Tag Archive for Industry

Growing Ecotourism Industry In Hawaii Protects Environmental Assets While Increasing Profits

Growing Ecotourism Industry In Hawaii Protects Environmental Assets While Increasing Profits











Maui, HI (PRWEB) December 30, 2006

According to the Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA), ecotourism is nature and culture based tourism that is ecologically sustainable and supports the well being of local communities. Commercial entities have become a positive influence on the environment because they promote a tourism industry that is environmentally and culturally sensitive while increasing profits. The availability of vacation accommodations through online resources such as HawaiianBeachRentals.com affords tourists the opportunity to plan customized, environmentally-friendly Hawaii vacations.

Recent statistics published in dBusinessNews reveal that visitor expenditures in Maui totaled 3.1 billion dollars in 2005 and 2.9 billion dollars in 2004. Maui’s tourism sector is sound and growing, as evidenced by the fact that hotel occupancy is well above average for the Hawaiian Islands. Since Maui’s economy is tourism-based, practicing ecotourism protects valuable environmental assets while luring savvy travelers to experience the raw beauty of a Pacific Island. Visiting an online vacation site is the simplest way to plan a customized trip to Maui or Kauai based on the principles of ecotourism. Jeff Berzolla of Hawaiian Beach Rentals states that, “We have traditionally specialized in providing our customers with alternative trips to Hawaii allowing them to stay in unique places and helping them coordinate the details of their dream vacation, be it romantic, active or relaxation focused. Also, our staff enjoys living and playing in Hawaii. Time off is often spent visiting the units we rent to our customers, whether they’re Maui vacation rentals or condos on Kauai, to better understand the Islands and the beautiful paradise we share with the world.”

According to Wayne Nastri, the western regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 95 million dollars has been committed to Hawaii within the past year to correct environmental violations while preventing future pollution. Clearly, capitalists and tree huggers are now teaming up as opposed to being at odds, finding it more progressive and profitable to protect the environment rather than exploit it. Environmentally responsible hotels known as “green hotels” use energy and natural resources in environmentally-friendly ways and give visitors a realistic Hawaiian experience without compromising the world around them. As a result, breathtaking natural wonders such as the majestic Na Pali coast can be found just steps away from many Kauai vacation rentals. Hawaiian vacations offer hiking, boating, snorkeling and whale watching in an unaffected, natural habitat. Since it is the incredible flora and fauna of Hawaii that lures vacationers, it is in the best interest of big business to protect the environment to keep the visitors coming back.

According to a recent poll of HEA members, to be considered as genuinely engaging in ecotourism, Hawaii travel operators need to minimize the negative impact on Hawaii’s natural environment, cultural heritage and local communities, as well as maximize the positive impact on these factors. Additionally, rental operators must foster an appreciation of Hawaii’s sense of place among staff and visitors. The spirit of the land is referred to as “aina” in Hawaii. Kauai condo rentals and hotels are sensitive to this “aina” because they are built with special care to have the least impact possible on the precious local land and wildlife. Securing such accommodations is easy with the online help of informed locals. Jeff Berzolla further says, “We like working with folks that have a passion for travel and want a customized experience that only a local person can help coordinate. Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers accommodations such as vacation homes, condos and hotels, as well as airfare and car rentals to customers wanting to travel to Hawaii. We want to help our customers have a unique experience in Hawaii so we can show them what Aloha is all about. Our services include the most up to date local information about Hawaii and the ability for customers to quickly and easily pay for their vacation online via a secure payment process.”

A savvy traveler seeking information about ecotourism-based excursions to Maui and Kauai can visit HawaiianBeachRentals.com for additional details. Take advantage of technology to plan the most unique, socially-conscious trip of a lifetime!

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Tourism Industry Leaders Meet in Santa Fe March 17-19th, 2011, to Discuss ?The Post Recession New Normal?

Tourism Industry Leaders Meet in Santa Fe March 17-19th, 2011, to Discuss “The Post Recession New Normal”










Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) March 12, 2011

Have you wondered what the post recession “New Normal” for tourism is going to finally look like? Trips get shorter and shorter, booking windows closer and closer. The consumer is downsizing lodging choices, eating in-room, gas prices are volatile as are air. To answer these questions top tourism and consumer researchers are meeting in Santa Fe March 17-19 2011.

