Note:  You can enter our Brazil travel contest starting November 15th, at the following link:  http://ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/its-here-the-brazil-contest/

As reported by Nature, the nation of Brazil appears poised to give the rest of the world a primer in what climate leadership looks like, which should come in handy in inspiring other nations to step up and follow suit when the time comes to roll up their sleeves and get some real work done.

Brazil has already made major strides in addressing rates of deforestation in the Amazon basin, and the current news Nature delivers is that it is setting sights squarely on its greenhouse gas emissions as we approach COP15. Nature describes the still-developing, not officially announced initiatives reportedly being pieced together by the Brazilian government as “the most significant step yet by a developing country going into December’s United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen.”

The primary source of excitement surrounding Brazil’s nascent initiative is its apparent intent to leap well over the bar set for it as a developing nation. Current climate change constructs leave for fully industrialized nations the challenge of capping and reducing carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, while developing nations are encouraged to reduce the growth in their greenhouse gas emissions, and to work toward low- and no-carbon technologies as they are able and as such greener technologies are supported directly by wealthier nations.

Nature reports that Brazil is mulling over a comprehensive program that will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by a full third from projected 2020 levels, which would represent a nearly 10 percent drop from 2007 emissions.

Details are reportedly under discussion by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his cabinet this week, with the possibility for an official policy statement or proposal set to appear over the next few days.

A few months ago, as some of the more loyal readers know, I was contacted on behalf of EMBRATUR, the Brazilian Tourism Board, about a potential contest or giveaway on the Eco Tourism Blog, based on my prior posts about destinations and sustainable activities, so I thought this may be of interest.

To spread the word about Brazil’s natural beauty, I partnered with the public relations firm representing EMBRATUR, to give away signed and framed photographs of the Brazilian Amazon by award-winning photojournalist Peter Guttman to my readers. A magazine reviewer recently proclaimed, “View the world through Peter Guttman’s eyes once and chances are you’ll want to wear those glasses for the rest of your life.”  The photos available were displayed as part of the annual meetings at the United Nations last year.

Here’s photos I took of the beautifully (and solidly) framed, heavy, high gloss photo:

Here are the contest rules:

The contest starts November 15th, 2009.  I am asking readers to write in with their best adventure or outdoor vacation memory, experiences with South American travel or the one place they’ve always wanted to travel to in the world.

I only accept submissions on the blog itself, which means you’ll need to register.  (Registration is free, and I take your privacy seriously.  Your email will never be used for any other purpose than to contact you, and will never, ever, be sold to anyone).

The contest ends at midnight PST on December 15, 2009, and I’ll promptly ship the photographs out immediately.

For your reference, the value of each photo is about $800, and they are professionally framed, 16- by 24-inch photos.

Facts about the Amazon

-          Sixty percent of the Amazon rainforest is contained within Brazil.

-          The Amazon welcomed nearly 500,000 tourists in 2008

-          The Amazon represents more than half of the planet’s remaining rainforests and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world.

-          The Amazon boasts 324 mammals, 2,500 species of fish and 1,800 different species of birds.

-          The Amazon is in the running to be one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and can be voted for online at http://www.new7wonders.com/.

Good luck to you!

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I stumbled on the following article at the Jerusalem Post regarding ecotourism in Israel.  I’ve got to be honest, Israel is not the first country I think of when I think “eco-tourism“.  Ecotourism, as I wrote about in the post immediately preceding this one, means communing in a natural environment with both flora and fauna in their natural habitats, and Israel doesn’t seem to have much of either, from what I can tell (I’ve never been there), but they also have other problems, do they not?  I’m aware of the kibbutz concept, and it looks like the government is trying to use the previous success of Israeli farms to push tourism into Israel farther.

