Ecotourism conference 2009

Ecotourism is also called as ecological tourism. It is a new concept which has no concrete definition. It can be described as a type of tourism where the environment, local community and visitor all are benefited through mutual understanding. The term "eco tourism" is generally used by the tour operators as a marketing tool to promote  tourism that is related to nature.

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that appeals to ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Eco tourism mainly focuses on those destinations whose primary attractions are the flora, fauna and cultural heritage of that region. The programs which are included in eco tourism are to minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. In addition to this the integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and creation of economic opportunities for the local communities.

To maintain a balance between the nature and tourism industry some guidelines are prepared by the "The International Eco tourism Society(TIES)". This society organizes an annual bi national conference which is known as Eco tourism conference. This year's Eco tourism conference will be the fourth one. It will be held at Portland, Oregan, USA from November 2nd to 4th. As Portland is recognized as the most eco-friendly city of USA, therefore this year's conference will be hosted by Travel Portland and Travel Oregon, the city and state's destination marketing agencies. And the venue for this esteeem conference is Hotel Hilton Portland, the first hotel ever to be green seal ceritified.

The main focus of this conference is on greening the tourism industry of United states of America and Canada. It is assumed that about 400 experts, industry leaders and community stakeholders from across the region will participate in this conference. The key issues of 2009's Eco Tourism Conference are green technologies, climate change strategies, and certification programs. The main objective of this year 's Eco Tourism Conference is to promote effective ways to utilize the sustainable tourism community's experience and expertise to tackle some of the critical challenges which the tourism industry often faces.

These conferences are very beneficiary for business leaders, travel and tourism professionals and community members to gain knowledge of the latest trends in eco tourism and sustainable tourism. And also enables them to learn practical skills and provides them a platform to participate in valuable networking and knowledge sharing.