What's Next??

Five American airlines have recently introduced a $10 surcharge for flying on their busiest days, November 29 (the Sunday after American Thanksgiving) and January 2 and 3. They are also adding 10 peak days for 2010. United Airlines is also trying a priority boarding charge that allows you to check in 12 hours earlier than your fellow passengers.

So, when you’re calculating your travel budget, you’ll need to add one more charge to the checked baggage charge, the fuel surcharge, the food purchase, etc., etc. It is only a matter of time until they find a way to charge for the in-flight restroom!

Cruising in the Faroes

Planning your own trip to the Faroe Islands. Make sure to visit Lakeside Sightseeing for their houseboat dinner cruise on the lake at Vagar. The company founder, Ólavur Poulsen, also offers guiding services to help you unlock the wonders of these mysterious and beautiful islands.

See more at http://www.lakeside.fo/

Agritourism Goes To New Heights: Sheep Watching Takes to the Skies

My recent trip to the Faroe Islands coincided with the annual sheep round-up. In Canada, a farmer would head to the fields with an ATV or a horse, and a dog to round up their flock. The Faroese make this tradition look like child’s-play. The islands’ steep geography means that some sheep live on hillsides not fit for horse nor machine. With the very real danger of falling into the sea, farmers carefully approach the sheep on the steepest crags, secure them into cargo nets, and hoist them across ravines to flatter ground. This spectacle was captured recently on Faroese television at http://dagskra.ruv.is/sjonvarpid/4497773/2009/10/07/15/.

Unless you understand Faroese, you can’t follow the sound-track, but the visual spectacle proves that agricultural activities can hold tourists spell-bound!

I Love Bhutan

Bhutan was fabulous! It lived up to my expectations and more.

If you're thinking of visiting this Himalayan paradise, be sure to check out Lotay and Fin at Bridge to Bhutan. http://bridgetobhutan.bt They will treat you wonderfully and you'll come home with some special memories.

Videos to follow once I get caught up on my editing!

Carol

Where's Bhutan?

I'm eagerly packing my bags for Bhutan. However, it’s the first trip I’ve done where 95% of the people I meet have never heard of the place. Okay, so maybe people don’t know about the Gopher Hole museum in Torrington either, but that was different. This is a whole country! So to help improve the profile of this beautiful Himalayan kingdom, I have taken to the Internet with my own travelogue. No cats were harmed in the making of this video.

Please check it out at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUuZWCeWCBM&feature=channel_page

Carol

Dames on The Range

"Not Your Mama's Social Club" according to the founders and I'd agree. These gutsy ladies offer unique, western experiences and share their connection and love of the land.

Listen to a cowgirl poet, meditate in a teepee, stargaze, have a massage, go for a wagon ride, walk along a creek. This isn't your typical riding vaction (although you can ride if you want). “I have known many Dames that are ladies, but not all ladies are Dames . . . they haven’t tested and tasted enough of life,” says “Ma” Dame, Debbie Webster. If you'd like to become a dame check out their website at www.damesontherange.com.

Camping Goes Upscale

My first introduction to tenting wasn't a great one. The air matresses went flat about the same time rain seeped through the tent walls. It was so cold my dad covered us in plastic wrap like leftovers in the fridge. I've since swapped my tent for a truck camper, but now even the softest camper can enjoy tenting. Glamping, the merging of comfort and camping, is sweeping North America. It is a few years too late to wipe out my early horrors, but you can take a camping trip that includes gourmet cuisine, massages and clay shooting. In case rifles aren't your thing, there are a myriad of other outdoor activities, all of them ending back at your luxurious tent. It doesn't come cheap; one glamping spot in B.C., Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, charges $8,550 for 3 nights.

To read more about Glamping check out http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/31510511/?GT1=43001&pg=1#TDY_Glamping

Go Buggy

Want to learn more about insects, the under-appreciated part of the natural world? Lacombe's Ellis Bird Farm will hold their much anticipated Bug Jamboree on Saturday, August 8th. The whole family will find lots of interesting speakers and displays to make this afternoon one you won't forget!

You can learn how a forensic entomologist works or listen to Carol Patterson, author of Reinventure: How Travel Adventure Can Change Your Life, describe her experiences with insects, and how they lead to a career as a global tourism consultant.

In keeping with the recessionary spirit, the event is FREE! For directions and more details visit http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ab.ca/events.html

Have you Seen a LooLu? Enter our Worst Animal Watching Behavior Contest

If you’ve ever been witness to a LooLu (Lookers Lucky to live), you know how badly humans can behave around wild animals. Is it because more and more of us live in big cities? Do we watch too much reality shows? Regardless, it is amazing the lengths people will go for that perfect shot. A few weeks ago, a young child was sent to hospital after his parents placed him on the back of an elk for a photograph. When the elk lifted his antlers, probably wondering what had landed on his back, he cracked the ribs of his uninvited passenger.

