Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) (http://www.ecotourismconference.org) Presentation by Jeremy Schultz, University of Utah - "The Current Landscape of Sustainable Tourism Certification Programs in America", presented September 2011. Session: 4.4 Mainstreaming Sustainability: Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Certification. 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

2. The Current Landscape of Sustainable Tourism Certification Programs in America Jeremy Schultz PhD Candidate, University of Utah Dr. Kelly Bricker Associate Professor, University of Utah Chair of the Board, TIES

3. Acknowledgements UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration Caesar's (formerly Harrah’s) Hospitality Research Center

4. Purpose To provide a baseline understanding of the responses offered by participants and directors of sustainable tourism certification programs in the United States To offer an example of theory and practice working together

5. BACKGROUND

6. WHICH STATES PARTICIPATED?

7. WHO’S GETTING CERTIFIED?

8. Conversations with Program Directors Interviews with 15 program directors

9. Why start a certification program?

10. 10/2/11 SPRE 2005 NK Bricker State Tourism Certification Program Structures

11. Obstacles?

13. Measure everything

14. On-site verifications

15. Maintain affordability

17. Provide education and training

18. Lobby

20. Thank you! Happy (and Sustainable) Travels!