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 Spotlight On Responsible Tourism OrganizationsPIRT recognizes responsible tourism organizations and highlights their outstanding programs, facilities or services so the industry can learn from them. We also encourage travelers to support these truly responsible tourism organizations. Please submit your nominations for this page by E-mailing Partners in Responsible Tourism: info@pirt.org. This time we feature two organizations; the CULTURAL RESTORATION TOURISM PROJECT and efforts they have underway in Mongolia; and TOURISM WATCH (ZEB) a non-profit organization based in Germany that is concerned about responsible third world tourism. Tourism Watch (ZEB) Tourism Watch was established in 1975 by the Church Development Service of the Protestant Church in Germany as a worldwide Special Desk for Tourism. As a branch of the Overseas Service, it is involved in training programmes and in solidarity initiatives surrounding the issue of "Third-World"tourism, and it promotes socially and environmentally responsible developments in tourism. Against a background of numerous negative consequences resulting from tourism, TOURISM WATCH questions the assumption that "tourism equals development". Co-operation with Ecumenical Partners in the "Third World" An important partner in co-operation is the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World Tourism (ECTWT) which is based in Hong Kong. TOURISM WATCH assists this organisation in campaigns that tackle the principle problems of "Third World" tourism. The International Campaign against Child Prostitution in Tourism (ECPAT) and coordination of the European TEN-network (Third World Tourism European Ecumenical Network) are examples of these. Developing Alternative Forms of Tourism A further key issue for TOURISM WATCH is the development of alternative forms of tourism. It supports programmes that stress the positive aspects whilst avoiding the negative consequences of tourism. To this end, TOURISM WATCH promotes the "ecumenical educational tours" conceived by the Committee for development-oriented training and Public Relations (ABP). Moreover, TOURISM WATCH co-organises competitions in areas such as Tourist- Films and socially responsible tourism (e.g. "TODO!"). In discussion with representatives from the tourist industry and politicians, TOURISM WATCH actively contributes to the restructuring of the industry in a manner which encourages socially and environmentally responsible tourism. Education, Information and Lobbying Activities One of the most important areas in which TOURISM WATCH is active in education and information services. An information magazine on "Third World" tourism - "TOURISMWATCH" - is published quarterly and a series of projects, including the country and issue orientated "Sympathie-Magazine", a series of development-based motivation seminars for couriers and involvement in the "TODO!" competition, have been realised in co-operation with the Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung (Tourism and Development Working Group). TOURISM WATCH advises professionals and students in the tourist industry and supports ecumenical development-based educational tours. It organises seminars and workshops, lectures in community and school events and collaborates in setting up stalls and booths at exhibitions and trade fairs. It is also active in the area of Public Relations with, for example, the Work-group against Child Prostitution (ECPAT Germany). Tourism Watch Heinz Fuchs (Special Desk Manager); Evi C. Leibfritz (Information Officer) E-Mail: tourism-watch@due.org; http://www.tourism-watch.de/
CULTURAL RESTORATION TOURISM PROJECT CRTP was established to restore temples and other beautiful and valuable artifacts throughout the world. The areas in which they work lack the money and infrastructure to focus on restoration themselves. CRTP provides support and assistance to local communities. CRTP is currently seeking volunteers to work with the restoration of Baldan Baraivan in Mongolia. A Plan to Restore a Mongolian Buddhist Monastery
Baldan Baraivan, "The Yellow Temple," is a To find out how you can become volunteer in this effort contact: Cultural Restoration Tourism Project
PIRT website designed by Ron Mader and Scott Walker and maintained by Patrick Tierney E-mail Partners in Responsible Tourism: info@pirt.org
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