I thought people had learned how to behave in the woods, but I may be wrong. As I mention in my latest newsletter story titled Little Bears and Little Sense at www.kalahari-online.com/summer09.pdf , there is no end to the antics people get up to when watching wildlife badly. Send us your stories of wildlife viewing gone wrong to info@kalahari-online.com and we’ll end you a complimentary copy of my book, Reinventure: How Travel Adventure Can Change Your Life if we use it in a future issue of EcoTourism Management.

Carol

South Saskatchewan Retreat

If you’re looking for a private retreat on the open prairies of western Canada, consider visiting Mammy’s Place. Named for Alice Russell, a.k.a. “Mammy”, this quaint house is located near the Estuary Ferry, on the Bow River. The great location makes for unique bird watching (burrowing owls frequent the neighborhood), fishing, hiking or touring the Great Sandhills. For more information visit www.mammysplace.ca.

Could You Be a Woofer?

If you have a green thumb or would like to develop one, a working holiday on an organic farm may be just the ticket. The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) links organic farmers with travelers keen to help out. There are 45 WWOOF chapters, including one in Canada (www.wwoof.ca). Memberships are country specific but each WWOOFer is asked to register and pay a $45 annual fee. As a WWOOFer you can expect to work six hour days in exchange for room and board. Experience is not generally required and the work can be extremely varied, from helping a dairy farm in Manitoba to cooking and cleaning at a B&B in New Brunswick.

Want More Animal Time on Vacation?

The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah offers visitors accommodation and the chance to help rescued animals. Home to 1700 animals, the Sanctuary has cabins, cottages and RV sites. There are free tours of the Sanctuary and the opportunity to visit nearby Bryce and Zion National Park. If you’re a keen animal lover, you’ll be able to pitch in, walking dogs or socializing cats. For more information visit www.bestfriends.org.

Get Close To Your Food

Ever wonder where your food comes from? Locally grown food tastes better and buying from local farmers creates stronger communities. You can try some of Alberta's best beef at the ultra-scenic Cornflower Ranch at their special event Saturday July 25. You'll get a chance to learn more about local food dynamics, sample some products from the Ranch and Wild Rose Brewery. Tickets are $75 per person.

To learn more go to www.cornflowerranch.ca or call 403-933-2240

Little Bears and Little Sense

I'm amazed at how little some people know about wildlife. This black bear sow and cubs were eating alongside Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park when one woman decided to get out of her car and walk up to the bear for a close-up. I thought I might get a video of a bear mauling but the bears took the high road and moved off.

Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFcWruI_UiA

Carol

Bluebird Conservation Creates Tourism Oasis

To see a mountain bluebird is to see one of Canada’s prettiest birds. The male’s vibrant blue plumage made me look twice; seeing this flying blue ball against the browns and white of the spring landscape is a true sign spring is underway.

Unfortunately, the mountain bluebird, like other songbirds is suffering from a lack of habitat and the effects of climate change. A particularly nasty storm in 2008 wiped out more than half of Alberta’s bluebird population but one organization, The Ellis Bird Farm, is fighting for the species’ survival.

The farm got involved in conservation in the 1950s when Charlie Ellis started building bird houses. He was heartened to see tree swallows and then a large number of bluebirds moving into the area. Over several decades the number of bluebirds increased thanks to the careful stewardship of Charlie and Winnie.

Fortunately, when Charlie and his sister, Winnie, were getting too old to keep up the bluebird trail, Union Carbide (now MEGlobal) was looking for land for their plant. They bought the land with the condition they would ‘look after the birds’. The homestead is now a tourism hot-spot and the base for conservation activities. Open to tourists for over 20 years, the Ellis Bird Farm has become a popular Alberta destination for nature lovers.

There is something for everyone at the Farm; old and young can play on Grandparents and Grandchildren’s days, music and food fills the evening hours for fundraisers, and for the truly adventurous there is the Bug Jamboree! As expected, this event is full of eclectic and informative displays. Farm staff collect road-kill for the forensic entomologist a few days in advance. While I need convincing that it’s fun to look at dead things off the road, Myrna Pearman, the Farm’s Executive Director, thinks it’s critical, “We’re losing our children to screens”.

