Incentive - May 2008 - (Page 76)

TRAVEL Puerto Rico Style PAGE 81 Yesterday and Today PAGE 85 Some refurbishments, large and small has business booming for incentive travel in this hot destination Three Incentive writers take a fresh look at two of Mexico’s classic destinations: Cancun and Los Cabos Green Ties By Alex Palmer he International Ecotourism Society (TIES), in partnership with the Swedish Ecotourism Society, hosted its annual fund-raising gala on May 1 at the House of Sweden in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Promoting ecofriendly practices in individual and group travel, the event showcased destinations, tour operators, and other organizations incorporating environmental responsibility and education into their programs. It also offered a silent auction of eco-holiday packages donated by TIES members. TIES touts itself as the “largest and oldest ecotourism organization in the world.” Its network of members, located across 90 countries, have access to the organization’s training, research and best practices on eco-friendly travel. Christina Cavaliere, director of training and education for TIES, The Ecotourism Gala and Auction raises awareness, and funds, for responsible travel T says she has seen the popularity of ecotourism grow with incentive travel groups. “Green incentives, green conferences, they are taking off,” says Cavaliere. “On these trips, groups are doing side tours of the locations, raising awareness of the local habitat and culture.” In Sweden, TIES finds a very suitable partner. The country’s offerings for incentive travelers reflect the strong link between Sweden’s natural habitat and its tourist opportunities. Vildmark in Värmland (top left) allows groups to take adventure tours down the river Klarälven on rafts they build themselves. And of course, to the north is the famous ICEHOTEL (bottom left) where travelers can hike and witness the aurora borealis, before returning to luxury accommodations made of local ice and snow. Send comments to alex.palmer@nielsen.com 76 | Incentive | May 2008 | incentivemag.com Photo of timber raft ©Hipfel/Starck http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - May 2008

Incentive - May 2008 Contents Editor's Note: Turn to Incentives in Hard Times In The News: At IMRA Conference, Trade Show Talk; In Utah, Team-Building Trauma Cover Story: Can Incentives Save the Media Business? Incentive Interview: Our New Columnist, Christi L. Gibson Case Study: Architecture Firm WESKetch Builds a Recognition Plan Incentives in a Recession: Advice on Adjusting Your Plan Office Bullies: The Scourge of the Workplace Can Be Reined In Original Research: Incentive Sales IQ Report Recognition@Work: Stop Driving Your Top People Away Incentive Primer: Ways to Foster Creativity in Your Organization Travel News Puerto Rico: Shining Star's Trendy Makeover Mexico: Cancun and Cabo Still Have It Potentials Here and Now Luggage and Leather Goods Gift Cards: F&B Advertiser Index Last Word: Stanley Bing Gives Wimpy Bosses a Nuggie

Incentive - May 2008

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