Info about the 3rd International Travelers’ Philanthropy Conference in Costa Rica 2011

Costa Rica’s Minister of Culture and internationally acclaimed pianist, Manuel Obregón, will host the closing dinner and live multimedia concert at the 3rd International Travelers’ Philanthropy Conference in Monteverde, Costa Rica. As the centerpiece of the evening, Minister Obregón will perform his famed “Simbiosis” – an exquisite piano piece accompanied by big screen images of the Costa Rican rain forest.

The Minister will be joined by Jamaican music legend Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records that introduced the world to Bob Marley, U2, and reggae music. Blackwell, who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is also owner of Island Outpost, a group of small-scale resorts catering to the sophisticated and responsible traveler. Island Outpost is currently partnered with the EARTH University in Costa Rica in a project to develop progressive sustainable agriculture to Jamaica.

“While we are still putting together all the pieces for this final evening, we are honored to have Minister Obregón in Monteverde,” says Jannelle Wilkins, Executive Director of the Monteverde Institute, which is organizing the Travelers’ Philanthropy Conference, together with the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). “We are also pleased to be bringing to Monteverde Chris Blackwell and a number of the global leaders in responsible travel and to be able to showcase Monteverde’s efforts toward sustainable tourism, conservation, and social development.”

The 3rd International Travelers’ Philanthropy Conference will begin Wednesday, July 20 in San Jose at the Ramada Plaza Herradura — Costa Rica’s first large urban hotel to earn top rating under the country’s rigorous certification program. It will be officially opened with a keynote address by Erika Harms, a Costa Rican who is Executive Director of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). On the 2nd day, the conference will move to Monteverde, a mountain top community known for its cloud forest reserve and high quality, nature-based tourism.

The conference will include 21 workshops to be presented in three concurrent streams, entitled:

Benefiting communities and conservation

Enhancing the tourism experience

Building a more engaged and ethical tourism industry

For a list of workshops : http://travelersphilanthropy. org/conference/?page_id=329

The presentations will be offered in both English and Spanish throughout the conference.

Other components of the multi-faceted, four-day conference include:

Pre- & Post- Conference Trips: A variety of one day and multi-day tours are offered by Horizontes Nature Tours, a leading Costa Rican tour operator. These guided tours highlight some of Costa Rica’s finest eco-accommodations and the best of Costa Rica’s natural and cultural attractions. (travelersphilanthropy.org/ conference/?page_id=460)

Short Course & Film Showing: Prior to the official opening in San Jose on Wednesday July 20, a group of international experts will offer a 3 hour tutorial on the “How-To’s” of travelers’ philanthropy, followed by a showing of CREST’s documentary, “Giving Time, Talent, and Treasure.” This Short Course and film are open for free to all conference registrants, and to others for a fee. (travelersphilanthropy.org/ conference/?page_id=802)

Outstanding Speakers: A growing list of confirmed speakers has been posted on the website. Those interested in presenting or moderating panels must complete a Speaker Request Form. (travelersphilanthropy.org/ conference/?page_id=315)

Selection of speakers is being handled by the conference’s Advisory Committee.

The current Early Bird registration rate of $395 runs through April. Beginning May 1, registration is $495. (travelersphilanthropy.org/ conference/?page_id=79)

A small number of needs-based scholarships will be available. Those interested must complete an application. (travelersphilanthropy.org/ conference/?page_id=305) Scholarships will be awarded by the conference organizers.

Travelers’ philanthropy is a relatively new concept, but it is rapidly growing into a worldwide movement and becoming part of the definition of responsible travel. At its core, travelers’ philanthropy is about tourism businesses and travelers ‘giving back’ to tourism destinations by providing financial support, volunteer expertise, and material contributions to local projects and community initiatives. CREST hosted previous International Travelers’ Philanthropy Conferences at Stanford University, California, USA in 2004 and in Arusha, Tanzania in 2008.

Conference sponsorship offers an outstanding marketing opportunity for businesses to be recognized for their sustainable practices. Co-sponsors will reach an influential audience and offers good value. For details, see travelersphilanthropy.org/ conference/ or contact David Krantz at 202.347.9203 ext 417 and dkrantz@responsibletravel.org .

Conference registration, other details, and updates are posted at www.travelersphilanthropy.org/ conference

April 11, 2011   Posted in: Uncategorized