Center for Sustainable Tourism Division of Research and Graduate Studies East Carolina University

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Center for Sustainable TourismDivision of
Research and Graduate StudiesEast Carolina
University
Tarboro Rotary Club
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Our personal lives . . .

• Are you starting to use energy efficient light
  bulbs in your home?
• Do you find yourself looking around for recycling
  bins?
• Are you watching a bit more closely now how you
  spend your household discretionary income?
• Do you spend a bit less time (and water) lately
  in the shower?
• Are you growing in curiosity about local
  produce?

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Some questions to ponder?

• What should we rename Glacier National Park?
• At what price of gas will (did) the American
  public cut back on driving for vacation?
• Did the last hotel you stayed at feature linen
  reuse, zero waste policies, or water saving
  devices?
• How do we maintain community sense of place in
  tourism dependent communities when workers can
  not afford the cost of housing?

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The GalapagosEcotourism and Other
InvasionsBridging Science and Business

• Heres the roll call . . .
• 740 species of alien plants 500 native
• 550 species of alien insects and other
  invertebrates (55 serious threats to native flora
  and fauna)
• Alien insects are now a quarter of the islands
  total
• 30 species of introduced vertebrates, 13
  considered invasive and a threat.

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Sustainability

• Should contribute to a balanced and healthy
  economy by generating tourism-related jobs,
  revenues, and taxes . . .
• Should protect and enhance a destinations
  socio-cultural, historical, natural and built
  resources . . .
• Should enhance the enjoyment and well-being of
  both residents and visitors.

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12 Categories of Sustainable Action
Ecosystem and biodiversity conservation
Energy conservation and management
Freshwater consumption reduction
Wastewater management
Land Use planning management
Social norms and culture preservation
Solid waste management and reduction
GHG emissions management and reduction
Responsible purchasing
Training and education for employees and clients
Economic benefits for local and indigenous
community
Air quality protection and noise reduction
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Making Sustainable Tourism Happen
Stuff Happens
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Why pursue sustainability?

• Decrease costs/improve profits
• Create greater brand recognition
• Enhance business and destination reputation
• Increase market share
• Increase employee loyalty and cost savings
• Contribute to the well-being of the community
• Improve relationships/meet regulations with
  governmental entities.

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Who in North Carolina is taking action?

• Weeping Radish Brewery and Butchery (composts
  organic waste)
• Proximity Hotel (LEEDS certified, Platinum Level)
• Kanuga Conference Center, Western NC (Solar water
  heating)
• Highland Lake Inn, Flat Rock, NC (Farm to table
  program)
• Mez Restaurant, Durham (LEED certified, Silver
  Level)
• Lantern Restaurant, Chapel Hill (Supports local
  food based economy)
• The NC Zoo (Energy, water, waste)
• Wind Energy Workshop, Plymouth, NC
• Fort Bragg award-winning water saving program

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MS in SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

• 6000. Principles of Tourism and Sustainability
  (3).
• Survey of concepts and theories of tourism and
  sustainable tourism exposure to current
  literature learn sustainable tourism practices
  across settings - local to global.
• 6100. Environmental Factors and Tourism (3).
• Theory and survey of interrelationships between
  environmental systems environmental change and
  tourism and research methods for assessing and
  implementing environmental practices for
  sustainable tourism.
• 6200. Development and Management of Sustainable
  Tourism (3).
• Research, evaluate, and apply social and
  environmentally responsible business practices in
  tourism.
• 6300. Planning and Policy of Sustainable Tourism
  (3).
• Focus on public policy issues and planning
  strategies critical to sustainable tourism.
• 6400. Internship (3).
• 7000. Thesis (6).

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Trying to find ways to. . .

• Not fill our landfills
• Conserve water use
• Limit our waste production
• Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Lessen our carbon footprint
• Create a great community sense of place
• And to share with others how to do the same.

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Center for Sustainable Tourism

• Link data to economic community
  decision-making
• Identify sustainable actions that are feasible
• Develop partnerships at all levels
• Create useful resources
• Educate our future leaders
• Work to establish a State, Nat'l and Intl
  presence
• Help North Carolina stay competitive.

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Whos committing to this?

• American Society of Travel Agents.
• American Hotel and Lodging Association.
• American Society for Testing and Materials (now
  ASTM Intl).
• Convention Industry Councils Accepted Practices
  Exchange.
• The International Ecotourism Society.
• Greener by Design Greener Products for Leaner
  Times.
• National Ski Areas Association.
• True Restaurant Sustainability More Success,
  Better Future