La sostenibilidad ya no es una ventaja competitiva sino una necesidad para la supervivencia! / Sustainability is no longer a competitive advantage but a need for survival
I´ve been working and travelling around Chile for nearly a year now and after visiting some of the touristic areas and getting to know first hand business experiences, institutions and organizations I have seen the great touristic potential that this country offers. It has a diversity of ecosystems from the most arid desert of the planet, beaches, humid forests, lakes regions, and rivers with spectacular waterfalls or glaciers in the Patagonia, among many others.
There is a big push from the government institutions thanks to the tourism strategy 2012-2020 and recently have developed a national Sustainability Distinction (Certification), economical measures and aid programs for implementing sustainable management systems. In the last report from the ATDI – Adventure Tourism Development Index, Chile was ranked first in 2011 as developing country with more potential in this type of tourism.
All these and many other aspects that are happening in the country makes me believe that Chile is positioning as a touristic destination at international level. In my opinion there is only a small push needed to make tourism one of the driving forces of the economy.
After carefully studying the tourism strategy, I see that is document with great potential if taken into practice but it seems that there is no common COUNTRY STRATEGY or BRAND, every territory seems to be competing with each other and not combining effort. There is no clear message from the authorities of the possibilities as a country; it’s missing the definition or how con it can be identified or differ from other destinations.
The strategy must arise from a participation process and a consultation that implies all the stakeholders, from the local population, institutions, private companies or NGOs, among others. Is necessary that the strategy comes from the Chilean society and that they feel identified so that it can work and have the expected results!
I leave you with this last comment and please feel free to leave your thoughts.
I´ve heard many different people argue that there is such a great diversity along the immense territory that it’s never been possible to create a general compelling message for the country. I believe that the Country brand should be that diversity.
Come and discover the great diversity at the end of the world.
This is just an example with which I want to begin a debate to helps us identify Chile Country strategy.
What do you think should be Chile´s Country Brand??
One more year at Fitur meeting with old friends and getting to know some new professionals. This year I´ve also been able to attend several seminars of FiturTech and FiturGreen and the general message put forward is that the type of visitor is changing. Their motivations and what they look for are normally a memorable experience and we need to adapt in order to fit into this new niche that is clearly increasing in strength.
Here is a little thought;
In the nineties, the question was; where do you travel? The place was important, I would say I´ve been to this location or this destination.
At the beginning of this century the question evolved to; what did you do? Understanding that the destination is secondary and what is important is the activity, skiing, hiking, golf, among others.
Finally tourist of today and more importantly visitors of tomorrow seem to add to these two questions, how did you do it? & with Whom? Putting the emphasis and the importance on the experience and how unique. Move away from the traditional trip and look for something different with local people who know the destination and are able to offer something exclusive, creating that memorable experience to the visitor.
As a responsible traveller and entrepreneur who always try to put the emphasis of promoting a sustainable tourism that puts into value the natural and cultural resources, promoting the local business and the local heritage it seems our time has come to stay. This type of tourism also helps to develop remote and deprived areas as the tourist expenditure goes directly to the local economies helping them to thrive while preserving their local heritage. It also requires lees investment in infrastructure as it uses the local systems and reduces economic speculation; meaning everybody wins.
I have met with former colleagues and have met many new consultants and travel agents that promote sustainable management practices and local development through cultural activities. There is a strong commitment to increase training for heritage interpretation and for local guides. There is also promotion of local practices, local architecture, reduction in energy consumption and use of local materials and investment in more efficient technologies.
With this post I appeal to all those friends and to all those colleagues looking to travel in a responsible way to continues to encourage this type of tourism and help us to get out of the difficult economic situation that many of us are facing.
As a final thought I´d like to think that its bee the actual crisis the turning point that has made us be aware of what really is vital. What is the most important reason why we travel? In my case and I think every day of more travelers; is to find ourselves through discovering other cultures and ways of life. The most important factor and what makes a trip memorable, leaving a trace in us; is always the people.
