EcoAdventureTravel Blog

Is Egypt ready for eco travel and eco tourism yet?

ecoadventuretravel — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:12:37 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

With the “Arab Spring” protests and revolution in Egypt, travel has nearly stopped to the fabled country, and that has hurt tourism. Regulations in Egypt are a mess, and were even before the revolution, but unregulated development is threatening many natural areas in Egypt.

Egypt in the past has had a “mass tourism” model – trying to get as many people into Egypt to spend as much money in aggregate as possible. But some developments, like the Desert Lodge in El Qasr, and efforts to protect dolphins and sharks in the Sinai Peninsula, as well as a new eco-village in upper Egypt, the Hermopolis Eco Village, could change that.

I have never been to Egypt, although I have always wanted to. I hope Egypt grows and learns how best to protect their natural treasures.

Is Troubled Egypt Ripe Enough For Eco-Tourism? – Green Prophet (greenprophet.com)
Egypt attempts to its post-revolution tourism industry (travelnews.britishairways.com)
Egypt to host World Travel Awards Ceremony (travelnews.britishairways.com)

ecoadventuretravel — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:56:55 +0000

I love the Canary Islands. Actually, I’ve never been there, but I love the natural beauty and idea of the Canary Islands.

Image via Wikipedia

The Canary Islands belong to Spain, but they sit in the Atlantic Ocean closer to the African nations of Morocco and Cape Verde than to the Iberian Peninsula. Not quite as popular as Mallorca, Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands of the Spanish Mediterranean, the Canaries (which comprise El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote) have become major tourist destinations in their own right. The entire region was a backwater until the jet age began and sun-seekers started hopping flights to Tenerife and Gran Canaria to enjoy their warm weather and beaches.

Beach tourism plays a major role in the local economies of the islands, but, like other sun-and-sand destinations around the world, most visitors concentrate on a few seaside spots, leaving much of the land area in a natural state. In fact, the Canaries, mainly characterized by arid volcanic landscapes, are ideal places for trekking and other activities, which are exciting enough to seduce even hard-core eco-adventurers. Dive sites and ideal sailing and windsurfing conditions add to the menu of environmentally friendly options.

The landscapes and green attractions vary from island to island, as does the infrastructure. However, even the hub island of Gran Canaria boasts a natural side; over 40 percent of the natural land enjoys protected status. The islands’ eco-tourism attractions are perhaps under-advertised, but it is surprisingly easy to find accommodations and organize activities because of an established eco-tourism industry.

Go green

Despite their spread-out geography and relatively small size, the Canary Islands boast a good public transportation network. Buses connect major sites on the main islands and regular ferry service makes it possible to travel among the islands without having to take to the skies.

Ferry company Naviera Armas regularly sails its large vessels between each of the islands of the archipelago. The ferries feature wi-fi, restaurants, shops and sightseeing terraces.

Bus service is available on each island. On the higher-traffic islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, an impressive network of routes connects the towns and tourist sites. However, trips to rural areas can be infrequent even on these islands. Bus service on smaller islands is, likewise, infrequent, though it is possible to get around by bus on islands like El Hierro and Fuerteventura. Cycling is a good way to see the islands, although the roads on the Canaries don’t make any special accommodations for bikers. Once riders get out of heavily populated areas, traffic is generally light, and there are plenty of opportunities for off-blacktop riding.

See green

For those who aren’t interested in the beach or the nightlife (or who want to spend part of their time away from the dance floor), hiking is the main reason to visit the Canary Islands. Even major islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria have vast natural areas that are best explored on foot. Gran Canaria, as mentioned above, is a surprisingly attractive place for nature walks. Both short strolls and ambitious treks are possible on this island.

Tenerife has what is arguably one of the best sites for hiking in all of Spain. Mount Teide, a 12,000-foot volcanic peak, towers over Teide National Park and the rest of the island. In fact, it is the tallest peak in Spain. Though permission (relatively easy to get if you plan ahead) is required to trek to the summit of the mountain, high altitude can be reached via a cable car. Snow covers the top of Teide during wintertime, making for a scene unlike those usually associated with the pleasant weather of this part of the world.

