The Future Of Tourism Depends On You

with Adrienne Lem Burkett

Despite President Obama’s disparaging remarks about travel agents making headlines recently, another world leader (that is, for the travel world) stated, “Travel sellers are the most important factor for the future of tourism.” That was just one of the many inspiring messages quoted by G Adventures Founder Bruce Poon Tip at his Future of Tourism presentation held at Toronto’s Winter Garden Theatre.

The event attracted over 1,000 guests, included a video message from Survivorman, Les Stroud; a brief presentation from the Executive Director of Planneterra, Paula Vlamings; and of course a discussion about the future of tourism led by Poon Tip.

G Adventures is more than a tour operator practising sustainable tourism. Poon Tip, who’s not one to lack any confidence, believes his company is changing the world. Through the foundation Planeterra, the company supports the destinations in which they operate with what they refer to as Social Enterprises – preserving local traditions, creating employment opportunities and providing relief efforts are just some… According to Poon Tip, when your clients book with G Adventures, they’re not solely supporting a project or contributing to charity, your clients are joining a community of world-changers.

“He’s a real innovator,” said Laura Batey of Travel Plus in Waterdown, referring to Poon Tip. “G Adventures is the 1st adventure travel company I go to. The brochures just fly off the shelf. Our agency caters to a lot of young families who don’t necessarily want a lot of hand holding when they travel. They want to learn about the culture and G Adventures is for them.”

“G Adventures is unique in that they’ve built relationships with the locals at the destination, the price point is great, all departures are guaranteed and they’re Canadian,” said Batey’s colleague Maryanne Islip. “I’m here to meet my idol.”

Guests got an inside peek at some of G Adventures philanthropic work alongside Planeterra with videos featuring the development of the Inca Trail Biodegradable Products business, the founding of the Hope Africa Children's Day School and the New Delhi Streetkids Project.

“Talking about the challenges we’re facing in the industry, tourism is being held accountable. Whether it’s carbon emissions or impact on a local community.” According to Poon Tip, 10 years ago, 1 out of 5 people chose the all-inclusive resort experience. Today the number is at 75% and growing. Addressing the travel agents in the audience, Poon Tip said, “You are the most important factor for the future of tourism, because you have to educate your travellers. Even if you’re selling a luxury hotel, you can suggest a hotel that’s doing great sustainable things.”

The evening was concluded with the announcement of The G Project contest winner, Lee-Ann Gibbs, and the launch of Poon Tip’s 1st book Looptail that includes a forward written by the Dalai Lama.

As guests filtered on to the streets of Toronto, all with a new copy of Looptail in hand, Poon Tip’s last words resonated, “We believe there’s no faster path to peace than getting to know other cultures and we believe that travel can be that vehicle.”

Bruce Poon Tip present G Project winner Lee-Ann Gibbs with her prize

 

Planeterra Executive Director Paula Vlamings