Final Call: Conversation with Leo Hickman

[planeta]

Last week I spoke at the Ecotourism New Zealand Conference which addressed the issue of transporation and climate change. One of the participants insisted that we not only look at the impact of climate change on tourism but the impact of tourism on climate change.

You address this topic in-depth in your book and I included a mention of Final Call and this very Q&A in my presentation
http://www.slideshare.net/planeta/globa ... ecotourism

That said, I found it very interesting that Ecotourism Australia recently issued a media release -- http://www.ecotourism.org.au/mediarelea ... sp?id=1005 -- saying that Britons are being fed simplistic and inaccurate propaganda in advertisements aimed at reducing long haul air travel.

[planeta]

Later this month Planeta.com announces the winner of the Ecotourism Spotlight Award -- http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/tour/a ... light.html -- created as a way of showcasing government websites that promoted responsible travel and ecotourism.

In your view, do you see many government portals that not only provide theory but actually do a good job of showing people where to go, who to visit and how to travel in country?

Do you have any recommendations of what you would like to see on government portals?

[planeta]

Administrative note - This topic has received more than 1,000 views. Many thanks, Leo and Planeta readers!

[planeta]

Leo, your blog is one of my favorites and I was surprised to read this quote from CNN journalist Richard Quest:

"I have read the Davos Declaration in detail. I am none the wiser about what

[Leo Hickman]

I, too, was very surprised by Richard Quest

[planeta]

The big news are record oil prices and the economic downturn. I wonder how these factors may shift tourist behaviour. Will people spend their holidays closer to home? Will travelers start to make longer trips abroad?

[Tommaso Ciabini]

Dear Leo,

first of all let me say thanks for your book. I really hope that as many people as possible will read it and try to change their way to think and live their holidays. In Florence and Tuscany, where I live, we are trying to do something about how tourists spend their time (and money...) in Italy throughout our association De Gustibus (www.de-gustibus.it) that was created for those who travel and want to connect with a reality often unknown or forgotten. We are in the process of developing an even-larger network of friends who can get to know and understand old and new flavors from a terrain that has much to offer outside the logic of the mass market. The association additionally aims to defend the variety and the complexity of flavors, tastes, and characteristics, retaining integrity and respect for the place and culture of origin.

- to support small agricultural farmers: help farmers find market space for their goods, involving advertising and general dissemination of information about the producers;
- to safeguard and promote the environment: plan themed itineraries sometimes involving bicycle, horse, and balloon excursions.
- to promote traditional Italian agriculture: develop a better recognition of quality food products and the culture of eating well.

I strongly believe that only a small-scale tourism, directly connected with grass-rooted association and local communities, by-passing big tour operators and thier business-focused strategies, will be able to answer to the main questions about ambient, culture and economic development.

Do you agree?

Thanks,

Tommy

[planeta]

The 2009 climate camp just took place. For those of us across the pond, can you tell us how these protests are perceived in England?

[planeta]

Greetings, Leo

Any news to add to our conversation?

[planeta]

FYI - Leo is now on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/leohickman