A different type of environmental attraction on Tenerife is Loro Parque. Now basically a full-fledged zoo, it began as a place where endangered parrots were housed and bred. Today it is still focused on the colorful birds, but also has other animals including tigers, orcas and chimpanzees. Loro financially supports sustainable energy projects on Tenerife and also creates its own water with an on-site desalination system.

With a full slate of mainstream and eco-tourism options on the Canaries’ hub islands, it can be easy to overlook the region’s smaller landmasses. La Gomera, the second smallest of the islands in the chain, was formerly a destination for hippies. However, its lush landscapes and laid-back vibe have brought it to more travelers’ attention. The main tourist spot on Gomera, Valle Gran Rey, features a full menu of hiking opportunities, from leisurely strolls through the lowlands to challenging, guide-led treks up to higher elevations (which boast spectacular views of the sea). The rain forests ofGarajonay National Park offer another unique place to trek through an untouched natural environment.

Lanzarote, another smaller island, is the easternmost of the Canaries. It is home toTimanfaya National Park, which features a volcanic landscape that has remained largely untouched since it experienced eruptions in the 18th century. The low amount of rainfall on the island means that the topography of Timanfaya has not changed much in the past two centuries.

El Hierro, the smallest member of the archipelago, is one of the least developed. It is also one of the greenest. It was labeled a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000 and aims to be completely off the grid thanks to a wind farm and other sustainable energy sources. Locals seem to be on board with Hierro’s sustainability ambitions, with fisherman working with conservationists to develop sustainable fishing practices.

It is possible to forego the other attractions of the Canaries and simply focus on nature.Rural inns are widespread and can help green-minded travelers spend all their time in close proximity to one of the archipelago’s 145 protected areas. These small-scale sleeping spots are the backbone of the eco-tourism industry on the Canaries and a great way to support local business while enjoying a low-impact, nature-oriented vacation.

Since the Canaries are an island destination, water-based activities are, of course, plentiful. Whale and dolphin watching tours are possible, with locals and large tourism companies both offering cruises. Scuba diving opportunities are available throughout the archipelago. Tenerife’s Playa Paraiso is a marinescape inhabited by sea turtles, while places like the underwater spires of Baja Ribera are home to different forms of sea life and more challenging diving conditions.

If the Canary Islands are known for one thing, besides their beaches and bars, it is wind surfing. All the islands have decent conditions for sailboarding, but the epicenter of the surfing scene is Fuerteventura, which boasts ideal conditions for wind-powered adrenaline rushes. Surfers can take a break from the water with nature at Wolf Island,Isla des Lobos, a small offshore landmass that is home to a variety of local birds.

Sleep green

Accommodations on the Canaries range from luxury seaside hotel and spas to rural inns and rustic campsites.

VIK Hotels runs three properties in the Canaries: on the hub of Gran Canaria, the windsurfing paradise of Fuerteventura, and the volcanic-landscaped island of Lanzarote. The chain has some impressive green ambitions, including a property that features solarenergy and a solar thermal installation that produces hot water, with the excess cooled and used in the air conditioning systems.

Campsites are difficult to find on the Canaries, but they are there, and best of all, they are free (though a permit is required).

One of the most attractive aspects of the hospitality industry on the Canary Islands is the prevalence of small inns and resorts that have a rural theme. Gran Canaria’s Hotel Rural Las Calas is a great example of this type of accommodation. The location, in a hamlet in the rugged highlands near one of the island’s many protected areas, is almost too good to be true for those intent on exploring the natural side of the Canaries.

Some of these rural-themed properties are more overtly environmentally conscious. Such is the case at Lanzarote’s Finca de Arrieta. This valley-side inn boasts off-the-grid capabilities with solar panels, two large windmills and a solar water heater. Locally farmed eggs and produce from an on-site garden are on the menu each day.

