Sponsor News

Kayaking in Monterey Bay, California

By Brad Nahill, SEE Turtles / SEEtheWILD

Who would you rather see while kayaking - a movie star or a cuddly marine mammal? I had the opportunity to do both just a short drive from San Francisco in August of 2010.

Monterey, California is in some ways a model for how wildlife-based tourism can revive a community and benefit both people and endangered animals. In the early 1900’s, the town was a hub for the fishing industry and was home to many canneries based on the abundant catches coming in from fishermen. Fish stocks crashed in the 1950’s from overfishing, decimating the community.

Climate Action at the Local Level

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to join the Monterey Bay Regional Climate Action Compact (MBRCAC). Supervisors Jane Parker, Fernando Armenta and Simon Salinas voted to join the compact, which was recommended by the county Planning Department. Supervisor Dave Parker was absent.

The compact, as described in an approval recommendation, is a group of local governments, educational institutions, private businesses and non-governmental organizations whose purpose "is to coordinate and work collaboratively on independent and regional climate change initiatives."

The compact "emphasizes voluntary initiatives with a focus on developing programs and incentives that will stimulate the local economy and lead to local job creation," states the county report.

From the Pacific Ocean to canyon national parks, from the hills of San Francisco to the bustle of Los Angeles, from happy San Diego to glitzy Hollywood, when you think California, you think of vacations and adventures. In the world of tourism, California is one of the greatest and most renowned global destinations on Earth.

"We're extremely thrilled to welcome Visit California as a new destination alliance to ICTP [International Council of Tourism Partners]," said Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Chairman of ICTP, "This is an important commitment for the Golden State and for the general growth of their tourism industry. California leads the world with many examples of their various programs for environmental protection and the importance the state gives to tourism."

Hunter H. McIntosh Selected as One of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing by the Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International (HSMAI)

Jacksonville Beach, Florida, December 13, 2011 – The Boat Company's Chief Operating Officer, Hunter H. McIntosh, has been named one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing by the Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for 2011.

Considered the travel and hospitality industry’s "who's who list", McIntosh joins a distinguished group of honorees known for "habitually exemplifying traits indicative of the best sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries."

Island destinations around the world face unique conservation challenges, climate change threats, and sustainable development opportunities

About CABI

CABI is a not-for-profit development and information organization that applies scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment, to address the challenges of food security, and to improve access to agricultural and environmental scientific knowledge. CABI’s mission is influenced by member countries who help guide activities undertaken. CABI has published numerous books on the subject of tourism and ecotourism. For a complete list of these publications, visit the CABI bookstore here.