Other activities to get the kids involved in nature include the chance to examine pond life off the pier (a fence makes sure that only nets, not the handlers go into the water). Birdwatchers will enjoy the aerial displays of purple martins and warblers, while frustrated gardeners can learn more about sustainable gardening practices. Various demonstration gardens show how to attract butterflies, birds and people. And everyone will enjoy a visit to the teahouse for a taste of mouth-watering local pies and ice cream.

The Ellis Bird Farm is open 11 am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday and holiday Mondays until August 31^st. To learn more go to www.ellisbirdfarm.ab.ca

Can You Reinventure on a Cruise Ship?

Having just returned from the B.C. Tourism Educators conference where I was speaking on Reinventure and coastal tourism, I debated whether it was possible to have a Reinventure i.e. a journey of self-discovery, on a large ship that was designed to deliver as much comfort as possible. I'm happy to report that it's possible to have a Reinventure under mass tourism conditions, but it comes with caveats. You have to be determined lest the all-you-can-eat buffet lulls you into a deep slumber. And you have to be a self-starter because some of the best opportunities won't be pointed out by the staff.

On two separate days, I carved out a few hours on deck watching the horizon and was rewarded for my patience with the sight of dozens of whales feeding and frolicking. This time of year Humpback and grey whales make their way north to feed in the rich Canadian and Alaskan waters and with a set of moderately-powered binoculars I was able to watch the whales diving, swimming and slapping the water. One whale even surfaced close enough to hear the spout from the 10th deck no less.

Granted there were some long moments of tedium in between whale sightings that, but that is why take-out wine was invented! I also had to forgo dinner one night (the viewing was too good to leave) and I felt decidedly frumpy on deck with all my fleece layers as one fellow cruiser after another, most dressed in sequins and strappy sandals, asked if there were indeed whales out there? "Yes," I replied, "tons of them!"

Most of them were shivering too much to get the pun or the full whale show, but I was thrilled. I found my Reinventure and a world-class wildlife experience!

Carol

A Resort for Quiet Seekers

It's getting harder to find a piece of nature without the noise of a quad, motorboat or snowmobile disturbing your campsite. Albertans love their motorized toys, but watching the dust from a dirt bike settle into your beer can take the bloom off a day in the sun.

Finally, there is a resort for people who want to savor the sounds of nature. Located on the shores of a private lake, Lake Arnault R.V. resort restricts the use of motorized vehicles to those that transport you from your home. The only propulsion on the water comes from your canoe paddles; as novel a concept as flipping off your blackberry for the day.

Let's hope this concept strikes a chord with campers. To learn more visit www.lakearnault.com.

Milking The Rhino

I had the opportunity recently to see the documentary, Milking The Rhino. The film provides an interesting and hopeful look at community-based conservation and tourism in Kenya and Namibia.

The film will air today on PBS so tune in if you can.

There will be a teacher's edition of the film available shortly. I think it would be a great addition for teacher's of ecotourism and I plan to include it in my spring Adventure Tourism class.

To learn more, visit www.milkingtherhino.org.

Carol

Share Your Travel Stories and Win

It's been a long winter here in North America. To help ease people into spring, Kalahari Management is launching a contest that will have you remembering happier (and possibly warmer) times.

Readers are invited to share their travel stories on our forum at www.reinventuretravel.com/forum They can be funny, heart-warming, quirky or thought-provoking.

Our illustrious panel of judges (bribed by free beer and pizza ) will pick the best story posted during April and May.

The winner will receive a complementary copy of Reinventure: How Travel Adventure Can Change Your Life by Carol Patterson and Saving Paradise: The Story of Sukau Rainforest Lodge by Albert Teo and Carol Patterson.

I look forward to reading your travel tales

Carol

Sign Up Soon, Space is Going Fast

Space in my upcoming workshop, The Road Less Traveled: Finding Unconventional Work/Life Solutions is going fast.

If you'd tired of your job (or your life) and want to make money doing something you love, you will enjoy spending April 29 at the University of Calgary creating a new perspective on your future. I'll share my secrets for dusting off your lost dreams and interests and bringing them back into your life. Ways to make a living doing what you feel passionate about will be covered using stories, videos and hands-on exercises.

To read more about the program go to

http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/Learn/article/202281

Register at www.conted.ucalgary.ca or by calling 403-220-2988

A free trip to the Faroe Islands

If you've ever wanted to see what the Faroe Islands are like hurry on over to the photo gallery on Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30134900&id=1078175762&subject=96531330511&ref=nf#/photo_search.php?oid=53434330247&view=all

This collection of stunning photographs by the Faroese Ambassadors and Enthusiasts is the closest you can get to experiencing this wonderful place without hopping on an airplane.

