Canadian Geotourism Region to Host Oct 19 Conference

UPDATE: The Summit has taken place successfully, with valuable cross-fertilization between sustainable-tourism experts and representatives of UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserves from around the world. Key take-aways from the conference will be posted as soon as possible.—Portal editor

The area surrounding the famous Thousand Islands tourism region in
Canada and the USA is uniquely blessed with the important designations
in recognition of its rich biodiversity and exceptional cultural
heritage. Two UNESCO designations, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere
Reserve, and the Rideau Canal World Heritage site, make the area one
of the only 13 in the world with two UNESCO designations. But there is
more, for in 2010, the region signed a National Geographic Geotourism
charter, becoming the 9th region globally to sign such a commitment.
With such strong recognition of its natural and cultural heritages, it
is no surprise that the region, as represented by the Frontenac Arch
Biosphere Reserve would choose to become the location on October 19th
2013 for the “International Summit on Sustainable Tourism.”

The event will take place on October 19th at the new
Aquatarium attraction on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, in
Brockville, Ontario. The event will follow the first conference of
European and North American Biosphere Reserves to take place outside
Europe and will be hosted at the same Aquatarium facility, ensuring a
significant level of international participation.

An excellent roster of Canadian and international speakers will
provide an in depth analysis of the opportunities and lengths of
pursuing Sustainable Tourism, called by a recent UN Report, “Greening
the Economy” as the major growth opportunity in tourism over the next
two decades.

Attenders may anticipate being provided with information on how to
make their region or tourism business more competitive, how to access
new growth markets in tourism, and how to cut operating costs through
sustainable operating practice.

The conference site in Brockville, Ontario is a one hour drive south
of Ottawa International Airport, or an hour and a half north of
Syracuse, New York.

For information, registration and hotel reservations, see the
conference website at http://www.fabsustainabletourism.ca