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Looming climate change adds even more stress to humanitarian aid

Joe Ascanio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:57:57 +0000

With climate change-related disasters frequently occurring throughout the world, humanitarian aid organizations are struggling to keep pace with the increasing demands of affected communities.

According to reps for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), climate change is a major factor in the newest hurdles to bringing aid to recent disasters.

In a new survey, entitled “Believe in Humanity”, the IFRC states: “World powers expect humanitarian actors to face continuing or increasing humanitarian needs driven by climate change-related natural disasters.”

The survey’s release coincides with the upcoming climate change conference in Copenhagen, and was released just as hundreds of delegates from the 186 national societies of the Red Cross/Red Crescent gathered for their week-long General Assembly in the United Nations compound in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Here in a country like Kenya one can already see the signature of climate change in terms of droughts and most recently floods – challenges which your organization has to respond to with ever more frequency and urgency,” said Achim Steiner, Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director. “Climate change unchecked is likely to trigger increasing tensions over scarce natural resources.”

The Nairobi meeting marked the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, as well as the 150th anniversary of the battle of Solferino; a battle that left tens of thousands of soldiers dead and prompted Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, to found the Red Cross.

Today, the Red Cross is the world’s largest humanitarian network with millions of volunteers.

Disasters and conflict

As a major priority for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), disaster relief and conflict resolution is a high-risk factor in over 40 countries.

UNEP often works alongside the IFRC to bring relief to stress-worn countries in the wake of an eco-disaster; deploying teams of experts using state-of-the-art science and technology to assess environmental damage and determine risks for human health, livelihoods and security in post-conflict and disaster situations.

One example is a recent assessment of the country of Sudan, where UNEP linked environmental problems such as land degradation, deforestation and the impacts of climate change as threatening the Sudanese people’s prospect for long-term peace, food security and sustainable development.

“There are many other examples where, with environmental planning, the situation might have been sustained or improved, rather than having declined,” added Steiner.

“No country has barred IFRC staff from accessing victims of war and disasters on account of sovereignty,” said Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. “Such influence could be used to rally people to care for the environment to prevent disasters.”

Next month, the Copenhagen Climate Change conference could potentially define the humanitarian efforts throughout the world for many years to come.

“In just a few weeks’ time governments will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the crucial UN climate convention meeting,” said Steiner. “The decisions taken there may shape the future of this century in terms of human vulnerability and disaster management as a result of the impacts of global warming.”

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Do consumer demands and ‘greenwashing’ affect hotels’ sustainability efforts?

Joe Ascanio — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:10:46 +0000

A new roundtable study at Cornell University is trying to find the mythical “green bullet” when it comes to green hotels, as well as define what “green travel” really means, once and for all.

Produced by Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) and chaired by Associate Professor David Sherwyn, Cornell’s Sustainability Roundtable found that hoteliers looking to create a more eco-friendly property find themselves in a situation where environmental standards are very inconsistent while consumer opinion is still unclear.

With no definitive “green” measure, hotels are sometimes reluctant to implement sustainable systems – systems that may take a long while before any return-on-investment is seen.

A muddy shade of green

The industry is still trying to figure out exactly what “green” means. While the idea that the hotel industry needs to improve the environmental performance of its operations was entirely unanimous, most hotels are having trouble identifying and implementing such methods.

“Sustainability has emerged rapidly as an industry concern,” said Sherwyn. “Ten years ago, if we said we were going to have a discussion about sustainability, and if we told them that we were going to have a roundtable with twenty-five participants from top-level global companies, they would have told us we were insane. I credit three of our graduates, Eric Ricaurte, Walker Lunn, and Crist Inman, that we are now in a position to hold an annual sustainability roundtable.”

While some hotels may try harder than others, or perhaps just market themselves so, the final test really comes down to consumer opinion.

The consumer catalyst

With rampant “greenwashing” in just about every consumer-targeted industry, consumers have a tremendous say in what makes or breaks a green initiative.

Historically, when a hotel property does something for the “greener good,” they advertise it in such a way to attract the eco-conscious traveler. However, too much marketing can easily be construed as exaggeration and lead to the infamous greenwashed title.

To confront this issue (or perhaps avoid it altogether), many hotel operators have focused their green practices on improving their bottom line (energy conservation, better waste management and reuse, etc.).

Developing a “green bullet”

Cornell’s Sustainability Roundtable suggests that the hotel industry develop a clear and concise measure for sustainability. While this may require competitive entities to pair-up and combine ideas and interests, the benefit would be that a new, global standard would finally be addressed; effectively developing and sharing sustainability models that move the industry forward.

“We have all heard that ‘if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,”’ said Eric Ricaurte of EnviRelation, LLC. “But managing all the measurements of sustainability is now just as daunting a task for the sustainability officer.”

So then, is it really possible for the hotel industry as a large, single entity to define exact standards for green travel? Or, will the consumer continue to lead the way?

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Ecocamp Patagonia tours win big for Responsible Tourism

Joe Ascanio — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:54:13 +0000

The Ecocamp Patagonia tour company has won high honors at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2009 for “Best in a Mountain Environment.” The awards, run by responsibletravel.com since 2004, are run in association with World Travel Market (WTM), The Daily Telegraph and Geographical Magazine.

The awards were handed out at a ceremony hosted WTM in London.

“Working our way through this year’s long lists, we were impressed by the willingness of so many organizations to take responsibility and to do what they can to help make better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit,” said Dr. Harold Goodwin, Director, International Center for Responsible Tourism. “Despite the economic difficulties being faced by the travel and tourism industry, responsible tourism continues to move ahead and I’m continually impressed as more is achieved by more people. As judges we are all very aware of the great work that is being done by so many and our decisions are often very difficult and sometimes long debated.“

Cutting edge ecotourism

Ecocamp Patagonia is at the forefront of modern of environmental practices. The organization has designed and developed a highly-innovative, 4 star geodesic dome tented hotel – an almost entirely portable hotel that can be dismantled and removed without leaving a trace in the richly biodiverse National Park.

Taking environmental responsibility even further, the company employs a fully comprehensive Environmental Management System that incorporates a multitude of “green” practices, ranging from hydroelectric turbines and wind generators, to composting devices and solar panels.

“In this, the sixth year of the Awards,” said Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and managing director of responsibletravel.com, “I have been particularly impressed to see that despite this year’s recession, organizations continue to come up with innovative ideas around responsible tourism that ensure local communities and environments benefit from tourism as much as possible. The money may have dried out a little in the past year but the passion, ingenuity and creativity certainly hasn’t.”

“In our third year as headline sponsor, the inspiration from the winners, pioneers in the crucial arena, continues to grow,” commented Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, a headline sponsor of the Awards. “As we all strive to get our own businesses in order, taking valuable and creative lessons from this year’s roll call of innovators will certainly play a key part. I am delighted to be part of an event that sees our industry walk the walk…and not just talk the talk.”