Eat green

Eating local is easy in the Canaries, as long as you know where to look. Agriculture is still an important part of life for people who aren’t involved in the tourism trade. Farmers sell the fruits of their labor at local farmers markets that take place regularly throughout the islands. Many of these run on weekends (either Saturday or Sunday or both days). Visitors who are self-catering (able to cook in either a rental villa or over a campfire) might not have to set foot in a restaurant all week after a visit to the market.

For those without a penchant for procuring their own produce, there are a handful of vegetarian and organic options scattered around the island (easiest to find in major tourist spots on Tenerife and Gran Canaria). Meat eaters will find seafood is the best option, with freshly caught local seafood dishes plentiful throughout the islands. Other staples include potatoes (which are often boiled in seawater) and locally grown bananas, which can be served fresh or fried. Armed with a bit of Spanish, it is possible to get the best meals at local places that don’t cater to tourists.

Yes, the beaches and the party scene are part of the personality of the Canaries. But it’s not all house music and sunbathing. Most of the unique landscapes on this remote part of Europe are ideal for trekking and other eco-tourism activities. That is the magic of the Canaries: you can be in the center of the action, but still be only a short boat trip away from enjoying solitude amidst some of the world’s most natural and unique landscapes.

Fatal Zip Line Accident in Hawaii closes tour operator

ecoadventuretravel — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:51:59 +0000

HILO, Hawaii — A Hilo-based eco-tourism company says it has suspended booking zip line tours until the cause of a fatal accident is fully understood.

Ted Callaway of Lahaina and a co-worker were in the process of testing a zip line north of Hilo last month when a tower collapsed and Callaway plunged 200 feet to his death. His co-worker Curtis Wright, of Miamisburg, Ohio, was critically injured.

The course has been closed since the incident. KapohoKine Adventures said Monday it halted booking all zip line tours pending a full evaluation of soil composition and structural integrity of the lines.

The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health division is conducting a workplace death investigation.

Image via Wikipedia

Hawaii zip line accident leaves 1 dead, 1 injured (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
The Big Island Has Never Had More To Offer In The New Year (prweb.com)
Victims Identified in Zip Line Tragedy – More Pictures of the Facility (damontucker.com)

North Pantanal in Brazil is an excellent location for unique local, sustainable travel.

ecoadventuretravel — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:50:33 +0000

Spread across south-central Brazil in the state of Mato Grasso and covering an area larger than the island of Great Britain, the Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland. North Pantanal

Image via Wikipedia

comprises a delicate ecosystem that benefits from dual seasons of flooding and droughts. The intense rains that deluge the region annually give way to a dry season during which grasslands thrive and support over 70 species of mammals.
In fact, it is, I am told by a promotor (disclosure – I received no compensation of any kind for this article), an up and coming travel location. I am told that it is a wilderness destination bursting with life and color. The lack of tall foliage provides unequalled views of the natural scenery, and tiny islands dotted throughout the wetlands are ideal places to observe wildlife in its native habitat. Jaguars, parrots, Cayman alligators, and flocks of storks and herons are just some of the species commonly seen on a tour of the wetlands, a way for travelers to reconnect with nature while discovering the rich biodiversity of North Pantanal.

British couple stuck in Amazon ravine rescued after call to Dover coastguard (telegraph.co.uk)
It’s a Jungle Out There: Wildlife in the Pantanal (frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com)
2 great decisions – Pantanal, Brazil (travelpod.com)

Ecotourism on the agenda for the Gambian Tourism Minister

ecoadventuretravel — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:48:36 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Fatou Mass Jobe Nije, the minister of Tourism and Culture for Gambia, and her delegation, continued her pre-season tour of tourism facilities in the country Tuesday with a visit to Makasutu Culture Forest in Kembujeh, West Coast Region.

Upon arrival at Makasutu, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie and delegation were taken on a tour of the eco-tourism facility by its managing director.

