For Release through
September 2003

U.S.T.O.A. MEMBERS EXPAND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PACKAGES
From Chinese Pandas to the Galapagos Islands,
Programs Offer Vacationers a Chance to Make a Difference

Ever think you could help the Aborigines of Australia while you were on vacation Down Under? Or support conservation of endangered forest resources while on safari in the African Masai Mara? Even volunteer for a preservation project by traveling with a tour company?

Well, you can. According to the United States Tour Operators Association -- whose members provide vacations for more than 10 million people annually -- an increasing number of the Association’s members have developed vacation packages focused on experiencing wildlife or native cultures. Other members are sponsoring individual initiatives to help preserve the environment as well as places of historic interest.

"A growing number of our members are putting increasing emphasis on sustainable tourism," remarks Bob Whitley, USTOA president. Among travel packages available from USTOA members are:

  • Galapagos Islands and Quito from Far & Wide. Guests travel the Galapagos Islands, accompanied by experts from scientific institutions, and learn about the area’s ecology, flora and fauna from licensed resident naturalists.
  • "Sichuan – Land of the Panda," from China Travel Service (USA). The itinerary visits two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, as well as the Wolong Nature Reserve, where scientists have established a Giant Panda breeding program.
  • Ecotourism packages from Avanti Destinations and Majestic Vacations. Itineraries feature such environmentally rich destinations as Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Brazil and the Amazon Region, plus Tierra del Fuego and more.
  • The Australian Aboriginal cultural experience. AAT Kings works with local companies owned and operated by Aboriginal peoples to provide authentic and unique experiences for its customers. Profits are returned to these native businesses.

Initiatives undertaken by individual USTOA member companies include:

  • The Olonana Forestry Initiative in Africa’s Masai Mara, a collaborative effort between Abercrombie & Kent and the local community to develop more efficient cooking and heating methods, thus conserving endangered forest resources. Safari passengers are encouraged to purchase reforestation seedlings from the nearby tree nursery.
  • Sunny Land Tours sponsors an elementary school student’s participation in Costa Rica’s Biodiversity Educational Program, which complements the student’s regular course of study. The Biodiversity Program promotes better understanding of the value of biodiversity in order to improve the quality of life.
  • Tauck World Discovery supports America’s National Parks not only through charitable contributions, but through company-organized volunteer labor projects that bring employees and guests together to help in restoration of historic areas such as Valley Forge.
  • Adventure Network International has an ongoing program to ensure minimum environmental impact on the Antarctic.
  • Lindblad Expeditions maintains a company-wide environmental management system, approved by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance, ensuring environmental stewardship.

Other USTOA members contribute to the Traveler’s Conservation Foundation (TCF), the charitable arm of USTOA. Since its inception, TCF has raised and generated contributions of more than $1 million to help preserve and protect the world’s natural, cultural and historic treasures for future generations. Through partnerships with Save America’s Treasures, TCF funds are helping to provide for the restoration of the original ferry building on Ellis Island, and the restoration of Orchard House, the home of Louisa May Alcott, author of "Little Women."

Founded in 1999 TCF identifies cultural, historical and environmental sites in need of conservation, preservation or restoration throughout the world, and provides funding either through USTOA-member and public contributions, or through philanthropic partnerships and matching grants. In order to qualify for TCF consideration, all projects must be related to tourism.

For more information on USTOA visit www.ustoa.com. Or phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862) for a copy of the free Smart Traveler’s Planning Guide.

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Press Contact:

Linda Kundell
Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798 phone
(212) 877-3387 fax
LRKPR@att.net or LRKPR@aol.com

For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.