Bill Bryan, Off the Beaten Path LLC, Bozeman, Mont.
Bill Bryan is the co-founder and chairman of Off the Beaten Path LLC, a premier travel planning service specializing in planning highly personalized trips to the Rocky Mountain West, Desert Southwest, Alaska and Patagonia since 1985. He holds a Ph.D. in resource planning and conservation from the University of Michigan, and was the founder and executive director of the Northern Rockies Action Group, providing technical organizational assistance for cause-oriented nonprofits in the Rocky Mountain West from 1973 to 1982. Off The Beaten Path is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. Within this consortium, Bill was asked to take the lead in developing a responsible travel program that all members could use as a standard. This is a work in progress as all members try to take responsible travel to new levels of accountability. Bill also is the co-founder and executive director of the Cook Center for Sustainable Agriculture in the American West, whose mission is to increase the economic viability of farms and ranches, thereby enhancing the health of the land, open space and rural communities. Bill is the senior author of Sharing Your Home on the Range, a "how to" book for hospitality providers in farm and recreation (1991) and has authored Montana Indians: Yesterday and Today, (1986 and 1996). He is currently president of the board of the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Mont.
Bill Bryan is the co-founder and chairman of Off the Beaten Path LLC, a premier travel planning service specializing in planning highly personalized trips to the Rocky Mountain West, Desert Southwest, Alaska and Patagonia since 1985. He holds a Ph.D. in resource planning and conservation from the University of Michigan, and was the founder and executive director of the Northern Rockies Action Group, providing technical organizational assistance for cause-oriented nonprofits in the Rocky Mountain West from 1973 to 1982. Off The Beaten Path is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. Within this consortium, Bill was asked to take the lead in developing a responsible travel program that all members could use as a standard. This is a work in progress as all members try to take responsible travel to new levels of accountability. Bill also is the co-founder and executive director of the Cook Center for Sustainable Agriculture in the American West, whose mission is to increase the economic viability of farms and ranches, thereby enhancing the health of the land, open space and rural communities. Bill is the senior author of Sharing Your Home on the Range, a "how to" book for hospitality providers in farm and recreation (1991) and has authored Montana Indians: Yesterday and Today, (1986 and 1996). He is currently president of the board of the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Mont.
Jorge Cazenave, Cazenave Argentina, San Isidro, Buenos Aires
Jorge Cazenave is the general manager of Cazenave Argentina, which has been creating customized tours in Argentina since 1991. The company specializes in cultural, culinary, sightseeing, adventure and wildlife packages to fit a wide spectrum of budgets. In creating tours, Jorge places great emphasis on striking a delicate balance between the need for sustainable, low-impact tourism and the realities and demands of modern agriculture. Jorge is the president of Agricultural Tour Operators International (ATOI) an international association of tour operators who specialize in agricultural tours. ATOI had its beginnings with a Europe-based group called the International Green Ring, founded in 1963; it now has 55 members in 32 countries. Jorge holds a law degree from the University of Buenos Aires and worked for the Moron (emphasis on second syllable) Federal Court in the province of Buenos Aires. Following that, he worked at an adventure travel agency and was an all-seasons wholesaler specializing in Brazilian beaches. Jorge is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English and is an award-winning nature photographer.
Jorge Cazenave is the general manager of Cazenave Argentina, which has been creating customized tours in Argentina since 1991. The company specializes in cultural, culinary, sightseeing, adventure and wildlife packages to fit a wide spectrum of budgets. In creating tours, Jorge places great emphasis on striking a delicate balance between the need for sustainable, low-impact tourism and the realities and demands of modern agriculture. Jorge is the president of Agricultural Tour Operators International (ATOI) an international association of tour operators who specialize in agricultural tours. ATOI had its beginnings with a Europe-based group called the International Green Ring, founded in 1963; it now has 55 members in 32 countries. Jorge holds a law degree from the University of Buenos Aires and worked for the Moron (emphasis on second syllable) Federal Court in the province of Buenos Aires. Following that, he worked at an adventure travel agency and was an all-seasons wholesaler specializing in Brazilian beaches. Jorge is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English and is an award-winning nature photographer.
Costas Christ, Adventure Council, Bar Harbor, Maine
n addition to his role as president of the Adventure Council, Costas Christ serves as Chairman of the Adventures in Travel Expo Conferences. His desire for exploration has led him to more than 100 countries, including expeditions to some of the world's most remote wilderness regions and archeological sites. Along the way, he worked for Dr. Richard Leakey in Africa and joined National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, Dr. Sylvia Earle, in helping to establish a new marine reserve in Belize. An internationally recognized expert on sustainable tourism, Costas also serves as the Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognize leading examples of environmentally and socially responsible travel around the world. He is a founding member and former Chairman of the Board of The International Ecotourism Society and was appointed the Peace Corps Director in Uganda, where he worked on community-based tourism as an economic development strategy. As the Senior Director for Ecotourism at Conservation International, Costas supervised projects in 18 countries. In addition to writing a monthly travel column in National Geographic Adventure magazine, Costas' articles and essays on travel and tourism have appeared in the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Boston Globe and Sunday Times of London. He is the lead author of Tourism and Biodiversity: Mapping Tourism's Global Footprint and a contributing author in Wilderness: Earth's Last Wild Places.
