Economic Advantages of Ecotourism

The Greenbox makes good business sense
Network members often ask us what are the advantages of being a member of the Greenbox, as a fellow business/tourism owner this is an understandable concern as very few of us have the economic resources to be environmentally altruistic.
Below are some very good reasons for being a member of the Greenbox Network and finally there is a researched piece just in from Trip Advisor( A major source of information for travellers)
What is the Greenbox Network?
The Greenbox network is committed to providing guidance, network support, training, strategic focus, marketing intelligence and assistance, branding, certification, and a capital aid programme to assist small eco businesses.
The Greenbox network offers ecotourism businesses, and businesses supporting and supplying the eco-tourism sector (both established and aspiring) from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, opportunities to develop and grow their businesses through networking.
These opportunities take the form of networking events and training, through which business owners can conduct business, develop links, and support each other, and also regular communications which keep members informed of upcoming events and relevant news.
Features of Greenbox Membership:
Regular networking and training events in Fermanagh and Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan, Donegal – 15 in 06/07
Free access to the local events of our partner networks – 21 in 06/07
Regular e-mail/mail communication of upcoming Greenbox events
Regular communication about other events of relevance in the area
Communication of members news – if you have any news/upcoming events please send
notice of them to me or Ollie
Website with members login area accessing members database and discussion forum – in development
New Blog site now up and running where you can participate and play an active part. http://greenboxireland.blogspot.com/
Benefits of joining the Greenbox Network
Becoming a member of the Greenbox, can benefit you and your business by
providing opportunities to:
Make a large number of new contacts at regular networking events;
Promote and raise awareness of your business;
Access support and advice;
Be inspired by other ecotourism related businesses;
Learn new tips and tools;
Understand that you are not alone;
Increase your own motivation, confidence and know how;
Receive regular updates on relevant events and news which impacts on your business development;
Access a sounding board for new business plans;
Develop new ideas and solve problems
Who is the Greenbox for?
The Greenbox producers network is interested in providing support to new, and existing business and supporting those interested in supplying to the ecotourism sector, those aspiring to be in the ecotourism business, either corporate, community or voluntary sectors, or indeed any one interested in developing their eco tourism business networking skills.
Membership Drive:- important! Important! Important!
Do you think you could enrol just one other enterprising business you know, who would benefit from the contacts, events, information and much more? We would really appreciate your help to broaden the network and help it become more sustainable.
If you are enrolling other potential members
Please do invite them to attend one event as a guest free of charge
Remind them that as a member of the Greenbox they can also attend the events of our partner networks free of charge e.g. The Western Organic Network, Women in Agriculture, or the Business Women’s Network of Northern Ireland and several other networks.
The NEW website is currently being developed and as a member they will have access to a members-only area where they can locate other members details and partake in a members discussion forum – a bit of virtual networking
Network membership our lowest level of membership is “friend of the network £23.00 or €35.00”, so for the twelve active months of the year that just under £2.00/month or €2.90 per month – great value for the networking opportunities that are available to you. Various categories of memberships offer enhanced other marketing opportunities.
As a subscribed member you can promote your events/products/services to the rest of the network
through the regular e-mail updates sent out.
Your help with this membership drive would be hugely appreciated.
P.S.
Next network meeting on Wed 23rd May in the Silver Bear Centre near Ballyconnell courtesy of Anke Morgentoth directions will be sent out closer to the time
International biodiversity day 22nd may All speakers now in place for the National Diversity Day
Solstice culture, heritage and archaeology long weekend in The Gyreum. Starting Thursday June 21st, not to be missed by members wishing to see how an unusual and interesting eco tourism business is producing unusual and interesting packages.
Something to think about today:
“The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success.”
Henry Ward Beecher
Tripadvisor survey reveals concern for the environment
A TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travellers worldwide has found that 40% take environmentally-friendly tourism into consideration when making travel plans.
The survey also found that 66% believe that environmentally-friendly measures in travel are making a difference.
Nearly 25% believe that air travel should be avoided, whenever possible, to help preserve the environment, while 38% said would pay more to take an eco-friendly flight and 26% would pay a 5-10% premium.
But only 3% have ever purchased carbon credits.
Just over a third (34%) said they would pay more to stay at an environmentally-friendly hotel, while 38% said they had already stayed at an environmentally-friendly property, and 9% would specifically seek out environmentally-friendly establishments.
When asked to specify how much they extra they would be prepared to pay for 'green' accommodation, 25% said they would pay a 5-10% premium, and 12% would pay a 10-20% premium.
"This survey shows that far from being irresponsible, planet polluting energy wastrels that they are often portrayed, many travellers do care about the environment and are willing to pay for it," said Ian Rumgay, European communications manager for TripAdvisor.

"It is a wake-up call for all sectors of the travel industry to provide more green options".

By Bev Fearis
TravelMole
19 April, 2007