In The News
Looking for green business news, news about Alaska tourism businesses, or Adventure Green Alaska in the news? Visit our Press Releases page for more information about Adventure Green Alaska.
* From the Morocco Gazette (September 2011): Tourism Officials from Morocco Visit with Adventure Green Alaska Businesses to Learn about Sustainability
* From Alaska Business Monthly (September 2011): Tourism Officials from Morocco Visit with Adventure Green Alaska
* About the New York Times article featuring Kodiak Treks (May 2011)
In the spring of 2010, Brigid and Harry Dodge of Kodiak Treks were contacted by photographer Kim Hubbard and free lance journalist Ted O'Callahan about a trip to Kodiak Island. The couple arranged a June stay and spent three days with the Dodges at their Uyak Bay camp. This visit resulted in the following news feature, which was featured in the travel section of the New York Times in May of 2011:
Brigid eventually discovered it was through the Adventure Green Alaska program that Ted found Kodiak Treks: searching online for 'sustainable travel,' Ted came across the Adventure Green Alaska website and then Kodiak Treks, a gold-level certified business. According to Brigid, the well researched article does a great job of capturing Kodiak Treks' commitment to a minimal-impact approach to bear and wildlife-viewing. She feels it also lets readers know there are viable alternatives to larger, more commercial tourism programs in Alaska.
The article resulted in thousands of hits to the Kodiak Treks website in the first week alone--proof that the public's appreciation for responsible travel programs remains strong.
* From the Alaska Travel Industry Association Member Newsletter (February 22, 2011)
Get 'Green' and Get More Customers!
Introducing Adventure Green Alaska Certification Program
If you attended the 2010 ATIA Convention and heard the presentation by Dr. Suzanne Cook of the US Travel Association, you might recall the recent research she cited as evidence that the environmental responsibility of a company has a major role in influencing buying decisions. In fact, it is now one of the top ten factors and 25% of travelers might even pay more to know that a company is operating responsibly. See the full presentation here.
ATIA is pleased to endorse Adventure Green Alaska, an Alaska-based voluntary certification program for tourism businesses operating in Alaska that meet standards of economic, environmental and social sustainability. Administered by an independent, Alaska nonprofit corporation, AGA encourages tourism businesses to evaluate their operations and determine whether they use- or could be using- best management practices. Businesses may qualify for Gold, Silver or Bronze Level certification, earning the right to use the AGA logo and participate in AGA promotional activities. This is a great way to attract new and discriminating customers. This trend will likely increase as the future unfolds. Other benefits include use of the AGA logo in your advertising, inclusion in AGA promotional materials and events, recognition on the AGA websites, media exposure, enhanced marketing opportunities, technical assistance /training, etc.
Adventure Green Alaska is now accepting applications through March 31, 2011. This is great timing to get your programs certified for the 2011 season or to begin the process so you can be certified in time for marketing the 2012 season. For additional information & certification applications, go to www.adventuregreenalaska.org or call the Anchorage office at 907-258-3171.
ATIA is committed to assisting member businesses enhance the quality of their operations and will review other certification programs as they become available.
* For other articles about AGA, click on the following links:
* Seward Phoenix: Green is the Scene
* Kodiak Daily Mirror: Local Business Earns Top Award
* National Wildlife Federation Magazine Aug/Sept 2009 Alaska On Your Mind? Then Go Green
* Anchorage Daily News: Tour Operators get a Chance to Go Green
* Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association: Adventure Green Alaska launches
* The Cordova Times: Going Green Makes Good Business Cents