Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) (http://www.ecotourismconference.org) Presentation by Kara Mitchell, President, The Ontario Ecotourism Society, presented September 2011. Session: 2.3 Financing Sustainability Initiatives: Strategies for Tourism Businesses. Organized by The International Ecotourism Society (http://www.ecotourism.org), the ESTC is a unique tourism industry annual conference providing practical solutions to advance sustainability goals for the tourism industry.

1. This presentation was presented at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2011 (ESTC 2011), held in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA, from September 19th-21st. Organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the ESTC is a unique annual conference providing practical solutions to advance sustainability goals for the tourism industry. Learn more about the ESTC: http://www.ecotourismconference.org ESTC on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ESTC_Tourism ESTC on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESTC.Tourism The International Ecotourism Society | web www.ecotourism.orgemail info@ecotourism.org | tel +1 202 506 5033

3. led by a volunteer board of directors with occasional project based staff

4. a network of people dedicated to supporting ecotourism and increasing the sustainability of all tourism in the province of Ontario, Canada

6. Our Mission To provide support and promotion for the sustainable use of our natural and cultural tourism resources through education and responsible marketing of ecotourism in Ontario.

7. Our Objectives To promote, support and encourage Ontario Ecotourism. To protect all natural resources for future generations. To educate the industry and consumers about sustainable tourism practices across Ontario. To preserve cultural integrity.

8. Our definition of ecotourism: Ecologically sustainable and socially responsible nature and culture based tourism.

9. T.O.E.S. Revenue

10. Responsible Supplier’s Guidefor travel and tourism in Ontario Goal to create a networking tool linking responsible suppliers and service providers, with the growing ecotourism industry of the province. Purpose to improve connections between regional green industries with tourism members interested in increasing the sustainability of their businesses. requested from our membership to raise awareness of green technologies and products available regionally

12. the broader 'green' community, travelers, students and environmentally focused groups/individuals within Ontario.Approaches were made to small, medium and large sized companies offering a variety of products and services which meet at least 80% of our sustainability requirements. The following categories were used: • Food and Beverage Service and Supply • Cleaning & Bath/Spa Products and Maintenance • Apparel and Promotional Gifts • Landscape, Garden and Floristry Service and Supply • Energy Technology and Sustainable Building • Transportation & Courier Services • Printing, Publishing & Marketing • Indoor Decor, Furnishings, Linen Service and Supply • Cookware, Serving Ware and Event Supply • Outdoor and Recreation Equipment Supply

15. Responsible Supplier’s Guide for travel and tourism in Ontario1st Edition – Dec.2008 online, Jan 2009 printed 44 suppliers involved, 3 half-page ads, 2 full page-ads , $750 in contributions from suppliers’ raised 1000 hard-copies printed through an in-kind contribution - estimated value of $3200. Major costs were labour covered by portion of employment grant and communication technologies, fees donated by partner Sir Sanford Flemming College Distribution: -posted on website - sent to our members & newsletter distribution listings which include tourism industry, government and consumers - at eco-focused consumer and business events, workshops with the tourism industry Lessons learned: - track online distribution and other success measures - include stronger connection between suppliers and toes members (either by requesting tracking through suppliers or by making member discounts a stronger commitment from suppliers) - Deadlines for article, ad and payment submissions need to be firm to necessitate ease for printing and release date. –plan and budget for increased and targeted distribution

17. Increased number and diversity of listings and tracked distribution3rd Edition goals – 2013 production - raise $ 2000 min. - increased # and diversity of listings - integrate more successfully with larger corporate sponsorship packages and tradeshow at networking event

18. Guiding Principles of Emerging Sustainable Economies Diversity Interdependence Cooperation vs. Competition Filling a niche Quality vs. Quantity All 3 portions of sustainability addressed (environmental, economic, social ) Change is the 1 reliable constant

19. Financing Sources Reducing & sharing costs Fundraising / sales Local individuals, businesses, visitors Ecotourism customers Banks – grants, low-interest loans Corporate – sponsorship & in-kind provision of costs Foundations, charities, non-profit organizations Fundraising Professionals Government: local/municipal, regional, national, international -grants, in-kind support and expertise, leveraging power, guaranteeing / sharing risk on loans

20. Best Practices to Consider Set clear goals for project –specific, measurable, achievable - identify benefits to health of people, environments and economies (Re)Assess Feasibility -are components fully developed ? –strengths and weaknesses –legal viability & needs – sustainable benefits X all 3 -training -market size and trends –major risks and challenges, ways of addressing - similar projects and lessons learned – is there financing available for your goals Build Partnerships – identify and then approach key collaborators, organizations & potential funders with complementary mandates, “champions” to promote project

21. Best Practices to Consider Research on potential funders: - their objectives & measures - when, who & how decisions are made & communications accepted Full Cost Budgeting – include:- in-kind contributions of labour, services and goods – recognitions – follow-up required to make benefits last / project grow - clarify $ needs: - operations, capital investment, program, administration -start-up, operating and contingency funds Develop project workplan – flexible - incremental change / growth Develop Approach Pieces – identify strengths of partners -how will $ be managed, credible history -how will goals be achieved ? –what’s in it for financers ? - adapt to language of recipients