Priority Interest Workshops

Indigenous Business Leaders in Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

Monday, October 27th 10am to 1pm

This innovative workshop, focusing on the important roles of Indigenous business leaders in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, is a continuation of previous international workshops and public forums on the interface of ecotourism and Indigenous peoples.

The ESTC 2008 workshop will explore areas such as rights and responsibilities, community challenges, Indigenous certification programs and entrepreneurial and capacity building development. To see all the details and confirmed panel experts, click here.

Mainstreaming Sustainability in the Tourism Industry: The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria

Monday, October 27th 11am to 1pm

This workshop will facilitate discussion about challenges and opportunities for main streaming global sustainability practices throughout the tourism value chain. This workshop will also discuss the global sustainable tourism criteria developed by a coalition of 18 international organizations, to serve as the framework for developing an accreditation standard for sustainable tourism certification programs, which is a goal of the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council (STSC). This priority interest workshop is a unique opportunity to preview the criteria, which has been reviewed by more than 1,000 stakeholders and will also be launched at The IUCN 2008 World Conservation Congress in Barcelona. Click here to learn more.

CORFO Presentation: The Opportunity for Marine Tourism Development in Chilean Patagonia

Monday, October 27th 10:00am to 1:00pm

The Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) is working to open and improve marine tourism business opportunities in Chilean Patagonia. Complementary operating seasons in the southern hemisphere provide numerous business opportunities to northern tourism operators. This presentation will describe the opportunities and programs CORFO is implementing to attract northern hemisphere tourism operators to the Patagonia region of Chile.Click here to learn more.