By Ethan Gelber

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The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) is North America’s largest and only conference focusing on sustainability in the tourism industry. Scheduled for 8-10 September 2010, it is fittingly being held in Portland, Oregon (hosted by Travel Portland and Travel Oregon), a leading U.S. city that has been consistently rated ‘the most sustainable city’ in the country.

A leading international event for learning, networking and partnership-building, the ESTC is a meeting place for innovative minds from across the industry, bringing together 500-plus business leaders, industry professionals and community stakeholders to discuss practical ideas and solutions that inspire positive changes in tourism. The ESTC 2010 will feature dynamic sessions, public forums and social functions.

The WHL Group is proud to join these industry leaders and sustainability pioneers as one of the conference’s supporting organisations.
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Posted under General, responsible organisations, responsible travel, responsible travel news

By Michelle Rodrigues, TIES Travel Ambassador

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This article was first published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog.

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An aerial view of Mexico's mountains

Ever since the swine flu fright and the recent economic downturn experienced throughout the world, there has been a drastic drop in tourism to Mexico. But this doesn’t stop everyone. Mexico is still optimistic and thriving with the continuation of its beautiful colors, traditions and cultures.

Initiatives like La Ruta del Tequila and the public awareness of World Heritage Sites in Mexico have been able to release knowledge and understanding of the deep history Mexico holds. Another such project – Project:Exposure – has been piloted off in the fun and lively town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The team and I went to Tequila for a week for the project, which is hosted by WHL Consulting.

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Posted under General, Mexico, countries, local tips, responsible travel

By Carmelina Ricciardello

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This article was first published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog.

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On the geographical map of Italy, at the bottom of the peninsula, lies the island of Sicily, which looks like a football being kicked away by the boot of the Italian peninsula. This might be the heartfelt wish of some Italians, mainly because of the island’s historic link with the mafia. I live in a quiet little village of Sant’Ambrogio, just five kilometres from a bustling tourist town. Founder of Sicilian Experience, I’m a firm believer that Sicily can become known as a haven for ecotourism and sustainable tourism opportunities, rather than for its Il Padrino (The Godfather) reputation.

Coastal view of Sant’Ambrogio e Rocca

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Posted under General, Italy, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

By Ethan Gelber

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Michelle Rodrigues, who works for the WHL Group in Miami, USA, is the newest TIES Travel Ambassador

One week ago, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) announced Michelle Rodrigues as its newest Travel Ambassador. Michelle, born and raised in New York City but now resident in Florida, USA, is also a project manager and content editor for the WHL Group in its North America and the Caribbean Regional Office currently based in Miami.

Promoting Responsible Travel

The Travel Ambassador Program is a brainchild of TIES, “the world’s oldest and largest international ecotourism association,” which plays a pivotal role as a “global source of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities, conservation and sustainable travel.”

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Posted under General, responsible organisations, responsible traveller, whl.travel news, whl.travel newsletter

Contributors: Dawn Erickson, Sylvia Vriesendorp and Maria Witz

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This article was first published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog.

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What Is It Like to Visit Afghanistan?

Afghanistan, before becoming known mostly for guns and bombs, was a popular tourist destination, not only to the world’s ‘hippie’ generation, but also as an attraction for those living in the region. Band-e Amir, which you may have heard of most recently in the news as it has become Afghanistan’s first national park in April 2009, was actually meant to become a national park in the 1960s, but political instability has put any development of the destination on hold until now.

Band-e Amir National Park (Photo by Alex Dehgan)

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Posted under Afghanistan, General, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

By Shams Uddin

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This article was first published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog.

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Chitral, in the extreme north of Pakistan, is home to 40,000 people settled in more than 300 small villages boasting great cultural and natural diversity. These villages offer unique opportunities by highlighting indigenous arts, crafts and music, traditional sports, cuisine and the fascinating local way of life.

A mountain view in the Chitral valley of northern Pakistan

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Posted under General, Pakistan, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel

By Rob Bailey

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This article was first published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog.

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I do not believe that anywhere in the world an area with the fame and beauty of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, is not accompanied by high prices and hidden extra charges, such as an extra US$20 to switch the air-conditioning on or 5,000 Vietnamese dong ’service charge’ for every drink that has not been purchased aboard a boat. My faith in Vietnam, however, remains firm despite travellers’ criticisms, as I feel that I have seen the real Vietnam and that money is at the bottom of its priorities.

Eating as the Vietnamese do in Giao Xuan

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Posted under Vietnam, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, responsible traveller