Carol

Faroe Islands Ambassadors Wanted

If you are lucky enough to have visited the Faroe Islands you know it is one of the world's most unique tourism destinations. Located between Iceland and Denmark, the islands can be hard to reach but it is worth the effort. The Faroe Islands were voted the National Geographic's No. 1 Island Ecotourism destination in 2007.

Now the Islands want you. With a small population and an even smaller tourism budget, the Trade and Travel Council is turning to grassroots marketing strategies. They want people who have been to the Faroe Islands to talk about the experience and encourage others to visit. To support this objective, the Faroe Island Trade and Tourism Council has created a Facebook group called Faroe Enthusiasts and Ambassadors which swelled to 100 members within 48 hours of its launch.

Let's help the Faroese keep their tourism destination healthy in these challenging times.

Check them out on Facebook.

Carol

Dive Into Turtle Conservation

If you would like the chance to do something meaningful on your vacation, you might want to check out the Great Marine Project. You can learn to scuba dive while volunteering as a turtle researcher. You can spend 2 to 4 weeks at the idyllic island of Perhentian Besar on the East Coast of Malaysia. You can protect turtles in their natural environment while enjoying the spectacular scenery on the resort's private beach.

To learn more visit www.greatmarineproject.com

Soar Like An Eagle And Feed One Too

A portion of the proceeds from Reinventure: How Travel Adventure Can Change Your Life are donated to the care of Spirit, a Golden Eagle living at the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre. Spirit was blinded in an unfortunate bird-human interaction and cannot be released into the wild. She has proven to be an amazing ambassador, meeting hundreds of people and traveling to numerous community events with equanimity and grace. So when you buy a copy of Reinventure you can enjoy yourself and also know you are helping wildlife.

If you would like to plan your own reinventure to see the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre or learn more about Spirit go to www.burrowingowl.com

Elephants Check In

The Mfuwe Hotel in Zambia has some of the largest guests in the world. Built on a traditional migration route, the hotel welcomes some well-behaved elephants IN the hotel each November. The elephants are looking for ripe mangoes and walk right through reception to gain access to them. So far elephants and guests are living in harmony; hopefully this will continue!

See some amazing photos at http://www.africatravelguide.com/articles/the-elephants-of-mfuwe-lodge.html

This is a destination I want to visit!

Carol

Penguin has Narrow Escape

Some tourists in Antartica got a surprise when whale watching. A Gentoo penguin being chased by hungry whales decided to hide among the humans in their zodiac. Too funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJaMtBKnN-I

I've heard whales will try to bump prey off of icebergs; I wonder if anyone was worried the whales might try to get the penguin out of the boat. At the very least, those tourists had a day of whale watching not soon repeated!

Join The Forum

Have you got a great travel story or a travel tip you'd like to share? Head on over to the forum for like-minded travelers at www.loseyourluggagefindyourself.com and make a post.

I've heard some very entertaining stories in the last couple of weeks as I promote my new book, Reinventure: How Travel Adventures Can Change Your Life and it doesn't seem right that I'm the only enjoying your stories. So don't be shy, post your thoughts where others can learn from (or laugh with) you.

Carol

Entertainment For The Traveler's Soul

My new book has just been released and I'm so excited! This labour of love combines some of my best travel stories with a few from well-known ecotourism legends.

Reinventure: Have Travel Adventure Changes Your Life lightly explores the premise that travel changes people's lives, sometimes in earth-shattering epiphanies, sometimes in gentle adjustments.

I guarantee you'll be entertained and possibly see yourself as a candidate for a life-changing Reinventure!

To read a sample from my book, head over to www.trafford.com/08-0116.

Cheers,
Carol

Who’s Watching The Watchers

“Is that boat operated by a whale watching company?” I asked, as we peered at Orcas through the fog-shrouded waters of Vancouver Island’s Johnstone Strait.

“Yes,” our interpreter said. Hesitating, she continued, “But they don’t always adhere to the rules for watching whales.” I wasn’t surprised at this news; the boat did not carry any indentifying logos, the passengers seemed crammed into a small space, and they were too close to the whales. It looked more like a craft out for a spin, than a professional whale tour boat.

Canada’s growing whale watching industry has many reputable tour companies, but there are others trying to capitalize on the economic opportunities without adhering to legislation or best practices. Customers may be able to watch out for their needs and safety, but who looks out for he whales?

The Canadian government has taken a huge step forward with new Species of Risk legislation. Whale watching companies can now be charged if they engage in behavior that harms whales. As well, the Marine Mammals Regulations of the Fisheries Act is being modified to include unacceptable viewing behaviors, for example, the use of acoustic harassment devices.