Let’s promote and preserve cultural and natural diversity, not only for the future generations but simply out of pure selfishness in order to be able to learn from them and be able to discover ourselves in the process.
Tourism of the Future: is the Responsible Tourism; the truly memorable tourism!
With this post I just want to launch a personal reflection, I’m no expert on profitability or revenue management strategies, I am just a rural tourism worker who has knowledge of sustainability issues and that bases my business strategy on corporate social responsibility.
When I think of profit first thing that comes to mind is that Spain has always been one of the countries with more visitors worldwide, along with countries like France, the U.S., UK or Italy, *among others. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism). The problem is that when we look at the revenues generated by the large number of tourists we realize that we are not getting all the juice; the full potential of the large number of tourists coming to our country; and more important, that repeat year after year thanks to good customer service and quality of life that we offer.
When I visited other European countries I’ve noticed that prices of accommodation, transport, activities, restaurants and others; are usually more expensive than in Spain, while the quality offered is the same or even lower in many cases. A seemingly simple solution that would lead us to improve profitability at the national level would be to adjust prices in the quality offered.
It is clear that there is the eternal debate and it’s something the companies associated with my reservation center say; “if I raise the price I will lose customers” to which I usually respond “It’s the same to earn a euro with 100 customers than 100 euros with 1 customer”
(Having clear that the quality of service and products should be treated according to their price. We must focus to a tourist who is willing to pay more).
In the past few years, Spain has entered a “price war” that in my humble opinion only makes us go plugging holes in the sinking ship. We know that Spain is international kwon and recognized for its tourism quality. From my own experience I have collaborated with specialized tour operators (adventure travel) who do not know my destination (Shire of la Vera – Extremadura) but I managed to work with them thanks to the great reputation that Spain has and is something that we must work towards.
What I want to convey is that it’s time to put the Spanish tourism industry where it deserves.
We have a diverse natural and cultural heritage and great potential.
A renowned cuisine, unique products and high quality.
We have a tourist infrastructure that could even consider even excessive.
We offer high quality accommodation and diversified.
Quality of life and great customer service acknowledged worldwide.
Tourism is one of the main drivers of the Spanish economy, directly and indirectly.
Our highly experienced professionals and well trained guides.
We offer a very good security for tourists and visitors.
It’s time to use the tourism sector as the driving force (engine) of development, creation of skilled jobs and position ourselves as a world leader in quality and sustainability.
We are seeing a clear shift in consumption patterns and there are innovative tools and new technologies that bring us anywhere in the world at minimal cost. Spain is currently in a critical situation like many other countries and it is time that we push what we do best, and let us develop the resources and culture that makes millions of tourists repeat our destination year after year.
I return to the title phrase:
“It’s the same earning 100 euros with a client that 1 euro with 100 clients”
I would go even further; as fewer tourists;
It means less pressure on the territory.
Less impact on natural environments.
Less impact on the historical and artistic heritage.
Less need to increase tourism infrastructure.
Be able to better serve visitors.
It allows us to focus on improving the quality and sustainability.
Preserve our culture and put into value.
Promote the development of tourism specialists.
Increase skilled employment.
Position as reference for tourists worldwide.
Find new market niches new tourists who want something more and are willing to pay.
Move to the new tourist looking for unique experiences, learn about the culture and customs of the places you visit, enjoy nature and who is willing to pay a little more for it.
Create a model of sustainable tourism development that lasts over time and puts into value the place, culture, nature and local wealth.
I leave this thought:
Is it possible to increase profitability through focus on quality tourism and based on attracting responsible tourists; by them we mean those who seek to know the nature, culture and cuisine of a region putting them into value its resources?
Do you think Spain can become a world leader in responsible tourism?
Puravera forma parte de la iniciativa Día Mundial de Turismo Responsable promovida por el UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organization y la WTM – World Trade Market. Os dejamos link a su web donde aparecemos como promotores http://www.wtmwrtd.com/page.cfm/link=172.
