The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), as part of its ongoing advocacy campaign “Traveling with Climate in Mind,” proudly supports the upcoming workshop on tourism and climate change, to be held at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, March 7 from 10am -1pm.
There is now broad consensus that tourism is both affected [...]

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), as part of its ongoing advocacy campaign “Traveling with Climate in Mind,” proudly supports the upcoming workshop on tourism and climate change, to be held at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, March 7 from 10am -1pm.

There is now broad consensus that tourism is both affected by, and contributing to global warming. However, there is considerable debate as to what exactly and how much needs to be done about it. The ITB workshop “Traveling with the Climate in Mind” will demonstrate ways to minimize the ecological footprint of traveling - and still have great travel experiences. A number of experts from leading companies and organizations representing various sustainable tourism stakeholders will address strategies such as implementing climate-friendly management systems and utilizing public transportation, and discuss issues such as the compensation of greenhouse gases in long-haul tourism destinations, and the necessary adaptation to the impacts of climate change in developing countries.

The workshop recognizes that in view of ongoing growth of the tourism industry, the “business as usual” scenario - if the world continued traveling the way it is now - may have devastating effects on the well-being of host destinations and the future of tourism itself. On the other hand, there are radical demands from certain sectors to reduce traveling substantially in order to curb negative impacts of tourism. The latter “stay at home” scenario is largely viewed as unrealistic, as well as unattractive.

In spite of their generally high awareness of the dangers of global warming, many consumers are uncertain as to how to alter their travel behaviors, and most tend not to make any change because they are unwilling to forgo their well deserved holidays and/or unable to find any practicable climate-friendly alternatives. The ITB workshop “Traveling with Climate in Mind” will tackle this perceived dilemma, showing that there are practical ways to address tourism’s impacts on the world’s climate, while still enjoying traveling and allowing tourism entrepreneurs to stay in business.

For further information, please contact:
The International Ecotourism Society, Christina Cavaliere, ccavaliere@ecotourism.org, Ph. +1 (202) 347-9203

“Traveling with Climate in Mind” Workshop Programme

International Tourism Exchange (ITB), Berlin 2008
Friday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. -13:00, ICC Room 15/16
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Strasdas, University of Eberswalde

Introduction (10:00 - 10:25 a.m.)
Dr. Dietrich Brockhagen: atmosfair (Germany) - Impacts of aviation on the global climate and standards for carbon-offsetting

Part I: Climate-friendly options for tour operators (10:25 - 11:20 a.m.)
Hans-Peter Christoph: Avanti Busreisen (Germany) - Energy efficiency and ground transportation
Nari Blackett: Intrepid Travel (UK) - Climate-friendly long-haul operator
Rolf Pfeifer: forum anders reisen (Germany) - Global warming and Corporate Social Responsibility
Discussion with the audience

Part II: Options for tourism destinations (11:20 - 12:30)
Dr. Peter Brandauer: Municipality of Werfenweng (Austria) - Soft Mobility and short-haul holidays
Jürgen Stein: Cámara Nacional de Ecoturismo (Costa Rica) - Climate protection in the leading ecotourism destination
Ronald Jimenez: Nature Air (Costa Rica) - The world’s first climate-neutral airline
Charmarie Maelge: Responsible Tourism Partnership (Sri Lanka) - Carbon-neutral Sri Lanka, long-haul destination of the developing world
Discussion with the audience

12:30 - 13:00 Press Conference

TIES The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
As the world’s oldest and largest ecotourism organization, TIES is committed to promoting the principles of ecotourism and responsible travel. With the goal of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel, TIES serves its members in over 90 countries, as the global source of knowledge and advocacy in ecotourism.