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Media Center
 
Partners working to preserve Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and promote Sustainable TourismHonolulu, HI (July 23, 2008) —The World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (WHA; a membership-based initiative launched in 2005 by the United Nations Foundation and Expedia, Inc.), the U.S. National Park Service and the Big Island Visitors Bureau announced today a three city training event starting on July 23, 2008 at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, an internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, to create a dialogue with the travel industry about the importance of protecting World Heritage sites and promoting sustainable tourism. “World Heritage sites are places around the world that have been internationally recognized for their outstanding value as natural and cultural treasures,” said Erika Harms, executive director of sustainable development at the UN Foundation. “Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of over 800 World Heritage sites around the world. We must all be committed to protecting these destinations and promoting sustainable tourism practices that preserve the sites for future generations to experience and enjoy.” The events which kick off on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, will gather volunteers representing the tourism industry and local governments for a discussion about sustainable tourism and World Heritage preservation; in addition, the volunteers will participate in direct conservation efforts by helping to remove invasive species which threaten the park’s biodiversity. Similar events will be held in Kona on July 24 and Honolulu on Friday, July 25. “Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is made up of more than 330 thousand acres and has seven ecological zones; including coastal lava plains, lush rainforests and alpine desert, as well as two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “And the park attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year. That is why this event is so crucial; we must create a collaborative effort with the tourism industry to protect these natural wonders and support local communities.” At the end of 2007, the WHA and the National Park Service teamed up with the Big Island Visitors Bureau and the tour operator Hawaii Forest & Trail to focus on catalyzing a collective commitment to promote and preserve Hawaii’s only World Heritage site, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Other partners working to support the volunteer trainings during the event week include Classic Vacations, Fairmont Orchid, and Outrigger Hotels. “The World Heritage Event is more then just a great way to educate people about sustainable tourism, it is an event that can revolutionize how our travel industry can actively protect our destinations and inspire visitors to think about how their responsible travel habits can benefit World Heritage sites,” said George Applegate, Executive Director of BIVB. “And it is this change in perception that will preserve the sites in the long run, while sustaining local communities.” BIVB will soon launch “Green Hawaii,” a new microsite highlighting sustainable tourism on the Island of Hawaii, www.BigIsland.org/ecotourism. Hawaii Island is the only island in Hawaii with a website dedicated to sustainable tourism. The World Heritage Alliance invites tourism companies, governments, media and local organizations involved in sustainable tourism to join their efforts in protecting World Heritage sites through sustainable tourism. To date the World Heritage Alliance works in seven countries to aid the conservation of 20 World Heritage sites with the support of about 50 members and partners. For more information, visit www.WorldHeritageAlliance.org. ### About the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Big Island Visitors Bureau About the UN Foundation Expedia and Expedia.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2007 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Contacts: Jessica Ferracane, Big Island Visitors Bureau Mardie Lane, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park |
| An initiative of Expedia, Inc. and the United Nations Foundation | |