For details on the awards and to see other finalists, visit www.responsibletourismawards.com. And, don’t forget to check ou Ecocamp Patagonia at www.ecocamp.travel.

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Traveling green for 2010

Joe Ascanio — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:55:00 +0000

The new year’s top ten travel and vacation destinations show how travelers want to go green, get active and find adventure.

According to new travel trends report by British Airways, ecotourism as well as sporting events are having a major impact on travel activities for 2010. With the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Winter Olympics in Vancouver, hotels and other hospitality services are gearing up for huge peaks in tourism – while bookings are already spiking for the new year to cities like Stockholm due to its title of European Green Capital for 2010 or Istanbul for its European City of Culture title.

The study suggests that, despite a down economy, the avid traveler will not be stopped. In line with the coming World Cup, Cape Town, South Africa is expecting over half a million travelers.

“Cape Town has always been a popular destination; we expect the World Cup to push it to the top of the long-haul league table as the best place to be in 2010,” said Sue Botes, British Airways commercial manager in South Africa.

Countdown to 2010

1. Cape Town
Breathtaking beaches, mountains and vineyards will offer a warm and inviting welcome to the thousands of visitors to Cape Town Stadium for the 2010 World Cup.
Nearly half a million supporters are expected to visit South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in June. With Cape Town home to stunning beaches, mountains, vineyards and the Cape Town Stadium, it’s sure to be a popular base for fans.

2. Istanbul
As European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is Europe’s hotspot in the New Year. Offering great value for money and something for everyone – from beaches and bazaars to the breathtaking Bosphorus. Secret music gigs, rooftop bars and underground clubs dominate the social scene for the party-hard locals.

3. Las Vegas
If Sin City’s reemergence on the sustainable tourism scene with the new “CityCenter” is any indication, this oasis in the desert will be a prime spot for eco-travelers in the states to let off some steam – and perhaps some guilt as well.

4. Vancouver
With preparations for February’s Olympic Games well under way, this mountainesque destination will not be beat. Expect some crowded slopes this year as tourists and global sports enthusiasts alike hit the powder. Already a must-go destination for skiing and snowboarding, it’s no surprise that Canada will play host to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February and March.

“Vancouver is one of best all-year round destinations for snowboarding and Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is one of my favourite spots to train,” said UK snowboarder and Olympic-hopeful Zoe Gillings.

Rounding out the rest of the list is Punta Cana, DR at the number five spot, followed by Croatia’s Dubrovnik. Coming in at number seven is the always popular New York City, and then Stockholm, Sweden at number eight.

Stockholm was recently voted the Best City to Live In, and is recognized as being Europe’s central hub of biodiversity and ecology. Rated as the official “European Green Capital’ for 2010,” the city is a popular choice for eco-tourists.

Following is The Maldives, the carbon-neutral vacation destination boasting abundant coral reefs, and then Delhi for its amazing wildlife scenery and adventures. like Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanha National Park.

“There has never been a better time to visit India,” said Judy Jarvis, British Airways commercial manager in South Asia. “Next year marks two special occasions – 80 years of British Airways flying to India and the first time Delhi will host the Commonwealth Games.”

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Get your next paperless travel itinerary online and on-the-go for free

Joe Ascanio — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:28:14 +0000

Two new itinerary tools are aiming to make travelers’ trips a whole lot easier.

From laptops to iPhones, travelers can compile and organize their travel itineraries in real-time, while actively sharing their scheduled adventures with others.

Not only are these travel solutions paperless (good for the planet), but they won’t cost a dime.

Kayak Trips

Popular online booking search aggregator, Kayakcom, has recently announced its latest travel-tech tool: Kayak Trips – a free itinerary management tool that easily consolidates travel plans from multiple travel sites.

Sounds complicated, right? Not so much. Basically, all a traveler needs to do is forward their booking confirmation emails from travel suppliers (like Expedia, for instance) to the Kayak Trips user account.

The free service instantly and securely consolidates flights, hotels, car rentals, maps and other events into a single itinerary.

“We’ve already made it simple to compare hundreds of travel sites at once,” said Paul English, Kayak CTO and co-founder. “Now we’re making it easier to track the bookings you make across any of those sites including one-click sharing of your trip details with your friends.”

Other features include travel alerts, one-click itinerary sharing, calendar integration and other customization options, and will include integration with the Kayak iPhone and other mobile apps in the next few weeks.

And speaking of iPhones….

Instant Itineraries

There is a new player on the block as far as travel apps go. Free iPhone application, Instant Itineraries, allows the creation of travel itineraries from a library of others’ travel experiences.

A new free iPhone travel application allows travelers to create custom travel itineraries from a library of others’ travel experiences.

Paired with the Instant Itineraries web site, the iPhone application lets users quickly select existing travel itineraries and customize them in minutes. Users can search pre-existing travel plans or create their own itinerary from scratch. eople can access maps from one destination to the next, information about each destination on their trip, and photos, ratings, and more. For future use, saving a travel plan on the Instant Itineraries web site makes it available on the users iPhone almost instantly.

“The beauty of Instant Itineraries is that it enables people to use the travel experiences of those who have gone before as a basis for their own travel itineraries – then take the knowledge of many people with them” says Kent Campbell, founder of Instant Itineraries. “It is easier to plan travel when you already have a template to work from.”

Once logged in, users can customize a travel itinerary and download it to their iPhone. Accessing downloaded itineraries and their destinations does not require an Internet connection. That means no matter how remote the destination, there are no roaming charges to use the downloaded content and users don’t have to be in range of a mobile network to access information about their destinations.

The first release of the Instant Itineraries iPhone travel application focuses on two popular California wine country destinations, Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Additional popular travel destinations around the globe are being added.

To download the Instant Itineraries iPhone Application public beta, iPhone users can go to iTunes, in the Apple App Store, and search for ‘Itineraries’ by Osayso.

For more information, or to simply get started mapping out your next trip, visit both www.kayak.com/trips and www.instantitineraries.com.

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How are Marriott’s green initiatives helping to save money?

Joe Ascanio — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:52:58 +0000

Over the next 5 years, hotel giant Marriott International, Inc. is planning to expand its “green hotel” portoflio by 10-times its current size by introducing a “green hotel prototype” that will be LEED pre-certified.

Beginning in 2010, the prototype model will save hotel owners arpound $100,000 as well as six months of design time, while reducing energy and water use by almost 25%.

LEED, which if you don’t know by now stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the “gold standard” of environmental stewardship for the hospitality industry.

“Marriott’s’ commitment makes it among the first in the world to commit to implementing green buildings on this scale,” said Doug Gatlin, Vice President, USGBC. Marriott was the first hospitality member of the USGBC, and has more than 20 LEED accredited professionals on staff.

The green hotel prototype has initially been created for Marriott’s Courtyard brand, which has a development pipeline of nearly 160 hotels worldwide. In 2010, the company expects to introduce similar green hotel prototypes for its Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites brands, which represent more than 290 hotels in the pipeline across the globe.