n addition to his role as president of the Adventure Council, Costas Christ serves as Chairman of the Adventures in Travel Expo Conferences. His desire for exploration has led him to more than 100 countries, including expeditions to some of the world's most remote wilderness regions and archeological sites. Along the way, he worked for Dr. Richard Leakey in Africa and joined National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, Dr. Sylvia Earle, in helping to establish a new marine reserve in Belize. An internationally recognized expert on sustainable tourism, Costas also serves as the Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognize leading examples of environmentally and socially responsible travel around the world. He is a founding member and former Chairman of the Board of The International Ecotourism Society and was appointed the Peace Corps Director in Uganda, where he worked on community-based tourism as an economic development strategy. As the Senior Director for Ecotourism at Conservation International, Costas supervised projects in 18 countries. In addition to writing a monthly travel column in National Geographic Adventure magazine, Costas' articles and essays on travel and tourism have appeared in the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Boston Globe and Sunday Times of London. He is the lead author of Tourism and Biodiversity: Mapping Tourism's Global Footprint and a contributing author in Wilderness: Earth's Last Wild Places.
David Clemmons, VolunTourism.org, San Diego, Calif.
David Clemmons is the founder of VolunTourism.org, co-founder of VolunTours™ and editor of The VolunTourist, an e-newsletter for the business tourism industry and travel trade. He specializes in developing VolunTourism products and services for the meetings and incentive travel and leisure travel markets. David collaborates with George Washington University's International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS) and the Educational Travel Conference (ETC) to offer the annual VolunTourism Forum. He is also spearheading the production of a 13-part PBS series dedicated to VolunTourism efforts throughout the world. David spent 15 years in the hospitality industry, and has served for 30 years in volunteer and nonprofit roles, including volunteer management and training, and actively mentors those interested in combining voluntary service with hospitality, travel and tourism. He defines VolunTourism as "the integrated combination of voluntary service to a destination and the traditional elements of tourism - arts, culture, geography, history, and recreation - in the destination."
David Clemmons is the founder of VolunTourism.org, co-founder of VolunTours™ and editor of The VolunTourist, an e-newsletter for the business tourism industry and travel trade. He specializes in developing VolunTourism products and services for the meetings and incentive travel and leisure travel markets. David collaborates with George Washington University's International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS) and the Educational Travel Conference (ETC) to offer the annual VolunTourism Forum. He is also spearheading the production of a 13-part PBS series dedicated to VolunTourism efforts throughout the world. David spent 15 years in the hospitality industry, and has served for 30 years in volunteer and nonprofit roles, including volunteer management and training, and actively mentors those interested in combining voluntary service with hospitality, travel and tourism. He defines VolunTourism as "the integrated combination of voluntary service to a destination and the traditional elements of tourism - arts, culture, geography, history, and recreation - in the destination."
Christina Heyniger, Xola Consulting, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Christina Heyniger founded Xola Consulting in 2004 by to support the growth and development of companies in the adventure travel business around the world with creative and practical consulting advice. Xola services are focused in business strategy, operations management and industry research. In the adventure travel industry she has worked with adventure travel tour operators, blended adventure-voluntourism organizations, industry associations, and travel companies promoting sustainable development. Prior to founding Xola, Christina worked for eight years in management consulting with BearingPoint, Inc., where her clients included Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Her projects have enabled her clients to increase revenue projections by as much as 50 percent through streamlined operations and cost savings; develop and launch new products using comprehensive market research and business case validation; and implement spending oversight and planning programs. Christina holds a Bachelors degree in Communication from Cornell University, a Masters degree in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Business Administration from American University.
Christina Heyniger founded Xola Consulting in 2004 by to support the growth and development of companies in the adventure travel business around the world with creative and practical consulting advice. Xola services are focused in business strategy, operations management and industry research. In the adventure travel industry she has worked with adventure travel tour operators, blended adventure-voluntourism organizations, industry associations, and travel companies promoting sustainable development. Prior to founding Xola, Christina worked for eight years in management consulting with BearingPoint, Inc., where her clients included Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Her projects have enabled her clients to increase revenue projections by as much as 50 percent through streamlined operations and cost savings; develop and launch new products using comprehensive market research and business case validation; and implement spending oversight and planning programs. Christina holds a Bachelors degree in Communication from Cornell University, a Masters degree in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Business Administration from American University.
Melody Johnson, International Culinary Tourism Association, Portland, Ore.