At any rate, seeking to help farmers diversify their income, the Agriculture Ministry has launched a course to train farmers in eco-tourism. The pilot class started this week and includes 20 farmers from the Galilee and the Golan. As it becomes more difficult to make a living off agriculture, more farmers have turned to tourism to supplement their income. Taking advantage of their rural setting, the farmers want to cash in on the world’s hunger for ecologically friendly enterprises. The ministry hopes that by combining environmentally sound agriculture with green tourism, farmers will be able to remain on the land. “Agri-rural tourism is one of the major leverages that the rural regions have to offer,” said Shai Dotan, director of the ministry’s agricultural-tourism development project. “The goals of the course are to assist the residents of Israel’s rural areas to adjust to the changes that are taking place in Israel’s agricultural sector.” The course has seven full-day sessions, each taking place in one of the participants’ farms. The participants learn about different methods to make their farm an eco-friendly environment, focusing on things such as water conservation, energy production, organic gardening and recycling. “In the past I’ve attended many courses that taught the principles of environmental farming, but I always left with the feeling that I don’t know how to begin,” said Miri Falach, counseling director of the ministry’s Galilee and Golan districts. “This course is different, because it doesn’t only teach the principles, it gives participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the things they learn. Next week, for example, we will be teaching the participants how to set up and maintain an organic garden. The week after that we will work on installing a water-recycling plant.”

Falach came up with the idea to offer the course, and many of the topics covered are already in practice on her farm on Moshav Had-Nes in the Golan Heights. “I have several cottages on my property and I felt terrible about the amount of water that goes to waste,” Falach said. “My home overlooks the Kinneret, and I can plainly see what the water shortage has done to the lake level. “To think that every tourist who comes to stay fills the Jacuzzi, and that the water then goes to waste, seemed like a real shame,” she said. “So I decided to collect the drained water and water my garden with it.” Falach said she often gets funny looks for her sustainability-promoting actions, but she hopes that others will catch on soon. “There are 120 farms on my moshav, and I’m the only one to take any action on this front,” she said. “But I believe that there is a real potential here for growth.” While environmental tourism may not be a top priority for Israelis, Falach said, when it comes to the international market, there is a growing demand. “I can only hope that Israel follows this trend the same as it does others,” she said. “Maybe in a few years people here will also take environmental considerations into account when choosing a place to spend their vacations. We think this course will help prepare people for that day.” The ministry’s rural-development branch hopes to eventually set up a ranking system to evaluate the levels of sustainability of each farm, Falach said, adding: “In the same way hotels have star rankings, we’ll have leaf rankings or something like that.” The course is also being supported by the Israel Farmers Federation. Federation chairman Avshalom Vilan, a former Meretz MK, said he supports the ministry’s efforts to promote tourism in the rural areas because farmers can no longer rely on agricultural production alone. “This doesn’t replace agriculture, but it can definitely supplement it,” Vilan said. “We have seen this phenomenon pick up momentum in the last 10 years and have been involved in similar efforts ourselves.” The course is being subsidized by the ministry and costs NIS 850. If the pilot proves successful, there are plan to hold the course in other parts of the country.

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Tourism is one of the growth sectors of the global economy. World-wide, it is predicted to more than double from 2000 figures by 2020, when the World Tourism Organization calculates there will be 1.6 billion international travelers. Nature-based tourism refers to those tourism experiences that are directly or indirectly dependent on the natural environment and require a land or water base. The sector includes activities undertaken in mid and back country tourism zones but does not include front country experiences such as downhill skiing, golf or other destination resort activities Ecotourism means ecological tourism, where ecological has both environmental and social connotations Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism. “Many organizations and operators involved in ecotourism have used different variations and definitions of this term,” said Sarah Leonard, the executive director for Alaska Wilderness and Recreation Tourism Association, a non-profit trade association that represents wilderness-based tourism businesses. “A challenge within the industry is that there is no one recognized definition.” Lacking that, Leonard pointed to two definitions, one given by the International Ecotourism Society: “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.”

The second definition was formed by an author: “Ecotravel involves activities in the great outdoors-nature tourism adventure travel, birding, camping, skiing, whale watching and archaeological digs-that take place in marine, mountain, island and desert ecosystems.”

