EcoTravel: Business and Pleasure

"Travel has become one the great forces for peace and understanding in our time. As people move throughout the world and learn each other's customs and to appreciate the qualities of individuals of each nations, we are building a level of international understanding which can sharply improve the atmosphere for world peace."
- President John F. Kennedy

Rarely do we begin an issue with a quote from one of our articles. Though this travel declaration was made over 40 years ago it simply says so much to launch our conversation on responsible travel.

Tourism is the world's largest industry, and thus it has worldwide power and impact. So of course, GreenMoney Journal asks how, as travelers, do we make that impact more ecologically and socially responsible? As is the case with all of our spending, we realizing that our travel dollars hold far-reaching market power.

The past few decades have seen the rising popularity of adventure travel, ecotravel, archaeological travel, nature travel, spiritual tours, etc. People are backpacking, biking and using local transport to reach distant corners of the world. Such travel is very participatory and personally nourishing.

Ecotravel, which you shall see defined in this issue, can break down barriers and misunderstandings between people of different cultures, while the considerable revenues generated by ecotravel help sustain people, forests and endangered species around the planet. Destination options are as diverse as the world itself. But it is not just where we go but how we get there, where we stay and, well, so much more.

Resources abound: Travel's environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions from plane, trains and automobiles can be partially offset by buying carbon credits. The Green Hotel Initiative launched by CERES back in 2000, has catalyzed the demand and supply of environmentally responsible hotel services from green meeting to energy savings. New travel clubs such as the Better World Club refer to themselves as the environmentally friendly alternative to AAA.

In this issue you will find first an article from Martha Honey, president of The International EcoTourism Society who looks at the Business of Ecotourism. Malia Everette tells us why Reality Tours are important, and Patricia Griffin opens the door to Green Hotels for us. Also read how the Fairmont Hotel's Green Partnership program earned them an international award recently.

Finally as you explore our website you'll find more EcoTravel articles from taking Green Journeys to Volunteer Vacations as well as lots of online resources.

Bon voyage...

Feature articles
	The Business of EcoTourism Ecotourism is like the elephant, not only is it large, it also appears to be very different, depending on which part is being examined. A blindfolded person, touching the trunk, the tail, the tusk, or the belly, is likely to conjure up very different versions. Martha Honey
	Tourism and Socially Responsibility: Building Symbiotic People-to-People Ties! "Travel has become one the great forces for peace and understanding in our time. As people move throughout the world and learn each other's customs and to appreciate the qualities of individuals of each nations, we are building a level of international understanding which can sharply improve the atmosphere for world peace." - President John F. Kennedy Malia Everette
	Why Choosing Green Hotels is Important We each make a difference with every choice we make, and one choice that makes a huge difference is to stay at green hotels whenever we travel. Choosing green hotels encourages hoteliers that have made the important decision to preserve resources and protect their destinations. Patricia Griffin
	2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards The World Travel & Tourism Council recently announced the winners of the 2006 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards at the 6th Global Travel and Tourism Summit. The awards recognize and promote best practices in tourism development all over the world.
	Publisher's Note: Let's Go! As busy as I am with this current EcoTravel issue, my thoughts are also on GreenMoney's 15th Anniversary year, which begins later this Fall. The special 15th Anniversary issue will appear in Summer, 2007, and will feature many of our past visionaries, and new ones as well, sharing their restorative visions for the next 15 years. Details will follow. Cliff Feigenbaum
Exclusive Online Articles
	Go To Give - Volunteer Vacations Around the World Each year thousands of vacationing volunteers join grassroots project teams in 100+ host communities on six continents to meet an urgent need identified by the local people. Some boost a community struggling to become self-reliant. Others lend a hand with essential services. Many work to enhance a vital environment. Each venture lands the traveler in a soulful place unavailable to the conventional tourist. Inevitably, the volunteer who "goes to give" returns home enriched by the gift of personal growth and change. S. Alison Chabonais
	When you "See the World" if affects how you see the world Whether you are an investor, a CEO, or in a position of financial leadership, travel is an important aspect of life. In fact, when you "see the world," it effects "how you see the world"! When you travel, you should choose a destination that harmonizes with your worldview and amps up you and your team's power see the world clearly, accurately, expansively, and deeply. How will you know such a place? Does it connect you to your yearning to experience your truth, and live it? The Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center
	Goat Trees: Tales from the Other Side of the World Can International Travel Expand The American Mind? Unique Book of Tales Takes You To The Other Side of the World
	Cost of Tourism: Oops, We Helped Ruin the Planet · Guide owners join to discourage 'casual flying' · Books to carry warnings on global warming Published on Saturday, March 4, 2006 by the Guardian/UK Patrick Barkham
	Additional EcoTravel Resources and Information These some are additional general EcoTravel resources beyond what are included in all the previous articles. Cliff Feigenbaum
	The 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2006 Celebrating companies that excel at serving a variety of stakeholders well. From Business Ethics magazine (Spring 2006 issue)
	Calvert Goes Carbon Neutral in Partnership with Carbonfund.org Earth Day Initiatives Promote Practical Action on Climate Change
	VANITY FAIR'S FIRST-EVER "GREEN ISSUE" - (May 2006) Vanity Fair presents its first "Green Issue," beginning an "increased commitment to reporting on the threat to our precious environment," says editor Graydon Carter. The May cover features a quartet of eco-power players, capturing Hollywood glamour and activist passion: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Al Gore, Julia Roberts, and George Clooney, photographed by Annie Leibovitz. Articles inside address the pressing environmental issues of the day: Mark Hertsgaard reports on the reality of global warming; Michael Shnayerson writes on the Appalachian mountaintop-mining crisis; and a Green Guide offers up 50 simple things you can do in your daily life to help save the planet.