Prior to these developments, the conduct of whale watchers fell under voluntary guidelines from organizations such as North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) http://www.nimmsa.com/ and the Whale Watchers Association Northwest http://www.nwwhalewatchers.org/news.html. The new legislation will provide some teeth to whale watching conduct and standards. While the number of people charged to date under the new legislation is small, it is progress.

Helping government agencies is Strait Watch (www.straitwatch.org), a non-profit organization that observes whale watching behavior in the Johnstone, Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits, and report violations to the government. Meager funding means they cannot observe every tour, but their potential presence keeps companies on their toes. Consumers aware of the guidelines have also reported violations, providing more monitoring of whale watching activities.

For more information on the regulations visit http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/consultations/marinemammals/mmr-update_e.htm

Orcas and Grizzlies

Canada continues to astound me with the wildlife watching opportunities available on my doorstep. In mid August I was able to visit northern Vancouver Island and see both killer whales (orcas) and grizzly bears up close. I've always wanted to see orcas in the wild and I wasn't disappointed.

We found 4 whales from the I clan, a group of fish-eating whales resident in the area each summer. With Superman-like vision, our tour interpreter was able to identify one male as I67 based on its distinctive saddle patch. I was able to identify it as a whale! Goes to show you that experience counts for something and its worth paying for a great guide.

Our grizzly bear guide was equally good and dragged our boat within a few hundred meters of adult grizzly bears searching for salmon. Who knew you could drag boats as well as paddle them? It made for some incredible wildlife watching which I captured at www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpVYRdDQik4

The tour operators I used, Stubbs Island Whale Watching www.stubbs-island.com and Tide Rip tours www.tiderip.com, demonstrated a high level of respect for the environment and are raising the bar for other wildlife tour companies.

Peace Through Tourism

Traveling is fun, or at least it used to be, before airlines made getting somewhere an endurance test. But travel can be so much more than a vacation. It can be used to achieve social change. Louis D'Amore, founder of The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism(IITP), believes tourism can foster world peace. IITP is hosting their first European Conference: Bridging The North-South Divide Through Sustainable Tourism Development" October 21-25, 2008 in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.

If you are interested in learning more visit the IITP website at www.iipt.org or read a great interview with Louis D'Amore at http://www.ecoclub.com/news/067/interview.html

Sharing Travel Secrets - Bates Beach, B.C.

I'm tempted sometimes to keep secret the really special 'jewels' I encounter in my travels. Then I come to my senses and realize that many of these places are supported by small businesses and they need the business to survive!

So, I'll spill my secret on a recent find. Its Bates Beach, a beautiful ocean-side campground on Vancouver Island http://www.batesbeach.bc.ca. The sites are small, but the views unmatchable.

I rented a kayak from the very friendly staff and paddled a short distance to Seal Bay Nature Park. Over two dozen harbor seals were basking on the rocks while keeping a watchful eye on our boats. We gave them lots of room as we bobbed in the waves. I could feel the tension I was carrying slip away. Goes to show that any day spent 'bobbing' with pinnipeds is going to be a good one!

Whale Watching in North East Iceland

Iceland is gaining a reputation as the hottest ‘cool’ destination in the Atlantic because of its stunning scenery and unique geothermal features. What is less well known is the abundance of wildlife watching opportunities found here. Located at 66° North, Iceland lets its visitors look at the Arctic Circle.

Iceland is also a great place to cast your gaze on several species of whales including Minke, Humpback, Sperm, Sei and the rare Blue whale. It is estimated that 14 species of whales reside or travel through the waters around this island nation.

Reaching Iceland for whale watching is relatively easy despite its location near the top of the world. Daily flights from North America and Europe arrive in Reykjavik; from here you can hope a short domestic flight to the city of Akureyri. An hour’s drive east will bring you to Husavik, often called the whale watching capital of Europe. The Husavik harbor, surrounded by high mountain peaks, offers stunning photo ops and is home base for several whale watching companies.

The traditional wooden boats found in the Husavik harbor are beautiful to behold and comfortable for travel if you can handle the sway. It’s a bit more noticeable than on bigger and newer boats, but riding the larger swells gives you a chance to make new friends. Grabbing the rail or the person next to you while you get your sea legs makes the ride between whale sightings much more exciting!

If seeing whales in the wild creates a desire to learn more, a short walk along the Husavik shoreline will bring you to The Whale Museum. This converted slaughterhouse is now one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The museum houses several whale skeletons and some thought-provoking educational displays; one of the best discusses Iceland’s controversial participation in whaling.

