The annual report summarizes TIES' (The International Ecotourism Society) activities from 2009-2010. It provides an overview of TIES' mission to unite conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. It discusses TIES' efforts to engage members, educate about ecotourism, and inspire positive change through conferences, partnerships, and other initiatives. The report highlights TIES' 20 year history and looks ahead to continued work promoting sustainable tourism practices globally.

1. Annual Report
2009-2010

2. Contents
p2 Special Thanks to TIES Members / p3 Our Mission / p4
What We Do / p5-6 TIES History - Since 1990 / p7-8 Mes-
sages from Our Members / p9 TIES Board of Directors /
p11 Our Members, Our Partners / p12 TIES ecoAuction /
p13 A Sneak Preview of What’s to Come in 2011-12

3. THANK YOU
TIES global network proudly represents and is supported by members from over 100
countries who are leading the vital efforts to make travel and tourism more sustain-
able. It is an immense honor to be part of this worldwide network of leaders, pioneers
and active supporters of tourism as a socially, environmentally and economically viable
tool for sustainable development.
From all of us at TIES team, we would like to share a big THANK YOU to our members
who have made a tremendous difference for TIES growth in the past two decades, and
who continue to inspire positive changes in the global tourism industry.
-The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

4. Our Mission
Engage
Through an international network of industry
professionals and business leaders, TIES
offers valuable networking and professional
development opportunities.
Ecotourism.org/Network
Educate Inspire
As a global source of knowledge and advo- Utilizing the global ecotourism develop-
cacy in ecotourism, TIES offers practical edu- ment experiences, TIES helps mainstream
cational tools and promotes capacity building sustainability in tourism and inspire positive
opportunities for professionals. changes in the industry.
Ecotourism.org/Learn Ecotourism.org/Sustain
Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel

5. What We Do... 2009 at a Glance
Strengthening Opportunities through International Networks
First 10 ambassadors selected for
Travel Ambassador Program.
Membership Services: Helping members connect with each other and access valuable
information and resources. 10 destinations and themes fea-
tured through ecoDestinations.
Online Networking: Offering networking opportunities and marketing tools through
TIES website, Ecotourism.org. 100+ articles on Your Travel Choice
Blog.
Network Building: Helping strengthen “ties” among members through partnerships
with associations and regional groups. 10,000+ subscribers to Digital Trav-
eler eNewsletter.
Sharing Education and Capacity Building Platforms
Conferences & Workshops: Providing quality learning and knowledge sharing opportu-
nities through our events.
Educational Partnerships: Collaborating with universities and educational institutions
to create and strengthen educational opportunities for students and professionals.
Awareness-Building Initiatives: Working with members and partners to raise aware-
ness of the principles of ecotourism and best practice examples.
Supporting Efforts to Mainstream Sustainability in Tourism
Industry Partnerships: Partnering with various local, national and international indus-
try organizations to strengthen efforts to promote sustainability in tourism.
Sharing Wisdom: Working with leading industry organizations to establish standards
and guidelines to promote sound development of ecotourism and sustainable tourism.
Inspiring Change: Establishing mechanisms to apply lessons learned from ecotourism
examples to help create positive change in mainstream tourism.
Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel

6. TIES History - Since 1990
20 years www.ecotourism.org/our-story
1990 1994
The Ecotourism Society
1998
launched by a team or-
ganized by Megan Epler
Wood as the world’s first
1992
“International
Ecotourism Partners”
meeting, St. John, US
1996 Marine ecotourism
2000
international non-profit Advocates for sound Virgin Islands, to foster Tourism, Ecotour- stakeholder meetings
dedicated to ecotourism ecotourism practices national and regional ism and Protected in the Caribbean and
as a tool for conserva- at World Parks and Pro- ecotourism associa- Mexico. “Your Travel
Areas co-published
tion and sustainable tected Areas Congress in tions. Choice Can Make
with the World
development. Caracas, Venezuela and “Developing an Eco- a Difference”
Conservation Union
First World Congress on tourism Destination” consumer educa-
(IUCN).
Tourism and the Environ- regional workshop in tion campaign
ment in Belize. Quintana Roo, Mexico. launched.
The International Ecotourism Society
Publishes its first
book, Ecotour-
ism: A Guide for “Ecotourism at the Crossroads” - A regional
Planners and The Ecolodge Sourcebook for conference in Kenya, co-hosted by Kenya Wild-
Managers Planners and Developers. life Service and Ecotourism Society of Kenya.