“We are ALL searching for clues as to the character of the post recession consumer,” states Chris Cordova, Chair of the Travel & Tourism Research Association’s Greater Western Chapter (GWTTRA).

“ Are consumers going to return to their old ways?” he continues, “how is the shift from a credit to a debit lifestyle and replacing acquisition with agility going to affect tourism? Will the fact that 65% of Americans feel that since the recession they are happier with a simpler lifestyle create massive shifts in travel behavior?”

Leading academic researchers from top Universities across the Western United States combined with Executives from major research companies such as Smith Travel Research and TNS Global, and Strategic Marketing and Research Inc., will sit down with tourism practitioners from Destination Marketing Organizations, Hotel Companies, State Tourism Offices and Attractions to present, listen and discuss the emerging new post recession consumer.

“It is our goal” states Dr. Vinod Sasidharan, President of GWTTRA board of directors, “to produce from this conference a White Paper on the New Normal for tourism.”

The conference is open to interested public participants. Registration and costs are on the Web site: http://www.gwttra.com/symposiums.htm. No registrations at the door.

The conference will be attended by Monique Jacobson, Secretary of Tourism for New Mexico.

The Secretary will be accompanied by Toni Balzano, Acting Deputy Cabinet Secretary.

The conference will be welcomed by Santa Fe Mayor, David Coss.

For more information contact:

John Hope-Johnstone

GWTTRA Manager

johnhopejohnstone(at)gmail(dot)com

http://www.johnhopejohnstone.com

541 829 0037

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Gas Prices Have Travelers Weary as Travel Industry Looks for Answers

Gas Prices Have Travelers Weary as Travel Industry Looks for Answers










Branson, MO (PRWEB) May 24, 2006

Soaring prices at the pump are becoming a growing concern for consumers as well as the industries that rely on people driving. The travel industry is abuzz with concerns over the skyrocketing gas prices causing a change in summer vacation habits.

Myrtle Beach is one of the most visited destinations in the country with people flocking to its legendary beaches. With gas prices topping $ 3.00 per gallon and fast approaching $ 4.00 in some regions of the country, Myrtle Beach is bracing for a slow season.

Savvy consumers remain interested in traveling, however, they are searching for deals that make sense for their wallets. 89 Dollar Travel, already a site destination for travelers, has announced a $ 50 gas card as part of their popular Myrtle Beach vacation package.

89 Dollar Travel offers unique travel opportunities for vacationers looking for a great vacation on a budget. For $ 89 and 90 minutes of someone’s time a vacation to Myrtle Beach, including accommodations and a $ 50 gas card has many in Myrtle Beach hoping 89 Dollar Travel will start a trend that will lead to a hot season.

The soaring gas prices are expected to impact many destinations, however, the travel industry is creating opportunities for affordable travel that compensate for the surging price of gas. 89 Dollar Travel’s Myrtle Beach package is one example of unique and affordable opportunities for savvy travelers.

ABOUT US

89 Dollar Travel is a unique travel company offering $ 89 travel opportunities to popular destinations throughout the United States. Travelers are required to participate in an interactive, 90 minute presentation as part of the package price.

89 Dollar Travel has travel packages to many destinations throughout the United States including Gatlinburg, Branson Missouri, Hershey Park, Myrtle Beach and many others.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Clements International Develops Insurance for Medical Tourism Industry

Clements International Develops Insurance for Medical Tourism Industry











Washington, DC (PRWEB) September 11, 2008

Clements International develops unique suite of insurance solutions for the medical tourism industry. Working closely with medical tourism operators in Asia and India, Clements has designed liability, accident and trip cancellation insurance products to meet the needs of the industry.

As the medical tourism industry continues to flourish and new partnerships are created, it is important for participants to understand the risks involved with the medical tourism industry.

Smita Malik, Account Executive for Clements International, authored an article “A Promise of Security: Insurance Solutions for the Medical Tourism Industry”, in the most recent issue of Medical Tourism magazine. In the article, Smita discusses the unique risks involved in the medical tourism industry and the specific types of insurance coverage operators should obtain.

