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ECOCLUB, Issue 91
ECOCLUB: Do you see TIES as actively initiating or consulting for ecotourism projects, or should it rather keep its
distances as an impartial observer, monitoring fair-play?
David Sollitt: I’m a marketer by training and experience. As the oldest and largest organisation serving the Ecotourism
community, it is important that we actively promote Ecotourism, our members, and the benefits of Ecotourism. That argues
against a passive, arms length engagement.
For example, according to our web stats, we get an average of a million hits on our web site a month with a number of
unduplicated visits that many private sector sites would envy. But our site isn’t very good. Our site can and will become a much
more active presence in the Ecotourism community.
With regards to specific projects, we will continue to stress training and education as a critical driver in the advancement of
Ecotourism. There is an enormous wealth of knowledge and expertise in Ecotourism in our Staff, Board and membership. I
bring a different set of skills and expertise that can enhance that knowledge and its dissemination and application.
ECOCLUB: If you were to give one promise to the world of Ecotourism, about something that would be achieved during
your tenure at the helm of TIES, what would that be?
David Sollitt: I think we became somewhat insular as an organisation in the past few years. This is a community and an industry
– a term I use somewhat loosely – that is remarkably vibrant and passionate. My term will hopefully be seen as one based on
increased outreach and collaboration and a rededication to the membership that is our greatest strength.
ECOCLUB: Finally what are the aims of the Global Ecotourism Conference, beyond the obvious goal of networking? Will
there be another conference?
David Sollitt: The Global Ecotourism Conference 2007 is a remarkable opportunity for the international Ecotourism community
to take stock of where we are and what we’ve both accomplished and learned in the five years since the United Nations'
International Year of Ecotourism. The breadth and depth of our speakers and presenters are remarkable. The geographic
dispersion of our conference participants is impressive, and we’re proud that conference participants integrate both on the
ground operators and staff as well as ministers and other dignitaries. We and our partners have worked very hard to put together
a conference agenda that meets the needs of Ecotourism professionals and practitioners from around the world to learn from
each other’s experience, to enhance the capacity to plan and manage Ecotourism operations in a more sustainable manner, and
to strengthen the collective voice of the Ecotourism community.
A number of leading experts from various parts of the world will address critical issues, challenges and opportunities in the field
of Ecotourism through workshops and plenary sessions. The workshops are crafted around the main themes of local sustainable
development, nature conservation, communication and branding, and current trends. These workshops serve as forum to assess
the achievements and challenges in the field of Ecotourism since the IYE, examine critical issues in Ecotourism today, discuss
the way forward for the Ecotourism community, and develop action plans to reinforce and expand the process of fostering joint
policies and approaches on key issues including biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and tourism industry reforms.
Yes, there will be another conference. We believe it is critical that the international Ecotourism community convenes every few
years to assess our accomplishments and challenges. TIES, in partnership with a national or regional Ecotourism association,
will be organising a Global Ecotourism Conference at least every five years starting in 2007, in the co-organizer’s country.
ECOCLUB: Thank you very much