Recently appointed Vice President of the International Culinary Tourism Association (ICTA), Melody Johnson has been immersed in the hospitality industry for over 18 years. She is co-owner of Falcon's Crest Inn on Mt. Hood in Oregon, which has garnered the distinction of "Best Evening Cuisine" for the last two years and was named one of the top 15 inns in the country. Marketing culinary tourism is a passion for Melody, not only for her business, but for other lodging properties as well. She has conducted seminars on tourism product marketing at local, regional, state and international conferences, including the biennial International Conferences for the Professional Association of Innkeepers International. Melody serves as the Vice-Chair of the International Culinary Tourism Institute, ICTA's education and training arm. She also serves on the boards of the Oregon Culinary Tourism Association, the Oregon Snowsport Industries Association, the Oregon Lodging Association and the Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge Alliance, and is the former chair of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory (Clackamas County Tourism Development Council). Oregon travel industry peers have recognized Melody with the prestigious "Members Choice Award" and the "Oregon Governor's Tourism Award." Before officially joining ICTA, Melody was manager of the Portland office of Gray Line Tours.
Recently appointed Vice President of the International Culinary Tourism Association (ICTA), Melody Johnson has been immersed in the hospitality industry for over 18 years. She is co-owner of Falcon's Crest Inn on Mt. Hood in Oregon, which has garnered the distinction of "Best Evening Cuisine" for the last two years and was named one of the top 15 inns in the country. Marketing culinary tourism is a passion for Melody, not only for her business, but for other lodging properties as well. She has conducted seminars on tourism product marketing at local, regional, state and international conferences, including the biennial International Conferences for the Professional Association of Innkeepers International. Melody serves as the Vice-Chair of the International Culinary Tourism Institute, ICTA's education and training arm. She also serves on the boards of the Oregon Culinary Tourism Association, the Oregon Snowsport Industries Association, the Oregon Lodging Association and the Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge Alliance, and is the former chair of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory (Clackamas County Tourism Development Council). Oregon travel industry peers have recognized Melody with the prestigious "Members Choice Award" and the "Oregon Governor's Tourism Award." Before officially joining ICTA, Melody was manager of the Portland office of Gray Line Tours.
H.P. Jorgensen, Heartland Consulting LLC, Decorah, Iowa
Hans Peter Jorgensen developed the widely acclaimed agricultural group travel program for Silos & Smokestacks, a regional organization covering 37 counties in northeast Iowa. Silos & Smokestacks is affiliated with the National Parks Service and was designated by Congress as a National Heritage Area in 1996. The organization was formed to support the interpretation of the region's heritage to its residents and visitors. It does so by working to strengthen interpretive sites - including more than a hundred tour-friendly restaurants, shops, farms, museums and historic attractions - in their efforts. Tour groups who visit these sites enjoy hands-on experiences such as creating art, interacting with farmers, enjoying home-cooked meals on farms and learning first-hand about agriculture past and present. Before joining Silos & Smokestacks, H.P. created a non-profit organization for the preservation of livestock biodiversity and collaborated with Iowa State University on a rare livestock research project. His most recent endeavor is working with more than 300 Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), to create eco-farming tours through which travelers learn about sustainable farming practices.
Hans Peter Jorgensen developed the widely acclaimed agricultural group travel program for Silos & Smokestacks, a regional organization covering 37 counties in northeast Iowa. Silos & Smokestacks is affiliated with the National Parks Service and was designated by Congress as a National Heritage Area in 1996. The organization was formed to support the interpretation of the region's heritage to its residents and visitors. It does so by working to strengthen interpretive sites - including more than a hundred tour-friendly restaurants, shops, farms, museums and historic attractions - in their efforts. Tour groups who visit these sites enjoy hands-on experiences such as creating art, interacting with farmers, enjoying home-cooked meals on farms and learning first-hand about agriculture past and present. Before joining Silos & Smokestacks, H.P. created a non-profit organization for the preservation of livestock biodiversity and collaborated with Iowa State University on a rare livestock research project. His most recent endeavor is working with more than 300 Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), to create eco-farming tours through which travelers learn about sustainable farming practices.
David Kaufman, Vermont Tourism Network, South Burlington, Vt.
David Kaufman, CTP, is president of Vermont Tourism Network, an entrepreneurial business focused on cooperative marketing in the travel and tourism industry. VTN represents more than 140 clients in Vermont and has guided the establishment of similar businesses in other states and provinces. David's 27- year relationship with the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Recreation Management Program includes both teaching and working with students in an advisory capacity related to their career paths. The courses he has created and taught include Resort Marketing and Management, Sustainable Tourism and Tourism Planning, Entrepreneurship in Recreation and Tourism, and Ski Area Management. As a five-term member of Vermont's General Assembly, House of Representatives, David chaired the House Transportation Committee, served on the Government Operations Committee, was co-founder and chair of the Legislative Tourism Caucus and served on the Administrative Rules Committee. He is on the board of directors of numerous local and national organizations and advisory groups. David has been a leader in Vermont's travel industry for more than 30 years, has been recognized as Vermont's Travel Person of the Year and has received the annual Friend of the Industry Award.
