not include the additional investments that independent
hotels, resort brands, airlines, tour operators, attractions, taxi and
transportation providers, vendors and other industry stakeholders, with their
human resource professionals and employees, are making every day to deliver
exceptional hospitality.
Building upon a rich foundation, we have the responsibility to
make more opportunities to develop our people and our industry, anticipating
technological and consumer demand-driven changes which are now a constant. The
recent collapse of the world’s oldest travel agency offers more lessons. While
never losing sight of the fundamentals of hospitality, the dynamics of our
industry demands our adaptability and responsiveness to change if we are not to
face a similar fate.
Tourism can benefit every corner of our region and so on
this World Tourism Day, we celebrate the importance of the industry
and the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities it represents. We resolve
individually and collectively, as businesses, governments and education and
training institutions, to continue to invest in our people.
In the Caribbean, “Tourism is Everyone’s Business”.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the
Caribbean’s leading association representing the interests of national hotel
and tourism associations. For more than 50 years, CHTA has been the backbone of
the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working with some 1,000 hotel and allied
members, and 33 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s
future and helping members to grow their businesses. Whether helping to
navigate critical issues in sales and marketing, sustainability, legislative
issues, emerging technologies, climate change, data and intelligence or,
looking for avenues and ideas to better market and manage businesses, CHTA is
helping members on issues which matter most.
As the 74th United Nations General Assembly gets underway, it is appropriate to be reminded of one of the missions, though the United National World Tourism Organization, to promote international travel. Each year, on September 27, UNWTO commemorates World Tourism Day with celebrations led by UNWTO. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the global community of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution the sector can make in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2019, in line with UNWTO’s overarching focus on skills, education and jobs throughout the year, World Tourism Day will be a celebration on the topic ‘Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’.
Tourism’s role in job creation is often undervalued. This is
despite the fact that tourism generates 10% of world jobs and is included in
Sustainable Development Goal 8 for its potential to create decent work.
New policies are needed to maximize tourism’s potential to
create more and better jobs, especially for women and youth. New policies are
also needed to reflect and incorporate ongoing advances in technology.
Policies and actions should be geared towards addressing the
current mismatch between tourism skills that are taught and those that tourism
employers need.
This requires a holistic approach to the future of work in
tourism, with heightened cooperation between all actors, including the public
and private sectors.
The Future of Work
Creating and ensuring equitable employment is essential to
increasing social inclusion, peace and security. The potential of every
economic sector to provide decent jobs should be utilized to its fullest.
The emergence of new technologies has led to the development
of new forms of work that are rapidly changing production processes worldwide.
This both provides opportunities for, and puts pressure, on existing
employment, welfare and education agendas.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO),
global unemployment remains high, reaching more than 190 million in 2018. All
sectors and countries, therefore, need to create the conditions for more and
better jobs. Embracing new technology can play a key role in achieving this
goal.
Making the new wave of technological breakthroughs as inclusive
as possible will require considerable investment in training and skills for
life and work. Everyone should have a chance to develop their full potential so
as to benefit from the new technological era.
To do this we need to examine the impact of technological
change on socioeconomic growth, jobs and inequality. We also need to provide
tools and skills to those who are looking for a job and as well as to those
whose jobs are at risk of automation.
On the occasion of its centenary in 2019, the ILO released
‘Work for a Brighter Future: Report of the Global Commission on the future of
Work’. This landmark report takes note of the forces transforming the world –
technology, climate change, demography, globalization – to call for a
human-centered agenda for the future of work.
By placing people and the work they do at the centre of
economic and social policy and business practice, the path towards growth,
equity and sustainability consists of three pillars of action:
Increase investment in people’s capabilities
Increase investment in the institutions of work
Increase investment in decent and sustainable work
Tourism is a leading people-to-people sector, with growth
rates outpacing world economic growth and international trade. It is one of the
main global export categories and with such a high impact on human workforce,
it serves as a natural ally of ILO’s human-centered agenda for the future of
work.
Tourism and Jobs
Tourism is a major source of employment because
of its labour-intensive nature and the significant multiplier effect on
employment in related sectors. It is estimated that one job in
the core tourism sector creates about one-and-a-half additional
or indirect jobs in the tourism-related economy. Overall tourism accounts
for one in ten jobs worldwide.
The ILO estimates that ‘accommodation and restaurants’,
together with ‘private sector services’, will create jobs at the
fastest rate among all sectors in the economy over the next five
years.
Tourism has proven to be a resilient economic
activity. In each of the seven years following the global economic
crisis of 2010, the number of worldwide international tourist arrivals
grew at 4% or above.
Tourism is a contributor to the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) as a target in Goals 8, 12 and 14. The
sector’s contribution to job creation is specifically recognized in Goal
8, target 8.9. This states: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to
promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and
products”.
Tourism’s voice at the UN level is mirrored in other global
development and policy fora. The 26th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State
and Government concluded in November 2018 with a high-level political
declaration on sustainable development in which tourism plays a key supporting
role. The commitment includes UNWTO as the designated global partner and marks
the first time the tourism sector has been featured in a top-level multilateral
cooperation agenda.
More recently, the G20 Osaka Leaders’ Declaration from June
2019 singles out tourism’s contribution to global economic growth and inclusive
and sustainable development: “Tourism accounts for a significant share of the
world’s GDP and is expected to continue to be an important driver of global
economic growth. We will work to maximize the sector’s contribution to the
creation of quality jobs and entrepreneurship, especially for women and youth
and in the creative industry; economic resilience and recovery; the
preservation of natural resources through sustainable tourism planning and
management; and the achievement of inclusive and sustainable development.”