The best time for whale watching is June to August. With more people coming each year local tour operators have created IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association. Although membership is voluntary, the organization aims to reduce conflict between tourists and whales by setting standards and codes of conduct for its members.

If you would like to learn more about whale watching in North East Iceland or plan your own trip, check out the following websites:

Whale Watching Companies:

North Sailing www.northsailing.is

Gentle Giants www.gentlegiants.is

The Whale Museum www.icewhale.is

Travel information www.northiceland.com www.icelandair.net

You can also view this part of Iceland on my video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePQ6ctfTOZU

Birding in Iceland

How do you develop bird watching tourism in a country with only 74 breeding species? Well if you are Icelandic, you highlight the unexpected bird visitors who come each year. Iceland is located at the intersection of the North American and European tectonic plates and boasts bird species native to each continent. As well, unexpected migrants ‘drop by’ Iceland enroute to their usual nesting grounds. Perhaps the birds are only slightly off course but the end result is that over 372 different species have been observed in Iceland! For bird watchers who enjoy the thrill of unexpected discoveries this is a great place to be. Add in the 24 hour daylight in May and June and you have a birder’s extravaganza.

Hrafn Svavarsson, founder of Gavia Travel, saw the need for a tour company to help birders get the most out of their time in Iceland. “When Gavia Travel was founded by a couple of Icelandic birders, the aim was to start a full-time bird watching travel agency, which was to be the first of its kind in Iceland. We are still birders by heart, and if there is something we do better than anyone, it is to organize how, where and when to watch birds in Iceland!”

Hrafn is succeeding. Gavia Travel’s customers say they love birding in Iceland and want visit again. Hopefully there will be even more treasure hunters discovering the benefits of birding in Iceland.

For more information visit Birding Iceland at http://www.hi.is/%7Eyannk/varia.html or Gavia Travel at www.gaviatravel.com. You can see more about this area of Iceland by viewing my video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePQ6ctfTOZU.

Great Guide Stories

The latest issue of my new newsletter on the best practices of nature tourism operators world wide is now online at www.kalahari-online.com/spr08.pdf

If you have a story of a great guide that has helped you enjoy the outdoors, please share your experience in our Great Guide contest. Details are found in the newsletter.

The Most Fun You Can Have With Your Boots On

A good vacation isn’t always about taking it easy as I found out when I tried cattle herding on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai.

I ride several times a week, but I have never had the chance to say “git along little doggies”. Turns out, that’s not the correct phase; you yell “hep” and use your horse to get the cows to move. A good cow horse has a ‘look’ that can convince even the most stubborn of calves to move along.

The hard part is getting started. Facing the whole herd and being outnumbered about fifty to one was intimidating, but my horse Blondie was an old pro and plowed into the herd with abandon. We moved the herd to a new pasture although I suspect the cows could have managed fine without us.

It was tremendous fun and I’d encourage anyone who’s watched the movie City Slickers with envy to head over to the Princeville Ranch stables next time you find yourself in Hawaii.

For more information visit www.princevilleranch.com.

Elephants As Photographers?

Elephants can paint pictures, but did you also know they are great photographers? In Central India, film maker John Downer used elephants to film a BBC documentary on tigers. He had noticed elephants carried wood very gently and wondered if they could do the same with lightweight cameras invented by Geoff Bell.

Using elephants as filmmakers with dangerous animals was beneficial; elephants do not see tigers as a threat and tigers are not bothered by elephants. The result was stunning photographs of tiger cubs and other animals caught in the elephant’s lens. For a look at the forest through an elephant’s eye visit:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/03/25/eatiger125.xml

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=543994&in_page_id=1770&ito=newsnow

Ecotourism's 25th Anniversary

Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, the man who coined the term ecotourism shares his thoughts as we approach the 25th anniversary of this concept. He worries that ecotourism is being confused with adventure travel and some of ecotourism's benefits are being lost. To read more visit http://www.borneoecotours.com/ecotourism/

Great Guides Put Customers First

“I’ve never touched a whale before,” said Fred, our guide. I thought I’d misheard! The tour brochure had several pictures of people touching grey whales. How was it possible that an experienced guide hadn’t gotten close enough to touch a whale? “Usually I’m on the other side of the boat, balancing it when people rush to one side to see the whales,” Fred continued. Instantly, I knew my trip was going to be great because my guide was focused on his clients’ experiences.

Unfortunately, there are many situations where a guide wants to be in the center of the action. They take the best seats or have the best photo-taking angles. I’ve never understood; do these guides think their worth depends upon being front and centre, or are they so carried away with enthusiasm that they push everyone to the side? Regardless, the result is often frustrated customers, and that’s bad for business.

