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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.
-
AFRICA TRAVEL
ASSOCIATION
347 Fifth Avenue, Suite 610, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 447-1926 . Fax: (212) 725-8253
e-mail: africatravelasso@aol.com
Photo Credits: ATA New York, Archives
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