Annual Report 2009-2010

Contents

p2 Special Thanks to TIES Members / p3 Our Mission / p4 What We Do / p5-6 TIES History - Since 1990 / p7-8 Mes-sages from Our Members / p9 TIES Board of Directors / p11 Our Members, Our Partners / p12 TIES ecoAuction / p13 A Sneak Preview of What’s to Come in 2011-12

THANK YOUTIES global network proudly represents and is supported by members from over 100 countries who are leading the vital efforts to make travel and tourism more sustain-able. It is an immense honor to be part of this worldwide network of leaders, pioneers and active supporters of tourism as a socially, environmentally and economically viable tool for sustainable development.

From all of us at TIES team, we would like to share a big THANK YOU to our members who have made a tremendous difference for TIES growth in the past two decades, and who continue to inspire positive changes in the global tourism industry.

-The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel

Our MissionEngage

InspireEducate

Through an international network of industry professionals and business leaders, TIES offers valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

As a global source of knowledge and advo-cacy in ecotourism, TIES offers practical edu-cational tools and promotes capacity building opportunities for professionals.

Utilizing the global ecotourism develop-ment experiences, TIES helps mainstream sustainability in tourism and inspire positive changes in the industry.

Ecotourism.org/Network

Ecotourism.org/Learn Ecotourism.org/Sustain

What We Do...

Membership Services: Helping members connect with each other and access valuable information and resources.

Online Networking: Offering networking opportunities and marketing tools through TIES website, Ecotourism.org.

Network Building: Helping strengthen “ties” among members through partnerships with associations and regional groups.

Strengthening Opportunities through International Networks

Conferences & Workshops: Providing quality learning and knowledge sharing opportu-nities through our events.

Educational Partnerships: Collaborating with universities and educational institutions to create and strengthen educational opportunities for students and professionals.

Awareness-Building Initiatives: Working with members and partners to raise aware-ness of the principles of ecotourism and best practice examples.

Sharing Education and Capacity Building Platforms

Supporting Efforts to Mainstream Sustainability in Tourism

Industry Partnerships: Partnering with various local, national and international indus-try organizations to strengthen efforts to promote sustainability in tourism.

Sharing Wisdom: Working with leading industry organizations to establish standards and guidelines to promote sound development of ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

Inspiring Change: Establishing mechanisms to apply lessons learned from ecotourism examples to help create positive change in mainstream tourism.

Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel

2009 at a Glance

First 10 ambassadors selected for Travel Ambassador Program.

10 destinations and themes fea-tured through ecoDestinations.

100+ articles on Your Travel Choice Blog.

10,000+ subscribers to Digital Trav-eler eNewsletter.

TIES History - Since 1990

20 years1990

The Ecotourism Society launched by a team or-ganized by Megan Epler Wood as the world’s first international non-profit dedicated to ecotourism as a tool for conserva-tion and sustainable development.

1992Advocates for sound ecotourism practices at World Parks and Pro-tected Areas Congress in Caracas, Venezuela and First World Congress on Tourism and the Environ-ment in Belize.

Publishes its first book, Ecotour-ism: A Guide for Planners and Managers

1994“International Ecotourism Partners” meeting, St. John, US Virgin Islands, to foster national and regional ecotourism associa-tions.

The Ecolodge Sourcebook for Planners and Developers.

“Ecotourism at the Crossroads” - A regional conference in Kenya, co-hosted by Kenya Wild-life Service and Ecotourism Society of Kenya.

1998Marine ecotourism stakeholder meetings in the Caribbean and Mexico.

“Developing an Eco-tourism Destination” regional workshop in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

1996Tourism, Ecotour-ism and Protected Areas co-published with the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

2000“Your Travel Choice Can Make a Difference” consumer educa-tion campaign launched.

The International Ecotourism Society

www.ecotourism.org/our-story

Ecotourism.org/Our-Story

2002The United Nations International Year of Ecotourism (IYE)

IYE regional meet-ings in Belize, India, Kenya, Peru, Thailand, the Seychelles and Sweden.

International Ecolodge Guidelines

2004Begins multi-year research on tour-ism certification as part of Rainforest Alliance-led project focusing on five Latin American countries.

TIES 15th anniversary “Celebration of Ecotourism” in Washington, DC.

The first Ecotourism in the U.S. Conference in Bar Harbor, Maine, co-organized by the local Chamber of Commerce. September 2005.

2006“Traveling with Climate in Mind” consumer education campaign launched.

Global Ecotourism Conference in Oslo, Norway, co-organized by Ecotourism Norway and the United Nations Environment Programme. May 2007.

Washington DC Eco-Tour, highlighting eco-friendly initia-tives and educational opportunities in the greater Washington, DC community.

2008Public forum “Indigenous Business Leaders in Ecotourism” organized in partnership with the Swedish Ecotourism Society.

Ecotourism and Sustain-able Tourism Conference (ESTC) in Vancouver, Brit-ish Columbia, Canada.

