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Ecoventura’s Santiago Dunn in The International Ecotourism Society’s Spotlight As an Award Designee and Featured Conference Panelist

MIAMI, Aug. 17, 2010 – Ecoventura https://www.ecoventura.com/, the pacesetter for responsible tourism to the Galapagos, announces Executive President Santiago Dunn will be a guest panelist at the The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), September 8-10 in Portland, OR.

Dunn, on behalf of his visionary, small-ship expedition cruise company, Ecoventura is also a finalist for TIES’ 2010 first annual Innovation Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Award https://3bl.me/xg9b6w that will be announced at the Presentation Ceremony during the closing reception on Friday, September 10th. See www.ecotourismconference.org.

On Sept. 9 during the Tour Operators roundtable discussion on sustainable tourism business strategies Dunn will discuss how since 1999 Ecoventura has become a recognized leader in sustainable tourism to the Galapagos Islands. Through its core commitment to the ongoing sustainability of this fragile and at-risk ecosystem, Ecoventura is a case study for communities and regions seeking to discourage the negative effects of irresponsible tourism.

Other panelists are Rafael Gallo, president, Rios Tropicales; Wendy B. Lama, ecotourism specialist/consultant, KarmaQuest Ecotourism & Adventure Travel; Gopinath Parayil, founder and chief executive, The Blue Yonder; and Bruce Smith, owner and founder, Seascape Kayak Tours.

The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference is North America’s largest and only conference focusing on sustainability. This conference brings together innovative minds from across the industry to discuss practical ideas and solutions that inspire positive changes. This year’s event that is hosted by Travel Portland and Travel Oregon expects to bring together 500+ business leaders, tourism professionals and community stakeholders. Registration.

As part of TIE’s 20th anniversary initiatives, a new award program was launched. TIES Innovation Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Awards are to honor those who are making a positive difference in the tourism industry by implementing innovative actions that effectively support and promote sustainable and responsible travel, and benefit conservation and communities.

About Ecoventura: Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the M/V Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.
In 2008, Ecoventura was presented with the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism – Best in a Marine Environment Award. Distinguished judges noted Ecoventura’s contribution toward improving conditions for local people in Galapagos and for being among the first operators to be independently audited. In 2009, Ecoventura was honored with the Conde Nast World Savers Award as the top scoring cruise line. The panel of judges noted the company was exceptional in education, preservation, poverty and health. In November 2009, Ecoventura received Travel + Leisure’s 5th annual Global Vision Award for Green Cruising.

To reserve a cabin or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2010-2011 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com.

To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto:
https://www.ecoventura.com/.

Ecoventura / Galapagos Network
CONTACT: Doris Welsh
Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com
Website: www.ecoventura.com/
Phone: 800.633.7972

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