SERVICES : Ecotourism

Tourism is the largest business sector in the world's economy, representing 230 million jobs and worth over $5.6 Trillion and representing over 10% of the world domestic product. Sustainable tourism, first tracked in the 1990's, has been growing at 20-34% per year and is on pace to become one quarter of the world tourism market within 5 years. The International Ecotourism Society defines sustainable travel as "Tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future."

ecomentum realizes the power of tourism as a driver for positive change. People are looking for more rewarding travel experience at an increasing rate, leading to excellent forecasts for new and growing niches in the tourism market, including ecotourism, adventure travel, agritourism (agricultural & ranch based activities), and voluntourism (giving back to local communities and projects as part of a planned vacation). ecomentum offers support, business planning, marketing, sustainable development and general consulting services to groups and organizations which agree to abide by the principles of responsible travel, including endeavors which:

• Minimize impact
  
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
  
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
  
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
  
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• Raise sensitivity to host counties' political, environmental, and social climate

ecomentum's team of international business professionals have expertise in developing sustainable business opportunities in tourism. We offer full-service international consulting, including on-site assistance, project development and access to a worldwide network of leading ecotourism professionals, including organizations such as National Geographic and the International Ecotourism Society (TIES). Regions of expertise include North and Central America and Europe.

Dreamcatcher: Ecolodge Service
Owning and operating a sustainable business in an attractive locale is a dream for many eco-conscientious entrepreneurs. With ecomentum's Dreamcatcher service, you're closer than you think to protecting and sharing your own piece paradise and living your dreams. Whether you're looking for an investment, a change of pace or an simply an affordable place to retire, just pick the area and ecomentum will do the dirty work. We'll scour the area for the most appropriate and affordable land, scout the competition, and assemble a local or international team together to ensure sailing is smooth. We'll help you formulate a business plan, navigate local regulations and do everything it takes to get your doors open as quickly as possible. Regardless of your area of interest, we either speak the language or have access to ethical international business professionals who do. ecomentum prefers to engage in green building practices, utilizing sustainable materials and engaging in community-based ecotourism projects which create jobs, foster goodwill and create positive financial gains within local communities. We will then proudly promote your new ecolodge to the growing population of sustainable tourists worldwide, utilizing best practices for getting listed in the top guide books.

Guidebook Pro: Guidebook Listing Services
Perfect for larger sustainable developments and tiny ecolodges alike, ecomentum's Guidebook Pro service will help you streamline, green and market your resort, or travel-related business so that it gets noticed — by the guidebooks and your target market. By working with the top ecotourism professionals in the world and focusing on our own interests, ecomentum has gained access to a wealth of information, contacts and valuable experience to help position and promote your resort to the world. By undertaking a thorough analysis of industry and regional trends, ecomentum can also uncover untapped opportunities for your business and help you implement the services demanded by ecominded tourists.

Additional ecotourism services include:

• Land scouting, evaluation and recommendations
• Engaging with local stakeholders
• Sustainable travel & ecotourism planning services
• Ecolodge concept design & business model development
• Adventure travel consulting
• Ecotourism planning services from national, regional and local levels
• Sustainable tourism marketing services (domestic & international)
• Assembling international project teams
• Development of international business models for sustainable products
• International green building projects (utilizing USGBC-accredited professionals and development guidelines)
  
  *Note: Tourism statistics and definitions provided by the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) © 2007 ecotourism.org