GREEN TRAVEL - INFO

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, (UNWTO), "the business volume of tourism equals or even surpasses that of oil exports, food products or automobiles" which suggests that the tourism industry will only continue to grow. Increased travel and tourism provides positive benefits such as economic growth and employment opportunities and it can sustain local cultures and ecology in the developing world.

Travel can also have negative consequences such as environmental degradation. Due to an increasing demand for flights, larger airplanes have taken to the air ways which require the use of more energy and fuel which creates more pollution from carbon emissions. The UNWTO stated that "in 2005 tourism (domestic and international) contributed approximately 5 percent to global emissions of carbon dioxide." In addition, hotels are being built using more resources such as energy and materials as well as clearing natural habitats of animals and in some cases native villages in developing countries. Examples of the consequences of an ever-expanding tourism industry can go on indefinitely. Restricting travel and tourism is not the answer considering the positive impact it has on the world economy.

Instead, the industry needs to re-invent itself as a more sustainable industry. Simple changes in operations as well as technological innovation can alter travel to be more environmentally responsible while still allowing the industry to grow.

But there is hope for the industry and those who like to travel. Consider these statistics:

• 3 out 4 American want to purchase green brands
• 67% of US online travelers indicated that they are concerned about the environment
• 48% say supporting green travel services is a necessity even in a down economy
• 31% of Americans are willing to pay more for green travel products and services.

Globetrotter was recently certified by the American Society of Travel Agents as a green agency for developing our own (CSR) Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, meeting the recycling guide lines and other environmental and community initiatives, including the promotion of green travel vendors such as Enterprise, several air carriers such as Southwest and cruise and tour companies like Carnival Cruise Lines.

In addition, we are proud to be a member of the GMIC, the Green Meetings Industry Council where we promote "Green Meetings, Green Venues and Green Hotels."

Globetrotter Green Travel
1 800 322 7032 or 301-570-0800
or fax 301-570-5670
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