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The Community-Based Tourism Showcase (formerly Responsible Tourism Showcase)

• Recognized the efforts of ETC members and their partners to develop and implement community-based tourism initiatives
• Was featured as part of ETC’s annual conference.

Building Awareness Through Conference Programming

• Innovative sustainable tourism programming throughout the years – from responsible tourism forums to Destinations Deep Dive sessions
• Dynamic and inspiring speakers/leaders in conservation and sustainability
• Relevant case studies and storytelling illustrating why it is important to offer programs sensitive to sustainable practices
• Resources for travel planners for best practices in their programs and with their travel operators. See the Sustainable Tourism Practices Questionnaire.

• Migrating away from conference venues in Tier 1 cities to Tier 2 cities, where local communities directly benefit
• Choosing hotels (for more than a decade, the Marriott hotels) noted for their corporate social responsibility practices
• Working with Executive Chefs to promote menus with locally sourced food
• Recycling and reducing waste by eliminating single use products, when possible
• Advocating water and coffee stations, with mugs and glass, wherever possible
• Highlighting where significant food waste is incurred by no-shows
• Reducing paper dissemination 100% with handouts provided electronically
• Reducing paper consumption by 40% by keeping attendee profiles online
• Minimizing signage throughout conference, using reusable or digital signage

The Sustainability Committee is comprised of ETC members who suggest, review and implement the sustainable tourism track at the annual conferences as well as regional venues.

Committee Members:  Beth Ray-Schroeder, Duke University (Chair); Jared Dial, National Parks Conservation Association;  Andrew Lockwood, Pacific Islands Institute; Karen Kuttner-Dimitry, Lindblad Expeditions; Kate Sanders, Oregon State University; Karl Egloff, World Wildlife Fund; Andrea Holbrook, Holbrook Travel

Community-based tourism is important because it:

• Revives traditional activities and customs
• Empowers communities and nurtures pride within them
• Cultivates a favorable business environment, characterized by stability and supportive policies
• Promotes cultural diversity
• Supports local communities and empower women and youth
• Raises awareness of the value of heritage
• Breaks down barriers and builds bridges between visitors and hosts
• Provides opportunities for cross-cultural encounters that can build peace
• Contributes to mutual understanding, peace and security

–World Trade Organization