“We are pleased to provide insight to this developing industry on the risks participants may face and how insurance can help protect their investments,” said Smita. “We look forward to meeting members of the medical tourism industry at the upcoming Medical Tourism and Global Health Conference in San Francisco from September 9 – 12.”

The Medical Tourism Association

The Medical Tourism Association is the first international non-profit association made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. The association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators. The Medical Tourism Association has three tenets: Transparency, Communication and Education.

Clements International

Clements has gained the insurance expertise while assessing risks and developing specialized, international insurance products that protect the individual risks faced by organizations. Clements’ portfolio includes insurance solutions for automobiles, employees, health, property, liability and specialty risks. Clements’ superior customer service and claims response are enjoyed by clients in more than 170 countries around the globe.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Greenloons Eco Travel Certification Guide Sheds Light on Ecotourism Industry Standards

Greenloons Eco Travel Certification Guide Sheds Light on Ecotourism Industry Standards










Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 5, 2011

Growing ecotourism provider, http://www.greenloons.com, just published a comprehensive online certification reference guide aimed at aiding environmentally conscious travelers as they endeavor to make more responsible vacation purchasing decisions that ultimately make a positive impact on the world around them. The first of its kind, this trailblazing handbook helps Greenloons improve the environmental tourism landscape through increased certification transparency, which consumers have been calling for since 2002 when the United Nations designated that year as the International Year of Ecotourism.

The release of this type of reference guide is more necessary than ever given the estimated 5% annual growth rate in the ecotourism market worldwide. The manual compares eco-vacation certifications by 14 major evaluation criteria as well as general standards including whether the certification requires multiple levels of endorsement , reauthorization, and if it is aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC).

“As we continue our work with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance, Greenloons hopes to engage consumers so that they ask about and support those tourism businesses that help to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring that tourism meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation” says Greenloons founder & CEO, Irene Lane. Greenloons currently partners with ClimateCare and the Rainforest Alliance in order to further promote best management practices in sustainable tourism and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

With the increasing advertorial power of the term “eco”, the Greenloons Certification Standards Summary will help consumers understand the political, economic and social issues that surround sustainable tourism and ecotourism. “We hope consumers will choose authentic ecotourism providers that support local communities, emphasize environmental education, sustain conservation efforts, minimize tourist waste, and respect local cultural traditions,” says Lane. “By adding much needed clarity to the eco certification process, we hope more people will connect at a deeper level with the places and people they are visiting.”

About Greenloons

Greenloons L.L.C. is a Washington D.C. based company dedicated to providing nature enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists worldwide with trusted information about responsible, sustainable, and certified ecotourism in the U.S. and internationally. From inspiring wildlife adventures to ecosystem education, Greenloons is an easy to use one-stop shop for ecotourism destination services. The site provides key information regarding regional certifications and international standards for ecotourism, third-party certified vacation tour search and reservation capabilities, volunteer conservation effort search, and topical news. For more information, please visit: http://www.greenloons.com

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Emerging Industry Forum Recommends Donors Take Market-Based Approach to Ecotourism Development

Emerging Industry Forum Recommends Donors Take Market-Based Approach to Ecotourism Development










Oaxaca, Mexico (PRWEB) November 15, 2006

The final results have been delivered and posted from the Emerging Industry Forum, a three week forum with 40 active participants from 16 countries, and 237 registered observers which took place November 1-18, 2005 on Planeta.com. In the year since the dialogue debuted, it has been viewed 100,000 times.

Megan Epler Wood, of EplerWood International — the co-organizer of the forum, created the Executive Summary to deliver the important recommendations that resulted from this forum to donors and all those active in ecotourism development in short form.

“Ecotourism has evolved greatly in the last 10 years as a sustainable development tool,” notes EplerWood. “The fact that industry was deeply involved in this forum gives it particular relevance because sustainability outcomes are only possible if ecotourism businesses are becoming more competitive economically.”

Participants recommended that donors take a new more business friendly approach that fosters small businesses directly and does not hinge on working with NGOs. Financing for ecotourism programs also needs to be moved to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and SMEs should be given the tools to finance the development and marketing of community based partner enterprises.

Participants stated that community based ecotourism development requires all the same approaches as other businesses, but all agreed that more time is needed to undertake community involvement procedures, and that these time consuming factors need to be factored into the design of donor projects.

