Ethical
choices influence travelers' vacation planning. 'One growing trend in travel is
the desire of many tourists for non-typical experiences, such as "ethical"
adventures.
Ecotourism, geotourism, and pro-poor tourism are among the
increasingly popular niches in the travel industry that aim to address
consumers' ethical concerns, reports the World Watch Institute.
Tourism
that relies on promoting a location's natural environment, rather than
competing with recreational diversions and distractions. Which hotel more
actively protects the environment? Which offers better support of its local
community? Such questions may be more important to vacationers than a hotel's
proximity to the beach or the type of mint left on the pillow.
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One factor driving this
"conscientious tourism" is the growth of international travel, which exposes
visitors to the impacts they may have on the cultures and environments they
visit.
International tourism grew by 10% in 2004, contributing
15trillion-dollars to the global economy. The number of International
tourist arrivals will reach more than 1.5 billion by 2020.
Low-cost air
travel is contributing to this increased international travel.
(Round-trip from Atlanta to Panama City is
currently $650 Coach; under $1,800 Business Class.
TRUST ME - you will prefer to EXIT Panama via Business
Class!).
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CURRENTLY - Panama has as many Tourists in one
year as the Anaheim Disneyland admits over five (5) days. Panama as a Nation
has only this year (2005) begun to invest in attracting more Tourism.
BRAVO! - In 1999, just before they were to take possession of the
Canal, Panama held their own Brainstorm Conference, where Scholars, Scientists,
Businessmen, Politicaians, even the Military met to devise a National Strategy
for Panama's future.
They brought a remarkable WIN-WIN attitude to
the table, and their results put forth a solid proposal for BALANCE.
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DEFEND MOTHER EARTH