David Kaufman, CTP, is president of Vermont Tourism Network, an entrepreneurial business focused on cooperative marketing in the travel and tourism industry. VTN represents more than 140 clients in Vermont and has guided the establishment of similar businesses in other states and provinces. David's 27- year relationship with the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Recreation Management Program includes both teaching and working with students in an advisory capacity related to their career paths. The courses he has created and taught include Resort Marketing and Management, Sustainable Tourism and Tourism Planning, Entrepreneurship in Recreation and Tourism, and Ski Area Management. As a five-term member of Vermont's General Assembly, House of Representatives, David chaired the House Transportation Committee, served on the Government Operations Committee, was co-founder and chair of the Legislative Tourism Caucus and served on the Administrative Rules Committee. He is on the board of directors of numerous local and national organizations and advisory groups. David has been a leader in Vermont's travel industry for more than 30 years, has been recognized as Vermont's Travel Person of the Year and has received the annual Friend of the Industry Award.
Peter Krahenbuhl, Sustainable Travel International, Boulder. Colo.
Peter Krahenbuhl co-founded Sustainable Travel International (STI) and helped develop its Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program. Peter completed his B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. A global interest in deforestation and development led him to pursue a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University at Bloomington, concentrating in international affairs and environmental policy. During this time his Latin American travels and conservation projects began. He developed an ecotourism company and has focused his efforts on supporting sustainability in the travel industry ever since. In 1997 he joined adventure tour operator The World Outdoors (then Roads Less Traveled), while completing the Hunter Travel Guides Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in 2003. Peter currently manages STI's carbon offset program to help travelers, companies and organizations neutralize their global warming impacts.
Peter Krahenbuhl co-founded Sustainable Travel International (STI) and helped develop its Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program. Peter completed his B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. A global interest in deforestation and development led him to pursue a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University at Bloomington, concentrating in international affairs and environmental policy. During this time his Latin American travels and conservation projects began. He developed an ecotourism company and has focused his efforts on supporting sustainability in the travel industry ever since. In 1997 he joined adventure tour operator The World Outdoors (then Roads Less Traveled), while completing the Hunter Travel Guides Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in 2003. Peter currently manages STI's carbon offset program to help travelers, companies and organizations neutralize their global warming impacts.
Kurt Kutay, Wildland Adventures, Seattle, Wash.
Kurt Kutay is the founding director and president of Wildland Adventures, Inc. and the non-profit Travelers Conservation Trust. He has traveled and guided groups throughout the world since 1975. Kurt completed an M.S. degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Michigan after conducting research in the National Parks of Costa Rica. He has also worked on international programs for the U.S. National Park Service. Kurt wrote a chapter on adventure travel for Fodor's guidebooks, was a contributing author to an academic textbook on National Parks and Indigenous Peoples, and has written many articles on ecotourism. As a founding member of the board of directors for numerous professional associations and conservation organizations including The International Ecotourism Society, the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association, and the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition of East Africa, Kurt is recognized as a pioneer in adventure travel and ecotourism.
Kurt Kutay is the founding director and president of Wildland Adventures, Inc. and the non-profit Travelers Conservation Trust. He has traveled and guided groups throughout the world since 1975. Kurt completed an M.S. degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Michigan after conducting research in the National Parks of Costa Rica. He has also worked on international programs for the U.S. National Park Service. Kurt wrote a chapter on adventure travel for Fodor's guidebooks, was a contributing author to an academic textbook on National Parks and Indigenous Peoples, and has written many articles on ecotourism. As a founding member of the board of directors for numerous professional associations and conservation organizations including The International Ecotourism Society, the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association, and the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition of East Africa, Kurt is recognized as a pioneer in adventure travel and ecotourism.
Mac Lacy, The Group Travel Leader Inc., Lexington, Ky.
Mac Lacy is publisher and cofounder of The Group Travel Leader, the National Newspaper for the Group Travel Industry, which began publication in 1991 to meet the needs of the growing number of travel group leaders. An informative source of industry news and travel-related articles, The Group Travel Leader has become the most widely read group travel publication with a monthly circulation of more than 30,000. More than 22,500 members of Group Leaders of America (GLAMER) read The Group Travel Leader, as well as 7,500 more readers who are representatives of tour operators, bus companies and destinations. Mac founded The Group Travel Leader with his partner Charlie Presley in 1991. Over the past 10 years, the company has grown to include three spin-off niche market publications, Bank Travel Management, the National Magazine for Bank Loyalty Program Directors; Going on Faith, America's Newspaper for Traveling Religious Groups and Travel Bound, America's Magazine for African American Group Travel.