PURAVERA ha sido reconocido para utilizar el logo del Workd Travel Market – World Responsible Tourism Day 2012, con motivo de la celebración del día mundial del turismo responsable. La acción principal con motivo de celebración de este evento es desarrollo de una memoria con los alojamientos y actividades más sostenibles. En el informe tambien se identificarán las mejores prácticas y comportamientos sostenibles tanto para turistas como empresarios para el desarrollo del turismo responsable en la Comarca de la Vera en Cáceres. PURAVERA tiene previsto colgar el evento en sus canales de redes sociales como Facebook, twitter, slideshare o youtube (http://www.puravera.es) el 07 de Noviembre, fecha donde se conmemora el día mundial del turismo responsable 2012!
Esperamos tener una amplia participación y que se conozcan las pautas y acciones hacia el turismo responsable que se llevan a cabo desde la Comarca de la Vera!
PURAVERA forma parte de esta iniciativa desde el año 2010 y ya hemos organizado dos concursos fotográficos con motivo de este evento, promocionando y dando difusión como representantes oficiales y reconocidos por el World Travel Market. Os dejamos link a la carpeta del concurso de Facebook de este año! (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.216902781677308.62756.124461194254801)
Ya puedes inscribir a tu empresa dentro del “World Tourism Programme” para el Día de Turismo Responsable! La única campaña mundial, en asociación con la ONU y la Organización Mundial del Turismo (OMT), para inspirar y educar a la industria para ayudar activamente a salvar el planeta.
Son más de cien empresas de Turismo que han realizado la inscripción para utilizar el logo oficial de World Travel Market (WTM) World Responsible Tourism Day (WRTD) a partir del 09 de Noviembre de 2011.
En la actualidad las solicitudes se están revisando para garantizar que cumplan con los criterios del “WTM” y “Día Mundial del Turismo Responsable”. Una vez aprobados, los candidatos pueden utilizar el logotipo oficial para su material de difusión, campañas de ventas, marketing, papelería, correo directo y material de relaciones públicas, entre otros!
This session focused on real case studies on best practices for the promotion of sustainable tourism. How to achieve the theoretical goals and how to carry out these practices in the real world:
At the beginning the idea that there is a growing threat from mass tourism was put forward. The middle class population of china and India is growing dramatically and tourism is a fast growing market in these regions. These middle class people will be travellers in the near future and we have to target them and be careful with the consequences that will result. One of the key issues that we need to address is to harmonize and group the different certifications of:
Green tourism.
Ecotourism.
Cultural tourism.
Adventure travel.
Community tourism.
Sustainable tourism.
The GSCT is developing a global standard on sustainable practices in tourism:
The Global Sustainability Tourism Criteria.
Erika Harms is the Executive Director of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and Senior Advisor on Tourism at the United Nations Foundation. In this role, Ms. Harms manages and oversees the implementation of activities under the framework of the GTSC, a cutting edge initiative that provides a clear set of standards, protocols, processes and measurements for how businesses can better the planet and practice sustainable tourism.
She set out to explain the process of elaborating the guide which has been summarized into 37 criteria and some of the goals that have been achieved include;
Created a platform for information exchange and the feedback process.
Maximize and promote collaboration of all the stakeholders
Cultural aspects of different communities
Reduce negative impacts, (not only economic but also environmental and social)
Develop the local economy,
The criteria is set to mark a minimum level, is used as a guideline, it’s a baseline accredited standard, it certifies the certifiers. It is based on the 4500 existing standards and more than 50 certifications. It’s been a long consultative process where all stakeholders have given their input.
There are four main actions or principles in which the indicators have been structured. The indicators will be defined locally, from the global principles or guidelines.
Demonstrate effective sustainable management.
Maximize social-economic impacts.
Minimize the cultural negative impacts.
