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TORONTO, August 23, 2010 - A Planeterra Foundation video was released this week focusing on the many reasons to attend the upcoming Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) Sept. 8-10 in Portland, OR.  The International Ecotourism Society’s (TIES) conference is co-hosted by Travel Oregon and Travel Portland together with Planeterra, as the Voluntourism Partner, and is the only North American conference focused on sustainable travel.

The short video can be viewed on Planeterra's YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/planeterra#p/u/6/zC6iPxNmRQ8.

Planeterra is bringing a focus on voluntourism to the conference by moderating a panel of experts to discuss the complexities of this increasingly popular niche of sustainable tourism as well as organizing voluntourism activities for delegates.

This is the first time that TIES is offering hands-on volunteer activities at its annual conference, and the delegates will be invited to be part of the roll-up-your sleeves, hands-on voluntourism field sessions offered.  The voluntourism field sessions include the opportunities to create a community garden, and to work on ecological restoration at an outdoor environmental education center and wildlife refuge.  See:
http://www.ecotourismconference.org/site/c.5eLCKMPpEaLSH/b.5880107/k.D09C/Field_Sessions__Ecotourism_and_Sustainable_Tourism_Conference.htm

The keynote speakers for the conference are Sam Adams, Mayor of Portland, one of the most livable and eco-conscious cities in the world; Rick Ridgeway, vice president of Environmental Initiatives and Special Media Projects, Patagonia; and Bruce Poon Tip, founder of Gap Adventures and the visionary behind Planeterra Foundation.  Nearly 100 leaders in the world of travel and sustainability are scheduled to speak and participate in panel discussions. Please see: http://www.ecotourismconference.org/site/c.5eLCKMPpEaLSH/b.5880105/k.5BEC/Speakers__Ecotourism_and_Sustainable_Tourism_Conference.htm

About the ESTC
The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) is North America’s largest and only conference focusing on sustainability in travel and tourism.  It is organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) with the support of the ESTC sponsors and partners. A leading international meeting place, the ESTC brings together innovative minds from across the industry to discuss practical ideas and solutions that inspire positive changes. Hosted by Travel Portland and Travel Oregon, the ESTC 2010 (Portland, Oregon, USA, September 8-10, 2010) will bring together 500+ business leaders, tourism professionals and community stakeholders. To register, go to: http://www.ecotourismconference.org/register.

About Planeterra
Planeterra is a global nonprofit dedicated to sustainable community development through travel. Founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, Planeterra evolved out of a long history of travelers committed to finding ways to give back to the people and places they visit. Planeterra selects the projects and works with Gap Adventures to arrange voluntour travel programs worldwide. For information on Planeterra’s year-round voluntour programs click here or call 416-260-0999. Visit: http://www.community.planeterra.org

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