Participants found that building green is a regional development issue. It was recommended that development agencies create regional plans for sustainable and ecotourism development where the costs of sustainability can be shared. Too many ecotourism projects have been developed in isolation of larger development projects.

Ron Mader of Planeta.com also points out that, “financial institutions need to post current public information about sustainable tourism investments online on their websites. We can on only track the progress of ecotourism development if there is more transparent information on line which actually provides independently monitored results of the projects funded.”

ABOUT THE FORUM

The Ecotourism Emerging Industry Forum was designed to provide professionally moderated, up-to-date results on small and medium enterprise (SME) priorities for funding and investment decisions for sustainable tourism in developing countries.

The Emerging Industry Forum was organized as seven dialogue areas: Developing Infrastructure for Sustainable Tourism, Private Sector/Public Sector Collaboration, Finance for SMEs, Communities and SMEs, Marketing and Market Development, Interpretive Programs, Triple Bottom Line Business Structures and Strategies. According to forum statistics, the most popular topic was Marketing. Participants discussed the projects they themselves had developed, the challenges they faced, and the possibilities for improving future ecotourism investment.

The e-conference was a showcase of creative collaboration. Having an extended lead time permitted conversations about the real needs of today’s SMEs and donors seeking entry into sustainable tourism financing.

Details

http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/tour/emerging.html

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







New Eco Travel Website Transforms Ecotourism Industry through Increased Certification Transparency

New Eco Travel Website Transforms Ecotourism Industry through Increased Certification Transparency










Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 14, 2010

Global ecotourism provider, Greenloons, recently launched a comprehensive website created to add clarity to ecotourism certification procedures and help eco- conscious travelers make responsible and informed vacation purchasing decisions. Engaging and custom developed, Greenloons.com allows users to select from a variety of third-party certified ecotour vacations and conservation focused volunteer projects. The site provides a much needed sense of accountability in a rapidly expanding marketplace saturated with loosely understood eco-travel labeled products. In addition to simplifying the often labor intensive eco-trip planning process, Greenloons cultivates a sense of community and transparency surrounding the ecotourism movement, helping create an essential shift in the global tourism landscape.

From ecotourism education to listings for unique and inspiring wildlife adventures, Greenloons is an eco-conscious travel junkie’s paradise. Littered with breathtakingly vivid nature photos, the clearly laid out site boasts customized search functionality that allows users to easily find the information they seek. The “Ecotour Destinations” feature, for example, enables visitors to search for third party certified ecotourism destinations by country, activity, and departure date. Each tour description includes an overview, itinerary details, trip notes, availability dates, certifications, and customer reviews. If users create a personal account, they can search additionally by price, individual certification, customer ratings, or family friendly tours (i.e. those specifically designed for parents with children between the ages of six and twelve). For those interested in short term volunteer opportunities, the “Conservation Programs” search tool provides contact information and links to individual non-profit conservation organizations. Once the planning process has commenced, the “My Tours” feature enables registered users to keep track of their current trip arrangements and plan for future getaways with ease.

In addition to facilitating environmentally responsible vacation planning, Greenloons provides useful information about the global ecotourism market, which is currently growing 5 percent annually worldwide, representing 6 percent of the world GDP and reflecting 11.4 percent of all consumers spending. Details regarding regional certifications and international standards for ecotourism are clearly presented, helping consumers understand the ecotourism certification award process, evaluation criteria, and monitoring methods more thoroughly. In addition to disseminating ecotourism knowledge, the site engages users via the “Greenloons Community” section, where they are encouraged to submit personal travel stories, offer and read about travel tips and examples of ecotourism in people’s local communities, and browse through an extensive photo stream. They can additionally sign up for a Greenloons newsletter which provides them access to an exclusive Reference Guide to Ecotourism Certification as well as the latest in ecotourism news, discussion threads, destinations and volunteer conservation efforts.

“We created this website to introduce more clarity to what constitutes true ecotourism, while emphasizing the abundance of quality ecotours worldwide,” says Irene Lane, founder and president of Greenloons. “By recommending fun, safe and educational vacation experiences, we hope more people will connect at a deeper level with the places and people they are visiting.”