Facilities available include floating house, jungle house and stilted house among other things.

The houses are built on top of the river, which is about one-and-half meter deep and surrounded by mangroves. According to Williams, Makasutu Culture Forest was designed according to the environment to make any visitor to this place feel the real nature.

The managing director also narrated how work started in the forest over 20 years ago, till it was transformed into what it is today. Their activities include proper Gambian cooking, palm wine tapping, and bird watching, among other fulltime cultural activities.

The minister and her delegation then sailed from Makasutu to Sitanunku in Upper Niumi through a boat named the Blue Albatross Gambia to visit the Sutununku Lodge in the North Bank of the River Gambia, about an hour sail from Makasutu.

The clean and colourful lodge was founded in 2010 and since then has been witnessing lots of activities like fishing, tackle and bait, bird watching walks with guides, access to Dog Island which is opposite the camp, visiting and transporting to local Sitanunku village.

Among the facilities in use are shore angling and sportive canoe fishing, local pirogue boat, among other activities.

To round up the tour of the clean and friendly lodge, the managing director, Marcel Hendrickx, who is also the vice chairman of GHA and Tourism Marketing Committee Working with Authority and World Bank introduced minister Jobe-Njie and entourage round the wonderful and mouth-watering cuisines.

He thanked the minister and delegation for having time to check on Sutununku Lodge to know how well prepared they are for the tourism season.

Wide Open Walls (chaikadai.wordpress.com)
Gambia As a Tourist Destination (trenhoteleuropa.wordpress.com)
Global Basecamps Adds the Unique El Monte Cloud Forest Eco Lodge to Their Ecuador Travel Collection (prweb.com)

Tasmania releases plans for eco-tourism

ecoadventuretravel — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:43:25 +0000

Aiming to compete with Australian eco tourism efforts from Queensland, Tasmania’s State Government has released plans to relaunch the region as a eco-friendly based tourism destination.

Working with Melbourne, Global Eco Asia Pacific Tourism Conference convener Tony Charters explained the two states would team up to build tourism to southern Australia.

“Going on current form, that will pair Melbourne as the lead tourism city with Tasmania as the heartland of ecotourism, making southern Australia a formidable destination,” Mr Charters said.

Mr Charters said the benefit of building an eco destination had fallen short with many Governments down under while locations in Asia are “running at 100mph” with the sector.

He explained that while establishing the state as an eco-destination, the long term benefits would more than cover the efforts.

“Ecotourism is not a ‘quick fix’ option for governments to plug the holes after a resource boom, for example,” Mr Charters said.

“It is a very logical and forward thinking choice for Tasmania, but it will take 15 years to bed the industry in.

“Once that is done, ecotourism will provide more jobs than logging, be sustainable and form an important plank of an export oriented economy.”

Mr Charters added that as a whole the country needed to invest more into its natural attractions and utilise them to increase visitor numbers.

According to the convener, the Great Barrier Reef’s figures are sitting around the same as 20 years ago while Kakadu numbers fell compared to visitors in the early 90s.

“National parks for example need ongoing support from government, not just a one-off injection of funds,” he explained.

“Other states can take the lead, with long term vision and investment roughly equivalent to one sports stadium each year, but spread across the state’s protected areas.

The Global Eco conference is being held in Sydney from November 7th to 10th.

Australia puts more into eco-tourism (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
Things You Should Know About Tasmania (australiablog.com)
Naturalist praises Disney World Orlando for sustainable tourism | British Airways – Travel Industry News (travelnews.britishairways.com)

Australia puts more into eco-tourism

ecoadventuretravel — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:58:26 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

As the strong dollar in Australia drive Aussies overseas, many in that country believe that Australia could benefit from building its ecotourism sector and attract more international visitors.

According to Tourism Conference for Ecotourism Australia organiser Tony Charters, eco-tourism arrivals in Australia have remained steady over the past 20 years and a boost in the sector could fill the void left behind by domestic travel.