Minimize the environmental negative impacts.
Implement criteria trough the Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Sets out to transmit, communicate, expand the criteria, best practices
Educate about the sustainability principles
Generate and increase market share
Increase public awareness.
Collaboration between tour operators, hotels, transport and all the key stakeholders.
After the introduction of the Criteria we have some practical examples form the speakers.
Starting with Mandip Singh Soin FRGS; who likes to be described as a Mountaineer, Explorer, Eco-tourism & Adventure Travel Specialist and Motivational Speaker.
Mandip is the only Indian to be awarded the Ness Award by the Royal Geographical Society, UK, for mountaineering and polar expeditions and encouragement of youth exploration. He is the Founder President of the Ecotourism Society of India and a Judge for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards for the World Travel & Tourism Council.
After more than 30 years in the Himalayan doing diverse expeditions, he has been being doing diverse project for the development of remote areas. He focuses on identifying the local issues, it is vital for the sustainable development to use the local knowledge and it´s key to empower the local population and understand what their real needs are.
The second speaker was Lennart Pittja of Pathfinder Lapland; a Sami person from Sweden who started his business as a small family company in 1995. Their philosophy includes:
“We work close with nature and are proud of our origin and our history. We wish to spread knowledge about Sami culture, but also how to enjoy being close to animals and nature. For reasons of sustainability and “Natures Best” we always find new trails, a way of not leaving marks behind us“.
Vägvisaren – Pathfinder Lapland’s products are certified as “Natures Best” by the Swedish Eco-tourism Society, one of the first systems in the world for Eco-tourism certification.
He focuses on 6 pillars:
Education culture
Local economy
Environmental impact
Conservation
Create responsibility, respect from guests to their culture
Quality, reliable.
The success factors that he has identified include;
Right Staff
Government Support
National Label
Stakeholder process
Practical tool
Local and social content (Create rural value for visitors)
Visit Sápmi, has developed Sustainability Criteria including Social and Cultural Aspects of the Samis.
Tourism Community Management plan.
Lennard works normally with small groups, 5 or 6 days journeys in the Lapland sami region. The trip is to guide the reindeer between Sweden and Norway. (Sapmi: area or land, Sami is the person) Their parents and ancestors where reindeer herder and wanted to keep their traditions and cultural heritage. Visitor can experience being reindeer herders for the spring Migration.
Next speaker was Federico Solano who brought the approach from the Rainforest Alliance. The programs they are developing in order to certify organizations with the rainforest alliance badge. The programs include agriculture, forest and now they are beginning with the tourism one. The main goal s of the tourism program includes;
Improve operations, become more sustainable in the whole process
Build business awareness and increase in numbers.
Create global standards that can be compared in different locations.
GSTC are a guideline for companies to follow if they want to improve their behavior, become more transparent and responsible for their operations.
Global Sustainability Tourism Criteria as backbone of Training Manuals:
For the last 8 years they have been looking at 100 inbound and 500 outbound tour operators. Now they are in the process of creating a blog where they will share the experiences.
GSTC helps to:
Create a common language worldwide.
Strengthen organization through its tools.
Increase benefits to organizations and local communities.
Establish partnerships, connect stakeholders.
Accomplish their mission: which is to conserve and broaden sustainability issues to more population, increase awareness.
What do you think of this tourism criteria, could you be interested in been certified in sustainability issues?
This certification is a guideline and all indicators and action differ from location to location but the principles are global. Do you think this is a correct approach?
Report of the Puravera´s attendance to the Lisbon International Tourism Fair 2011 – BTL, from the 23 to the 27 of February 2011.
This report will identify the actions and targets for the development and promotion of tourism in the region of La Vera. Initially identifies the importance of this international trade fair thanks to the vicinity of the Portuguese market with Extremadura, remember that Spain is still the main destination of Portuguese tourists. Puravera has attended several conferences and has held several meetings with tour operators looking for new destinations and responsible approach to adventure travel.
