Rhode IslandHistoric Preservation Conference

Something Old, Something Green

"We have not inherited the Earth from our ancestors. We have only borrowed it from our children.“ – Ancient Proverb

Session C-4

Pawtucket, Rhode IslandApril 14, 2007

Session C-4Agricultural Tourism, Geotourism and Volunteer Tourism: The Greening of Heritage Tourism in Rhode Island

Charlotte Johnson, Executive Director Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation

Stuart Nunnery, Executive Director RI Center for Agricultural Promotion & Education

Robert D. Billington, President Blackstone Valley Tourism Council IncSustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory

"The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation, increased, and not impaired, in value." - Theodore Roosevelt

Tourism Market Segments

Agricultural Tourism: the touring of agricultural areas to enjoy, learn and participate in the historical aspects of farming.

Volunteer Tourism: is an experience that combines voluntary service and touring. Voluntourism International

Geotourism: Sustains and enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well- being of its residents. NGS CSD

Sustainable tourism: Respects the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development. A suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability. UNWTO

What is sustainable tourism?

1. Preserving the current resource base for future generations.2. Maintaining the productivity of the resource base.3. Maintaining biodiversity and avoiding irreversible environmental

changes.4. Ensuring equity between and within generations.5. Maintaining and protecting the heritage of the area, region or

nation.

Organization of American States

Tourism planning, development and operations should be part of conservation and sustainable development strategies for a region, a state or a nation.

Tourism planning, development and operation should be cross-sectoral and integrated, involving government agencies, corporations, citizens groups and individuals, thus providing the

widest possible benefits. Organization of American States

Can we have real community sustainability without planning?

A comprehensive blueprint of actions to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organisations of the UN, governments, and major groups in every area in which humans impact on the environment.

The Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of Principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests

Adopted by more than 178 Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janerio, June 1992.

http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/agenda21

AGENDA 21

Geotourism is an approach to development where by destinations remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for enhancement that protects the character of the locale. Geotourism also adopts a principle from its cousin, ecotourism—that tourism revenue can promote conservation—and extends that principle beyond nature travel to encompass culture and history as well: all distinctive assets of a place.

Geotourism is a tourism development process that may help

 Geotourism is synergistic

It involves the community.

It informs visitors and hosts.

It benefits residents economically.

Does not abuse its product—the destination.

It conserves resources.

It supports integrity of place.

It respects local culture and tradition.

It aims for quality, not quantity.

It means great trips.

Arkansas Supports Geotourism

Statewide Partners interested in incentives for heritage travel will want review legislation signed by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebee in March to “create an income tax credit for geotourism investment in the Lower Mississippi River Delta.” Among other provisions, the legislation offers income tax credit for investment in geotourism supporting businesses in economically distressed areas within the region. These supporting businesses include retail facilities, cultural or educational centers, indoor or outdoor plays or music shows, recreational or entertainment facilities, sporting goods retail and rental establishments, guide services, lodging facilities, and dining establishments. To receive a copy of H.B. 2278, e-mail Rhonda_Sincavage@nthp.org

ANHA Update April 2007

Vermont Supports Geotourism

 Located in the Northeastern part of the state, Vermont's Northeast Kingdom has long been cherished by visitors and natives alike for its unspoiled beauty and natural treasures.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is working with National Geographic to develop a geotourism program for the region. As one of the first of its kind in the world, this program allows Vermont's Northeast Kingdom to join a select group of countries and regions working with National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations.

Are we supporting Geotourism in Rhode Island?

Can Rhode Island balance its short term economic needs with its long term enhancement of geographical character?

Can we evaluate our success in terms of economic, social and environmental benefits per visitor - not by the numbers of visitors?

•Business Enterprises for Sustainable Travel (BEST) •United Nations United Nations World Tourism Organization •CERESCERES•Travel Industry Association of America •World Travel & Tourism Council •National Geographic Sustainable Destinations Resource Center •BESTEN (Best Education Network) •Journal of Sustainable Tourism •National Trust for Historic Preservation •Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development •Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development LaboratorySustainable Tourism Planning and Development Laboratory•Blackstone Valley Tourism Council•Rhode Island Division of Tourism Rhode Island Division of Tourism •Organization of American States •Smithsonian Institute •Green Lodging News •Blue Green Meetings •Green Meetings (EPA)

Some links for sustainable tourism development

•Green Agenda •Ecolodgical •Green Meeting Industry Council •Convention Industry Council •Islington Green Policies •Green Tourism Association (Toronto Canada) •National Recycling Coalition Green Meetings Guide •SustainableBusiness.com•Green Meetings (EPA) •Tourism Partnership •Ceres Investors and Environmentalists •Green Agenda •Ecolodgical •Green Meeting Industry Council •Convention Industry Council •Islington Green Policies •Green Tourism Association (Toronto Canada)

•Rhode Island Committee on Agriculture Promotion and EducationRhode Island Committee on Agriculture Promotion and Education•GreenBiz.com GreenBiz.com •National Recycling Coalition Green Meetings Guide National Recycling Coalition Green Meetings Guide •SustainableBusiness.com SustainableBusiness.com • Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor CommissionBlackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission

THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY

• Communities have a need to design thoughtful tourism planning and development strategies.

• Effective tourism planning in a community eludes many of today's destination management organizations.

•The Laboratory prepares and equips practitioners with the knowledge necessary to shape a successful sustainable tourism destination.

Sustainabletourismlab.orgBlackstone Valley Tourism Council IncBlackstone Valley Visitor Center175 Main StreetPawtucket, Rhode Island

Learn about Green Tourism