Chapter 2: - Center for Responsible Travel
Chapter 2: - Center for Responsible Travel
Chapter 2: - Center for Responsible Travel
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
International Galapagos Tours Operators Association (IGTOA)By David BlantonExecutive Director, IGTOAThe International Galapagos Tours Operators Association (IGTOA) is a U.S. registerednonprofit organization composed of approximately 50 tour operators, conservationorganizations, and other groups that are dedicated to the complete and lasting protection of theGalapagos. (http://www.igtoa.org) The companies that have been especially active in IGTOAinclude: Ecoventura-Galapagos Network, Adventure Life, Wilderness <strong>Travel</strong>, Holbrook <strong>Travel</strong>,International Expeditions, and Myths and Mountains.IGTOA‘s mission is to preserve the Galapagos Islands as a unique and priceless world heritagethat will provide enjoyment, education, adventure, and inspiration to present and futuregenerations of travelers. Membership is open only tocommercial and nonprofit organizations. However, IGTOAwelcomes the involvement of individuals, who can sign upat the website to receive Action Alerts, advocate <strong>for</strong> keylegislation and governmental policies, and supportimportant projects. Full membership costs $600 per year.Associate membership is $250 per year. Administrativeexpenses are kept to an absolute minimum. Most of thework of IGTOA is done by Board Members, who volunteertheir time.Activities of the association include:Funding Projects -- Member companies contribute part oftheir profits to fund worthwhile projects <strong>for</strong> organizationssuch as the Galapagos National Park, WildAid, and theCharles Darwin Foundation. A description of these projectsis included on the IGTOA site.Iguana in the Galapagos. Credit: IGTOALobbying <strong>for</strong> Conservation -- We use our collective voice topetition the government of Ecuador <strong>for</strong> proper funding, management, and legal en<strong>for</strong>cement.And we support and encourage local people of the Galapagos to be stewards of their ownnatural heritage.Promoting High Professional Standards -- IGTOA members work <strong>for</strong> high professionalstandards <strong>for</strong> the welfare and enrichment of their travelers. These include boat safety andemergency procedures, as well as training of captains, crews, and guides.When and Why Did You Begin Your <strong>Travel</strong>ers’ Philanthropy Program?IGTOA was founded in 1995 by a core group of tour companies in response to growing threatsto the Galapagos Island. From the beginning, the intent was to give back to the islands in the<strong>for</strong>m of education, lobbying, and funding. Membership has steadily grown over the years so thatby 2010, full members totaled about fifty.19
Change language