1. The Southeasts Eco-Friendly Beach Get-away

3. Site Description 18 miles from Savannah, Georgia 4 hours from Atlanta Population of 4,000 2.7 square miles East side of the island is beachfront, with hotels West side is wetlands

4. Goals and Objectives Ensure sustainable and profitable tourism growth Preserve the sense of place Maintain the natural environment Educate locals and tourists about the natural environment Create easy access for tourists and locals

5. History In the 1920s Tybee was one of the largest resort towns in the Southeast because it was a short train or boat ride from Savannah Tybee experienced a period of mass tourism The Tybrisa Pavillion was the islands most popular destination famous crystal ball, dime dances, and big bands The island was opened to automobile traffic and the way of life on the island changed. When the Tybrisa Pavillion burned down in 1967, tourism began its decline The few historical landmarks still standing include the Tybee Island Lighthouse, Fort Screven and Fort Pulaski National Monument

7. Sense of Place Community - The locals of Tybee Island recognize tourisms key role in their economy. These people are therefore the perfect hosts for visitors. They are welcoming and helpful to tourists. Environment - The wetlands give an opportunity for the locals and tourists to view the different ecosystems on the island. The beaches provide a place for the locals and tourists to relax and enjoy nature. Culture - Tybee Island is home to many local artists and local galleries can be found downtown. Downtown - The traditional downtown areas of Tybee are mixed- use, pedestrian friendly places for people to go for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

8. Current Tourism Inventory Accommodations Attractions –Lighthouse, Tybee Pier and Pavillion, Fort Screven and Fort Pulaski Environmental Resources – beaches, wetlands Transportation – no public transportation

9. Sustainable Practices Strive to become Blue Flag Beach certified From 1915 to 1925 Tybee Island lost over 600 feet of beach front because of dredging and Savannahs port. Create a bus-trolley route throughout the island for locals and tourists. Implement sustainable practices within the existing resorts and hotels Create tax incentives for the adoption of green initiatives. Provide information centers for locals and tourists on Tybee Island.

10. Blue Flag Beaches Environmental Education and Information Environmental Management Water Quality Safety and Services

11. Public Transportation Currently there is no public transportation on the island. We are going to create a comprehensive bus-trolley route throughout the island to minimize the use of cars on the island. A coach bus will be available for workers and tourists to travel to Savannah which is only 18 miles away. Also, we will extend the bike path to the entire island which will allow visitors and locals to enjoy Tybee Islands beauty.

13. Hotels and Resorts Install energy efficient light blubs Water efficient shower heads, toilets, and sinks More windows to provide more heating from the sun New efficient air conditioners or a comparable alternative for cooling Give information about how often guests need to clean towels and sheets to minimize water use for towels and sheets Buy locally for the restaurants in the hotels Better insulation for the entire hotel Green Globe Certifications

14. Old Tybee and New Tybee Cant think of a single redeeming thing to say about this dump. No refrigerator, no microwave, slow running drains…

15. Community Development To benefit the community and tourists, we will create eco-tours by bike of the island including the wetlands, beaches, and historical attractions on the island. Add environmental and sustainability information to the existing Visitor Center (located along the bus and bike routes). Locals will be employed to run the eco-tours and the information centers. Recycling and composting will be implemented on the entire island with designated waste areas run by locals.

16. Collaborative Organizations Community Development Department Beach Task Force and Coastal Environmental Organization (CEO) of Georgia – assistance in the satisfying of Blue Flag criteria Tybee Island Planning and Zoning Committee Bus route, bike route, hotel renovations

17. Visitor Management Practices It is important that we preserve Tybee Islands sense of place by limiting the number of tourists while making a profit. Limit the bed base on the island by renovating resorts and hotels in a sustainable fashion rather than building new ones. Limit the number of visitor cars allowed on the island. Provide buses to the beach and information centers.

18. Conclusion Increase the level of sustainability Preserve the sense of place Create public transportation options Easier access to Savannah Promote Tybee Island as an eco-friendly destination