Tuesday 5th of October is the AFAR exchange! This is the main time for meeting tour operators, reservation agents, experts and other similar business in other remote areas of the world.
This day meetings were organized by the ATTA – Adventure Travel Trade Association and sponsored by the AFAR magazine! (http://www.afar.com/)
The first part of the day was Media in the AFAR Exchange which was held in the Four Seasons Restaurant of the Macdonald Complex in Aviemore -Scotland! We were given the opportunity to meet the press from around the globe and present our destination in the international arena. We focused on creating exposure for the shire of la Vera as a responsible destination.
Note that not all these contacts where established only on this established time but also during the various days that we were interrelating with all the attendees of the summit. There were a number of opportunities to meet and get to know different people during the summit, on the lunches, breaks and not only the preset meetings.
After this session it was the AFAR Exchange were PURAVERA had a table at the event and the buyers (Outbound touroperators) where able to meet the suppliers (Inbound touroperators, us).
The meetings where organized by cris-crossing the 95 suppliers with the 50 o so Buyers that is outbound tour operators! Finally we were set around 15 meetings with a 15 to 20 minutes duration to fix possible itineraries that would be of interest to both parties from the ATTA Hub network.
We had the great opportunity to meet many people with interest in the Spanish market. Even though Extremadura was not well Known by the tour operators, we used the Spain tourism strength (thanks that some had trips already organized to the country) and presented the shire o f la Vera a s a new upcoming destinations, focusing on its natural, cultural and historical heritage and of course its food (gastronomy, culinary) to attract responsible tourism.
The strengths that we used to differentiate from the competition include:
We benefited from the name of Spain in the tourism sector
Touroperators know the quality of accommodation, security and the experience of Spain!
We were the only representative of Spain! Very good as it s the first time a Spanish company is in the summit!
Offer Package adventure activities with unique accommodations
We focus on sustainability and the development of the region through responsible tourism.
Adventure travel means a travel in the outdoors, with activities, natural, cultural gastronomical, adventure of any type but with a deep focus on maintain the historical heritage and developing economically the local region.
We believe adventure travel is the future and even though today is not mainstream is where the tourism sector is moving and every day tourist lokk for unique experiences and look for new destinations.
We offer the destination where Charles de V The emperor retired, great cultural and historical heritage.
Offer natural habitats and a great destination for bird watching, among others.
Gastronomical (culinary) offer is very diverse being the land of the Iberian Pig, among others.
Tour operators mainly demanded; one week to 10 day trip through the shire, with various activities (hiking, cycling, natural or cultural, among others) depending on the customer but mainly focused on moving along the shire to visit various areas in the trip!
Hopefully the trips and tours that we are organizing will be of interest and we will reduce of the main issues in the shire which is the seasonality of the tourism! International travels and more specifically adventure travel on different dates!
We are programming some seasonal tours on autumn for example related with mushroom picking, winter with the festivities of the area, spring with the blossom of the cherries or nuts and summer with the water activities that the shire offers! Among others.
Some of the companies we had the pleasure to meet during the AFAR include:
Chris handing some information to Alice from the ATTA organization!
And we are also in the AFAR!
The strategic objectives accomplished include:
Position the Region of Extremadura and the Shire of “Comarca de la Vera” as a reference on responsible destination.
Promote sustainable accommodation in the Region and the Shire.
Promote sustainable practices and activities in the nature which are socially responsible.
Encourage the image of relax tourism of the Region.
Strategic alliances with international tour-operators specializing in natural and cultural tourism.
Contact with tour-operators specializing in hard and soft adventure and active leisure.
Contact with media form the sector at an international level, facilitating the promotion in other countries.
Contact with professionals of the sector in other regions and entrepreneurs with similar difficulties and expectations, share knowledge.
Improve innovation procedures and measures in the company through the identification of best practices.
Learn about best sustainable practices, real case studies.