“We know Australians have developed a taste for international holidays and that growing international visitor numbers is now critical,” Mr Charter stated.

Not much has changed since the sector launched down under two decades ago, according to Mr Charters, with The Great Barrier Reef still hosting 1.3 visitors per year, Fraser Island and Shark Bay seeing small rises since the 1990’s while Kakadu witnesses a drop in visitor numbers.

He suggests Australia look at utilises one of its key unique qualities in the industry, offering travellers the opportunity to meet Indigenous Australians and learn from them.

“Maybe Australia needs to re-read the book on ecotourism – the book it wrote in the early 1990’s,” Mr Charters added.

He stressed the sector could become Australia’s ‘Swiss watch’ with focus on quality, reliability and reputation.

“Currently the opportunities are too few and far between.”

Mr Charters will be speaking at the upcoming Global Eco Conference to be held in Sydney this year from 7-10 November.

Australia named as top backpacker tourist destination (travelnews.britishairways.com)
Tourism Australia and TripAdvisor join forces (travelnews.britishairways.com)
Ghana says eco-tourism is the fastest growing market in the industry (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
How we all win from national ecotourism accreditation (theadventuredoctor.wordpress.com)
UNESCO Kudos for the Ningaloo Coast (hotelclub.com)

Cambodia holds Third World Ecotourism Conference

ecoadventuretravel — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:40:49 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Cambodia on Monday hosted the 3rd World Ecotourism Conference, aimed at developing Asia Pacific region as a leading ecotourism destination.

The three-day conference, under the theme “Charting the Future of Ecotourism in Asia: Asia will dominate global tourism in future, ” attracts some 300 governmental officials, tourism ministers, deputy ministers, ecotourism specialists, businessmen, representatives from national and international ecotourism associations and communities from 23 countries, mostly in Asia Pacific region.

“The conference will be a good opportunity to establish and boost relationship and cooperation on the development of ecotourism in the region in a sustainable and responsible manner,” said Cambodian Minister of Tourism Thong Khon at the opening ceremony.

“Also, it’s time to exchange the best experience and practice related to the ecotourism development in order to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of natural and environmental conservation.”

“In the future, we want to make the Asia Pacific become a leading attraction for the development and investment in ecotourism,” he added.

The minister said that at the end of the conference, there would be “Sihanoukville Declaration on Multilateral Cooperation for Ecotourism Development.”

The declaration would be submitted to the United Nations World Tourism Organization for the final approval.

“The declaration would be a roadmap for the ecotourism development in a sustainable and responsible manner in the whole Asia, particularly in Cambodia,” he said.

During the conference, there was also ecotourism exhibition with the participation of ecotourism communities and private investors in ecotourism with 23 booths.

Preah Sihanouk is a coastal province in southwestern Cambodia. It’s the country’s third most popular tourism destination after Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat temples and Phnom Penh.

Ray Encounter opens at ecotourism park in Mexico (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
The Phillipines declares six villages as “ecotourism” zones (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
Kashmir holds workshop on eco-tourism (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
Israel and ecotourism (and the future) (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
How we all win from national ecotourism accreditation (theadventuredoctor.wordpress.com)

Suffolk in the UK says ecotourism is netting millions

ecoadventuretravel — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:11:56 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

ECO-TOURISM is pumping millions of pounds into the Suffolk economy and creating huge numbers of jobs for the area, according to a new report published today.

The study by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) found Suffolk’s biggest nature reserve, RSPB Minsmere, brought a “staggering” £8million into the area in 2009, of which nearly £3m was purely because of the reserve.

It also supported more than 100 jobs, including 37 full-time workers at the reserve itself, and another 66 staff employed by businesses in the area to cater for tourists.

RSPB area manager Ben McFarland said: “Reports such as this illustrate the role nature reserves play, not only for protecting local wildlife, but also their importance in the functioning of local economies.

“Minsmere receives more than 80,000 visitors a year, many of who stay in local hotels, visit cafés and pubs and shop in surrounding towns and villages.

