ASTA offers tips for green travel
Tuesday 5, October 2010
As business volume surpasses those of oil exports, food products and automobiles, the travel industry sends more than one billion tourists around the world every year.
The soaring growth of tourism also has brought the advancement of ecotourism, showing that consumers are becoming more concerned with the negative impact their travel choices have on the environment. Think about making your next vacation more green and environmentally friendly with an ASTA Green Member travel agent.
"Whether you desire a peaceful getaway in the countryside, seek an exotic paradise by ship or long for the big, bustling city, a green vacation can easily become your dream vacation," ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo said. "With so many options for every traveler, it's not hard to find something that's affordable and has everything you value in a vacation - plus a few added benefits that make the trip worth taking."
In addition to the U.S. Green Building Council, organizations like AAA, GreenSeal and Sustainable Travel International have launched green certification programs. States have followed suit in creating rating systems or minimum standards designed to help move businesses towards greener practices. Certified businesses frequently display their green stickers (the Green Building Council's LEED certification is the most widely recognized), making it easy for responsible tourists to spot them.
Here are just a few ways travel green:
Looking for a Green Travel Agent? With numerous opportunities for responsible travel, all it takes is one step: use a Green Member of ASTA. In its continued commitment to responsible tourism, ASTA has implemented a Green Program that educates worldwide travel agents and suppliers offering green services through our ASTA Green Guide. Check out TravelSense.org's ‘Find a Travel Agent' search directory, or request a free trip quote online.
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