About Greenloons

Greenloons L.L.C. is a Washington DC based company dedicated to providing nature enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists worldwide with trusted information about responsible, sustainable, and certified ecotourism travel vacations and volunteer conservation efforts both in the U.S. and internationally.

Source:

Greenloons L.L.C.

Links:

CMI Green Traveler Study 2010/2011 Emphasizes Importance of Third-Party Certification

http://www.cmigreen.com

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Global Theme Parks Market to Reach US$29.5 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Theme Parks Market to Reach US$ 29.5 Billion by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.











San Jose, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) February 08, 2011

Visitor attendance remained more or less sluggish in theme parks across the world during 2009. The rather flat visitor attendance in theme parks was due to the turmoil in the global economy. Weak economy restricted the consumer expenditure on certain avoidable spending such as visiting a theme park. The trend was significantly visible in matured markets including North America, Europe, and Japan. However, with the recovery in economy, attendance is poised to improve driven by tendency of families to spend their discretionary free time on outdoor fun and increasing popularity of mass entertainment. Further, operators’ increased focus on the development of sophisticated entertainment-related technology capable of delivering amusement and fun to visitors is expected to benefit the market. In addition, focused promotion of entertainment and tourism by the governments in developing countries is expected to improve per capita spending and attendance in theme parks in countries such as China, India, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Theme parks and attractions have emerged as favorite modes of mass entertainment for people in recent years. Amusement parks involving roller coaster rides developed and gained popularity at the turn of the century. On the other hand, theme park is a relatively new entertainment concept that strives to generate a fantasy environment of another place or time. Theme parks are usually planned to serve as a fun outing for the entire family, and they are considered a form of leisure activity as they offer an opportunity for entertainment during an individual’s discretionary free time. Amusement Parks and theme parks incorporate themes or stories combined with visual statements around which landscaping, architecture, rides, costumed personnel, food services, and shows, and coordinated merchandising. Inauguration of Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955 represents a key milestone in the worldwide live entertainment industry.

The United States represents the largest regional market for theme parks worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Theme Parks. A majority number of theme parks experienced the impact of the economic recession in the US during 2009. Decline in jobs, consumers staying away from excess spending, and weak tourism, all resulted from turmoil in the economy, pressured the theme parks market in the country during the year. The normalcy in economy and the likely growth in tourism, especially the European tourist arrivals, are expected to improve the market revenues in the coming years. Asia-Pacific theme parks market is poised to demonstrate the fastest growth with revenues projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 6.1% over the analysis period.

Usage of entertainment-related technology is increasingly becoming imperative for the success of a theme park. A major focus on service development is in the usage of simulation experiences and virtual reality. Technological advances have permitted theme park designers to effectively replicate almost any special effect and natural scenario. High-end visual imagery is combined with ultra-sophisticated seating that respond to users’ actions, imparting realistic experience of enjoyment that was unavailable previously in theme parks. One of the earliest and most popular examples of the technology is the Disneyland’s Star Tours attraction. While these simulations are developed for a fraction of the cost of traditional attractions, their technology is also more flexible, and more land efficient. However, one of the biggest challenges faced by theme parks is to keep abreast latest technological developments while retaining the excitement and spontaneity of actual rides.

Major players profiled in the report include Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Islands of Adventure, Lotte World, Magic Kingdom, Samsung Everland Inc., Six Flags Inc., The Adventuredome, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Universal Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, among others.

The research report titled “Theme Parks: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the theme parks markets, current market trends, competitive scenario, key growth drivers, product overview, recent product introductions, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual revenue estimates and projections for theme parks market for the years 2007 through 2015 for the following geographic markets – US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East/Africa, and Latin America. Also, a seven-year (2000-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit – http://www.strategyr.com/Theme_Parks_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a reputed publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company is globally recognized as one of the world’s largest market research publishers. The company employs over 800 people worldwide and publishes more than 1200 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers thousands of smaller research products including company reports, market trend reports, and industry reports encompassing all major industries worldwide.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Telephone: 408-528-9966

Fax: 408-528-9977

Email: press(at)StrategyR(dot)com

Web Site: http://www.StrategyR.com/

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Industry Bracing for Record Sales of Flowers & Gift Baskets This Valentine?s Day