The days are dominated by getting out and exploring and interacting with nature. There’s enough comfort at night where (guests) enjoy their vacation, but not enough that we separate them from the natural world.  For many, ecotourism involves two concepts, one focusing on economics, and the other focusing on the environment. “At certain times and certain places, it’s better to grow the economy by protecting certain areas and letting businesses develop around those,” he said. “That’s a way to achieve sustainability to enjoy the many benefits that nature provides year after year and to make a living at the same time. “But also, it’s a way of operating where you have minimal impact on the environment, appropriately sized groups and sharing of information with the group so they go away with a much deeper appreciation for the environment, wildlife and habitat,” he said. “It’s like a form of education.” The word “ecotourism” can emphasize the ecological significance of a destination and thus provide guidance to tourists as to appropriate conduct. The word can also impart the impression that a provider of travel services is “ecologically” committed. Indeed, the Ecotourist Association of Australia defines ecotourism as ‘ecologically sustainable tourism that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation’.

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Bolivia is a country that has a special place in my heart.  (And so does Christi Sue Penland, a girl I dated from Bolivia).   The country, especially the capital city, La Paz, is just a trip.  Almost 13,000 feet above sea level, high in the Andes, most people don’t have the constitution to do well (at first) in the capitol.  Not much grows, and everything, from houseflies to airplanes, have difficulty in the high high altitude.

Can such a place be ideal for eco-tourism?  When travelers think of ecotourism destinations, places like Costa Rica or Belize come to mind, but not Bolivia. However, This is about to change because the indigenous people known as the Tacanas, of Bolivia’s Amazon region, are banking on ecotourism as an alternative way to make a living.

Located at the banks of the Beni River in the village of San Miguel del Bala, the Tacanas, about 5,000 in population throughout the area, built an eco-lodge that includes seven cabins, made of local materials including dry palm leaves and native wood. The cabins are scattered throughout the area, providing privacy inside the rainforest. The remote lodging is accessible by way of a 40-minute boat ride from the small town of Rurrenbaque in Northern Bolivia.

While at the lodge, guests can go trek through different trails that lead out from the lodge. These excursions teach visitors about ancient hunting techniques, and medicinal plants found in the rainforest. Guests can also visit a salitral cave where wildlife roam freely or a natural pool and waterfall. After a long day of hiking the forest, guests enjoy local cuisine such as grilled fish wrapped in the leaves of the dunucuabi plant. Visitors can also visit with one of the Tacana families in one of their houses made of palm leaves and bamboo.

According to the Latin American Herald Tribune the 45 Tacana families that live in San Miguel de Bala are primarily fishermen and farmers. The community’s leader, Biter Supa, told the Tribune that lack of electricity and health care are the Tacana’s main problems. But, that they do have potable water and a local school which the roughly 60 children living in the village attend.

Near the lodge is Madidi National Park, consisting of 4.5 million acres of land located between the northeastern area of La Paz province and on the border of Peru. The park is one of the largest biodiversity regions in the world and is home to 1,000 animal species including jaguar, spectacled bear, tapir, and capybara. It’s also home to approximately 6,000 varieties of plants.

Some of the park has been designated as Tierras Comunitarias de Origen (TCOs), by the government, which can be described as similar to the Native American reservations throughout the U.S. The area is set-aside for the indigenous communities to continue their traditions and to have a permanent home in the region.

According to Nicolas Janco, with the Mashaquipe tourist agency who spoke with the Latin American Herald Tribune,  “Tourism is an engine that is helping us greatly to improve our quality of life. Especially for the Tacana.”  He is currently lobbying the Bolivian government to promote the indigenous-populated rainforest area as a tourist destination.

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GEORGETOWN, Guyana — From October 1-12, Guyana played host to an esteemed group of tourism professionals – tour operators, researchers, journalists, and conservationists – on a product familiarization trip spotlighting the South American country’s nature and cultural tourism activities. The participants were all seasoned world travelers and their feedback places Guyana on par with other top nature destinations.

The trip featured birding, wildlife watching and cultural activities in Georgetown, Kaieteur Falls, Karanambu Lodge, Caiman House at Yupukari Village, Rock View Lodge, Aranaputa Village, Surama Village and Eco-Lodge, Fair View Village, Iwokrama River Lodge, Atta Rainforest Lodge and Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, and Baganara Island Resort.