These has been a very productive conference where we have been able to identify and create a number of associations and future collaborations to attract international tourism to the shire of La Vera with a focus to responsible tourism in order to promote the sustainable development of the region.
Understanding Adventure travel means: a travel in the outdoors, with activities, natural, cultural gastronomical, adventure of any type but with a deep focus on maintain the historical heritage and developing economically the local region.
Do you think this type of tourism can bring the sustainable development of the region?
Do you think Estremadura can become reference as a adventure travel destination?
Salimos de la Comarca de la Vera el domingo con rumbo a Escocia. Estamos muy emocionados con la experiencia en la que nos embarcamos, salimos hacia el Edimburgo y aunque nos tienen más de dos horas dentro del avión porque uno de los tripulantes de cabina había superado sus horas de vuelo finalmente llegamos al aeropuerto de destino. Es de noche y no podemos disfrutar del paisaje escoses pero conducimos hasta Aviemore en el Norte de Escocia, donde se celebra la cumbre. Finalmente llegamos sobre las 11 de al noche al Complejo de Macdonald. Es un día largo pero por fin hemos llegado.
Lunes 4 de Octubre
Tras registrarnos y recibir nuestra identificación entramos en el auditorio donde se celebra la reunión inicial. El primer día es “Activity day” y hemos elegido la Aventura en Aviemore.
Las actividades fomentan la creación de alianzas y crear un ambiente colaborativo y abierto en la cumbre. Disponemos de la posibilidad de compartir una aventura con los principales agentes del sector en un ambiente relajado y distendido!
Algunas de las actividades incluyen;
Rafting
Piragüismo y tour de Whisky
Kayak de mar (Delfines)
De ruta por Gargantas
Barco de vela en el Lago
Excursiones de Vida Silvestre
Cairngorms Golf
Senderismo y orientación
Paseo por el Lago Ness y viaje en barco
Caminata por la montaña
Aventura de Aviemore
Gestión sostenible de destinos
Entre otros.
Antes de embarcarnos cada uno en nuestras actividades nos reunimos en el auditorio para una pequeña charla. Es una gran oportunidad para Escocia y la promoción de actividades de aventura basadas en experiencias únicas. Existen mas de 25 actividades planeadas y es una gran oportunidad para conocer a tour operadores, agentes, medios de comunicación y expertos del sector.
Nuestra actividad fue Aventura en Aviemore y consistió en una ruta de senderismo a través el bosque de Glenmore hasta el lago Morlich. Fue una experiencia muy bonita, caminando entre un antiguo bosque Caledonio, cercano a Aviemore en el parque nacional de Cairngorms. Este bosque nativo nos transporto a nuestra infancia y gracias al buen tiempo que nos acompaño pudimos apreciar el comienzo del otoño con el cambio en los colores de los arboles.
Finalmente llegamos al Lago Morlich, uno de los muchos lagos de la región entre las numerosas montañas que conforman el paisaje local. Tras una pequeña charla y explicación sobre las bases de la canoa, salimos rumbo al otro extremo del lago. A mediodía paramos en una de las orillas para comer.
Llegamos al otro lado del lago desde donde salimos en bicicleta rumbo al pueblo de Aviemore donde se encuentra el complejo Macdonald. En nuestro camino de regreso nos cruzamos con unas buenas pistas a través del bosque escocés parándonos en otro lago para apreciar una antigua construcción en el medio del mismo. Parece un antiguo castillo que solía estar comunicado con un camino con una de las orillas antes de que subieran el nivel del Lago.
Esta ha sido una aventura maravillosa, disfrutamos de un día estupendo, conocimos a unas personas muy interesantes y que tienen inquietudes similares a las nuestras hacia el desarrollo sostenible. Esperamos que las amistades y conexiones que surgieron este día sirvan para crear alianzas estratégicas para lograr el desarrollo sostenible del turismo de aventura. Queremos dar las gracias al equipo de Active Outdoor Pursuits por haber organizado esta experiencia!
