ESTC 2010 Proposed Session Topics The ESTC 2010 conference sessions will focus on triple bottom line approaches to sustainability in travel and tourism. Track 1- Creative Approaches to Triple Bottom Line: Addressing Economic Challenges and Business Opportunities
Track 1 - Creative Approaches to Triple Bottom Line: Addressing Economic Challenges and Business Opportunities 1.1. Sustainability and understanding the travel consumer in the new economy Businesses throughout the travel industry have seen a fundamental change in traveler preferences and patterns. A select few of these businesses were immersed in sustainability and authenticity, allowing them to benefit from the choices of the new travel consumer. Others have learned quickly and adjusted successfully. This session focuses on understanding the lasting changes caused by shifting consumer values and demands, likely accelerated by the troubled economy, and the long-term profitably outlook of sustainable business practices. Proposals should focus on sustainability as a market driver and on effective strategies for understanding and responding to the new travel consumer. 1.2. Business case for sustainability in travel and tourism Investing in sustainable business strategies, when implemented effectively, can help improve the financial bottom line, which is a critical element of sustainability. This session discusses sustainability practices and resource-saving tools that demonstrate benefits of sustainable business models. Proposals should focus on case studies that establish a strong business case for sustainability in travel and tourism, which can also be applied to the mainstream tourism industry. 1.3. Debate: Certification programs’ contribution to the triple bottom line The focus of this session is to debate the effectiveness and evaluate the pros and cons of sustainable tourism certification programs. Proposals are accepted for presenters to represent either side of the debate, presenting case studies on the benefits and drawbacks of participating in certification programs. Presenters should be knowledgeable in the debate process, and be prepared to address questions from the audience. 1.4. How to make the most of your marketing budget With the rapid growth of information and communication technologies, businesses today have endless opportunities to market their product and reach the target audience in a creative and cost-effective way. This session aims to help participants find the right marketing opportunities that maximize their marketing dollar. Proposals should focus on successful (and unsuccessful) examples of innovative approaches to online marketing channels, social networking tools, and other media outlets. 1.5. Staying ahead in today's green economy Ecotourism and sustainable tourism businesses are at the forefront of the growth of the "green-collar economy." This session highlights working examples of the benefits of being green and discusses how to enhance a business's competitive edge in the ever-growing green markets. Proposals should address practical strategies for taking extra steps beyond "going green" to stay ahead of today's sustainable business trends.
Practical Ideas on Triple Bottom Line: Managing Footprint and Implementing Solutions 2.1. Reducing climate footprint through effective carbon management Climate change is presenting significant challenges to a wide spectrum of social, economic and environmental aspects in our lives, and is a major issue in travel and tourism worldwide. This session will focus on innovative solutions, strategies and policies which address this important topic. Proposals should include case studies that focus on operational solutions, or highlight strategic responses by policy makers, communities, public land management agencies, and educational institutions. 2.2. Green building as a key element of sustainability solutions This session discusses business practices, project examples and community initiatives that highlight the roles of green building, green landscaping and sustainable design as an integral part of travel and tourism in today's increasingly greener world. Topics include: best practice examples of ecotourism and sustainable tourism businesses utilizing green building practices; proven long-term strategies for green lodging practices; business and community support for sustainable design and architecture. 2.3. Sustainable tourism in parks, protected areas and public lands This session will highlight initiatives within parks, protected areas and public lands relevant to tourism development. This session seeks to address a range of topics including but not limited to: certification programs, land management and climate change initiatives, sustainable development trends, visitor management, interpretation, commercial outfitting, permitting, financing and human-wildlife interactions. Submissions should focus on one or more of the following: applied research on tourism and land management; issues relevant to utilizing public lands in the development of tourism products; useful tips and tools to enhance the sustainability of parks, protected areas and public lands, or to enhance the relationships between public land managers and tourism enterprises. 2.4. Roundtable: Innovative environmental strategies for tour operators This session will gather representatives of both in-bound and out-bound tour operators to address important questions surrounding sustainable business models, highlighting innovative approaches to reducing operators’ environmental footprint. Tour operators of all sizes are encouraged to submit proposals to become roundtable facilitators to share their experiences and lead the discussions. 2.5. Effective strategies for financing sustainability initiatives in tourism Ecotourism and sustainable tourism businesses of any size will benefit from learning about tourism social enterprises from around the world successfully financing their conservation and sustainability initiatives. This session will discuss creative and effective ways that lodges, community-tourism projects and other ecotourism businesses can connect and partner with funding and financing organizations to sustainably solidify and grow their businesses, increasing their contribution to environmental restoration or significantly lowering their impact. Submissions should focus on examples of successful financing and fundraising strategies and practical ideas.
Track 3 - Strengthening Triple Bottom Line: Building Partnerships and Engaging Communities 3.1. Creating and promoting a sense of place The concept of a “sense of place” has become an integral part of successful approaches to sustainable tourism development. This session will illustrate how destination marketing organizations, ecolodges, hotels and operators can work together to utilize the principles of ecotourism to enhance a wide range of geographical, cultural and historical characters of a place. Proposals should focus on practical strategies to develop and promote authentic travel experiences that help protect and enhance what makes a place unique. 3.2. Indigenous tourism: preserving authenticity and enhancing travel experiences An increasing number of travelers today seek unique cultural and educational experiences in the communities they visit. Drawing on examples and lessons learned from Indigenous tourism businesses and community leaders, this session discusses how to enrich travelers' experiences, utilizing ecotourism and sustainable tourism as a means to preserve and enhance cultural and natural heritage. 3.3. Voluntourism: from a community project to a consumer product Voluntourism, travel experiences that incorporate volunteer activities that give back to the host community, is increasingly gaining recognition as a unique and effective way for travelers to contribute to the communities they visit. Highlighting various local and international best practice examples, this session will focus on practical questions on developing, implementing and marketing voluntourism projects. Proposals should incorporate case studies on effective approaches to partnership building, business development, and project management. 3.4. How to build win-win partnerships for your business and community This session will present key case studies of strategic private-public partnership between CVBs, DMOs, Tourism Departments/Ministries and businesses and local stakeholders, demonstrating how effective partnerships can benefit ecotourism and sustainable tourism in destinations. Proposals should focus on ways to maximize the potentials of sustainable tourism development through partnerships, presenting proven strategies and lessons learned. 3.5. Strengthening your business by diversifying your audience Although the world today increasingly embraces racial and cultural diversity, we continue to face enormous challenges of creating a more just and equal society. How can the ecotourism and sustainable tourism community better contribute to broader racial, ethnic and cultural diversity? Proposals should focus on examples of businesses and communities implementing strategic approaches to attracting and delivering tailored experiences geared to special-interest audiences. |
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