My recent experience with Baja Airventures was memorable because of the quality guiding. Fred, and the other guides, Scot and Andrew, were safety-minded and customer-centered. Travelers expect the first and demand the second. With more people traveling independently, convincing them to pay for a guided trip means guides must know customer service, not just flora and fauna. Companies with guides like Fred, Scott and Andrew are ready for adventure seekers, the others? They can expect complaints, and few referrals.

Carol

Yurt Camping in Mexico

Ever noticed how many travel brochures don’t show the hordes of people you’ll be sharing the beach with? The water is inviting, the sand looks free of bugs (they don’t show the chemical sprays that make it so) and there are few people in sight. Just sign up for your all-inclusive holiday and you’ll find yourself in beach bliss! Well, I’ve tried those trips and been bored to tears. Fortunately, there is a better way to experience the ocean.

I recently took a trip with Baja Airventures. I stayed at a yurt camp where the only neighbors were the ten people who arrived with me on a private air charter (no need to worry about security line-ups here). We finished the week off with some mind-blowing whale watching and made sure our spending stayed with locally-run businesses. This was a week at the beach worth writing home about. To see the difference, visit my You Tube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bTa3XTsZ-M and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwwJJ9h9GhM

Carol

Skepticism for Carbon Offsets

Research by Travelmole shows that luxury travelers are less likely than backpackers to mitigate the environmental impacts of their travel by purchasing carbon offsets. Obviously they have the funds to contribute, but it appears they aren't flocking to carbon offset programs because they have concerns about where the money is going.

Travelers and tour operators I've spoken to confirm these findings. It seems that providers of carbon offsets need to increase their credibility with large segments of the traveling public. Perhaps this will come through education, but I suspect outside monitoring or certification will be needed before you see people parting with more money.

Carol

Outlook for Bhutan

I had the opportunity to interview Lotay Rinchen, Senior Travel Manager of Bhutan Expeditions, recently. He shared some very interesting insights on tourism in Bhutan and the changes that may occur as the country moves towards its first demogratically elected government. To see the interview, please check out my newsletter at http://www.kalahari-online.com/win08.pdf
Carol

A Recycled Hotel

Travelodge is taking hotel recycling to a new level. They are building a pop-up hotel in West London using the large metal shipping crates that are ubiquitous at every shipping port. Many crates sit idle and can be a waste disposal problem so finding a new use for them is a win-win situation.

In China the crates have been modified to include bathrooms and windows and furnishings will be added in England once the hotel is assembled. The hotel chain feels this construction method and the flexibility to dismantle the hotel will allow them to meet the fluctuating demand levels that accompany major sporting events like the Olympics.

The 120 room hotel will be 10% cheaper to build than comparable hotels and cost only 19 pounds a night - a deal in London. I think reusing shipping containers is a great idea and may provide some positive spin-offs if the technology can also create affordable housing in urban centres. It remains to be seen how people like living in shipping crates, but I've stayed in hotels where a clean crate would have been a step up so lets give it a try!

Animal Christmas

I got the chance to tag along with Santa today when he delivered his presents to the elephant, red panda and tiger born this year at the Calgary Zoo. My first introduction to ecotourism was at the Calgary Zoo and I was on the board for a number of years so I’m always thrilled when I get the chance to visit. This was the first time I’ve seen the baby elephant and she is adorable. She was particularly fascinated with Mrs. Claus (perhaps she knows where the real gift giving decisions are made….)

If you like animals at all you’ll enjoy this video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crKHWiNXQYU

Merry Christmas
Carol

Taking A Stand

I was pleased to hear recently Ecotourism Australia has taken drastic steps to preserve its ecotourism brand. They took Trek North Safaris to court for protect Eco Australia’s intellectual property and to protect the public from potentially misleading environmental marketing. Trek North Safaris was using the Ecotourism Australia ECO Certification logo without permission and was not a member of Ecotourism Australia nor certified by Ecotourism Australia. The Queensland Supreme Court ruled that the company was to cease use of the logo, destroy all items that contained the logo and pay Ecotourism Australia’s legal costs. This is the first case I’ve seen where legal action protect an ecotourism certification program and it marks an important point in the evolution of ecotourism. Ecotourism Australia has one of the world’s most recognizable ecotourism certification programs and stopping such fraudulent use ensures their brand retains its credibility. If certification programs are to succeed we need to aggressively weed out operators taking advantage of certification programs to simply ‘greenwash’ their marketing efforts. Bravo to Ecotourism Australia!