Mac Lacy is publisher and cofounder of The Group Travel Leader, the National Newspaper for the Group Travel Industry, which began publication in 1991 to meet the needs of the growing number of travel group leaders. An informative source of industry news and travel-related articles, The Group Travel Leader has become the most widely read group travel publication with a monthly circulation of more than 30,000. More than 22,500 members of Group Leaders of America (GLAMER) read The Group Travel Leader, as well as 7,500 more readers who are representatives of tour operators, bus companies and destinations. Mac founded The Group Travel Leader with his partner Charlie Presley in 1991. Over the past 10 years, the company has grown to include three spin-off niche market publications, Bank Travel Management, the National Magazine for Bank Loyalty Program Directors; Going on Faith, America's Newspaper for Traveling Religious Groups and Travel Bound, America's Magazine for African American Group Travel.
Chris Lewey, RAVEN Interpretive Wildlife Programs, Chatham, N.H.
Chris Lewey, executive director and Founder of RAVEN Interpretive Programs, holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University and is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, University of New Hampshire and Maharishi European Research University in France. He currently leads natural history tours for RAVEN, as well as the Maine Audubon Society, and has been a trip leader for Smithsonian Study Tours, and National Wildlife Federation among others. Chris is also a naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club and has been a National Audubon Society Ornithology instructor at their Hog Island ecology camp in Maine and he is on the Board of Directors of Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A native New Englander and licensed Maine Guide, Chris has traveled extensively and guided tours from Canada to the Antarctic, including Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and throughout the continental U.S., in particular, the Northeastern, Mid Atlantic, and Southwestern states and also in Europe. He has taught biology, ecology, and ornithology in both New Hampshire and Maine is presently a teacher for the University of New Hampshire at Granite State College. As a nature photographer and master bird-bander, he continues wildlife research in his region.
Chris Lewey, executive director and Founder of RAVEN Interpretive Programs, holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University and is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, University of New Hampshire and Maharishi European Research University in France. He currently leads natural history tours for RAVEN, as well as the Maine Audubon Society, and has been a trip leader for Smithsonian Study Tours, and National Wildlife Federation among others. Chris is also a naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club and has been a National Audubon Society Ornithology instructor at their Hog Island ecology camp in Maine and he is on the Board of Directors of Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A native New Englander and licensed Maine Guide, Chris has traveled extensively and guided tours from Canada to the Antarctic, including Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and throughout the continental U.S., in particular, the Northeastern, Mid Atlantic, and Southwestern states and also in Europe. He has taught biology, ecology, and ornithology in both New Hampshire and Maine is presently a teacher for the University of New Hampshire at Granite State College. As a nature photographer and master bird-bander, he continues wildlife research in his region.
Hitesh Mehta, EDSA, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Hitesh Mehta is a landscape architect, environmental planner and architect for EDSA and one of the world's leading authorities, practitioners and researchers on ecotourism planning and both the architectural and landscape architectural aspects of ecolodges. EDSA is the largest ecotourism planning and ecolodge design office in the world and has a portfolio of projects in Madagascar, Egypt, China, Saudi Arabia, India, Kenya, Mexico, Dominica, Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Turks and Caicos, Galapagos, Gabon, Fiji, Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico and the United States. Hitesh is an adjunct professor at several universities in southern Florida, regularly conducts research on international trends in ecolodges and is currently writing a book on Best Practice Ecolodges. He sits on the board of The International Ecotourism Society, is a member of the advisory boards of The Adventure Council and BIOSFERA (Brazilian Environmental Society), is a founding member of Ecotourism Kenya, and is the international advisor for the Japan Ecolodge Association. He acts as judge and on-site inspector for the Tourism for Tomorrow awards, World Legacy Awards on Heritage Tourism and Ecotourism (National Geographic/Conservation International) and Ecotourism Awards (Conde Nast Traveler). A professional photographer and Hall of Fame cricket player from Kenya, Hitesh was named one of the "25 Most Powerful People in Adventure" by Men's Journal.
Hitesh Mehta is a landscape architect, environmental planner and architect for EDSA and one of the world's leading authorities, practitioners and researchers on ecotourism planning and both the architectural and landscape architectural aspects of ecolodges. EDSA is the largest ecotourism planning and ecolodge design office in the world and has a portfolio of projects in Madagascar, Egypt, China, Saudi Arabia, India, Kenya, Mexico, Dominica, Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Turks and Caicos, Galapagos, Gabon, Fiji, Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico and the United States. Hitesh is an adjunct professor at several universities in southern Florida, regularly conducts research on international trends in ecolodges and is currently writing a book on Best Practice Ecolodges. He sits on the board of The International Ecotourism Society, is a member of the advisory boards of The Adventure Council and BIOSFERA (Brazilian Environmental Society), is a founding member of Ecotourism Kenya, and is the international advisor for the Japan Ecolodge Association. He acts as judge and on-site inspector for the Tourism for Tomorrow awards, World Legacy Awards on Heritage Tourism and Ecotourism (National Geographic/Conservation International) and Ecotourism Awards (Conde Nast Traveler). A professional photographer and Hall of Fame cricket player from Kenya, Hitesh was named one of the "25 Most Powerful People in Adventure" by Men's Journal.
