Program

Ecotourism : Making a Sustainable Difference

Tourism is an increasingly important strategy for economic development for many countries and emerging regions.  It is also a most complex and multi-disciplinary industry challenged with balancing stakeholder interests and the protection and preservation of cultures and the environment.  The Ecotourism track aspires to offer insight, education and inspiration from its international group of presenters, each offering a unique perspective and currently making a significant contribution through sustainable actions.  Join us as we share ongoing challenges and strategies for success in an effort to build the network of diverse resources necessary to contribute to poverty alleviation through sustainable tourism.

Pre Conference : September 28th - 29th

1). The Essentials of Ecotourism: Hot Topics for Today and on the Horizon (presented by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

2). The Bottom Line of Green is Black: Greening the World's Largest Industry,  Tedd Saunders

Tuesday, Sept. 28th, 7-9 pm

Sustainable Tourism Track Program Schedule :

September 30 - October 2

Thursday, September 30th (Times to be announced)
Keynote speeches centered on the general conference theme of Sustainability and Poverty.

Morning:
Ecotourism and Community Culture 

Shifting the Porters Burden - How Partnerships Impact Development Projects
Panel Discussion Featuring: Amanda Daflos - International Mountain Explorers Connection, and partners.

Afternoon:
Ecolodges
Ed Sanders - Belize Lodge and Excursions; Juan Kunchicuy - Yachana Lodge, Ecuador; Karen Lewis, Lapa Rios Eco lodge, Costa Rica.
Evening
Telluride Film Festival @ the Boulder Theater

Friday, October 1

Morning Keynote:

Martha Honey, Executive Dir., International Ecotourism Society, Ecotourism: It's Importance, Trends, and Challenges

Afternoon :

Responsible Tourism
Harold Goodwin, Director, International Center for Responsible Tourism, University of Greenwich
Ecotourism and Poverty Reduction
Panel Discussion Featuring: Fidel Santos, PhD Candidate and past Director, Marine Reserve Punta de Manabique, Guatemala, Tomas Cuevas , Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.
Brighter Futures Through Traveler Philanthropy
Dick Sisman, Managing Director, Dick Sisman & Associates
Brian Mullis , President, Sustainable Travel International/ Peter Krahenbuhl , Vice President, STI.
Responsible Travel
Mandip Soin , Managing Director, Ibex Expeditions; Mark Willuhm, Meso-American Ecotourism Alliance.

Saturday, October 2nd

1:30-2:30 p.m:
Modeling Sustainable Development (Hawaii)
Karl Kim, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Hawaii

2:45-3:45 p.m.
Creating a Colorado Sustainable Tourism Network

Laura Deluca, Researcher, Developing Area Research and Teaching Program,

University of Colorado; Colleen Scanlon-Lyons, Local Funds Coordinator, Global Greengrass Fund.

In addition, the Ecotourism Track presenters will serve as resource advisers.