Center for Sustainable Tourism Division of Research and Graduate Studies East Carolina University Tarboro Rotary Club

Our personal lives... Are you starting to use energy efficient light bulbs in your home? Do you find yourself looking around for recycling bins? Are you watching a bit more closely now how you spend your household discretionary income? Do you spend a bit less time (and water) lately in the shower? Are you “growing” in curiosity about local produce?

Some questions to ponder? What should we rename Glacier National Park? At what price of gas will (did) the American public cut back on driving for vacation? Did the last hotel you stayed at feature linen reuse, zero waste policies, or water saving devices? How do we maintain “community sense of place” in tourism dependent communities when workers can not afford the cost of housing? How do we maintain “community sense of place” in tourism dependent communities when workers can not afford the cost of housing?

The Galapagos—Ecotourism and Other Invasions Bridging Science and Business Here’s the roll call... – 740 species of alien plants; 500 native; – 550 species of alien insects and other invertebrates (55 serious threats to native flora and fauna); – Alien insects are now a quarter of the islands’ total; – 30 species of introduced vertebrates, 13 considered invasive and a threat.

“Sustainability” Should contribute to a balanced and healthy economy by generating tourism- related jobs, revenues, and taxes... Should protect and enhance a destination’s socio-cultural, historical, natural and built resources... Should enhance the enjoyment and well- being of both residents and visitors.

12 Categories of Sustainable Action GHG emissions management and reduction Solid waste management and reduction Freshwater consumption reduction Wastewater management Energy conservation and management Ecosystem and biodiversity conservation Land Use planning & management Social norms and culture preservation Economic benefits for local and indigenous community Responsible purchasing Air quality protection and noise reduction Training and education for employees and clients

Business Operations Traveler Behaviors Public Policy Making Sustainable Tourism Happen “Stuff Happens”

Why pursue sustainability? Decrease costs/improve profits; Create greater brand recognition; Enhance business and destination reputation ; Increase market share; Increase employee loyalty and cost savings; Contribute to the well-being of the community; Improve relationships/meet regulations with governmental entities.

Who in North Carolina is taking action? Weeping Radish Brewery and Butchery (composts organic waste) Proximity Hotel (LEEDS certified, Platinum Level) Kanuga Conference Center, Western NC (Solar water heating) Highland Lake Inn, Flat Rock, NC (Farm to table program) Mez Restaurant, Durham (LEED certified, Silver Level) Lantern Restaurant, Chapel Hill (Supports local food based economy) The NC Zoo (Energy, water, waste) Wind Energy Workshop, Plymouth, NC Fort Bragg award-winning water saving program

MS in SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Principles of Tourism and Sustainability (3). Survey of concepts and theories of tourism and sustainable tourism; exposure to current literature; learn sustainable tourism practices across settings - local to global Environmental Factors and Tourism (3). Theory and survey of interrelationships between environmental systems; environmental change and tourism; and research methods for assessing and implementing environmental practices for sustainable tourism Development and Management of Sustainable Tourism (3). Research, evaluate, and apply social and environmentally responsible business practices in tourism Planning and Policy of Sustainable Tourism (3). Focus on public policy issues and planning strategies critical to sustainable tourism Internship (3) Thesis (6).

Trying to find ways to... Not fill our landfills Conserve water use Limit our waste production Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions Lessen our carbon footprint Create a great community sense of place And to share with others how to do the same.

Center for Sustainable Tourism Link data to economic & community decision-making; Identify sustainable actions that are feasible; Develop partnerships at all levels; Create useful resources; Educate our future leaders; Work to establish a State, Nat'l and Int’l presence; Help North Carolina stay competitive.

Who’s committing to this ? American Society of Travel Agents. American Hotel and Lodging Association. American Society for Testing and Materials (now ASTM Int’l). Convention Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange. The International Ecotourism Society. Greener by Design: “Greener Products for Leaner Times”. National Ski Areas Association. “True Restaurant Sustainability: More Success, Better Future”