Clay Lyons Morton, 10,000 Films, Louisville, Ky.
Clay Lyons Morton is a documentary filmmaker with a keen interest in sustainable living practices. He received his B.A. in studio art with an emphasis on sculpture from Occidental College in Los Angeles in 1995 and afterward traveled throughout Europe, Africa, Canada, Central and South America and Mexico. Having studied permaculture, sustainable farming and timber framing, Clay has lived in and helped to develop several intentional communities, where he has participated in green and natural building projects. He is currently involved in an initiative to convert vehicles with diesel engines to run on vegetable oil. Clay has an ongoing interest in religious studies and political evolution, and has lived and practiced at a residential Zen retreat center for the past five years. His company, 10,000 Films, has been commissioned by the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, a Royal Commission under King Abdallah II of Jordan, to make a documentary about the recent discovery of the baptism site of Jesus Christ in an area known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan. The film will explore the meaning of the sacrament of baptism, the prophetic history surrounding the event of Christ's baptism in particular, and how the recent rediscovery of the original baptism site came about and is inspiring faith in the modern world.
Clay Lyons Morton is a documentary filmmaker with a keen interest in sustainable living practices. He received his B.A. in studio art with an emphasis on sculpture from Occidental College in Los Angeles in 1995 and afterward traveled throughout Europe, Africa, Canada, Central and South America and Mexico. Having studied permaculture, sustainable farming and timber framing, Clay has lived in and helped to develop several intentional communities, where he has participated in green and natural building projects. He is currently involved in an initiative to convert vehicles with diesel engines to run on vegetable oil. Clay has an ongoing interest in religious studies and political evolution, and has lived and practiced at a residential Zen retreat center for the past five years. His company, 10,000 Films, has been commissioned by the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, a Royal Commission under King Abdallah II of Jordan, to make a documentary about the recent discovery of the baptism site of Jesus Christ in an area known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan. The film will explore the meaning of the sacrament of baptism, the prophetic history surrounding the event of Christ's baptism in particular, and how the recent rediscovery of the original baptism site came about and is inspiring faith in the modern world.
Brian Mullis, Sustainable Travel International, Hood River, Ore.
Brian T. Mullis is the president of Sustainable Travel International (STI). He co-founded STI in 2002 with the mission of promoting responsible travel and facilitating the travel and tourism industry's move toward sustainability. Mullis has more than 18 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. He began his career spending summers during college working in national parks throughout the western United States. More recently, Mullis was the president and owner of The World Outdoors, an international adventure travel company specializing in active and eco-travel. During his career, he has assisted numerous travel companies and destination management organizations in the areas of business and sustainable development, sales and marketing, finance and budgeting, and management, operations and programming. Mullis has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a focus on Business from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and holds a Master's Degree in Recreation Management from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.
Brian T. Mullis is the president of Sustainable Travel International (STI). He co-founded STI in 2002 with the mission of promoting responsible travel and facilitating the travel and tourism industry's move toward sustainability. Mullis has more than 18 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. He began his career spending summers during college working in national parks throughout the western United States. More recently, Mullis was the president and owner of The World Outdoors, an international adventure travel company specializing in active and eco-travel. During his career, he has assisted numerous travel companies and destination management organizations in the areas of business and sustainable development, sales and marketing, finance and budgeting, and management, operations and programming. Mullis has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a focus on Business from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and holds a Master's Degree in Recreation Management from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.
Paige Schneider, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.
Paige P. Schneider is a Ph.D. candidate at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. She holds an M.A. in Recreation and Tourism from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. Paige's research has focused on marketing, communication, and consumer behavior related to tourism, with a special interest in adventure tourism. Paige has 15 years of experience as a travel consultant and manager of a Virtuoso member agency in Perrysburg, Ohio. She is a Certified Travel Consultant (CTC), an Adventure Travel Specialist (ATS), and has completed four Destination Specialist (DS) certificates during her career. Paige is an active member in The Travel Institute (formerly ICTA), the Communication Majors Association (CMA) at Michigan State University, and the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA), at whose June 2006 conference in Dublin she won Best Illustrated Paper Presentation. Paige also volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio and, since 2004, has been a research associate with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and has contributed adventure travel and ecotourism research to the startup of Modern Traveler magazine.