The Courtyard Settler’s Ridge in Pittsburgh, Penn., scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, will be the first to be built based on the new green hotel prototype concept.

“We are very excited to have collaborated with Marriott on this significant initiative to help mold the Courtyard brand to be green for the future,” said Mark Laport, president and CEO, Concord Hospitality. “We are committed to green building designs which are now being incorporated at different levels in every building we develop. We expect to build many more LEED-certified hotels using this prototype in the future.”

More to love

Referred to by the USGBC as “volume build certification,” the green hotel prototype will let Marriott continue its strides in “greenability” in mass production.

The company already has 50 hotels registered for LEED, with 15 open or set to open by the end of 2010. The Inn & Conference Center by Marriott at the University of Maryland in College Park was the first LEED hotel in North America, and Marriott’s recently opened Portland Courtyard City Center in Oregon was just awarded LEED-Gold status.

Other green hotels are planned in the Caribbean and Latin America, in partnership with Caribe Hospitality. As a benchmark, there are only 31 LEED-certified hotels across the entire U.S. lodging industry.

Ahead of the curve

“The green hotel prototype gives Marriott a competitive edge with guests who prefer a green hotel experience, and with the growing number of owners and franchisees who want to provide it,” said Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s President and Chief Operating Officer at the USGBC’s annual Green Build conference in Phoenix today.

While many of the benefits of LEED certification, such as improved energy savings, better indoor air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, are transparent to guests, others are easier to identify such as easy access to public transportation, in-room recycling, and light sensors in the guest rooms. These features are becoming even more important to travelers, who said that supporting environmentally-responsible travel service suppliers is a necessity, even in an economic downturn, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership.

Marriott was recently ranked one of Newsweek’s “The Greenest Big Companies,” and has been recognized for its environmental leadership in the hotel industry by several groups, including Ceres, an alliance of investors and environmentalists; the non-profit organization ClimateCounts.org; and Travel + Leisure magazine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored Marriott with its Sustained Excellence Award for the third straight year, and has awarded its ENERGY STAR® label to approximately 275 Marriott hotels.

The company’s Spirit To Preserve environmental strategy calls for has also instituted the greening of its $10 billion supply chain by:

Reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room
Creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
Educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment
Inviting guests to add to the company’s $2 million commitment to help save the rainforest in Brazil.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/environment or www.marriott.com/savetherainforest.

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How to shop the ‘Eco Green Hotel’ way

Joe Ascanio — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:15:17 +0000

A new online store is aiming to transform how the hotel industry finds and buys eco-amenities for environmentally-conscious travelers.

The new www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com, launched last weekend, is a one-stop marketplace of over 1000 bulk products and services for the green hospitality industry; a place for property managers and supply-buyers to find environmentally sensitive amenities, earth-friendly cleaning supplies and sustainable furniture to biodegradable key cards and marketing services designed specifically for the green hotel industry.

“Over and over again, environmentally conscious hotel professionals have told us they wished they could simplify things and purchase their green supplies from one location…and so we set out to create the most comprehensive online source for environmentally friendly hospitality goods and services in the industry,” said Scott Parisi, President of EcoGreenHotel.

For about a year now, Parisi has been working with veteran specialty suppliers including Pineapple Hospitality, DeBlauw Purchasing, T2 Site Amenities, and Ecotek to assemble cost-effective eco hotel products available on the web.

Working with companies like Pineapple Hospitality, Parisi’s EcoGreenHotel store is able to identify products that let hotel owners and managers make the right choices for a more sustainable and more profitable future for the hospitality industry.

“We want the EcoGreenHotel Store to be the go-to source for quality, affordable eco hotel products and services,” he added.

The online store is just the latest addition to Parisi’s “Eco Green Hotel” brand – a resource for the hospitality industry that is dedicated to helping lodging facilities address environmental issues and implement environmentally sound initiatives.

The company’s online presence at www.EcoGreenHotel.com and www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com offers a well-rounded marketplace for green products and services designed to promote a more sustainable hospitality industry.

Hotels benefit by helping the environment

The advantages for the hospitality industry to “go green” are two-fold: not only does it attract a loyal customer base, it also helps save money while attracting new business. Putting into practice sustainable and responsible business and commerce methodologies allows hoteliers to cater to a new breed of customer – one who is willing to put their wallets toward something more meaningful than just another vacation.

The EcoGreenHotel Store allows hoteliers to access quality green products and services from numerous vendors while remaining competitive in price and cutting down on costs associated with labor and time-intensive effort required for researching, identifying, testing and acquiring new items.

This is important in today’s travel economy, as many properties are looking to responsible, earth-friendly purchasing to “green-up” without getting “green-washed”.

For more information or to browse through the store, visit www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com. If you represent a potential “green” vendor, you can contact Scott directly at sparisi@EcoGreenHotel.com.

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Galapagos Diving – Keeping it Green

Emme West — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:12:17 +0000

As a Galapagos scuba diver witnessing the tragic global destruction and environmental impact of overfishing, dying reefs, heavy metals from industrial pollution, kelp deforestation and invasive marine species, I want to do everything I can to protect this island’s remarkable microcosms. Is it possible for us to enjoy the benefits of Galapagos diving without leaving further footprints on this, the most wonderful of natural resources?

To answer this question, I came up with some helpful tips for “greener” Galapagos diving:

Choose Green Accommodations

Look for resorts that grow some or all of their own food in an organic garden, and create some or all of their own energy. Even simply replacing standard bulbs with compact florescent bulbs is an inexpensive way resorts and hotels can reduce their energy footprint and begin to go green.

Ask about how they handle their water consumption. Reducing the amount of laundry they wash is great, but it’s only a start. Do they use biodegradable soaps, and recycle their gray water to care for landscaping or vegetable gardens? Do they recycle and reduce their trash? How do they handle plastic bottles and aluminum cans? Are their dishes re-usable, so they won’t end up in landfills? As most of you know, some resorts and hotels do better at being “green” than others. Researching before you book a vacation can make a big positive environmental impact.

The fragile Galapagos Islands are a perfect example of an ecosystem dramatically impacted by tourism and desperately in need of vigilant green practices. The beautiful white-sand beaches, underwater wonderlands and lush highlands of these remarkable and remote islands are very attractive for tourists, but the islands have been an isolated ecosystem for millennia and continue to be a pristine haven for endemic species of wildlife. One of the best green hotels in the Galapagos is the renowned Finch Bay Hotel. These eco-friendly, private accommodations are off-limits to cars, lovely and very quiet. Stay here while you’re diving and feel confident in your environmentally-friendly choice.

Enjoy Green Galapagos Diving

Over 140,000 tourists per year visit the Galapagos Islands. The visitors, along with explosive population growth, provide a unique challenge for Galapagos diving operators. Adventure Associates, the creator of The Galapagos Foundation, is one operator that offers green Galapagos diving tours. Their non-profit organization’s mission is to provide funding for conservation projects committed to sustainable development in the Galapagos Islands.

