Green Meeting Industry: Tamara Kennedy-Hill


Tamara Hill-Kennedy of the Green Meeting Industry Council (Conference February 20th 2011) addresses the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference panel presentation, “Where’s the ROI in green travel? The conference sponsored by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) was held September 8-10 in Portland, Oregon. Ms. Kennedy-Hill was videotaped by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, the voices of sustainability. The Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) is the premier global community solely dedicated to sustainability in the meetings and events industry, not only through education but also by spearheading research, policy and standards. GMIC is a non profit professional meetings association with member representation in over 20 countries. The GMIC is 100% focused on advancing sustainability in the meetings industry and is a member of the Convention Industry Council.

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Travel and Tourism Industry is an Upsurge

The travel and tourism industry, one of the first industries that witnessed the immediate effects of the global recession last year, is finally reviving. Not only is the country back on the international traveller’s list of favourite holiday destinations, but inbound travel too has witnessed an upswing. Though the tourism department has tightened the visa norms in wake of the recent terrorist attacks in the country, inbound, outbound as well as corporate travel in the country has seen a positive uptrend recently. The global travel and tourism industry is one of the most sensitive industries to external issues ranging from economic downturns to natural disasters and terrorist attacks, it is also one of the most resilient industries. The long-term potential of the Indian travel and tourism industry remains strong, and the short-term outlook is positive.

A global forum for business leaders in the travel and tourism industry, the industry employs approximately 220 million people and generates over 9.4% of world GDP. The contribution of this sector to the employment statistics in India is expected to rise from 49,086,000 jobs in 2010 to 58,141,000 jobs by 2020.

The industry proffers employment opportunities in the public as well as private sector. Aspirants keen on pursuing options in the public sector can look to work with various state tourism boards or the central tourism department at various levels. Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings India Ltd, elaborates, “In the public sector, aspirants can work as tourism officers, information assistants, tourist guides and ground staff.

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Vacation Rental is Rising in Terms of Popularity in the Travel Industry

There’s no place like home. Even the most luxurious hotel cannot give you that homely feeling. No hotel bed is ever comfortable enough, regardless of how highly rated, or how high priced the hotel is, because it feels like a hotel, not home.

Many travelers prefer the homey environment of a home rather than a hotel, motel or inn. This is why “vacation rental” is rising in terms of popularity in the travel industry. It basically means renting out a fully-furnished house or condominium room for a predetermined period of time. This type of accommodation is adequately equipped to ensure a comfortable stay away from home for travelers.

Compared to most hotels, vacation rentals offer more space for the guests and more amenities. In addition, there is generally a fully functional kitchen, better entertainment amenities and laundry services, which is a great asset when the whole family or a big group of friends travels together. Some vacation rentals offer special services such as private chefs, daily maid service, and a butler. Besides, since guests can converse directly with the property owner, it is more flexible in terms of prices, special requests and conditions.

Culture travelers find vacation rentals more alluring compared to staying in a hotel since they get to experience more of the local culture in such an environment and these vacation rental homes are more “real” than overly decorated hotels.

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The Benefits of Green Tourism to the Travel Industry

It seems like everyone is going green these days. The travel and tourism industry is no different. I’m sure you’ve noticed this trend in advertising and travel industry marketing. As crazy as it may sound, these are two areas where you may not think about green living, but enough people are becoming more aware of its implications to make going green with travel SEO a growing trend.

In other business niches, the idea of going green means big profits, which is another reason why so many hotels are embracing the notion of green travel marketing.

Unfortunately, there are a small number of people out there who don’t believe in global warming and the only reason that companies are going green with their online tourism marketing campaign is to get more money. All it takes is one trip to an exotic land to change their minds.

It’s those of us who believe in the harmful effects of climate change that online travel marketing ads geared towards green tourism is truly geared towards. The travel companies know that these people believe in their own personal responsibility to do what they can to protect the planet.

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