7. 2002
The first Ecotourism in the U.S. Global Ecotourism Conference
2010
Conference in Bar Harbor, Maine, in Oslo, Norway, co-organized by
co-organized by the local Chamber Ecotourism Norway and the United
of Commerce. September 2005. Nations Environment Programme.
The United Nations May 2007.
International Year of Ecotourism and Sustain-
Ecotourism (IYE) able Tourism Conference
(ESTC) held in Portland,
IYE regional meet-
ings in Belize, India,
2006 2008 Oregon, USA, co-hosted
by Travel Portland and
2004
Kenya, Peru, Thailand, Travel Oregon.
the Seychelles and Public forum “Indigenous
“Traveling with Climate in Mind” consumer Business Leaders in
Sweden. education campaign launched. The first European
Ecotourism” organized Ecotourism Conference
Begins multi-year
in partnership with the (EuroEco), held in Parnu,
research on tour-
Swedish Ecotourism Estonia, co-hosted by the
ism certification as
Society. Estonian Ecotourism As-
part of Rainforest
Alliance-led project sociation.
Ecotourism and Sustain-
focusing on five
able Tourism Conference
Latin American
(ESTC) in Vancouver, Brit-
countries.
ish Columbia, Canada.
Uniting Conservation, Communities and Sustainable Travel
TIES 15th anniversary Washington DC Eco-
“Celebration of Ecotourism” in Tour, highlighting
Washington, DC. eco-friendly initia-
tives and educational
opportunities in the
greater Washington,
DC community.
International Ecolodge
Guidelines
Ecotourism.org/Our-Story

8. “
Makiko Nakagaki, Executive Secretary, Ecotourism Japan
Congratulation, TIES, on your 20th Anniversary! Net-
working is key to furthering the ecotourism movement,
Thomas A. Tabor, Ecotourism Develop- and I believe that TIES’ roles in assisting networking
ment Consultant, Nebraska Department of opportunities around the world will be more and more
Economic Development, Division of Travel important. In many countries, ecotourism is perceived
& Tourism and practiced in a variety of ways that reflect their
unique cultural and social values. I hope to see informa-
Kaity Tsui, I LOVE NY’s “Greenest My first exposure to TIES was at the “2005 tion about ecotourism disseminated globally by TIES
Ecotourism in the U.S. Conference” in representing not only global but also local perspectives,
New Yorker” highlighting diverse approaches. In today’s globalized
Bar Harbor, Maine. The conference itself
opened up relationships and a networking and rapidly changing society, our worldwide ecotourism
I like the user-friendly and community that I have used for resources, network plays a critical role in promoting and advocat-
informative features of the TIES education, latest research, development ing for a more sustainable future. I believe that as a
website, such as the “Tips for concepts, supportive tools for conserva- community we form a stronger voice, and as a commu-
Travelers” section, especially tion and preservation, collaboration with nity we build synergies that lead to meaningful actions.
with burgeoning interest in the a similarly goal-oriented international I look forward to continue creating opportunities for
eco-/sustainable tourism indus- market, and perhaps, most importantly, collaborative actions with fellow members from around
try. As more travelers become lifelong friendships and support from the world.
increasingly attracted to this like-minded people. In my position here in
type of alternative tourism, it’s Nebraska, I work closely with rural people 20周年おめでとうございます。 エコツーリズムという運動には、ネ
imperative for global networks who work on the land. Nebraska has a ッ トワークは不可欠であり、 TIESの今後の国際的役割も益々大き
limited amount of public access land (97% くなると感じています。 各国での文化や社会背景により、 エコツー
such as TIES to serve as “sources is privately-owned), and to access some of リズムに対する価値観や取り組みは国々や地域によっても多様
of knowledge and advocacy the state’s most pristine areas, one needs 化してきています。 TIESとしての視点だけでなく、 そうしたエコツ
uniting communities, conserva- to have strong connections with landown- ーリズムの多角的な取り組みについても、 発信していただけるこ
tion, and sustainable travel” in ers. From that first conference to the most とを期待しています。 めまぐるしく変わる社会の中において、 持続
order to highlight the issues and recent one I attended in Portland, Oregon, 可能な生き方を提案している我々の活動は今まさに必要とされ
challenges raised in this blos- the education, training, and network of ています。 そのような社会に対し、 トワークだからこそ世界的
ネッ
soming industry as its definition friends and colleagues I have developed にも大きな声をあげていく力を持ちえるし、 つながりによってシナ
continues to expand. In the end, has been an asset to our state. What I do is ジーが生まれ、 より大きなアクションを生み出していく ことができ
it’s really about thinking globally so rewarding, in major part because I have ます。 今後もそのようなアクションを一緒につく りだしていけるこ
and acting consciously. been able to implement TIES many con- とを楽しみにしています。
cepts of ecotourism right here in Nebraska. - 日本エコツーリズムセンター理事 事務局長 中垣 真紀子
・