2010Ecotourism and Sustain-able Tourism Conference (ESTC) held in Portland, Oregon, USA, co-hosted by Travel Portland and Travel Oregon.

The first European Ecotourism Conference (EuroEco), held in Parnu, Estonia, co-hosted by the Estonian Ecotourism As-sociation.

Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel

Kaity Tsui, I LOVE NY’s “Greenest New Yorker”

I like the user-friendly and informative features of the TIES website, such as the “Tips for Travelers” section, especially with burgeoning interest in the eco-/sustainable tourism indus-try. As more travelers become increasingly attracted to this type of alternative tourism, it’s imperative for global networks such as TIES to serve as “sources of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities, conserva-tion, and sustainable travel” in order to highlight the issues and challenges raised in this blos-soming industry as its definition continues to expand. In the end, it’s really about thinking globally and acting consciously.

“Makiko Nakagaki, Executive Secretary, Ecotourism Japan

Congratulation, TIES, on your 20th Anniversary! Net-working is key to furthering the ecotourism movement, and I believe that TIES’ roles in assisting networking opportunities around the world will be more and more important. In many countries, ecotourism is perceived and practiced in a variety of ways that reflect their unique cultural and social values. I hope to see informa-tion about ecotourism disseminated globally by TIES representing not only global but also local perspectives, highlighting diverse approaches. In today’s globalized and rapidly changing society, our worldwide ecotourism network plays a critical role in promoting and advocat-ing for a more sustainable future. I believe that as a community we form a stronger voice, and as a commu-nity we build synergies that lead to meaningful actions. I look forward to continue creating opportunities for collaborative actions with fellow members from around the world.

20周年おめでとうございます。エコツーリズムという運動には、ネットワークは不可欠であり、TIESの今後の国際的役割も益々大きくなると感じています。各国での文化や社会背景により、エコツーリズムに対する価値観や取り組みは国々や地域によっても多様化してきています。TIESとしての視点だけでなく、そうしたエコツーリズムの多角的な取り組みについても、発信していただけることを期待しています。めまぐるしく変わる社会の中において、持続可能な生き方を提案している我々の活動は今まさに必要とされています。そのような社会に対し、ネットワークだからこそ世界的にも大きな声をあげていく力を持ちえるし、つながりによってシナジーが生まれ、より大きなアクションを生み出していくことができます。今後もそのようなアクションを一緒につくりだしていけることを楽しみにしています。 - 日本エコツーリズムセンター理事・事務局長 中垣 真紀子

Thomas A. Tabor, Ecotourism Develop-ment Consultant, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Division of Travel & Tourism

My first exposure to TIES was at the “2005 Ecotourism in the U.S. Conference” in Bar Harbor, Maine. The conference itself opened up relationships and a networking community that I have used for resources, education, latest research, development concepts, supportive tools for conserva-tion and preservation, collaboration with a similarly goal-oriented international market, and perhaps, most importantly, lifelong friendships and support from like-minded people. In my position here in Nebraska, I work closely with rural people who work on the land. Nebraska has a limited amount of public access land (97% is privately-owned), and to access some of the state’s most pristine areas, one needs to have strong connections with landown-ers. From that first conference to the most recent one I attended in Portland, Oregon, the education, training, and network of friends and colleagues I have developed has been an asset to our state. What I do is so rewarding, in major part because I have been able to implement TIES many con-cepts of ecotourism right here in Nebraska.

Piero Ponce, Executive Board Member, Regional Cham-ber of Tourism (Ayacucho, Peru)

TIES is the worldwide reference for sustainable tour-ism and best case practices. By promoting continuously research and connecting organizations and individuals on a common goal, we will ensure that conservation, communities and sustainable travel will remain as our priorities in ensuring the sustainable development of this unique green industry.

I’ve been associated with TIES for 10 years as a mem-ber and partner in providing media relations for both the organization and quite a number of members who are tour operators, operate eco lodges, etc. TIES has been such a leader in promoting sustainable prac-tices globally and has provided a forum for meaning-ful conversation amongst the constituency that they serve.

As a participant and speaker at conferences organized and sponsored by TIES, it has been so inspirational to see the synergy amongst academics, community organizers, outfitters and operators all coming to-gether to further the cause of sustainable tourism development, thoughtful economic impact and the corresponding betterment of people worldwide. And this all happens while providing travelers the unique opportunity to see and experience world culture, wildlife, nature, sights and sounds all that enrich our collective experience. It’s a wonderful thing that TIES has done these past twenty years and will continue to build and grow in the next twenty years and beyond.

Nancy Harrison, Founding Partner, Adventure Media

(The photo was taken in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda with mountain gorillas.)

” 2010 at a Glance

TIES 20th Anniversary!

514 organization members.

1,070 individual members.

11 New Advisory Board Members.

47 new members participated in the ESTC 2010 conference.

Innovation Award launched.

