Enriching the experience of travel

Dreaming of trekking through the Amazon? Visiting ancient ruins? Weaving tapestries with locals in an isolated village? Or coming face-to-face with nature to greet the most extraordinary animals?

The Adventures In Travel Expo™ today announced a new co-promotion agreement with leading global ecotourism network, ECOCLUB®, the International Ecotourism Club™ (Web: www.ecoclub.com), in the context of the Sydney Adventures in Travel Expo, taking place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, 24 – 26 November.

Ecotourism, or Ecological Tourism, focuses on travellers seeking local cultures, wilderness adventures and learning new ways to live on, and in more harmony with, the planet. Travelling to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the feature attractions, or even urban ones, provided that the ecological impact is minimised and the economic and social benefits are maximised.

“Ecotourism is a fast growing market and incorporates a host of various activities including hiking, camping, observing wildlife, water sports, mountain climbing and bike tours. Activities where travellers have minimal impact on the natural environment and wildlife,“ states Scott Johnston, Event Manager for the Showtime Group Pty Limited – organisers of the Adventures in Travel Expo™.

Antonis B. Petropoulos, Director of ECOCLUB® explains: “We do not see Ecotourism as a tourism segment but as a movement for a better tourism. In particular we define Ecotourism as the ideal state of a Tourism that minimises its own environmental impact, funds environmental conservation, funds projects that promote equality & reduce poverty in the local community, increases environmental & cultural knowledge and intercultural understanding and is affordable & open to all.”

“The Adventures in Travel Expo™ will continue to support Eco and Sustainable Tourism organisations. Our long-term goal is to form partnerships with both International and National organisations to help promote and educate the general public and travel industry on this growing sector” said Johnston.

The partnership with ECOCLUB® has significantly enhanced the Adventures in Travel Expo particularly from a visitor-attraction perspective, contributing at an international level by its recognition as a leader in the movement for better tourism and for environmental, social and economic justice. ECOCLUB® involvement has allowed the Expo to reach a greater global audience through promotions to its international members and world-wide industry contacts.