Frequently Asked Questions

How does the auction work? | How will my contribution support ecotourism? | How are featured destinations selected? | Can my country become a featured ecoDestination? | How can I get involved?

Don't see your questions on the list here? You can always contact: ecodestinations[at]ecotourism.org.

How does the auction work?

To bid on a trip...

1. Simply enter the auction website, browse our amazing selection of eco-holiday packages, and place your bid. *If you don't have a cMarket Bidding for Good account yet, register for FREE here. 

2. Once your first bid has been placed, check back frequently to monitor the competition. Bid increases are automatically calculated according to the opening bid price. We definitely suggest you be online for the 15 minutes prior to the auction close to ensure you are not outbid at the last minute!

3. If you're not into bidding, we also offer a "Buy It Now" option, set at approximately 15% off the retail value of each package. When you select this option, pack your bags, the vacation is yours today!

4. Winners will be contacted within 48 hours of the auction close.

5. If you are a lucky winner of one of the amazing packages from ecoDestinations, you will contact the donor to make all your travel arrangements.    

Tips for Auction Participants:

Highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of destinations and extraordinary travel experiences, ecoDestinations will always offer a range of opportunities, representing the diversity of each ecoDestination. We also offer various options in terms of cost, itineraries and package length.

We encourage you to combine several shorter packages to experience several of these excellent initiatives, or if you prefer to stay in one place for a week, and the package listed in the auction is only for 3 days, we're happy to put you in touch with the donor to help you arrange a longer stay.

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How will my contribution support ecotourism?

Your donation will directly impact TIES work of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.

All of TIES programs and projects are dedicated to our mission. As a non-profit industry association, TIES supports and promotes ecotourism initiatives worldwide that focus on solutions, implementation, and action, and we seek innovative ways to strengthen responsible business and empower communities.

Your donation will help strengthen TIES global ecotourism network.

Our members around the world, individuals and organizations from over 90 countries, continue to demonstrate the tangible and intangible benefits of ecotourism for the long-term well-being of local communities. By providing professional development, marketing and networking tools, TIES supports these members’ endeavors in sustaining ecotourism initiatives.

Your donation will help enhance awareness and provide educational opportunities.

Through our educational programs, conferences, workshops, forums, and regular publications, TIES provides unique opportunities for a wide range of participants. With new technologies and online tools, we are reaching an ever growing audience worldwide, and continue to strengthen our communications and educational outreach.

Your donation will help TIES continue making a global impact on travel & tourism.

As the world’s oldest and largest international ecotourism association, TIES represents the collective voice of the global ecotourism community, advocating for policies to put sustainability at the top of the global tourism industry agenda.

Your donation will help TIES give back to communities and destinations.

Demonstrating leadership in outreach, education and advocacy, we have successfully given back to the global ecotourism community by providing marketing tools and promotional opportunities, providing tools and resources for ecotourism entrepreneurs, and donating our "time and talent" to help facilitate initiatives by our members.

Learn more about how your contribution supports ecotourism

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How are featured ecoDestinations selected?

TIES takes a systematic approach to selecting featured destinations based on the following criteria:

√ TIES promotes a balanced global representation of destinations. 

√ By featuring selected destinations in ecoDestinations, TIES seeks to provide positive impacts for the environment, economy and local communities.

√ TIES will assess on a case-by-case basis a destination’s capacity to ensure the safety of international visitors.

√ TIES gives priority to destinations where there are current local, national or regional ecotourism association members.

√ TIES gives priority to destinations that offer opportunities to further fulfill TIES mission.

√ TIES selects destinations based on the following conditions that destinations:

- are prepared and committed to implement the principles of ecotourism.
- demonstrate the capacity to attract national and international visitors.
- demonstrate the capacity to provide financial and in-kind support for TIES.
- offer a diverse range of activities.
- offer accessibility to airports and other modes of transport.
- provide the capacity to promote TIES through the local, state and national media.
- have the capacity to involve the local community, industry, and government. 
- are able to provide suggestions on local ecotourism initiatives and organizations eligible to receive the "5% for COMMUNITIES" contribution.

TIES remains open to new possibilities and approaches for the selection of future destinations, and welcomes requests for future destinations.

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Can my country become a featured ecoDestination?

We believe all destinations have innovative and inspiring ecotourism stories to share with the world, and we want you to tell your stories through ecoDestinations.

If you represent a destination management organization or local, national or regional association, and would like to nominate your destination as a future ecoDestination, please fill out this form or contact us a ecodestinations[at]ecotourism.org to receive more information on the destination selection process.

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How can I get involved?

Share YOUR ecoDestinations story:

Contribute to TIES ecoDestinations Blog and discuss how you have been inspired by the power of ecotourism to make a difference, voice your opinion on critical issues in your destination, seek out like-minded travelers, and ask questions about destinations of your dreams!

Be part of our network & enroll your friends to 'be the change'!

Join us on Facebook and connect with fellow ecoDestinations supporters! Tell your friends about ecoDestinations so they can contribute to conservation, communities and sustainable travel, while learning about amazing destinations around the world.

Suggest an ecolodge to be featured in ecoDestinations auctions:

Send us your suggestions - and let us know why you think the company deserves a global spotlight, and what you think makes them a stellar example of ecotourism in action.

Suggest an organization to receive our COMMUNITIES contribution.

Tell us about local community-based ecotourism initiatives you think should be considered for the COMMUNITIES contribution (5% of monthly proceeds).

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