Industry Bracing for Record Sales of Flowers & Gift Baskets This Valentine’s Day











Manchester, NH (PRWEB) February 13, 2006

Consumer preferences vary significantly with the day of the week on which the holiday falls. The last three Valentine’s Days (2003, 2004, and 2005) have fallen respectively on Friday, Saturday and because of the leap year, Monday. When Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, consumers are more likely to splurge on restaurants, hotels and weekend getaways than normal; Valentine’s Day turns into Valentine’s Weekend! Increased competition from substitute goods takes a piece of the flower and gift basket market from retailers. When Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday, consumers indulge over the weekend and claim ‘double jeopardy’ on weekend activities counting them towards their Valentine’s Day spending budget. When Valentine’s Day is on a Monday, retail prospects can be classified as merely fair, and do not approach record breaking capacity; retailers all suffer together, not just florists and gift basket companies.

As determined by the stars, this year Valentine’s Day arrives on Tuesday, February 14th, shifting the battle for consumer spending in favor of flowers and gift baskets. These two products are at a large advantage this year for three key reasons: First, 2002 was the last time these products did not have to compete with ‘weekend’ substitute goods. Consumers who spent on activities in years past are more likely to come back to flowers and gifts this year. Second, the robust economy gave most floral and gift retailers the best Christmas season in years. This is always a portent of good things to come for the industry on Valentine’s Day, only 51 days from the close of the holiday shopping season. Third, with Valentine’s on a Tuesday, deliveries will most commonly be made to the workplace, creating that unmistakable buzz around the office no other gift can duplicate.

Rebutting The National Retail Federation’s Predictions

In its annual, well-researched Valentine’s Day spending forecast, the NRF mentions “when it comes to picking out that perfect gift, fewer men will be buying flowers (52.3 % vs. 57.8% in 2005).” This prediction contradicts our forecasts build on 70 years of retail floral experience. The NRF survey samples consumer preferences weeks before they have really had a chance to digest the intricate role played by the day of the week in planning their Valentine’s budgets. If fewer consumers actually purchase flowers this Valentine’s day, you can still bet that sales of flowers and gift baskets will be significantly higher than in years past years and will have a good chance and breaking industry sales records. Less competition from weekend substitute goods, the robust economy, and the critical role played by the day of the week will make this Valentine ’s Day the best ever for retail flowers and Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets.

Ryan D. Abood is CTO & Director of Business Development at Chalifour’s Flowers, Gift & Gourmet – Manchester, NH Florist and President of GourmetGiftBaskets.com.

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Global Ecotourism Industry Grows as Holidaymakers Wake up to Climate Change

Global Ecotourism Industry Grows as Holidaymakers Wake up to Climate Change










(PRWEB) April 8, 2006

Once considered a passing niche in the holiday market, eco-tourism has benefited from an increased public awareness and a fuller acceptance amongst tour operators who now appreciate its longevity.

By doing away with the archaic model of maximising short-term profits at all costs whilst a particular destination is in vogue and replacing it with a sustainable, more responsible approach, eco-tourism has established itself as the true future of the holiday industry.

The success of eco-tourism lies in its very essence and in the shaping of tourism to complement the environment and the community which it serves. The days of the self-contained hotel complex, owned by overseas companies have seen many attractive areas become sterile franchises, often with little of their original appeal intact.

The need for a more sympathetic means of attracting visitors to interesting and unique destinations continues to abound as does the necessity for tourism to play a front line role in securing a manageable future for the world to which it owes its well-being.

To see how eco-tourism is benefiting local communities in the developing world visit http://www.baobabtravel.com

In some areas the positive impact of eco-tourism has seen an unprecedented growth in the region’s economy with visitors staying in locally owned accommodation, and ecological regeneration that other forms of tourism had prohibited.

BAOBAB Travel is a UK-based specialist eco-tour operator, born out of a combination of a love of Africa and travel, and a desire to actively work with and support local communities in the Developing World. Their philosophy is to promote an ethical and responsible form of tourism that is beneficial to both the economic and environmental sustainability of its local surroundings while offering original and more satisfying holidays to the public.

To find out more about the impact of eco-tourism visit http://www.baobabtravel.com

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.