Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

You can register online at the Conference Registration page. For offline registration options, please follow the link on the above page.

What are the conference registration fees?

The registration fees for the conference are as follows (*subject to change):

*TIES organization members (Association, Business, NGO, Institution and College & University-levels) can register up to two people per organization at the TIES Member rate.
*Speakers will receive a discounted rate. See below for more information.

>> For registration questions, please contact estcreg[at]ecotourism.org or call +1 202 506 5033 x20.

How do I become a TIES member and what are the benefits?

Please visit the membership page on TIES website for detailed information on the membership levels and benefits, and to fill out the membership application form. As part of your conference registration, you will also be able to become a TIES member or renew your current membership for a special discounted rate.

Do you offer student discounts?

Yes, TIES is committed to supporting students engaged in higher education in the field of ecotourism and sustainable tourism. To encourage students to take advantage of the learning and networking opportunities through the ESTC 2010, TIES offers a discounted registration for students. To be able to register at the student rate, you will need provide proof (e.g. current student ID) that you are enrolled in a university or college program at on-site registration.

Does the conference price include accommodation?

The registration fee does not include hotel accommodations. However, we do have a special conference discounted rate of $149.00 per night at the Hilton Portland. When making your reservations, please mention you will be staying for The International Ecotourism Society's Conference (ESTC 2010) and the conference rate will be extended to you. Please make your reservations prior to July 31, 2010 by calling the Hilton Hotel at +1 503 226 1611, or by booking online here. (If the link does not work, copy the following URL and paste it into your browser: www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/PDXPHHH-IES-20100831/index.jhtml)

Looking for someone to share a room with at the conference hotel, the Hilton Portland Downtown? Post and search here.

What is included in the conference price?

Registration fees include attendance for all sessions from September 8th through September 10th, open pre-conference sessions, conference materials, food and beverage during the conference (breaks and lunch), Opening Reception, Sustainable Culinary Showcase, and the Closing Reception. Day Passes don't include tickets to Sustainable Culinary Showcase.

I am interested in having my company sponsor the event, who do I contact?

Sponsoring the ESTC 2010 is great exposure for any company wanting to reach key target markets in ecotourism and sustainable tourism. Please contact us at estc[at]ecotourism.org or +1 202 506 5033 x12.

What is the registration fee for speakers?

All accepted speakers will receive a 25% discount on their registration fee.

Do you offer scholarships for delegates?

Currently there are no scholarships available for the ESTC 2010.

Can the conference organizer issue visa support letters for delegates from overseas?

TIES is able to issue a letter of support for your visa application once your conference registration is completed and payment processed. After you receive confirmation of your registration via email, please fill out and submit the completed visa request form (click to download the form). TIES cannot be held responsible for failure of visa applications. Regular cancelation fees (see below for details on cancellation policy) will apply should your conference registration be cancelled due to unsuccessful visa application. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact: estcreg[at]ecotourism.org.

Will the conference organizer help me with my travel needs?

ESTC participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements, as well as any visa requirements.

Will any part of the conference be translated in any other languages besides English?

No, the conference will only be in English.

What are the accepted forms of payment?

TIES accepts payments via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal and US bank-issued checks. If paying with check, your registration will not be completed until the check is received and processed.

Can I pay in other currency than US Dollars?

We only accept registration payment in US Dollars via credit card, PayPal or US bank-issued checks. International checks are not accepted.

If I am unable to attend, what is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation and refund requests received in writing by August 8, 2010 are subject to a $100 administrative fee. Please send your request to fax +1 202 789 7279 or e-mail estcreg[at]ecotourism.org. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received after August 8, 2010. Substitutions are accepted any time prior to the start of the program at no additional cost.

Visa Cancellation Policy
If you register before July 8, 2010, and do not receive a visa, your registration will be refunded minus a US $50 processing fee. If you register after July 8, 2010, do not receive a visa and cancel by August 8, 2010, your registration will be refunded minus a US $100 processing fee. If you register after July 8, 2010, do not receive a visa and cancel after August 8, 2010, no refund will be provided.

Other questions? Please contact us at estc[at]ecotourism.org