De vuelta al auditorio!
Al final del día volvemos al auditorio del Complejo de Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Shannon Stowell presidente de la ATTA nos da la bienvenida a la 7ª Cumbre de turismo de aventura!
Algunos de las ideas que nos transmite:
Turismo de aventura: es aquel turismo que se realiza actividades al aire libre respetando y poniendo en valor los recursos locales y facilitando el desarrollo económico.
En esta era digital aun creemos que es vital reunirnos, apretarnos las manos, y interactuar para crear esas relaciones duraderas y que hagan que el turismo de aventura siga creciendo!
“… in this digital age, where social media, mobile connectivity and online meetings define much of our interaction, the ATTA still firmly believe that to come together, shake hands, laugh, debate and deepen friendships through personal human interaction creates more progress and lasting relationship that matter that any electronic alternative can offer”.
El futuro es el Turismo de experiencias, es aquel que ofrece experiencias únicas y donde el visitante aprende y entiende las comunidades que visita.
“This event is about education, knowledge, sharing, inspiration and relationship building through work and fun”.
“This event promotes adventure travel business grow and thrive responsibly. The group of collaborators is a group for good, bringing much needed revenue to local economies around the world and turning customer’s into lifelong advocates of responsible tourism practices”.
Shanon Sotwell.
Tras este discurso inaugural siguen unas presentaciones especiales:
From Armageddon to Utopia … Business as Unusual
“Costas Christ is an award-winning travel writer and Editor at Large for National Geographic Traveler. He is one of the world’s pioneers of ecotourism (he helped to officially define the term) and is an internationally renowned expert in sustainable tourism, traveling to over 100 countries, including some of the most remote wilderness areas and archeological sites on Earth, home to vanishing cultures and endangered species”.
Costas nos trata de transmitir a través de un video revelador como el turismo de aventura y el descubrir destinos nuevos llevan consigo el riesgo de destruirlos. Intenta dar una llamada de atención a toda la industria para que trabajemos juntos para el desarrollo de regiones de una forma sostenible para que no volvamos a cometer los mismos errores del pasado.
De sus 30 años de experiencia nos indica que el turista del futuro busca cada vez mas la “Autenticidad”, la sostenibilidad, una experiencia e interactuar con las comunidades que visita. Por eso el título de su ponencia: Travel unusual / Travel Green. El negocio no tradicional del turismo verde va a pasar lo usual!
Algunos de los ejemplos interesantes incluyen;
Aeropuerto que utiliza el movimiento de los pasajeros que corren a coger sus vuelos como fuente de energía.
Hotel debajo del agua que es como un rascacielos boca abajo donde la planta mas baja es un laboratorio de investigación marina y toda su energía proviene de fuentes renovables como solar, eólica y de la mareas.
Dr Wallace “J” Nichols. has undertaken the task of reaching new constituencies with a positive and inclusive conservation message and building a network of like-minded people, from diverse regions, backgrounds and careers who share a commitment to maintaining abundant life in the oceans and on the coasts.
Es un científico que aboga por que los diferentes agentes del sector nos unamos tanto los turoperadores, sector aéreo, gobiernos y administraciones, así como empresas privadas para crear alianzas estratégicas para utilizar el turismo como motor de desarrollo sostenible. Terminan la charla cantando “All you need is love” de los Beatles.
Reinventing Conservation
“John Kasaona (conservationist) is a pioneer of community-based conservation — working with the people who use and live on fragile land to enlist them in protecting it.”
John nos transmite un caso real donde la conservación en Africa y el potencia el turismo ha llevado a su región a desarrollarse económicamente. Describe como en su país Namibia, los antiguos cazadores furtivos como su padre se convirtieron en los agentes de conservación de los rinocerontes. Como gracias a dar el poder a las comunidades locales y saber escuchar sus necesidades han resultado en el desarrollo de la comunidad.