TIES Board of Directors

Dr. Kelly BrickerAssociate Professor, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, University of Utah

Deirdre CampbellOwner, The Tartan Group

Richard EdwardsMarketing Director, Gap Adventures

Shadia GarrisonConsultant, Writer, Project Manager

Palitha GurusingheFounder and President, Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation

Glenn JampolPresident, Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn

Ariane JanérCo-Founder, EcoBrasil

Karen LewisOwner, Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Kimberly LisagorJournalist, Author

Rick MacLeod FarleyPrincipal Consultant, Ma-cLeod Farley & Associates

Hitesh MehtaArchitect, Landscape Architect and Ecotourism Planner, HM Design

Paul RadchenkoTourism Development Planner, Government of Alberta

Wolfgang Strasdas, PhD.Professor, University of Applied Sciences Eber-swalde

Masaru TakayamaExecutive Director, Japan Ecolodge Association /Founder, Spirit of Japan Travel

Albert Teo Chin KionManaging DirectorBorneo Eco Tours

Annie VanderwykPrincipal Cultural Consul-tant, Wild Earth Expeditions

TIES Advisory Board comprises of ecotour-ism experts and indus-try leaders.

Representing diverse groups of stakehold-ers, the Advisory Board serves as an effective venue to support TIES mission.

TIES Governance Board

Dr. Kelly Bricker, ChairMasaru Takayama, Vice ChairJon Bruno, TreasurerJason Banks, Advisor

www.ecotourism.org/board

“The tourism indus-try has the power to make a positive change. It is uniquely positioned to take a place-based approach to conservation and poverty alleviation.”

-Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair, TIES Board of Directors

Our PartnersOur Members

Your Travel Choice Blog PartnersWHL GroupMuch Better Adventureswww.yourtravelchoice.org/about/partners

Voluntourism Partner: Planeterra Planeterra is a leading non-profit foundation dedi-cated to sustainable community development and environmental conservation through travel.www.ecotourism.org/planeterra

Ecotourism AssociationsProviding the vital links between governments, NGOs, businesses and citizens, local, national and regional ecotourism associations are a crucial part of our efforts to further TIES mission.www.ecotourism.org/ecotourism-associations

Membership Service PartnersAdventure MediaTravMediaStylus Publishingwww.ecotourism.org/membership

Recipe for SuccessTIES partners with NGO’s, associations and other or-ganizations that share our commitment to responsible travel and sustainable development.

TIES global network of members consists of orga-nizational members (Association, Business, NGO, Institution, College & University) and individual members (Professional, Student, Traveler).

Global Network

Ecotourism Explorer: a global online network for individuals and organizations committed to the principles of ecotourism.

www.ecotourism.org/ explorer

TIES ecoAuctionFeaturin a special selection of eco-holiday packages generously donated by TIES members, TIES ecoAuction is hosted on Bidding for Good, a charitable auction community with over 87,000 active bidders.

January 2009 - December 2009• 58 auction items sold • $28,508 raised

January 2010 - December 2010• 45 auction items sold• $15,264 raised

Access TIES ecoAuctionwww.biddingforgood.com/ ecotourismauction

Sponsorship Informationwww.ecotourism.org/ sponsor-ties-ecoauction

ESTC Silent AuctionAt the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), held in Portland OR in Sep-tember 2010, a silent auction was organized, offering eco-holiday packages (along with other auction items) generously donated by TIES members from around the world. ESTC Silent Auction• 58 auction items sold • $4,570 raised

THANK YOU ecoAuction

Sponsors & Supporters!

A Sneak Preview of What’s to Come in 2011-12

Ecotourism.org will not only be a place for learning, but also a platform for networking and expanding your networks.

More opportunities for sharing stories and inspirations through improved tools for members to interact with each other.

Get engaged in ecotourism initiatives around the world by actively participating in TIES global network!

Stay tuned: Ecotourism.org

CommunityConservation

Sustainability

VoluntourismResponsible Travel

Indigenous Tourism

Innovation Award

ecolodge

Wildlife

transition

LeadershipLocal Travel

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Celebrating Excellence

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Quality of Life

Networking

Education

Sharing IdeasO

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HeritageAuthenticity

Making a Difference A

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Cultura

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Adventure

Millennium Development Goals

Voices of Nature

Respecting Our Land

Off the Beaten Path

Sustainable Business Model

Greening Tourism

Cap

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Rewarding and MemorableExperiences

CSR Creative Solutions

Story-Telling G

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www.yourtravelchoice.org

Photography Credits

Page 2 (from left) Ecotourism Japan, Piero Ponce, Ecotourism Society Pakistan, Outside Hilton Head Island, Dream Nepal Travels & Tours, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 4 “2010 at a Glance” - Photo by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 5 “Ecotourism at the Crossroads” - Photo by Megan Epler Wood; Page 6 Ecotourism in the US Conference, Global Ecotourism Conference - Photos by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 7 (from left) Kaity Tsui, Thomas A. Tabor, Ecotourism Japan; Page 8 (top) Piero Ponce, (bottom) Nancy Harrison; Page 8 “2010 at a Glance” - Photo by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 14 “ESTC Silent Auction” - photo: Sarah Henderson, sirenapictures.com.