Our Story

[cmsmasters_row data_padding_bottom_mobile_v=”90″ data_padding_top_mobile_v=”70″ data_padding_bottom_mobile_h=”120″ data_padding_top_mobile_h=”100″ data_padding_bottom_tablet=”120″ data_padding_top_tablet=”100″ data_padding_bottom_laptop=”180″ data_padding_top_laptop=”160″ data_resp_vert_pad=”true” data_padding_bottom=”320″ data_padding_top=”300″ data_color_overlay=”rgba(37,65,81,0.85)” data_bg_parallax_ratio=”0.5″ data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”center center” data_bg_img=”15819|http://ecotourism.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/yavor-punchev-347831-unsplash-1920×1080-300×200.jpg|medium” data_color=”default” data_bot_style=”default” data_top_style=”default” data_width=”boxed” data_shortcode_id=”mqkxmod01p”][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″ data_shortcode_id=”tsg36hzfki” data_animation_delay=”0″ data_border_style=”default” data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”top center”][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”7wa1fjh6oc” type=”h2″ font_size=”62″ line_height=”70″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”center” color=”#ffffff” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]Our Story[/cmsmasters_heading][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_row data_shortcode_id=”xwbrwz8ujq” data_width=”fullwidth” data_padding_left=”0″ data_padding_right=”0″ data_columns_behavior=”true” data_top_style=”default” data_bot_style=”default” data_color=”default” data_bg_color=”#ffffff” data_padding_top=”0″ data_padding_bottom=”0″ data_resp_vert_pad=”true” data_padding_bottom_tablet=”0″][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″ data_border_style=”default” data_padding_mobile_v=”70px 9% 60px 9%” data_padding_laptop=”85px 9% 60px 9%” data_resp_padding=”true” data_padding=”10% 29% 10% 20%” data_shortcode_id=”d78dwlia”][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”8wuxlkod3″ type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2016[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”chfe3a6g85″ animation_delay=”0″]

• First annual ESTCNA held in Tampa Bay, Florida in partnership with the Patel College of Global Sustainability

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”tli7qrzqz7″ type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2015[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”sxv7lklvgk” animation_delay=”0″]

• Largest ever ESTC held in Quito, Ecuador with the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador
• TIES turns 25 years old!
• Revision of ecotourism Definition and Principles
• Awards the Kelly Bricker Award to Simon Omalenge

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”fspse07w1j” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2014[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”uax2cyjar6″ animation_delay=”0″]

• Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference held in Bonito, Brazil
• Participates at “Beyond 2015: An Action Agenda by Non-governmental organizations” at the United Nations to include tourism as a significant contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Launch of the Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management in partnership with George Washington University

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”kglkp53oli” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2013[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”nxhg3l8tsi” animation_delay=”0″]

• First international Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya
• Awards Megan Epler-Wood “TIES Lifetime Achievement Award”
• Launch of the Ecotourism Master Class Series
• Publication of the Sustainable Tourism and the Millennium Development Goals
• Launch of the University Consortium Certificate

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”jwlm7vyfaj” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2012[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”ylvlwi8kch” animation_delay=”0″]

• Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference held in Monterey, California
• Participates USAID-sponsored ecotourism skills development program in Jordan
• Launch of e-publication “The International Voluntourism Guidelines for Commercial Tour Operators” with support from the PlaneterraFoundation
• Launch of the TIES Travel Ambassador Program
• Destination Workshop: Making Sustainable Tourism Marketable
• Authentic Ecolodge planning, design, and Operations Workshop

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”img2oqjfm6″ type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2011[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”iq0wy18nqa” animation_delay=”0″]

• Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) held in Hilton Head Island, SC, USA, in partnerships with Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Convention Bureau.
• Organizes ESTC11 pre-conference workshops, including “Sustainable Tourism: Doing Good as a Market Driver”, a half-day workshop on destination marketing and management strategies.
• Organizes a workshop on sustainable tourism business management in Grand Bahama, in partnerships with US Fish & Wildlife Service and Society for Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds.
• Organizes a workshop on ecotourism product development and destination marketing in South Korea, in partnership with Ecotourism Korea; Republic of Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
• Launches the International Voluntourism Guidelines Project, in partnership with Planeterra.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”nvah5atucq” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2010[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”mg74rl6rjr” animation_delay=”0″]