Garbage production alone threatens the diverse local animal and marine population, and luckily this problem is now being directly addressed by The Galapagos Foundation. Awareness is also being raised through educational cruises provided by Metropolitan Touring, a company associated with Adventure Associates.

The unique opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a spectacular cruise in the Galapagos Islands doesn’t come along every day. You can learn more about the exciting scuba diving opportunities in this region by planning a custom tour or by choosing a Galapagos package from Adventure Associates.

Employ Ethical Dive Practices

You already know what to do. So just promise yourself that you’re going to keep doing it. Never litter the ocean with your junk. Water bottles, plastic cups, wrappers, film canisters – nothing of yours should ever end up in the sea. Be sure to secure all your trash on the boat so it won’t blow into the water. If you see any junk in the water during your dive, remove it and throw it away properly. You’ll be creating some good karma while you serve as an ambassador for the oceans.

Along the same lines, never remove anything from the ocean, the reef, or the beach – period. Bring your camera and snap pictures of anything interesting or beautiful, but never be tempted to take it with you. If you do, you’ll not only be contributing to the destruction of the earth’s reefs, you’re bound to get caught at some point, and you could wind up in trouble with the local authorities. It’s not worth it. Let the only thing you “take” be the photos.

Also be extremely careful splashing around in shallower areas. Stay near the surface of the water and never, ever kick your fins into the delicate reef coral or other marine life. Leave the reef exactly as you found it — the way the last diver left it for you.

Be a Good Example

Enjoy your next Galapagos diving trip knowing that your travel dollars are promoting sustainable travel choices. Choose a green-minded cruise provider, or donate to organizations like The Galapagos Foundation, and you’ll be doing even more to help.

The more other people follow your example, the faster we’ll see real changes in the way the travel industry addresses environmental issues and the way the world treats its beautiful, irreplaceable oceans.

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One example of how political pressure can hurt ecotourism

Kristen Geis — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:24:46 +0000

Last week, a huge blow came down on environmental efforts in Puerto Rico. A future nature preserve, a full 3,240 acres, was taken off the agenda by the commonwealth’s governor – sparking fears in many that the land will be used for hotel resorts and other detrimental human activity.

With natural fauna and other wildlife quickly becoming depleted throughout and within the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations, it is crucial that nature preserves become established in order to protect and ensure the survival of entire ecosystems, including endangered species.

However, politics tend to often stand in the way of progress.

Last week, a slated preserve creation in northeast Puerto Rico – plans for which were put in place back in 2007 as the new Northeast Ecological Corridor – was officially canceled. The 3,240 acres of coastline nestled alongside tropical forest is a prime nesting ground for endangered leatherback sea turtles.

While the government had been trying to secure the preserve’s future by buying up public lands that intersected with the planned preserve, ultimately political pressure determined its fate.

According to the governor’s office, the cancellation was based on political pressure and job creation. The establishment of a nature preserve in the area would not bolster the region’s economy as well as, say, rows of resorts and tourism attractions.

Obviously, this scares most environmentalists, as resort areas tend to negatively impact and disrupt the natural ecosystems of the surrounding areas. Construction, debris, waste and toxic materials as well as human foot-traffic all lend a hand in destroying the native environment.

On the brighter side, the governor has called for the environmental authorities to determine what of the 3,240 acres is the most sensitive in the hopes that these areas will still remain protected. However, most are concerned that, even if set aside as a smaller-scale preserve, the area will still be harmed due to human interaction.

With each new positive step toward natural and ecological preservation, the environment gains “a win”. Yet, it is often hard to sidestep the bureaucracy of political agenda. Even seemingly big wins can end in disappointment.

How to avoid crowded airports this holiday season

Joe Ascanio — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:46:48 +0000

We have all seen the lines – wrapping around the dividers at the check-in counters, jam-packing the security queues. And the worst part? That is just on a regular day. So what happens on, say, Thanksgiving – the busiest travel day of the year?

A new post by the Orbitz Insider Index has just announced the busiest airports for Thanksgiving, with Chicago, Los Angeles and Denver taking the top three spots. Interestingly enough, New York-area airports ranked 7-9, narrowly beating Seattle which squeezed itself into the number 10 spot.

Where to expect the smallest crowds? Check out San Jose, CA, followed by Nashville and then Richmond, VA.

But, regardless of your departure site and/or destination, there are some friendly and useful tips that just may make your holiday travel a little bit easier.

Go small and flexible

You will find that planning in advance can make all the difference. One thing to think about before buying those tickets is whether or not you can fly out of smaller, alternative airports. Typically, these usually commuter-based hubs are much easier to navigate and less crowded. For example, if you are traveling in or out of New York, consider White Plains Westchester County Airport (HPN). Heading into or out of Los Angeles? Check out the scene in Burbank (BUR) or Orange County (SNA). Sure, tickets in or out of these airports tend to be in a higher price range, but you never know. Besides, sometimes time and aggravation outweigh all costs.

Save time

If at all possible, use online check-in. You will instantly bypass half the line-time. Print your boarding pass at home, and have them (and your ID) ready as you approach the security line. Most major airports now offer easy-to-use baggage check kiosks if you are traveling with luggage.

Stay informed

Check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport, as well as traffic conditions en route. There are a multitude of online and mobile tools that offer free flight status updates for your PDA or mobile phone. Also, most airlines offer real-time flight stats on their websites.

Also, staying informed means staying safe. Airport security can be a daunting endeavor - Keep anything and everything you need to show airport security such as ID, boarding passes, liquids in a zip-top bag, or medication, in a separate compartment of your carry-on bag. Digging for these items once you get to the front of the security line will cause delays and certainly not make you any friends.

Get going

So, what are you waiting for? Lock-in early-bird rates before they hit the roof. Now that you got these key points in mind, nothing can stop you. Travel speedy, and have a great holiday season!

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Can the U.S. set the stage for a successful Copenhagen Climate Change Conference?

Joe Ascanio — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:24:28 +0000

With the world’s climate crisis in peril, governments need to deliver a strong plan of action at the upcoming Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December.

Perhaps the most influential figure in all of it is U.S. President Barack Obama, who is actively working to loosen the global deadlock in negotiations by announcing a target for cutting US greenhouse gas emissions.

So far, the United States is the only developed nation that has not committed to an emissions target. Poorer nations are threatening to stage a walk-out of the UN summit in Copenhagen next month unless President Obama commits to an ambitious carbon reduction.

Making good on promises

On the campaign trail in 2007 and 2008, then presidential-nominee Barack Obama proposed that the United States, under his influence as Commander-in-Chief, would reduce carbon emissions by 14% (as compared to 2005 levels).

Fast-forward less than one year into his presidency, a new climate bill spearheaded by former prez-nominee John Kerry is promising a greenhouse gas reduction of 20%.

