Why Tourism?
We harbor a deep appreciation for travel, leisure, recreation, local food and a sense of place where hotels, meeting venues and destinations play a significant role. In many cases, tourism organizations provide the primary lens for the local community's values.
With $14.8 billion in domestic and international spending attracted to Washington in 2007, the visitor industry is a key component in the state's economic fabric.
—Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development (CTED)
Tourism is the largest industry in the world with 231 million employees and over 47 countries largely dependent on tourism revenue for their survival. It is the second largest industry in the United States.
Hotels are a substantial part of the travel market and therefore have a significant opportunity to help create a healthy environment. Building a green hotel or renovating to become one will reduce adverse impacts on the environment and provide responsible action for the health of the community it serves. Sustainable tourism practices reduce costs and create a healthier working environment.
We believe you can, and want to, make a difference.
The country has now reached a tipping point. Public agencies, citizens and socially-responsible businesses are demanding green accommodations and green meetings. A growing number of people want to visit green destinations, just as they seek out hybrid cars, organic food, non-toxic cleaning supplies, and renewable energy. A high-level manager at the British Hospitality Association told us, "[we] are encouraging our members to make the necessary changes now so hotels are prepared. It will then be easier for them to deal with demand and coming legal requirements as they would have had some experience and achieved some results." We agree.
The total employment directly generated [in Washington State] by travel spending was 149,800 in 2007.
—Dean Runyan Associates
As energy prices soar and vacation times shrink, more tourists and visitors are traveling locally, the "staycation" phenomenon. Unique, place-based experiential activities are a wonderful way to feel alive and explore the uniqueness of each community.
We chose this work because we are driven by our love for travel, our sense of responsibility to the environment that sustains us, and the recognition that the tourism industry can and will make a significant contribution to our children and grandchildren. They will need and deserve clean water and air, elimination of toxics in products, renewable energy, and protection of our natural resources.