Paige P. Schneider is a Ph.D. candidate at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. She holds an M.A. in Recreation and Tourism from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. Paige's research has focused on marketing, communication, and consumer behavior related to tourism, with a special interest in adventure tourism. Paige has 15 years of experience as a travel consultant and manager of a Virtuoso member agency in Perrysburg, Ohio. She is a Certified Travel Consultant (CTC), an Adventure Travel Specialist (ATS), and has completed four Destination Specialist (DS) certificates during her career. Paige is an active member in The Travel Institute (formerly ICTA), the Communication Majors Association (CMA) at Michigan State University, and the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA), at whose June 2006 conference in Dublin she won Best Illustrated Paper Presentation. Paige also volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio and, since 2004, has been a research associate with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and has contributed adventure travel and ecotourism research to the startup of Modern Traveler magazine.
Keith W. Sproule, Tourism Planner, Longmont, Colo.
Keith Sproule is recognized for his expertise in national and regional tourism planning, destination marketing, development of public and private sector partnerships and small and medium tourism enterprise creation. A hands-on travel and tourism industry professional, Keith has been an advisor on ecotourism policy and planning to governments on three continents and a consultant to several emerging destinations with adventure products, including Saudi Arabia and North Cyprus. He has worked and traveled in over 90 countries, including many of the premier ecotourism destinations around the world. He has worked as a contract consultant with private tourism investment projects, international development banks and government agencies. Keith served two terms as Chairman of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), and recently served as a field judge for the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
Keith Sproule is recognized for his expertise in national and regional tourism planning, destination marketing, development of public and private sector partnerships and small and medium tourism enterprise creation. A hands-on travel and tourism industry professional, Keith has been an advisor on ecotourism policy and planning to governments on three continents and a consultant to several emerging destinations with adventure products, including Saudi Arabia and North Cyprus. He has worked and traveled in over 90 countries, including many of the premier ecotourism destinations around the world. He has worked as a contract consultant with private tourism investment projects, international development banks and government agencies. Keith served two terms as Chairman of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), and recently served as a field judge for the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
Shannon Stowell, the Adventure Travel Trade Association, Seattle, Wash.
The president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Shannon has a B.S. in Biology from Seattle Pacific University, and worked as a certified fisheries observer on ships in Alaska for the National Marine Fisheries Service under the NOAA. After a stint on the Bering Sea and employment with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, he spent nearly eight years at an environmental testing laboratory initially as a biologist and chemist, after which he was promoted into management to develop the company's international vision with the president of North Creek Analytical International. Shannon then engaged in the dot-com revolution as a co-founder of www.Altrec.com, a successful outdoor and adventure travel gear retailer. He directed the company's business development, affiliate marketing and non-profit relations for six years. Despite ebbs and flows in the dot-com boom and bust, Altrec survived, in part because of the partnership-building strategy envisioned and executed by Shannon. While at Altrec.com, he struck deals with Nike, Virtuoso, Amazon.com, CBS Sportsline, National Geographic and National Geographic Adventure, Backpacker Magazine, Gore-Tex, Outward Bound, O.A.R.S., and Mountain Travel Sobek, among others. For more than two years, Shannon has been engaging the industry as the president of the ATTA. The organization has launched the wildly successful Adventure Travel World Summits (held in 2005 and 2006) and has also put together a dynamic team that is dedicated to growing the Adventure Travel industry. The ATTA is a membership-driven organization that gives benefits to individual companies that wish to grow, learn and stay connected to the industry at large.
The president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Shannon has a B.S. in Biology from Seattle Pacific University, and worked as a certified fisheries observer on ships in Alaska for the National Marine Fisheries Service under the NOAA. After a stint on the Bering Sea and employment with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, he spent nearly eight years at an environmental testing laboratory initially as a biologist and chemist, after which he was promoted into management to develop the company's international vision with the president of North Creek Analytical International. Shannon then engaged in the dot-com revolution as a co-founder of www.Altrec.com, a successful outdoor and adventure travel gear retailer. He directed the company's business development, affiliate marketing and non-profit relations for six years. Despite ebbs and flows in the dot-com boom and bust, Altrec survived, in part because of the partnership-building strategy envisioned and executed by Shannon. While at Altrec.com, he struck deals with Nike, Virtuoso, Amazon.com, CBS Sportsline, National Geographic and National Geographic Adventure, Backpacker Magazine, Gore-Tex, Outward Bound, O.A.R.S., and Mountain Travel Sobek, among others. For more than two years, Shannon has been engaging the industry as the president of the ATTA. The organization has launched the wildly successful Adventure Travel World Summits (held in 2005 and 2006) and has also put together a dynamic team that is dedicated to growing the Adventure Travel industry. The ATTA is a membership-driven organization that gives benefits to individual companies that wish to grow, learn and stay connected to the industry at large.
Carolyn Viles, Tourism Cares, Canton, Mass.