Many Copenhagen-watchers expect that President Obama will wait until the final stages of the negotiations in Copenhagen to announce the U.S.’s emissions cuts, perhaps in an effort to achieve maximum political impact will giving other countries little-to-no chance to demand deeper cuts from the U.S.

President Obama is reportedly considering offering a range of possible reductions rather than a single number, making it easier for him to persuade Congress.

According to Jonathan Pershing, a leading US negotiator at the Barcelona climate talks, the U.S. will in fact announce a provisional target before the end of the Copenhagen summit.

“Developing countries, including the US, need to make robust mid-term reductions from a set base year.” said Pershing. “In the US we are moving to make a substantial contribution to a robust Copenhagen deal. We are very interested in seeing that deal move forward and we recognize that others are seeking numbers from us.”

He went on to add that President Obama could possibly a target commitment without Senate approval. “The executive body has authorities which are not exclusively reliant on Congress and that is a decision which has to be made.”

According to Yvo de Boer, the UN’s senior climate change official, the summit would achieve very little if President Obama does not announce a target.

“Copenhagen can and must be the turning point in the international fight against climate change – nothing has changed my confidence in that. A powerful combination of commitment and compromise can and must make this happen.”

No more business as usual

Until now, very little progress has been made with regards to the proper finances that would allow developing countries to limit their emissions growth and adapt to the inevitable effects of climate change.

According to Yvo de Boer, developed countries will need to expedite funding in the amount of at least $10 billion to enable developing countries to immediately develop low emission growth and adaptation strategies and to build internal capacity.

Additionally, developed countries will need to indicate how they intend to raise predictable and sustainable long-term financing and what there longer-term commitments will be.

The U.S. is planning a “substantial contribution” to a global fund aimed at helping developing countries adapt to climate change and pursue low-carbon economic growth. While the Obama administration is not expecting developing countries to cut their overall emissions entirely, it prefers to receive specific commitments from them on reducing their growth in emissions compared with the “business as usual” position.

“It is essential that practical action is swiftly implemented after Copenhagen to assist developing countries in their fight against climate change,” added de Boer.

Finding clarity

Earlier this year, heads of state and government pledged to “Seal the Deal!” in Copenhagen; providing clarity on: ambitious emission reduction targets of industrialized countries, supporting developing countries and scaling-up both financial and technological resources.

“I look to industrialized countries to raise their ambitions to meet the scale of the challenge we face,” said Yvo de Boer. “And I look to industrialzed nations for clarity on the amount of short and long-term finance they will commit.”

The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen will take place from December 6-18, 2009.

Update on 11/11/09:
Former Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore posted this on his blog:
“I was asked last week, ‘would it be helpful for President Obama to go to the United Nations conference on climate change in Copenhagen in December?’

“The answer is, of course, yes, and I think he probably will. I certainly hope he will. Given how high the stakes of this international meeting are, I think it would make a big difference. Because we’re the strongest economy, one of the two largest emitters of global warming pollution, and recognized as the natural leader of the world community, it’s important for us as Americans to fully appreciate the role we play.

“Since this is the most dangerous challenge the world has ever faced, and since the scientists have given us fresh warnings that we don’t have a lot of time to reduce global warming pollution, it’s really important for the United States to play the leadership role the rest of the world expects us to play.

“President Obama’s attendance in Copenhagen would be a clear signal of our leadership.”

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Do the Olympics hurt or help international tourism?

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:18:22 +0000

With the Olympic games being one of the most sort after international events the world has ever experienced, many would argue that the games, combined with their publicity, fervor and global appeal, would truly help their host city’s economic stature. Tourism alone should boom due to the Olympics, while locales that would typically not seem to be a “top destination” are suddenly thrust into the limelight.

However, according to a study by the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA), the Olympic Games actually have a negative impact on their host locale. Over the last 20 years, tourism has actually increased throughout the globe, except for travel to “Olympic cities,” where tourism growth tends to be stalled (especially when compared to competitor destinations).

For instance, during the past 6 summer games – Beijing 2008, Athens 2004, Sydney 2000, Atlanta (1996, Barcelona 1992, and Seoul 1988 – all six host cities experienced a major disruption to their normal tourism market and none revealed any conspicuous tourism growth.

In the five years prior to the Sydney Olympics, Australia’s and New Zealand’s tourism was growing at the same rate. However, but Australia’s growth dropped off significantly immediately after the Olympics. It is clear that the Olympics did not materially help Australian tourism, or if it did, it made very little difference.

Sydney’s even underperformed against the rest of Australia. The situation became so pronounced that Australia ran an advertising campaign to promote itself as a destination with the now infamous slogan “Where the bloody hell are you?”

Perhaps the most alarming statistics come out of the Beijing 2008 games. During the month prior to the games’ commencement, international travel to Beijing plummeted to 30% less than the previous year. In the months after the Games, the tourism slump continued with international travel over 20% down.

In fact, 2008 was a dismal year for Asia Pacific tourism, with Beijing bearing the brunt of the hurt. While travel was down to mainland China by 2%, Beijing averaged out at an 18% loss over 2007.

Concern for London

“Every city is unique, and each city handles the Olympics in its own way,” said Tom Jenkins, executive director, ETOA. “But we have yet to have a games where tourism has not been disrupted and disrupted in a way that causes real harm. Even in the case of Athens, where they carefully restricted new capacity, there were considerable losses before and after the games both in the capital and throughout Greece.”

This does not bode well for London in 2012.

Last year alone, London experienced almost 15 million international visitors. If history repeats itself, the city could be looking at a loss of nearly 2.5 million tourists.

Generally, the Olympics should benefit a host city’s tourism economy. However, statistics suggest otherwise. What do you think – do the Olympics ultimately negatively impact the host city’s tourism economy? And if so, what can be done?

A new green hotels program comes to the South

Joe Ascanio — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:11:50 +0000

The State of South Carolina has just launched a new certification program for the hospitality industry called the South Carolina Green Hospitality Alliance. The program is aimed mainly at hotels, motels and restaurants; providing a means for establishments to boost awareness by demonstrating what they are doing to help protect and preserve the state’s environment.

The program is a joint effort between the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and South Carolina Hospitality Association.

“Each of us—government, business, industry and individuals—must do our part to help protect South Carolina’s environment,” said DHEC Commissioner Earl Hunter. “This program presents a unique opportunity for the hospitality industry to lead by example through the use of smart, sustainable, cost-effective practices that help conserve natural resources, save energy and reduce pollution.”

The South Carolina Green Hospitality Alliance is a free, voluntary program designed to help the hospitality industry reduce the environmental impact of its operations while recognizing and certifying facilities for environmentally friendly efforts with an annual certification.

According to Hunter, DHEC’s role in the partnership is to offer free, confidential assistance on a variety of issues such as waste reduction, recycling, composting, conserving energy and water, green cleaning, and environmentally preferred purchasing. DHEC’s assistance also includes site visits, workshops and a comprehensive series of best management practices fact sheets.

