Green Travel

Ecotourism

Indigenous Tourism

Common Questions

Green Travel

Green Travel is travel with a green lens applied. The principles of ecotravel are not exclusive to vacations and getaways. Just like many things today, you can travel with an awareness of the environment and minimizing impacts and this can be done for all types of travel. When planning a trip, apply the following:

• Buy local and give back to the community
• Protect, enhance and respect the local culture and the environment

These two ideas can be used in selecting transportation, accommodations and activities at your destination. In North America, you can find lodges and hotels built or remodeled with energy efficient appliances, lighting, and insulation and using recycled and sustainable materials (See The Cree Village Ecolodge, Great Northern Adventure, Great Places - on your own). Travelers can support locally owned businesses, museums or parks at any destination like the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden (See Concierge Services - Great Ideas). And you can choose low impact means of transportation using transit systems, high mileage vehicles and trains (See the Toronto urban ecoadventure, Great Places - on your own). Green Concierge Travel encourages you to green your travel - whatever trip you are taking!

Indigenous Tourism

The term indigenous is being used by peoples around the world. The definition - having originated in and living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment - linked with tourism suggests a travel experience linking the historic residents with today's people.

A genuine indigenous tourism experience should also address origin of the experience. The travel experience should be generated by and with the "ownership" of the indigenous population. This compliments several of the core concepts of ecotourism. The goal is to create a positive travel experience that builds environmental and cultural awareness and respect of local people while empowering and contributing financially to the local community. Is the museum built and operated by the local First Nation? Are the guides real locals - not just outsiders who have moved to an area to service a particular tour company? Ask yourself where does the money go?

Travelers seeking an indigenous ecotourism experience should also be aware of any visitors' code of ethics. These can be guidelines or recommendations for a visitor at a site. Respect for cultural and indigenous heritage at a destination is integral to ecotravel. In general, when planning a visit to an indigenous site, be mindful of requests regarding such things as access, photos, dress, etc. Don't assume its ok; be proactive and ask!

From Mexico through out the United States and into Canada, First Nations, aboriginal and indigenous communities offer original and exceptional interpretive experiences linking their past and historic stories with the present - the ongoing history and culture. Because this is a rich and unique area of travel and in order to make these travel experiences easier to identify, Green Concierge Travel will use the following symbol
on its website and other materials to identify travel opportunities offered by aboriginal communities. Learn, experience and enjoy!

Resource web sites:

Aboriginal Ecotourism By Sylvie Blangy, the website is produced from research for "Le Guide des Destinations Indigènes".

Native Tourism Program of the Western American Indian Chamber