Carolyn Viles, a travel industry veteran, is program manager at the non-profit Tourism Cares, where she is responsible for grants given to cultural sites worldwide and student programs, which include scholarships given to tourism students. A Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), she was formerly manager of destination programs at The Travel Institute (previously ICTA). Two of the programs she developed, Destination Specialist Alaska and Destination Specialist Mexico won Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards in 2003 and 2005 for best educational program on the region. Carolyn is a graduate of Smith College and has a Master's degree in Business Administration. As an adjunct faculty member at several business schools and universities in Paris, France, she taught travel and tourism, communications, marketing, hotel management, and cross-cultural business management. She has served on two travel advisory boards, for the New England Caribbean Tourism Organization and Middlesex Community College Hospitality and Travel Management Program. She has also volunteered for the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, a grassroots environmental organization near Cape Cod.
Carolyn Viles, a travel industry veteran, is program manager at the non-profit Tourism Cares, where she is responsible for grants given to cultural sites worldwide and student programs, which include scholarships given to tourism students. A Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), she was formerly manager of destination programs at The Travel Institute (previously ICTA). Two of the programs she developed, Destination Specialist Alaska and Destination Specialist Mexico won Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards in 2003 and 2005 for best educational program on the region. Carolyn is a graduate of Smith College and has a Master's degree in Business Administration. As an adjunct faculty member at several business schools and universities in Paris, France, she taught travel and tourism, communications, marketing, hotel management, and cross-cultural business management. She has served on two travel advisory boards, for the New England Caribbean Tourism Organization and Middlesex Community College Hospitality and Travel Management Program. She has also volunteered for the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, a grassroots environmental organization near Cape Cod.
Christine Vogt, Ph.D., Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.
Christine is an associate professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies and the Michigan Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center at Michigan State University. Her research area is tourism communications and the study of people collecting and using information to plan and take vacations. She also studies resident attitudes on tourism and natural resource issues, and survey and evaluation research techniques. She has extensive experience in tourist, resident, and tourism industry stakeholder research. Her work is primarily in the United States; however, current and future projects are more globally focused for Greece, Micronesia, India, and Japan. Christine's published work appears in Annals of Tourism Research, Journal of Leisure Research, and Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. She is an associate editor for Journal of Travel Research, Journal of Leisure Research, Journal of Park and Recreation Association and Loisir. She is active in the National Park and Recreation Association, the International Travel and Tourism Association, and locally in Livingston County MSU Extension and the Southeast Livingston Recreation Authority.
Christine is an associate professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies and the Michigan Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center at Michigan State University. Her research area is tourism communications and the study of people collecting and using information to plan and take vacations. She also studies resident attitudes on tourism and natural resource issues, and survey and evaluation research techniques. She has extensive experience in tourist, resident, and tourism industry stakeholder research. Her work is primarily in the United States; however, current and future projects are more globally focused for Greece, Micronesia, India, and Japan. Christine's published work appears in Annals of Tourism Research, Journal of Leisure Research, and Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. She is an associate editor for Journal of Travel Research, Journal of Leisure Research, Journal of Park and Recreation Association and Loisir. She is active in the National Park and Recreation Association, the International Travel and Tourism Association, and locally in Livingston County MSU Extension and the Southeast Livingston Recreation Authority.
Kim Whytock, Kim Whytock and Associates, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Kim Whytock, a Canadian tourism strategist, works with the private and public sectors in developing compelling travel experiences that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable. The author of Canada's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism, he has recently contributed to the strategies for coastal tourism in Nova Scotia, Canada; the Pacaya-Samaria reserve, Amazon basin, Peru; and the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism. Kim has a Master's degree in Earth Sciences. As a national park system management planner, and then director for external relations and tourism, his career with Canada's parks and historic sites agency brought in-depth knowledge of North America's diverse ecosystems and the cornerstone roles that national parks play in "green travel" experiences in all nations. As models of responsible tourism, he believes parks and related host communities inform, influence and involve travelers and the travel industry in ensuring we never have to say, "There used to be." He has served as: Chair of the Canadian Tourism Commission's National Task Force on Learning Travel; Chair of the National Tour Association's Canada Council and an honorary Director on the Board of the NTA; and is a member of the Board of Directors of Routes to Learning Canada (formerly Elderhostel Canada)
Kim Whytock, a Canadian tourism strategist, works with the private and public sectors in developing compelling travel experiences that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable. The author of Canada's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism, he has recently contributed to the strategies for coastal tourism in Nova Scotia, Canada; the Pacaya-Samaria reserve, Amazon basin, Peru; and the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism. Kim has a Master's degree in Earth Sciences. As a national park system management planner, and then director for external relations and tourism, his career with Canada's parks and historic sites agency brought in-depth knowledge of North America's diverse ecosystems and the cornerstone roles that national parks play in "green travel" experiences in all nations. As models of responsible tourism, he believes parks and related host communities inform, influence and involve travelers and the travel industry in ensuring we never have to say, "There used to be." He has served as: Chair of the Canadian Tourism Commission's National Task Force on Learning Travel; Chair of the National Tour Association's Canada Council and an honorary Director on the Board of the NTA; and is a member of the Board of Directors of Routes to Learning Canada (formerly Elderhostel Canada)