Tom Sponseller, president of the South Carolina Hospitality Assn., says that those hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars that participate in the Green Hospitality Alliance have all the tools available to help improve their environmental footprint, but also have a website to let consumers be aware of their efforts to sustain the environment.

“More consumers are looking to support businesses that exercise sustainable business practices to help protect our environment, and the Green Hospitality Alliance was designed to not only encourage hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars to be more earth friendly, but to let the consuming public be aware of those businesses that actually engage in green practices.”

The South Carolina Hospitality Association reviews all certification applications and rates facilities—from One Palmetto Tree to Three Palmetto Trees—based on a facility’s green practices. Already, 18 hotels, resorts and restaurants have been certified in the Alliance, two of which earned Two Palmetto certification.

For more information, visit www.GreenHospitalityAlliance.com.

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Las Vegas CityCenter’s holistic spa now taking reservations (or, ‘Why I need to go to Vegas’)

Joe Ascanio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:41:47 +0000

Sin City’s sustainable wonder, CityCenter, is unveiling its the intimate Vdara Health & Beauty -a “sensuous spa sanctuary” focused on holistic health and well being – on December 1, 2009.

The 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa, salon and fitness center is committed to “sustainable luxury”. Selected by Green Spa Network to be network’s very first Las Vegas member, Vdara Health & Beauty carefully selects retail partners that share its concern for the environment; utilizing organic or wild-crafted, paraben-free products, implementing a recycling program and use of recycled paper for spa materials, and aproviding natural nail services using a vegan treatment line.

Vdara is an all-suite hotel and spa designed within the new Las Vegas CityCenter that caters to those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming and smoke-free environment.

Solidifying CityCenter’s commitment to sustainability, Vdara has achieved LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Physically connected to Bellagio and adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara will offer access to all of the entertainment, gaming, shopping, dining and nightlife at CityCenter and throughout Las Vegas, while also providing a retreat from it all.

Soothing calm amidst the bustle of Vegas

Located on the second level of the CityCenter’s new Vdara, guests are welcomed by a two-story waterfall comprised of shimmering strings of beads that glisten as water cascades down them into the reflective pool below. Sapele wood floors with mink marble and river-stone floor accents will create a sleek and modern look throughout the space.

Each level of the spa will express a distinct atmosphere laced with luxury. The first level will be a light, social space where patrons can mingle in the main reception lobby, enter the fitness center and salon, browse the spa boutique or enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar. The wellness spa on the second level will inspire a calm and soothing energy.

Even the lobby itself will feature a champagne bar that will include a thoughtful selection of champagne and wine for guests to enjoy while relaxing in the lobby or experiencing a manicure, pedicure or hair service in the salon.

Finding wellness

Eleven private treatment rooms, retreats, and serene lounges featuring inviting soaking tubs and dramatic circular waterfalls allow guests to immerse themselves in complete relaxation while enjoying a selection of herbal teas and apothecary-infused water, redwood saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms.

Spa treatments, comprised of a variety of massages, body treatments and skin care services, focus on holistic health by incorporating high-grade and organic ingredients derived from fruits, herbs, flowers, vegetables and oils.

The salon at Vdara Health & Beauty will boast a full menu of services for men and women including nail care by “SpaRitual.” Known for creating eco-friendly products, SpaRitual has developed a collection of sophisticated nail products that are DBP, formaldehyde and toluene-free, as well as the first spa treatment line of vegan nail care products.

For those looking for a more active way to let off some steam, a variety of cardio equipment with individual entertainment centers, exercise machines and free weights will be available in the spa’s fitness center. Fitness classes will include strength training and yoga, with personal trainers and yoga instructors available for individual or group instruction. A registered dietician also will be available for nutritional consultation.

On the upper level of the spa, guests will be able to enjoy spa and salon treatments poolside at Sky Pool & Lounge – boasting six spa cabanas with interior seating, outdoor chaise lounges and private plunge pools. Poolside spa treatments will feature Akhassa, a line inspired by spa rituals from Thailand with properties of lemongrass, Kaffir lime, jasmine and hibiscus flower.

For more information about Vdara Health & Beauty, visit www.vdara.com.

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All aboard the month-long Climate Change Express to Copenhagen

Joe Ascanio — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:45:52 +0000

With the Copenhagen conference quickly on its way, a new and one-time train link between Kyoto and Copenhagen has just opened for traffic. Sponsored by the United Nations, the Climate Change Express is a one-month, 9,000-kilometer journey that symbolically joins the site of the last global warming pact with what is hoped to be the birthplace of the next major, and stricter, treaty to combat climate change.

The Train to Copenhagen will roll across the globe through the vast wilds of Russian Siberia and into Europe as part of the UN Seal the Deal! campaign. Aboard, environmental experts and climate change campaigners will send eye-witness accounts of global warming signs under way while working to raise awareness of the impact of the transport sector, which already accounts for over one fifth of global CO2 greenhouse emissions.

These emissions are projected to double within only 40 years and railways are crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing sustainable transport systems.

Redirecting the “road to nowhere”

Launched by UNEP, WWF and the International Union of Railways (UIC), the Train to Copenhagen aims to galvanize political will and public support for reaching a comprehensive global climate agreement in December.

“We are on the road to nowhere if existing policies and economic models prevail with their over-emphasis on private cars and on shifting shipments of goods to the roads,” UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said. “The Train to Copenhagen project is a showcase of sustainable transport solutions that will be part and parcel of a resource-efficient, low-carbon Green Economy of the 21st Century.

“By Sealing the Deal on an ambitious climate agreement in Copenhagen, governments will get into gear to propel the world to a low-carbon future so that societies may also finally embark on a journey to more sustainable transport.”

Trekking through climate change “hotspots”

The Train to Copenhagen departs Kyoto station on November 5th – leaving behind the Japanese city where the Kyoto Protocol that sets binding greenhouse gas reduction targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European Union (EU) was adopted in 1997 – and make its way by ferry to Daejeon, Republic of Korea (ROK).

There it will board another ferry for Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East for that vast transcontinental journey to drum up support for a new compact with much stronger cuts to replace the Protocol on the expiration of the first commitment period at the end of 2012.

Rumbling across Siberia – a global climate change hotspot - it will be hauled along the famous Trans-Siberian Railway and go by ferry across Lake Baikal, the most voluminous freshwater lake in the world, and stop in Moscow, the Polish city of Poznan and then Berlin before arriving in Brussels on December 5th.

From Brussels, The Express will take on board more than 400 climate change negotiators, campaigners and other high-profile personalities going to Copenhagen, for a 12-hour on-track conference focusing on how to solve the challenges posed by the transport sector with regard to global warming.

On arrival, the Climate Express will remain at Copenhagen Central Station throughout the two-week conference, serving as a mobile exhibition open to the public about low-carbon transport solutions.

“It is clear that business as usual is not an option if we want to reverse current trends and prevent catastrophic climate change,” UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer said. “If we can really integrate the costs of pollution into the price of transportation, rail will be a big winner.”

