The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will sponsor a series of six Geo-Green Webinars as part of the Tennessee Sustainable Tourism initiative. The first Webinar will be held at 3 p.m. CDT on July 2. The Geo-Green Webinars are free and will be presented online at Gotomeeting.com.
Rene Welti, president of America Live, Inc., Geo-Green marketing specialists and publishers of ECHO Encounters will moderate the first Webinar. Rick Webster, vice president of public policy, U.S. Travel Association, will present an overview of the green travel industry.
“The Geo-Green Webinars, a first for the department, continue the education process on sustainability for our tourism partners,” said Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker. “It is very gratifying to be on the leading edge of this, one of tourism’s most important initiatives.”
This six-part series will provide consumer insight, market research and sustainable tourism case studies needed to pursue a successful sustainable tourism business strategy, officials said.
A complete listing of the webinar dates and topics follows:
July 2 - Green Travel Industry Overview
July 14 - Green Meetings
Aug 11 - Green Lodging
Aug 20 - EcoTourism - Who Is Doing it Right? / What Does it Take?
Oct 6 - Green / Eco Tourism Marketing - Domestic & International
Oct 27 - Green Web Sites
“Sustainability can benefit our local communities, the environment and the bottom line,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “From energy conservation initiatives to recycling and waste reduction to LEED certification for new state park cabins, the state of Tennessee is leading by example, and we’re pleased to share that experience with others in the tourism industry.”
The Webinars are open to tourism business owners and management, city and county government officials, Chambers and Convention & Visitors Bureaus leadership, lodging and restaurant industry owners and management, and any tourism partner or individual interested in green and sustainable tourism practices.
To register go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/837579227 or for more information, contact Patricia Gray at (615) 741-9004 or patricia.gray@tn.gov, or contact Lee Curtis at (615) 741-9045 or Lee.Curtis@tn.gov. There is no charge for the webinars, however space is limited. Visit www.tnsustainabletourism.com for continual updates and information about Tennessee’s Sustainable Tourism initiative.