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ATA
Ecotourism Manifesto
 Our
ATA Archives are filled with unique photos,
quotations and excerpts that will be published in
our special 30 Year Jubilee Edition now in
production.
As we look
forward to welcoming old friends and meeting new
ones, the 30th Anniversary will be the ideal time
to remember those who have passed on. Among them
are two dedicated stalwarts, namely ATA's Founder
Murray Vidockler of New York (above) and
Fred
E. Fuller
of Ohio (above left) and opposite (right) receiving
a gift from the National Tourism Office of
Benin.
While the Africa
Travel Association has made giant strides in the
fostering and support of Ecotourism in all its
facets, many of our members may have forgotten the
ATA's humble beginnings. Some of these earlier
efforts resulted in our drafting , approving and
implementing the following doctrine. The ATA
Ecoturism Symposia, which began in 1992, has grown
to become an annual affair, and its contents have
broadened. We look forward to seeing you this
coming December.
Our
Member countries pledge:
- TO
ESTABLISH
machinery for protection of the ecology, natural
resources and wildlife.
TO
ENHANCE
quality of the tourist's visit by easing entry
and exit formalities.
-
- TO
CREATE good
infrastructure assuring easy access and to use
trained personnel to highlight each country's
unique appeal.
-
- TO
ESTABLISH
rigid codes of quality for accommodation and
services, making sure the local tourist economy
does not overshadow the attraction.
-
- TO
WORK with
transportation companies to make travel safe,
comfortable and convenient.
-
-
- The
Travel Industry pledges:
-
- TO
PREPARE the
visitor by providing detailed information on the
culture, etiquette and mores of the host
country.
-
- TO
PROVIDE
clients with opportunities to participate in
ecological and environmental programs.
TO
ADHERE to a
strict code of truth in advertising by
accurately describing facilities and
costs.
-
- Visitors
should be encouraged
-
- TO
RESPECT
the land and water, not only to avoid damaging
abusing or littering, but to contribute to the
preservation and protection of these
resources.
-
- TO
ENJOY the
wildlife in its natural habitat and refrain from
harassment of these magnificent creatures.
-
- TO
HONOR the
sensitivities, customs and culture of the people
they are visiting and observe local rules of
etiquette and behavior.
-
- TO
SHARE and
exchange cross-cultural ideas and to keep an
open attitude to local values.
TO
CONTINUE
this habit of caring and concern upon returning
home, by not supporting industries that harm
ecosystems and the environment.
-
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Scores, Jan.. 2007.