• TIES turns 20 years old!
• Publishes “Ecotourism Then and Now” by TIES founder Megan EplerWood
• Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) held in Portland, Oregon, USA, in partnerships with Travel Portland and Travel Oregon.
• Presents the Innovation Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Award at the ESTC10.
• Co-organizes the first European Ecotourism Conference (EuroEco), held in Parnu, Estonia.
• Becomes a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”bdbqhkutj” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2009[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”ljtclju4bt” animation_delay=”0″]

• Launches the ecoDestinations program, with the goal of connecting travelers with inspiring ecotourism initiatives in various destinations around the world.
• Launches Your Travel Choice Blog (YourTravelChoice.org), TIES new interactive communication platform to engage, educate and inspire.
• Announces partnership with Planeterra Foundation, TIES Voluntourism Partner.
• Publishes the first edition of the Travel Green Guide, TIES new annual e-publication serving as a resource guide to responsible travel options.
• Announces conference partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”4z0chdsksf” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2008[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”gpz898ok78″ animation_delay=”0″]

• Organizes, in partnership with local NGOs, “Washington DC Eco-Tour”, highlighting eco-friendly initiatives and educational opportunities in the greater Washington community.
• Hosts a public forum “Indigenous Business Leaders in Ecotourism” in partnership with the Swedish Ecotourism Society.
• Announces the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) as TIES’ annual conference focusing on greening the tourism industry.
• Organizes the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008 (ESTC08) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• Announces the first Lifetime Achievement Award.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”7hn703907″ type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2007[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”jlv4yq1gu9″ animation_delay=”0″]

• Organizes the Global Ecotourism Conference 2007 (Oslo, Norway), the first global gathering of ecotourism professionals after the IYE.
• Organizess the North American Ecotourism Conference 2007 (Madison, Wisconsin), the first bi-national conference focused on ecotourism in North America.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”1k2srp57yy” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2006[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”gqlb8oq3e” animation_delay=”0″]

• Launches the Advocacy Campaign “Traveling with Climate in Mind”

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”6n1olh8vz” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2005[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”u4j3i5zlg” animation_delay=”0″]

• Supports relief efforts and advocates for sustainable tourism in Indian Ocean countries devastated by tsunami.
• Marks 15th anniversary with second “Celebration of Ecotourism” in Washington, DC.
• Sponsors first conference on “Ecotourism in the U.S.” in Bar Harbor, Maine, together with local Chamber of Commerce.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”cpyjy2n2o” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2004[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”9tetwnkcl” animation_delay=”0″]

• Co-hosts the Traveler’s Philanthropy conference at Stanford University in California, USA.
• Holds first Annual General Meeting open to all members in Washington, DC.
• Begins multi-year research on tourism certification as part of Rainforest Alliance-led project focusing on five Latin American countries.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”u3wgav6g61″ type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2003[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”83modgd9yg” animation_delay=”0″]

• Participates in World Ecotourism Summit in Quebec City, Canada, organizing NGOs and indigenous groups, and offering training workshops.
• Publishes International Ecolodge Guidelines.
• Conducts study on social and environmental footprint of nature-based lodges around the world.
• Launches distance learning courses and Sustainable Tourism Certification with the George Washington University.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”957qdfd9nf” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2002[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”ml7epx1sdm” animation_delay=”0″]

• Holds additional IYE regional meetings in India, Peru, Thailand, Kenya and Sweden.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”xfe7ogoxd” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2001[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”np4ccjtpjl” animation_delay=”0″]

• With the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), holds IYEregional meetings in Belize and the Seychelles.
• Launches new online magazine, Ecotourism Observer. and publishes Ecotourism: Principles, Practices and Policies for Sustainability.
• Joins Rainforest Alliance’s initiative to assess feasibility of creating accreditation system for sustainable tourism and ecotourism certification.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”xui9wh8zu” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]2000[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”809jmemyv9″ animation_delay=”0″]