Highlights of the trip included several “life birds” for the participants and a confirmed sighting of the White Woodpecker along the Abary River – a new species for Guyana. The trip also showcased some new tourism developments in Guyana, including eight new rooms that were recently completed in the beautiful jungle clearing at Atta Rainforest Lodge and Iwokrama Canopy Walkway; Surama’s new cultural group that performed in full regalia; and a new tour at Fair View interpreting the preparation of cassava, from ground to edible food. Guyana’s unspoiled nature also amazed the group.

According to Cari Gray, who organizes and designs high-end, individually crafted trips through her company, Gray&Co., “Guyana offers the rare opportunity to witness up close a pristine rainforest ecosystem brimming with diversity combined with authentic cultural interactions with remote Amerindian tribes.” Gray continued, “Guyana deserves to be high on the list of savvy travelers who want to experience the ‘undiscovered’, easily compared in global environmental significance to the Galapagos or Ngorongoro Crater.”

Avid birder, writer and owner of the European tour operator Probirder, Gerard Gorman said, “Guyana is a great destination for wildlife watching.” Gerard was impressed by his time at Iwokrama, saying that the million-acre rainforest reserve “is a wonderful example of how science, conservation, ecotourism and a local community can work together to protect an endangered habitat.”

Photographer and videographer John Canning viewed much of Guyana through a lens while capturing footage for his company, Media Sherpa Consulting and Productions. Having filmed in 55 countries did nothing to lessen the effect that Guyana had on John. He declared, “Guyana was a delightful surprise! As a professional media producer, I found the amazing abundance of animals, beautiful landscapes and the delightful and friendly people providing a rich environment to shoot and tell stories. As an adventure traveler, the untamed rainforests and research projects visited provided marvelous discoveries and challenge. I feel I have just started exploring Guyana and will be back!”

Two travel journalists on the trip found Guyana to offer up plenty of writing fodder. Theresa Storm said, “Guyana is one of the world’s very few remaining almost untouched wildernesses – from an aircraft, virgin rainforest stretches as far as you can see and more. The bounty of flora and fauna is almost overwhelming. Guyana offers adventure and nature lovers a lifetime experience, one that will always be remembered as top of the list.”

For journalist Laurie Gough, the trip was an honor. “I feel so completely privileged to have had the chance to see this astoundingly beautiful country so untouched in its secret jungled interior that when a flock of macaws rainbows the sky above you, howler monkeys unleash their unearthly roar, or a blue morpho butterfly flits by on electric-blue wings, you truly feel you’ve entered another world – one that must have existed eons ago.”

The conservationists and birdwatchers on the trip were equally awed. Chris Sharpe, Director of the tour operator Birding Venezuela, found that “Guyana is home to a host of birds that are not easily seen elsewhere.” Chris, also a conservation biologist, was equally impressed by Guyana’s ecosystem. “Guyana’s vast extension of pristine tropical forest forms part of the world’s largest tropical wilderness and is an almost unique natural resource,” he said. “For a conservationist, it is tremendously exhilarating to fly for an hour over the canopy, unbroken by agricultural plots, roads or towns.”

Mike Braun has been to Guyana many times for the Smithsonian Institution, but was pleased to find new growth in the tourism industry. “I’ve been traveling and birding in Guyana for 15 years,” Mike reported. “Travel used to be slow and complicated, but things have changed. This trip was smooth, comfortable and a lot of fun. The pristine forests and abundant wildlife are matched by few countries in the New World, and Guyana’s system of ecotourism lodges made it easy to see both.”

Greg Butcher, Director of Bird Conservation for the National Audubon Society, found great potential in Guyana’s forests, saying he would “heartily recommend [Guyana] to all birders.” Greg added, “It was fun seeing an ecotourism industry in development. Not all the comforts of home were available, but then home doesn’t offer the spectacle of Guyana and its natural wonders.” And speaking as a conservationist, Greg noted Guyana’s importance for the world. “Guyana is poised to be a poster-child for sustainable development. The government is very interested in ecotourism and in sustainable forestry. The unbroken forests of Guyana are a fabulous carbon sink, preventing untold amounts of greenhouse gas emissions that would cause a lot of global warming…Now is the time for the world to offer Guyana suitable rewards for maintaining its natural treasures.”