9. ”
2010 at a Glance
TIES 20th Anniversary!
514 organization members.
Piero Ponce, Executive Board Member, Regional Cham- 1,070 individual members.
ber of Tourism (Ayacucho, Peru)
TIES is the worldwide reference for sustainable tour- 11 New Advisory Board Members.
ism and best case practices. By promoting continuously
research and connecting organizations and individuals 47 new members participated in
on a common goal, we will ensure that conservation, the ESTC 2010 conference.
communities and sustainable travel will remain as our
priorities in ensuring the sustainable development of
this unique green industry. Innovation Award launched.
I’ve been associated with TIES for 10 years as a mem-
ber and partner in providing media relations for both
the organization and quite a number of members
who are tour operators, operate eco lodges, etc. TIES
has been such a leader in promoting sustainable prac-
tices globally and has provided a forum for meaning-
ful conversation amongst the constituency that they
serve.
As a participant and speaker at conferences organized
and sponsored by TIES, it has been so inspirational
Nancy Harrison, Founding to see the synergy amongst academics, community
Partner, Adventure Media organizers, outfitters and operators all coming to-
gether to further the cause of sustainable tourism
(The photo was taken in development, thoughtful economic impact and the
Volcanoes National Park, corresponding betterment of people worldwide. And
Rwanda with mountain this all happens while providing travelers the unique
gorillas.) opportunity to see and experience world culture,
wildlife, nature, sights and sounds all that enrich our
collective experience. It’s a wonderful thing that TIES
has done these past twenty years and will continue to
build and grow in the next twenty years and beyond.

10. TIES Board of Directors
Dr. Kelly Bricker Deirdre Campbell Richard Edwards Shadia Garrison Palitha Gurusinghe Glenn Jampol
Associate Professor, Owner, The Tartan Group Marketing Director, Gap Consultant, Writer, Project Founder and President, President, Finca Rosa
Department of Parks, Adventures Manager Sri Lanka Ecotourism Blanca Coffee Plantation
Recreation and Tourism, Foundation and Inn
University of Utah
TIES Advisory Board
comprises of ecotour-
ism experts and indus-
try leaders.
Representing diverse
groups of stakehold-
ers, the Advisory Board
serves as an effective
venue to support TIES
mission.
Ariane Janér Karen Lewis Kimberly Lisagor Rick MacLeod Farley Hitesh Mehta
Co-Founder, EcoBrasil Owner, Lapa Rios Ecolodge Journalist, Author Principal Consultant, Ma- Architect, Landscape
cLeod Farley & Associates Architect and Ecotourism
Planner, HM Design
TIES Governance Board
Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair
Masaru Takayama, Vice
Chair
Jon Bruno, Treasurer
Jason Banks, Advisor
www.ecotourism.org/
board
Paul Radchenko Wolfgang Strasdas, PhD. Masaru Takayama Albert Teo Chin Kion Annie Vanderwyk
Tourism Development Professor, University of Executive Director, Japan Managing Director Principal Cultural Consul-
Planner, Government of Applied Sciences Eber- Ecolodge Association / Borneo Eco Tours tant, Wild Earth Expeditions
Alberta swalde Founder, Spirit of Japan
Travel

