March 9, 2009 · Burlington, VT
Concrete steps toward understanding the green travel economy were backed by business organizations in 2008, as this new/old paradigm shifted into high gear.
American Express and the US Travel Association, two heavy hitters in the U.S. and on the global travel stage launched Travelgreen.org -- a new web portal with vital resources for greening mainstream travel. And the SEEP Network completed a year-long study of supply chains for small enterprise development in Central America.
Both relied on EplerWood International for consultation, expertise, and focused research -- and Epler Wood's 20-year history of guiding travel business toward successful green models of market-based, enterprise development. "There's been some outstanding progress in 2008 toward setting clear sustainability goals," says Megan Epler Wood, "but finding the means for business and destinations to make these goals concrete, especially in this declining economy, is where all the due diligence is now required. It is my view that solid business and supply chain management will remain fundamental to the travel industry's ability to meet sustainability goals." Travelgreen.org Digesting all of the criteria, certification bodies, tools for greening the travel industry and resources available is no easy task. The US Travel Association backed by American Express set out on an ambitious journey to do so with a mission of aiding the broader tourism industry in its quest for sustainability. Travelgreen.org is a portal with a wealth of information for industry players as well as the public showcasing association initiatives and private sector efforts in addition to tools and resources for greening the travel industry. Resources include best practice case studies, frameworks and certification programs, government policy, consumer and market research as well as definitions, links, and consumer travel tips. SEEP Network The SEEP Network, a global association whose members are committed to reducing poverty through the power of enterprise, created the Practitioner Learning Program (PLP) that explores key issues facing the microenterprise field. Three PLP case study reports were released after an extensive process of dialog on improving business approaches with the participants, and a conference panel with feedback from micro-enterprise experts from around the world. |