Some participants have already begun writing about their trip. Gerard has written about his experience on two blogs. Greg wrote several blog postings from Guyana on the blog for Audubon Magazine, and he will also be writing a feature article about Guyana for Audubon Magazine Online. Mike Braun has also already received interest for a birdwatching trip to Guyana for 2011.

The familiarization trip was organized by the Guyana Sustainable Tourism Initiative (GSTI), a joint project of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the United States Agency for International Development / Guyana Trade and Investment Support (USAID/GTIS) project. For more information on the GSTI and tourism in Guyana, visit www.guyanabirding.com.

The GSTI familiarization tours would not be possible if local tourism suppliers were not pledging their full support. For this program, GTA-USAID/GTIS is grateful for the generous contributions from Wilderness Explorers, Cara Lodge, Grand Coastal Inn, Guyana Pegasus, Baganara Island Resort, Surama Eco-Lodge, Iwokrama International Centre, Atta Rainforest Lodge, Rock View Lodge, Karanambu Ranch, Community and Tourism Services (CATS), Caiman House at Yupukari village, and Fair View and Aranaputa villages.

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Gao Giong in the southern province of Dong Thap is a place that Cong has been closely connected to for many years. Its development has been his life’s passion, ever since he was a boy.

He says he will never forget the days in the past when the rainy season was approaching. His family and neighbours would bind together several small boats to make a large floating platform that was converted into a temporary house floating on the flooded rice paddies.

“Spending our nights out there we had to battle mosquitoes, bloodsuckers, snakes and mice,” recalls Cong.

But life has changed.

After a dozen years of helping out with developing what was a dry and neglected area into one of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta’s most famous eco-tourism sites, Cong is now proud of what he and his colleagues have achieved – an eco-escape rich with precious flora and fauna.

Work on the ambitious project started in 1985, when district authorities called for young volunteers to help develop and protect Dong Thap Muoi (Plain of Reeds). Cong was assigned to lead the group.

They dug channels, built irrigation systems and bridges and planted cajeputs, small flowering trees of the myrtle family, native to the East Indies and Australia. Many hectares of cajeput helped to create a more inviting environment for fauna and other flora to flourish, especially bird life such as stork, cormorants and herons.

The park has become a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. They come here to relax and enjoy meandering sampan cruises through the wetlands.

Bird watchers in particular are in for an enthralling visit, as the park provides a sanctuary for several species of birds during the flood season.

Cong says Gao Giong is most beautiful at this time, when the waters rise from August to October. During this time, water from the Mekong River flood the local rice fields and turn Gao Giong into an oasis teaming with life. Thousands of white storks hover over the green cajeputs, coming to feed on fish and bugs hidden in the reeds and waters. Bird nest across about 40ha of the park, which attract 15 types of birds, including egrets, sparrows, wild ducks and herons.

The environment is an example of the region’s mangrove lowlands and the park acts as a ‘green lung’ of the Dong Thap Muoi region.

Cong says the site has earned tens of billions of dong from tourism. In addition, they also earn VND4 billion (US$216,000) from exploiting the cajeput, which contains a greenish oil with a range of medicinal uses. Sales of the oil contribute a significant sum to the local government’s budget.

From 2003, the park’s management board has co-ordinated with tour operators to develop tourism services. About 300ha of 10-year-old cajeputs have been set aside for visitors. The park’s total size is 16,000ha.

To protect and preserve the park’s environment, Cong has focus on sustainable practises. Local residents are allowed to prune unsightly or excessive cajeput branches, which are used as fire wood or sold for money.

Cong says the park’s management board has spent hundreds of millions of dong in building houses and providing rice for needy households and underprivileged families in the area, granting scholarships for poor but talented children, providing free health checks and treatment to the poor and contributing to building bridges and roads.