11. “The tourism indus-
try has the power
to make a positive
change. It is uniquely
positioned to take a
place-based approach
to conservation and
poverty alleviation.”
-Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair,
TIES Board of Directors

12. Our Members Our Partners
Global Network Recipe for Success
TIES global network of members consists of orga- TIES partners with NGO’s, associations and other or-
nizational members (Association, Business, NGO, ganizations that share our commitment to responsible
Institution, College & University) and individual travel and sustainable development.
members (Professional, Student, Traveler).
Ecotourism Associations
Providing the vital links between governments,
NGOs, businesses and citizens, local, national and
regional ecotourism associations are a crucial part
of our efforts to further TIES mission.
www.ecotourism.org/ecotourism-associations
Voluntourism Partner: Planeterra
Planeterra is a leading non-profit foundation dedi-
cated to sustainable community development and
environmental conservation through travel.
www.ecotourism.org/planeterra
Membership Service Partners
Adventure Media
TravMedia
Stylus Publishing
www.ecotourism.org/membership
Ecotourism Explorer: a global
online network for individuals
and organizations committed to Your Travel Choice Blog Partners
the principles of ecotourism. WHL Group
Much Better Adventures
www.ecotourism.org/ www.yourtravelchoice.org/about/partners
explorer

13. TIES ecoAuction ESTC Silent Auction
Featurin a special selection of eco- At the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism
holiday packages generously donated Conference (ESTC), held in Portland OR in Sep-
by TIES members, TIES ecoAuction is tember 2010, a silent auction was organized,
hosted on Bidding for Good, a charitable offering eco-holiday packages (along with
auction community with over 87,000 other auction items) generously donated by
active bidders. TIES members from around the world.
January 2009 - December 2009 ESTC Silent Auction
• 58 auction items sold • 58 auction items sold
• $28,508 raised • $4,570 raised
January 2010 - December 2010
• 45 auction items sold
• $15,264 raised
Access TIES ecoAuction
www.biddingforgood.com/
ecotourismauction
Sponsorship Information
www.ecotourism.org/
sponsor-ties-ecoauction
uction
YO U ecoA rters!
THANK rs & Suppo
Sponso

14. A Sneak Preview of What’s to Come in 2011-12
More opportunities for sharing stories and Ecotourism.org will not only be a place for Get engaged in ecotourism initiatives
inspirations through improved tools for learning, but also a platform for networking around the world by actively participating in
members to interact with each other. and expanding your networks. TIES global network!
Stay tuned: Ecotourism.org

15. Sustainability Indigenous
Tranform
Tourism
Creative Solutions
Education Off the
Sustainable Business Beaten
Community
Biodiversity
Model
Making a Path
Conservation transition Difference
Opportunities
Appreciating Cultural Diversity
Voices of Nature Story-
Leadership
Adventure
CSR Celebrating
Quality of Life
Telling
Greening Excellence
Giving Back
Capacity Building
Respecting Our Land
Tourism Local ecolodge Rewarding
and
Networking
Travel Heritage
Memorable
Sharing Experiences
Ideas
Wildlife Authenticity
Responsible Travel Innovation
Millennium Development
Voluntourism slowness Award
Goals
www.yourtravelchoice.org
Photography Credits
Page 2 (from left) Ecotourism Japan, Piero Ponce, Ecotourism Society Pakistan, Outside Hilton Head Island, Dream Nepal Travels & Tours, The
International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 4 “2010 at a Glance” - Photo by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 5 “Ecotourism
at the Crossroads” - Photo by Megan Epler Wood; Page 6 Ecotourism in the US Conference, Global Ecotourism Conference - Photos by The
International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 7 (from left) Kaity Tsui, Thomas A. Tabor, Ecotourism Japan; Page 8 (top) Piero Ponce, (bottom)
Nancy Harrison; Page 8 “2010 at a Glance” - Photo by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES); Page 14 “ESTC Silent Auction” - photo: Sarah
Henderson, sirenapictures.com.