However, despite representing 10% of the world’s jobs,
tourism’s role in employment generation and entrepreneurship is often underestimated and undervalued in
policy formulation and implementation.
A mismatch between available qualifications
and workplace reality is one of the major factors impacting tourism employment
and talent development. The gap between education and skills/knowledge needs,
and the resulting shortages of labour with ‘future-proof’ skills, continues to
dent economies and harm job creation prospects. Moreover, tourism suffers from
important challenges related to attracting and retaining talent and the
improvement of working conditions.
Tourism Jobs and the Digital Revolution
Globalization, technological progress and demographic change
are trends that, together, have redefined the tourism sector and how it
functions. At the heart of our now hyper-connected, hyper-informed world is a
digital-led revolution in markets, as well as in the demand for skills and the
characteristics of tourism jobs. Recent years have seen the emergence of
digital breakthroughs, including new platform tourism services (the so-called
sharing or collaborative economy), big data and geo-localization.
Some of the main issues the tourism sector faces in adapting
its workforce to the technological revolution are:
The need to review and update outdated legislation and
regulation that supports employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and new
business models
The low level of awareness and expertise of new technologies
and technological trends
A lack of funding to invest in new technologies and training
for the jobs needed for the present and future
The lack of cooperation and communication among relevant
stakeholders
MSMEs Are Key to Decent Work in Tourism
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are now
the major job creators in tourism. OECD/ILO research shows that around
half of tourism employees work in enterprises of fewer than 10 people,
while around three-quarters work in enterprises of fewer than
50 people.
Tourism MSMEs are also an important source of innovation and
economic diversification, helping to shape socioeconomic development in
destination countries worldwide.
However, access to finance, prohibiting business regulations
and inadequate skills are major constraints faced by all MSMEs including those
operating in the tourism sector.
The main challenge related to MSMEs, then, is to create an
enabling environment that at once improves their economic prospects, overcomes
barriers to decent jobs, and ensures that MSMEs’ economic activities are
environmentally sustainable.
Promoting Jobs For All in Tourism – Youth, Women and Rural Communities
The tourism sector employs more women and young
people than most other sectors.
Just under half (47%) of people working
in tourism in European OECD countries are between 15 and 34 years
of age, compared to a third (32%) of workers in the economyas
a whole.
In OECD countries, women account for 60% of
employment in the tourism sector. This is higher than
the share of women employed in the services sector (47%) and
in the economy as a whole(43%).
Women play a leading role in tourism entrepreneurship.
UNWTO/UNWomen research shows that the global rate of women
entrepreneurs in ‘hotels and restaurants’ (36%) is comparatively
higher than in all sectors combined (22%).
Furthermore, tourism creates jobs in rural and remote areas,
not only directly but also indirectly through the preservation and restoration
of traditional activities. Often it is one of the few viable economic sectors in
these areas.
The explicit mention of tourism in Goal 8, target 8.9 of the
SDGs recognizes its transformational potential on livelihoods and prosperity in
rural communities, both through providing access to decent employment and
through reviving traditional local industries.
By providing opportunities for women, youth and rural
communities in a variety of roles, tourism contributes to several SDG
target areas surrounding empowerment of vulnerable
groups and more equal and inclusive societies. More inclusion
strengthens tourism’s power to unite people across cultures in a celebration of
diversity, increasing overall social resilience.
Despite these benefits tourism provides, it must also
address serious challenges surrounding employment for all of these groups.
One is a large gender pay gap. In tourism,
women are on average paid 20-25% less than male workers for
comparable skills. Women are often over-represented in non-standard forms of
employment. Women also suffer segregation in terms of access to education and
training.
Low-skilled women often find themselves in the most
vulnerable jobs, at risk of poor working conditions, inequality of
opportunity and treatment, violence, exploitation, stress and sexual
harassment.
Temporary and part-time jobs are particularly
common among women, young people, and the less-skilled who are employed in
tourism. They can often lead to decent work deficits, including
inadequate social security coverage, low wages and income inequality, and poor
working conditions.
The tourism sector’s variable demand cycle, with irregular
working hours and unpredictable shifts, poses additional challenges for those
(of any gender) trying to reconcile work and family responsibilities. At the
same time, however, this flexibilitymay also provide
opportunities to individuals wanting to combine a job in tourism with
another occupation.
A Policy Framework for Decent Tourism Jobs
New policies are needed to maximize the
potential of the tourism sector to create more and better jobs,
while reducing the risk associated with an increasing skills mismatch.
There is a longstanding tradition of the tourism sector
working in isolation from other key economic sectors. The way forward is for a
more holistic approach to the future of work in tourism,
with clear links to other sectors that are important for
economic development.
The major ongoing changes and challenges around tourism
employment require a new approach to skills development and education, policies
for innovation and job creation.
Policies should:
Encourage the progress of innovation in
tourism that fosters job creation and entrepreneurship, particularly among
women, youth and rural communities, through;
Establishing tourism innovation centres, incentives and
programmes to connect start-ups, leading companies, investors and governments;
Developing research on the changing demand for skills due to
the digital revolution;
Creating initiatives that promote innovation and
technological skills development in tourism;
Bring together educational institutions, the private sector,
governments and technology partners to review educational programmes and help
create the skill sets needed for future work opportunities, including soft
skills;
Further bridge the gap between available qualifications and
workplace skills needed, by supporting opportunities for appropriate
industry experience, such as internships or scholarships, along with
specialized education and training;
Include technology stakeholders in national tourism policy
coordination structures and mechanisms, in order to ensure an holistic
approach that accounts for innovation and job creation;
Include tourism as a key sector in both national and
multilateral agenda for employment, education and skills creation, and
overall economic development, highlighting tourism’s capacity to deliver on the
objectives of creating more and better jobs.