Es un gran ejemplo de cómo el turismo sostenible fuera de zonas protegidas puede traer el desarrollo económico a regiones y países con necesidades.
“Judith Fein, award-winning travel journalist, photographer, filmmaker and teacher, has contributed to over 80 publications and is a regular travel columnist for three”.
Finalmente Judith nos quiere transmitir la idea de creatividad y de que todos somos creativos y que es la forma de buscar nuevas soluciones y nichos de Mercado! “No porque todo el mundo piense de una manera no lo hace cierto”
Acabamos bailando en el auditorio!
La noche culmino con la fiesta de Escocia y al cena inaugural.
Musica, Shinding, falda escocesa, y disfrutando de la gastronomía tradicional.
Esponsors: MACDONALD Aviemore Resort / Visit Scotland /Cairngorms National Park, The Highland Council!
Este es solo el primer día de la cumbre pero continuaré con futuros posts donde trataremos las alianzas obtenidas, jornadas y ponencias en las que estuvimos presentes y tendencias futuras para el sector!
PURAVERA is going to the Adventure Travel World Summit of 2010! It is celebrated from 4th to the 7th of October on Aviemore in Scotland.
This is a great opportunity for the PURAVERA to promote responsible tourism in the shire “Comarca de la Vera”.
PURAVERA’s mission focuses on the Sustainable Development of the Region of “Comarca de la Vera” (Caceres-Spain), mainly through the promotion of responsible rural tourism projects and local business support to increase employment in the area. The ultimate goal is to position the region of La Vera as a Responsible Rural Tourism destination.
The region of “Comarca de la Vera” is known as the imperial retreat, as Charles V (The Emperor) retired in the area, surely for a good reason. It has very diverse and rich natural scenery, with 47 natural creeks, various rivers, forest of chestnuts, oaks, pines, cork oaks, varied avifauna (borders with the National Park of Monfragüe) and many cultural and historical settlements declared of national historical interest. When you travel the region you see all the remains of the different civilizations that have established in the area. (Roman bridges, Templar castles, Neolithic caves, Gothic Cathedrals, among many others).
The company’s activity is divided into four lines of business; the promotion and management of tourist accommodation, real estate business specializing in rehabilitation of tourist accommodation, technical consulting and finally responsible investment.
The company promotes responsible travel through its booking central service, where we offer both accommodations and additional services to tourists to provide a complete experience. (Tourism 2.0, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, among others) We promote the services that are carried outdoors without impacting the environment and cultural activities such as; hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, rock climbing, visiting historical or natural heritage or gastronomical tourism, among others. We offer possibilities for the different seasons, promoting the different products and services that are harvested throughout the year. (Mycological routes, traditional cultural activities, local events, cherry and almond trees flowering season, among others).
At the moment we are developing and managing a number of accommodations both for national and international tourism. Such accommodations follow quality standards developed in our corporate protocol for all our services and activities, in order to guarantee the quality & sustainability of the services offered to our clients.
We also offer through our consultancy department, the possibility of investing in responsible tourism projects. The working team consists of experts in sustainability and rural tourism, with a network of specialists which give support in all the steps of the project. In this sense we can offer our clients services of bioclimatic and ecological building, interior design, renewable energies, consultants on aid programs and administrative procedures, marketing and communication, among others.
This year 2010 we have been given the award “Ser Joven y Vivir en Extremadura – Special Mention for Best Sustainable Project for Active Leisure”. Awarded by the Junta de Extremadura, REDEX – Red Extremadura Rural Development and GIJ – Gabinete de Iniciativa Joven.
We seek for networking, partnership/alliances, marketing, promotion, research, strategy development and mainly the establishment of the region of “La Comarca de la Vera” as a responsible/sustainable destination.
We will keep you informed of relevant publications, agreements and strategic alliances to be developed and industry trends in adventure tourism / sustainable.
Sustainable Thinking 