Conference Themes

Proposed Session Themes (proposed by Advisory Committee)

TRACK 1: Ecotourism as a Tool for Conservation and Sustainable Community Development

Theme 1.1 Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation

• How to conserve biodiversity through tourism?
• Examples on case studies of linking biodiversity conservation and ecotourism
• Challenges and opportunities for tourism to parks and protected areas
• How to utilize ecotourism as a long-term conservation tool to protect Europe’s natural places?

Theme 1.2 Community-Based Ecotourism in Europe

• Examples on case studies of community-based ecotourism best practicies
• Benefits of ecotourism for Europe’s rural destinations;Partnership opportunities for communities, destinations, businesses and NGOs.

Theme 1.3 Climate-Friendly Travel Strategies and Adaptation to Climate Change

• Examples of low-carbon tourism operations in Europe;
• Strategies to minimize climate footprint of tourism activities;
• How to transform your destination into a low-impact slow travel destination?

TRACK 2: Ecotourism as a Profitable Business Model

Theme 2.1 Ecotourism and Certification Programs

• Evaluation of ecotourism and sustainable tourism certification programs in Europe;

• Stakeholder feedback on the benefits of certification programs;

Theme 2.2 Innovation in Ecotourism Product Development

• Examples on innovative Ecotourism product development of small ecotourism businesses

• How to package and market nature and culture experiences to attract ecotourism markets?

• Challenges and opportunities for wildlife tourism and other nich-products

Theme 2.3 Market Trends and New Rules of Ecotourism Marketing

• Trends in ecotourism demand
• Examples and best practice on internet marketing and using online tools
• Examples and best practice in Green Marketing