• Kicks off first consumer education campaign, “Your Travel Choice Can Make a Difference.”
• Attends “Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Certification Workshop” at Mohonk Mountain House, New York and signs seminal “MohonkAgreement.”
• Publishes The Business of Ecolodges, based on international survey of financial data from ecolodges.
• Changes name to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in preparation for International Year of Ecotourism (IYE); moves its office from North Bennington to Burlington, Vermont.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”rxd3su9bg” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1999[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”60qydcbrsu” animation_delay=”0″]

• Publishes Marine Ecotourism Guidelines.
• Holds ecotourism training workshop at the World Ecotourism Conference in Sabah, Malaysia.
• Works with the Programme for Belize to analyze revenue generating strategies for conserving coral reefs.
• Produces Cultural Survival Quarterly issue entitled “Protecting Indigenous Culture and Land through Ecotourism.”

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”zaerqur26″ type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1998[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”6ysygz0ttc” animation_delay=”0″]

• Holds regional workshop, “Planning and Developing an Ecotourism Destination,” in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
• Co-hosts ecotourism training workshop for tour operators in Tahiti.
• Conducts “Marine Ecotourism Stakeholder” meetings in the Caribbean and Mexico.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”pys7y177wv” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1997[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”zzt1co0sos” animation_delay=”0″]

• Co-hosts first regional forum, “Ecotourism and Community Participation,” in Quito, Ecuador.
• Together with Kenya Wildlife Service and Ecotourism Society of Kenya, sponsors regional conference, “Ecotourism at the Crossroads: Charting the Way Forward,” in Nairobi, Kenya.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”5m0jhq7mj” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1996[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”4rhmhuqfjn” animation_delay=”0″]

• Holds first “Marine Ecotourism Workshop” in Hawaii.
• Co-publishes Tourism, Ecotourism and Protected Areas, with the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”jgdkemnki” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1995[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”pc4hy2o5bm” animation_delay=”0″]

• Launches Ecotourism News Service and Ecotourism Society Research Service; issues first fact sheets and information packets.
• Publishes The Ecolodge Sourcebook for Planners and Developers.
• Holds forum in Costa Rica with participants from over 30 countries to define international ecolodge standards.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”ftfulqi6g” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1994[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”1qnwgfls58″ animation_delay=”0″]

• Sponsors first “International Ecolodge Forum and Field Seminar on Ecolodge Design” at Maho Bay Camps, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Holds the first “International Ecotourism Partners” meeting in Virgin Islands to foster national and regional ecotourism associations.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”vqq5j02h1″ type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1993[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”wktlr1zee9″ animation_delay=”0″]

• Publishes its first book, Ecotourism: A Guide for Planners and Manager and popular pamphlet Ecotourism Guidelines for Nature Tour Operators.
• Working with member tour operators, helps win higher park entrance fees for foreign visitors to Costa Rica’s National Parks.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”htct118mc” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1992[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”gflr9ib7w” animation_delay=”0″]

• Advocates for sound ecotourism practices at World Parks and Protected Areas Congress in Caracas, Venezuela and First World Congress on Tourism and the Environment in Belize.
• Produces first set of comprehensive guidelines for ecotourism operators based on international surveys and focus groups.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”wvtltbd7ni” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1991[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”zzpbmu8trh” animation_delay=”0″]

• Board establishes TIES mission and the definition of ecotourism.
• Works with Charles Darwin Foundation to find solutions to uncontrolled tourism growth in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
• Offers “Ecotourism Management Seminar” with the George Washington University in Washington, DC.

[/cmsmasters_text][cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”9001tsbglo” type=”h2″ font_size=”46″ line_height=”60″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”17″ custom_check=”true” animation_delay=”0″]1990[/cmsmasters_heading][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”p6vu8nuloj” animation_delay=”0″] [/cmsmasters_text][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row]