The World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2008 released on November 10, said tourism development in Africa has been minimal compared to its potential. To this end, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has been urged to introduce an international registration system to power tourism to new levels in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report whose research was done in 207 countries by Euromonitor International, the leading global market intelligence company said that fair trade in tourism practices would drive tourist development in the region, promoting the respect of the local communities, the environment, and sharing the economic benefits with the local population. The report also said that the introduction of a recognised trademark, under the auspices of UNWTO, would reassure travelers about the authenticity of the fairtrade claims and be a critical driver of tourists to Africa.

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A new report, entitled Plane Truths, from the New Economics Foundation (NEF) and the World Development Movement (WDM) claims that increased air travel and tourism leaves UK taxpayers out of pocket and benefits multinational tour operators and hotel chains rather than poor people. Also, as the fastest-rising source of emissions in the UK, it maintains aviation is a significant contributor to climate change that threatens the survival of some of the world’s poorest communities.
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Andaman Discoveries, a grassroots responsible travel group in Thailand, has won the 2008 SEED Award, Travel+Lesiure Global Vision Award and is a finalist for the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award. Hilary Benn, Minister of DEFRA will honor Andaman Discoveries for their contribution to sustainable development.

Tui Chomphusri is a long way from her home on the sunny shores of Thailand's Andaman Coast. The tsunami of December 2004 set in motion an unusual chain of events that culminates in her visit to London this week. Initially working in disaster relief, Tui inspired villagers to develop alternative forms of income. These efforts spawned an innovative type of tourism that is now garnering international awards."When I arrived to help, I thought I was going to help clean up for a few weeks, and then I would go home again. What I found was something different - a chance to be a part of long-term development. Our efforts grew from simple fresh food delivery into programs that are helping people to build a better future. After all the hard work, I am finally able to take a deep breath and know that we are making a difference," Tui said.
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The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Ambika Soni chaired the 84th Session of the Executive Council of UN World Tourism Organization in Madrid, Spain on 14-15 October 2008 in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Executive Council. One of the main agenda items was related to cooperation between CED (Centre of Excellence for Destinations) and UNWTO. CED is based in Montreal, Canada and was set up to provide guidance to tourism destinations.

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Feds, Caltrain trying to make it easier to get to work

Buried in the financial rescue bill passed by Congress last week is a provision to encourage bike commuting. The idea is to level the playing field for cyclists, who currently can’t get benefits like those available for participants in car or van pools or other programs designed to reduce traffic congestion.

Starting in January, employers can reimburse bike commuters up to $20/month for the “purchase of a bicycle, bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment” and have such reimbursements get the same favorable tax treatment as other benefits. Twenty bucks a month isn’t a lot, but as a regular bike commuter, I think the concept is very cool!

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Investing in renovations that make hotels more sustainable will increase their value, slash operating costs and attract customers who are trending toward more sustainable hospitality experiences, PKF Capital managing partner Henry Bose told a conference here on green hotels.

“For every dollar you can add to the bottom line of a San Francisco hotel, more than $11 is added in value,” Bose says.

Bose said that so far there are too few hotels that have earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification to compare their financial performance against traditional hotels. But he indicated that his firm, in conjunction with PKF Consulting and Research, is planning to produce a study on the issue.

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Legislation Will Create Jobs and Strengthen the U.S. Economy; Historic Achievement for Travel Community

Legislation Will End Multi-Billion Dollar Loss in Visitor Spending; Recapture $23 Billion in Lost Tax Revenue

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 3232, the "Travel Promotion Act of 2008," by voice vote. The legislation will create thousands of new jobs and spur economic growth nationwide by attracting millions of additional international travelers to the United States who, since 9/11, have found ever-changing security policies and negative foreign press coverage to be a deterrent to visiting the United States.

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A new, landmark study on the impact of an emerging global “green economy” on the world of work says efforts to tackle climate change could result in the creation of millions of new “green jobs” in the coming decades.

The new report 1/ entitled Green Jobs: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World, says changing patterns of employment and investment resulting from efforts to reduce climate change and its effects are already generating new jobs in many sectors and economies, and could create millions more in both developed and developing countries.

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Faced with water restrictions and rising propane costs at its lodging operations in Alaska’s Denali National Park & Preserve, Denali Park Resorts had to do something to reduce laundry-related expenses. It was taking a lot of hot water to clean the sheets, towels and kitchen rags from 986 guestrooms and nine restaurants. Thanks to the installation of a $45,000 ozone laundry system in May, the savings have been significant. In fact, as of early September, the system had already generated $75,000 in utility savings. The savings came quick thanks to the company’s 97 percent occupancy during its busy May through September season.

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While many companies may have an environmental policy in place for staff travel, fewer than 1% of business travellers reduced the number of trips in 2007, reports Barclaycard Business in the final edition of its annual Travel Survey. Despite the green aspirations of many of today’s businesses, 78% of respondents said they are operating without reference to any environmental travel policy and 81% stated their company did not audit carbon emissions resulting from travel.
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