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Does living “green” at home really effect how people travel?

Joe Ascanio — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:57:12 +0000

Due largely in part to consumer demands and environmental regulations – both ethical and economical – the hospitality and tourism industry is under great pressure to become more environmentally friendly.

A countless number of hotels have successfully instituted energy-use reduction and water conservation programs, as well as resource re-use and recycling. Linen and towel reuse policies, low-flow showers and toilets, programmable on/off light sensors, and occupancy sensor controls are just some advances in the “going green” arena.

However, a new study suggests that there is a significant difference in how people’s attitudes toward “green” lifestyles effect their actual travel purchases and behavior.

The study, conducted by a team of tourism and hospitality graduate students at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business, found that people who actively practice an eco-friendly lifestyle at home behave entirely different when “on the road” at a hotel.

Researchers tend to agree that the hospitality industry itself has the ability to educate consumers to develop a greater level of understanding and concern about their environmental impact as hotel guests. With more and more hotels increasingly adopting “green” business practices, no one has really delved into whether or not such initiatives truly effect consumer knowledge, attitudes and behavior.

Supervised by tourism management professor Pamela Weaver, two master’s students – Melissa Baker and Eric Davis – set out to find the answer.

“It has been argued that if individuals became more knowledgeable about environmental issues, they would become more aware of the problems and be more motivated to act in responsible ways,” they said. “Prior research, however, has not shown this assumption to be true.”

Truth in numbers

In an online survey of 881 students in four Virginia Tech classes, questions were crafted to carefully gauge knowledge and personal attitudes about eco-friendly travel as compared to home behavior. 322 responses (36.5%) were gathered and analyzed.

While over half of the respondents agreed that being environmentally conscious while in a hotel will have long-term environmental benefits, only 35% stated they would prefer to stay in a green hotel instead of a non-green hotel.

Nearly 75% stated that hotels should use energy-efficient or automatic lights, while 50% felt that automatic sink faucets should be installed to conserve water.

As for their home-versus-hotel behavior, 60% of respondents recycle paper products at home, but only 30% recycle them while at a hotel. And while 60% of respondents conserve water at home, less than 40% do so while at a hotel. 80% of respondents take measures to conserve energy at home, only 40% do so while at a hotel.

“Individuals might feel more obliged to behave in an environmentally friendly manner in their local community as opposed to the tourist destination,” say Baker and Davis.

While some hotels may perhaps lack the necessary infrastructure to be “green,” engaging in green behavior may detract from the whole experience of being a hotel guest.

The research by Baker and Davis cites a “a strong trade-off between participation and the sacrifice of comfort and luxury.”

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Himalayan adventure in high style and luxury

Joe Ascanio — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:29:20 +0000

New and unique excursions by ITrekNepal, one of the most popular trekking companies in the region, aim to enhance the Everest and Annapurna trekking experience for adventurers by offering increasing value combined with an exceptionally high standard for excellence.

Already a trailblazer with its all-inclusive Standard treks – including clean and comfortable hotel accommodation before and after treks, the highest quality trekking equipment as well as three full meals a day and hot showers for the duration of the trek – ITrekNepal’s newest Classic treks go even further by offering guests the best possible standard of comfort in accommodation, food, travel and personal service whilst trekking the challenging terrain of the breathtaking Everest and Annapurna regions in Nepal.

“Since introducing our Classic trek option we have received many glowing testimonials from guests who love the personal attention and flexibility that we offer. Guests also really appreciate the extra level of comfort on a Classic trek, especially after a really challenging day of trekking. A Classic trek allows our guests to experience Nepal and the Himalayas as authentically as other trek options but without any unnecessary discomfort,” commented Andy Leonard, Managing Director of ITrekNepal.

ITrekNepal has grown rapidly in the last two years and provides both classic Himalayan trek itineraries such as Everest and Annapurna Base Camp treks as well as unique fully-flexible ‘off the beaten path’ treks and tours for both individuals and groups that will provide a wealth of memories long after the holiday has is over.

Catering to the adventurer’s comfort zone

On the ground, ITrekNepal’s Classic equips guests with new and spacious air conditioned vehicles whilst flights to all major trekking destinations in Nepal are included in the cost of the trek. Hotel accommodation before and after treks is the highest class possible; such as Dwarika’s in Kathmandu and the Shangri La in Pokkara. Dwarika’s is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best preserved examples of traditional Newari architecture in Nepal where every brick is handmade and every piece of wood is a centuries old original.

ITrekNepal Classic guests also have the benefit of a dedicated one-on-one personal porter who not only assists in carrying your gear but also in helping you every step of the way to enjoy the mountains and your overnight stays by carrying a large supply of special foods – fresh fruits, chocolate, cheeses and biscuits – to complement your local teahouse meals.

ITrekNepal’s porters even go that little bit extra by bringing hot water bottles and pots of tea to the teahouse lodge rooms of Classic trek guests each evening at high altitude locations in the Everest and Annapurna regions.

Other highlights of ITrekNepal’s Classic trek option are the constant use of a mobile phone for immediate contact from almost anywhere in Nepal – including high altitude mountain locations – as we;; as access to a full-time personal concierge to handle any special requirements while in Nepal. Guests also receive upgraded mountain lodge (teahouse) accommodations to best available rooms with attached baths, full-day cultural tours of UNESCO world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, personal customization of cultural tour itineraries and complete flexibility in changing trek and travel itinerary without extra charge right up until the day of departure.

Since the introduction of the Classic trek option this year, half of all ITrekNepal guests have selected this option for their Nepal treks.

For more information, visit http://syndacast.com/go/itreknepal.

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Starwood’s Element Hotels have a ‘Vision’

Kristen Geis — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:15:56 +0000

The popular “green” hotel brand has officially been named as a Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award Winner. The Awards, now in the fifth year, recognize the latest and best efforts at cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and community building as selected by a jury of eight members including Dan Barber, Céline Simone Cousteau, Bruce Mau, and Dr. Joseph E. Stiglitz.

Element, owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, has consistently ramped up the expectations for sustainable hospitality with a cool and modern flare. Element is also committed to achieving LEED certification at all of its properties.

Other winners include the Rainforest Alliance for its outstanding efforts in sustainable travel, Ecoventura for charting a new course for travel to and in the Galápagos Islands, and Sassi di Matera Albergo Diffuso in Italy for transforming abandoned cave dwellings of a UNESCO World Heritage site into guestrooms.

Profiles of all 17 winners along with insights from the jury are featured in Travel + Leisure’s November issue, available on newsstands October 23.

“The individuals and organizations recognized in T+L’s 2009 Global Vision Awards epitomize the idea that travel is a force for good,” says Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure. “Even in these challenging economic times, it is encouraging to see that important issues for our world and our industry are a priority for this year’s winners. We applaud their outstanding efforts and hope that they provide inspiration for both travelers and others in the travel world.”