Rural life in the Gao Giong has changed for the better and the local economy is thriving. There are now vital roads crossing floodways and new houses have sprung up with red tiled roofs sprouting antennas and providing a more comfortable life for local residents.

After nearly 25 years of working in the park, Cong and his management board have received many certificates of merit and gifts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Forest Watch and Dong Thap People’s Committee.

“I hope the Party and the State will further support us to improve infrastructure, creating good conditions for tourists to visit the area and help the site’s development as a precious example of the great outdoors,” says Cong.

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Kids recently voted on the issue of preserving the planet through the 2009 Environmental Report Card, and they’re pretty united on the subject. Not only do they agree that the planet’s resources are important but they also think they have a responsibility to help preserve them.

Eco-friendly tours for children is an area that has only begun to be explored.

One good resource is Trip Hub’s Responsible Tourism Awards, where you may be able to find an eco-lodge in Kenya, a zero garbage hotel in Mumbai, or a Canadian Mountain Resort that is also preserving animal habitats.

The website  Journeys for Families is where you can see how your family can learn about wildlife, habitats and rainforests on your travels, with specialist trips for families travelling with kids, teens or grandparents, plus ideas for school and other group trips.

Take a look at ResponsibleTravel.com to research thousands of environmentally family trips to world wide destinations. They’re also running Responsible Tourism Awards right now, with winners to be announced mid-November.

TEHRAN (ISNA)-The second meeting of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) tourism ministers was held in Antalya, Turkey with Iran’s proposal for reviving Silk Road tourism cooperation.

The proposal was approved by member states.

Iran also proposed establishment of ECO tourism news agency and holding global annual Norouz ceremony in which people celebrate the beginning of spring.

Exchange of tourists among ECO members, forming ECO tourism convention, holding Norouz ceremony and organizing ECO sports competition in Iran in 2020 were also approved.

Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization Deputy Director Reza Mousavi led the Iranian delegation.

Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are ECO member states.

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A note from the blog author, Robert Miller:

If you are at all interested in the environment, or even nature (if you hesitate when hearing the “e” word),  then you probably are like me – you are refreshed by spending any time in the wild or visiting the natural wonders of the world, from the Grand Canyon to the glaciers of Alaska and beyond.

You and I are certainly not alone in this, because, ironically, as people spend more time indoors, and our cities grow, more and more people like the idea of spending time in an environment free from cars, traffic, and tall buildings. Ecotourism is dedicated to help keep the environment clean.

However, ecotourism is not without its critics.

One Reason Ecotourism is Bad:  Animals might Eat You.

In the rural locations where animals can be observed in the wild, that is, in their natural habitat (my favorite type of eco-tourism, bar none), the territory, almost by definition, is dominated by the animals, not humans.

Most animals are territorial, and don’t appreciate surprise, or encrouchment on their turf.  Any type of animals that are in the wild are, of course, not tame. This becomes a greater and greater problem as civilization stresses the natural environments that are a native species’ home, and bringing tourists (who in turn are not necessarily savvy to the behavior of wild animals, and sometimes have food), is going to become an increasing problem for the animals and the tourists.

Another reason Ecotourism can be bad:  Trash.

Anyone that has even been to a tourist spot – of any kind, sees trash. It makes no difference how smart the park rangers are, the forest is a very large place and can sometimes be too large an area to locate and dispose of every piece of trash. Trash in the forest, aesthetically, makes the environment look degraded, but more importantly, it’s harmful to any living thing that takes up residence in that environment.  As just one example, most plastic water bottles are very hard to destroy and take decades to degrade and decompose.

Reason #3 Why Ecotourism is Bad

The most controversial reason why ecotourism might be seen as wrong is due to the structures that are made for different ecotourism tours.  Parks build nature paths, which mean areas cleared out of the trees so that there are more room for paths. In some parks, there are lookout towers that are built in among the tress. These items help manage crowds, but have some unintentional damage to the precious environment.

Opinions differ on this subject. I can appreciate that it’s very frustrating to try to make travel plans in a location where the amount of total tourists that visit are strictly limited.  However, in general, it’s all for the better, and just requires more and better planning on the tourism side.

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