Carol

Interpretation For Multiple Languages

Every have a problem delivering your interpretative message to people who don't speak the same language as your guides? GPS technology can expand the labor pool of your tourism business and make a trip more enjoyable for people who don’t speak the same language as the guide.

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises in partnership with AudioConexus Inc., has launched the world's first GPS audio tours in six languages on its three tour boats. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises delivers two hands-free audio tours available in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin; tourists use small wireless receivers and headsets to experience Kingston and the 1000 Islands, hearing fascinating stories about the region.
To learn more visit, http://www.ktic.ca

Yukon Tourism Operators Face Mining Threat

Cash Minerals is proposing a project with 4 airstrips and spur roads that will have serious long term impacts on the tourism businesses that depend upon the Wind River for their rafting, paddling and other outdoor activities. Fortunately tourism operators have a united voice, The Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon, to express their concerns about the project to the Yukon Environmental Socioeconomic Assessment Board (YESEB). It’s important we tell policy makers that tourism is a legitimate land use and deserves consideration in land use planning. Tourism generates economic benefits for wilderness and it needs to be recognized as an important stakeholder. If you’d like to learn more about Cash Mineral proposal visit http://www.yesab.tzo.com/wfm/launch/YESAB , click on browse, search by proposal number 2007-0205. You will see a list of documents. Select: 002-1 Additional Proposal Information Project Proposal (Form 1)

If you’d like to support the businesses of the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon and see more of this wonderful place, go to http://www.wtay.com/.

Faroe Islands Responds to Award

National Geographic recently rated the Faroe Islands the Number #1 Island Ecotourism destination. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/features/islandsrated0711/islands.html

For those of you not familiar with the Faroe Islands, the islands are an autonomous region of Denmark located about halfway between Iceland and Denmark. There are 18 islands and less than 50,000 people in the whole country which is probably one of the reasons why they still have a very unique culture. The main industries are fishing (in decline), sheep herding (on an incline from what I could see of the sheep perched on the steep hillsides) and tourism (the reason I was there recently)

I was invited to speak at the Faroes first ecotourism conference and I was impressed by the reaction of the Faroese to the award. Rather than sitting back and gathering accolades, the government and tourism professionals are talking about the implications of winning. They recognize the need for new legislation and planning to maintain their culture and physical environment. It was wonderful to see such a proactive approach to developing their tourism industry in a sustainable fashion. For a review of the conference check out the blog of Faroe Man at http://faroe-island.blogspot.com/2007/11/review-eco-tourism-in-faroe-islands.html

To see my video of the Faroe Islands visit YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoUyTnRcIxU

The Influence of Web 2.0

Setting up a website is the first step in attracting tourists. But are tourism businesses thinking about the new generation of internet promotion? Travelers are increasingly weary of conventional advertising and are turning to other travelers for their recommendations or travel ideas. YouTube and Flickr are two places people are finding this information.

The Vancouver Aquarium discovered the power of Web 2.0 marketing when they learned that the most popular video on YouTube in the pet and animal category was a clip titled “Otters Holding Hands”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno

In addition to the 8 million views on YouTube the Aquarium put it onto the Air Canada in-flight package so people flying to Vancouver would see it. This creative use of Web 2.0 marketing has also spawned media interest – check out CBC news coverage at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWu5ggvRDSw

All in all, a great example of how Web 2.0 can fit into a marketing plan.

Carol

Do Traveler's Understand?

I was recently at the TTRA Canada confernece and was encouraged to see the large number of research presentations that were linked to sustainability issues. A presentation that I think has real implications for people in the ecotourism industry was done by Michael Ennamorato of TNS Canadian Facts. They surveyed over 1000 online travelers in July 2007 to learn more about how travelers were reacting to issues such as climate change, poverty and child labor. The results were surprising. "When the issue such as global warming is linked to tourism people stop associating it with the bigger issue," Michael said. Basically people do not get the connection between tourism and bigger issues or how their travel choices can combat problems like global warming. As someone who believes in ecotourism I was dumbfounded to hear how few people "get it" when it comes to ethical travel.

The bright note came when Michael shared his opinion on whether sustainable tourism is a trend or a fad. I was beginning to think I might be doomed to fad status and a possible career change, but he was optimistic things would improve. By researching the views of "Futureshapers" (people who lead opinions and trends) TNS is predicting that many more people will soon see the connection between travel and global warming, poverty and other world issues. That time can't come soon enough; it seems like we need to be much more effective in educating travelers about green travel practices!
If you'd like to see another TNS survey on online travel planning check out their website at http://www.tns-cf.com/conferences/ttra/tns_cf-online_travel_planning.pdf Carol