Global Vision Award Winners in the Environment category include: Corporate Sustainability, Walt Disney Worldwide; Eco Certification, Rainforest Alliance, New York City; Wildlife Tourism, Northern Great Plains Restoration, United States; Green Cruising, Ecoventura, Galápagos Islands; Green Hotels, Element Hotels, United States; and Habitat Restoration, Vane Farm Sanctuary, Scotland.

The winners in the Culture category included: Arts Education, Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar; Cultural Heritage, Awamaki, Peru; Architectural Restoration, Qianlong Garden, Beijing; Culinary Heritage, Southern Foodways Alliance, Oxford, Mississippi; Historic Preservation, Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia; and Creative Redevelopment, Sassi di Matera Albergo Diffuso, Italy.

The winners in the Community category included: Community Empowerment, Koiyaki Guiding School, Masai Mara, Kenya; Voluntourism, GAP Adventures, Toronto; Job Training, Sala Baï, Cambodia; Disaster Relief, Asia Transpacific Journeys, Boulder, Colorado; and Grassroots Philanthropy, Spear of the Nation, Johannesburg, South Africa.

For more information, visit www.travelandleisure.com.

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What needs to happen for the Copenhagen Climate Change summit to be a success?

Joe Ascanio — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:47:37 +0000

With a little over one month to go before the UN summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has outlined a handful of benchmarks that will determine the success of this international gathering of the minds.

Ban, in an opinion piece in the New York Times, suggests that every country – developed and developing – must do all it can to slash emissions from all sources, including deforestation and shipping.

“A successful deal must strengthen the world’s ability to cope with an already changing climate,” Mr. Ban said, stressing that “support for adaptation is not only an ethical imperative; it is a smart investment in a more stable, secure world.”

According to Ban, proper funding to allow poorer countries to transition to a low-carbon economy is absolutely crucial, while all involved must agree on an equitable global governance structure.

“All countries must have a voice in how resources are deployed and managed,” he said. “That is how trust will be built.”

Progress in sight

Although the the last round of climate change negotiations held in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this month, resulted in a sort of stalemate, Ban insists that “the elements of a deal are on the table.”

“All that is needed to put them in place is political will,” Ban said. “We need to step back from narrow national interest and engage in frank and constructive discussion in a spirit of global common cause.”

A final round of negotiations will kick off next week in Spain, as a precursor to the Copenhagen summit.

“We are now at a rather critical juncture,” said Janos Pasztor, Director of the Secretary-General’s Climate Change Support Team. “There is a flurry of activity in the world’s capitals, with this uptick in activity expected to continue during the final stretch before the December summit. This is a good development as it is only governments who can make the deal and bring us success in Copenhagen.”

United States at the heart of transition

When leaders assemble in Denmark, they have the ability to “deliver an agreement on a range of fast-track implementation measures for which credible resources are needed and which governments need to make available,” Mr. Pasztor stated.

According to Ban, the United States government, under the leadership of newly-President Barack Obama, is a crucial factor in the global climate change struggle. He did suggest, however, that he is encouraged by last week’s bipartisan climate change initiative in the US Senate.

“We cannot afford another period where the United States stands on the sidelines,” Ban said, adding that an “indecisive or insufficiently engaged” US will result in unnecessary and unaffordable delays in tackling global warming.

Ban is, of course, referring to the U.S.’s lackluster environmental performance under the Bush administration of the previous 8 years as well as its reluctance to enter into the Kyoto Protocol agreements.

Come 2012, the Kyoto Protocol to prevent climate change and global warming will expire, calling for the urgency for a new international agreement. This December’s conference in Copenhagen from December 7-18, 2009 will bring together government representatives from 170 countries, accompanied by other governmental representatives, NGO’s and journalists.

For more information on the Copenhagen Climate Conference, visit http://en.cop15.dk.

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Is a “green plane” on the horizon from Southwest Airlines?

Kristen Geis — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:09:21 +0000

The popular American carrier has officially unveiled a prototype model for a “green plane” – an Boeing 737-700 that combines fuel efficiency, environmentally responsible products, customer comfort, and reduced waste and weight.

Good business sense

According the Southwest, environmental decisions and business practices can only benefit the business.

“Southwest is committed to continuing to lead the industry in emissions reductions through fuel efficiency,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s Chairman, President, and CEO. “Efficiency in fuel consumption benefits our Company as well as the environment, and this has been part of our business model since the beginning. As we look to the future, we know climate change remains of vital importance to our industry, our Company, and our Customers, so Southwest works hard every day in every area to be a responsible steward of the environment.”

All of the elements being tested on this Green Plane, when combined, will equate to a weight savings of almost five pounds per seat, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions, along with adding recyclable elements to the cabin interior and reducing waste.

“Southwest is proud to lead the aviation industry in environmental stewardship and honored to be working with these eco-friendly vendors and our partners at Boeing,” Kelly continued. “We are excited to test their forward-thinking products and expect these green products to not only help the environment, but also create a fuel and materials cost saving for Southwest.”

The new plane’s “green” elements include:

InterfaceFLOR Carpet – a 100% recyclable and carbon neutral carpet that reduces labor and material costs because it is installed in sections, thus eliminating the need for total replacement of areas such as aisles, where Southwest currently uses one single piece of carpet.
Seat covers – two new products that will be tested on the aircraft seats, offering more than twice the durability than the current leather seats as well as a weight savings of almost two pounds per seat. On one side of the aisle, e-Leather is an eco-friendly, lightweight and scuff resistant man-made alternative to traditional leather. It is made from recycled materials that have been discarded by the leather industry. It is then upgraded utilizing eco-friendly technology, resulting in composition leather, a man-made material. On the other side of the aisle, IZIT Leather, a new breed of premium leather alternative, is an evolutionary step beyond calf skin that offers a lightweight product that is both economical and durable, but with the genuine appearance and touch of luxurious leather.
Life Vest Pouch – more environmentally friendly because it offers a weight savings of one pound per passenger, replacing the current metal container with lighter durable canvas. The smaller pouch also creates more room under the seat for carry-on items and offers productivity improvements due to design change.
Foam Fill – A lighter weight fill from Garnier PURtec in the back of the seats that reduces weight while providing increased Customer comfort.
Passenger Seat Rub Strips – switching from plastic to aluminum will help with durability, which reduces waste, as well as being recyclable.

In addition to the green plane, Southwest also announced the Nov. 1 kickoff of a more robust onboard recycling program, which is a co-mingled system that will allow the airline to capture more recyclable material and divert it from the waste stream. This 18-month process involved team work from all areas of the Company to implement the program on the ground at its Provisioning Bases and re-working of waste collection procedures in the cabin.

“The initiative by the Southwest Airlines Green Team, Facilities Maintenance, Inflight Department, and Provisioning Department was a truly heroic effort; when you serve nearly 68 cities there are often 68 different ways to implement a program,” Kelly says. “We appreciate the hard work of our recycling vendor, Republic Services, and we are excited to take a very effective recycling program and make it even better.”

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