“Despite a general decline in tourism, wildlife tourism continues to grow as people increasingly seek out wilder areas to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

“This indicates that Minsmere, and other similar large reserves with good facilities, will continue to increase in importance for local areas.”

Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve also provides a huge boost to the economy around Brandon, bringing in £370,000 in tourist spending as well as providing employment for 16 people.

A spokeswoman for the RSPB at Stour Estuary added: “More and more people are now visiting the special places in Essex such as the Stour Estuary and Cattawade Marshes for the wildlife, birds and fresh air.

“This year the RSPB opened up its wildlife garden at Flatford Mill, in Constable Country. This already thriving area will now have another attraction for visitors bringing more people to the area and inspired by the work of the RSPB.”

Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey welcomed the news, which confirmed the value of eco-tourism.

She said: “There are plenty of people who come to Suffolk exclusively to go to places like Minsmere to see our wildlife.

“They come and rent a house for a week or stay in a hotel, so not only is it good for our natural environment but it’s great for our local economy as well. It’s part of an overall package that benefits Suffolk, and we just have to make sure people are aware of the opportunities available to them.”

Bittern: rare birds make come back as breeding swells population (telegraph.co.uk)
‘Less honking, more tweeting!’ Request from RSPB (environmentaleducationuk.wordpress.com)
The IoS guide to wild Britain (independent.co.uk)
Kashmir holds workshop on eco-tourism (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
The UK’s top 10 caravan sites (confused.com)

Ghana says eco-tourism is the fastest growing market in the industry

ecoadventuretravel — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:10:13 +0000

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Mr Edward Awuah, an official of the Forestry Commission in Ghana, has said Eco-tourism is the fastest growing market in the Ghanaian tourism industry.

Mr Awuah said according to the World Tourism Organisation, ecotourism had an annual growth rate of 5 percent and it represented 6 percent of the world gross domestic product and 11.4 percent of all consumer spending.

He said this is not a market to be taken slightly and urged the private sector to help in the development of more ecotourism sites in the country.

Mr Awuah who is also the Coordinator for Awutu-Agona Eco-tourism, said this when he and Mr Ernest Nkansah-Kwarteng, Winneba District Forestry Manager and some Tourism students from Cape Coast inspected the five forest reserves at Awutu Bewuenum.

The five reserves being developed into Eco-tourism by the Forest Commission and the Winneba District Forest are, Akrabong, Obotoumfo, Abasumba, Ahirasu Nos one and two, all near Awutu Bewuenum in the Awutu-Senya District of the Central Region.

Mr Awuah said the reserves have been designated as a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area and are being protected for their exceptionally high levels of biological diversity.

He said around the globe, eco-tourism is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of vacationing adding that the objective of the program was to create jobs and revenue generation whilst maintaining their statuses.

Mr Nkansah-Kwarteng said the Forestry Commission has constructed tourism centre at Awutu Bewuenum with hostel facilities for visitors adding that it had also formed Community Biodiversity Advisory Groups to protect the area.

Kashmir holds workshop on eco-tourism (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
Eastern Visayas in the Phillipines sets regional eco-tourism conference (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
The Phillipines declares six villages as “ecotourism” zones (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
Ghana’s Ellembelle District gets money from France. (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
From Microsoft to Africa: Ashesi campus opens (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

EcoAdventureTravel Blog

Is Egypt ready for eco travel and eco tourism yet?

Related articles

Fatal Zip Line Accident in Hawaii closes tour operator

Related articles

North Pantanal in Brazil is an excellent location for unique local, sustainable travel.

Related articles

Ecotourism on the agenda for the Gambian Tourism Minister

Related articles

Tasmania releases plans for eco-tourism

Related articles

Australia puts more into eco-tourism

Related articles

Cambodia holds Third World Ecotourism Conference

Related articles

Suffolk in the UK says ecotourism is netting millions

Related articles

Ghana says eco-tourism is the fastest growing market in the industry

Related articles