Tue, 01 May 2012 07:18:39 +0000WeeblyThu, 26 Apr 2012 15:08:07 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/04/austria-steps-up-marketing-of-its-green-credentials-finally.htmlFive years after the French ski industry began wholesale promotion of their environmental initiatives of its ski areas, and even longer after US ski resorts did the same, Austria’s travel industry have decided it’s about time they did, as they’ve actually been ‘the greenest’ the whole time. 

Austria is one of the world's best destinations for sustainable tourism, as recently recognised in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report. 

“When it comes to the environment,” says Alfred Strigl, deputy director of the Austrian Institute for Sustainability, “Austrians are top of Europe and top of the world.” 

“Seventy per cent of our power comes from alternative energy,” he says. “And 60 per cent of all waste is recycled.  We are a recycling world master.  It’s been like this for ten years, and there’s not much more we can do to make it better.”

 “We have a broad traditional knowledge of natural topics that comes from a conservative way of life – the farmers, hunters and forest men – that has been handed down from generation to generation. We know how to read the
landscapes.  We know about the cycle of life, to listen to the wind and to pay attention to the seasons.” 

But when it comes to Responsible Tourism, Austria’s deep-rooted  environmental awareness has perhaps let the country down.   While other destinations have been quick to tell the world about their latest sustainable tourism initiatives, Austrians haven’t felt compelled to emphasise what has always been an inherent part of their lives.

I have often found this when researching ski resorts and reviewing initiatives and communications – there has often been a large mis-match.   US resorts are typically very good on the marketing and PR side and are very keen to communicate all their initiatives.   In Austria, you only really find out what is being done when you chat to people in resort – you will never find it on their website.   

But maybe that is the way it should be?  I question whether anyone wants to read about recycling percentages in a holiday destination.   After all, Responsible Tourism and more particularly Responsible Skiing is not  something separate to the main tourism activity, it is not an add-on nor a  different type of tourism.    They both describe the way all tourism and skiing should be run - all tourism should minimise negative impacts, all tourism should benefit local communities, all tourism should protect natural and cultural assets and all tourism should be rich, rewarding and memorable.

I believe we all need to reach the Austrian approach ultimately, where it is just embedded into the whole destination.   However, we are not there yet so, in the meantime, lets encourage those destinations who are managing resorts and tourism well to shout it from the treetops and let’s hope those lagging behind are compelled to catch up.]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:20:23 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/04/low-impact-and-luxury-go-hand-in-hand.htmlThe Lagacio Mountain Residence, in the small mountain town of San Cassiano in the South Tyrol is another example of contemporary chic blending seamlessly with lower impact accommodation.

Utilising locally sourced materials such as the richly scented  timber; larch, Swiss pine and spruce, the soft loden and linen fabrics and loam – the residence makes the most of its environment and also nourishes the guest
with only South Tyrolean produce.   A great idea is that the guest can pre-order a crate of local produce for their apartment before arrival – rather than loading up at the supermarket - supporting local producers.

The Climate House Agency has classified the residence as a CasaClima A, the second highest award in the scheme that evaluates the energy efficiency of buildings.   Lagacio uses fewer than 30kWh per square metre for heating, compared with 120 to 220 for a typical building in South Tyrol. Not carbon neutral, but a fine achievement in lowering impacts.

With many of the staff belonging to the local Ladin population, which has inhabited parts of the Dolomites for centuries, guests can get a truly local experience in luxury surroundings.

Often low impact or eco is associated with lower level accommodation. This residence shows that a luxurious experience doesn’t have to be energy hungry and high impact. ]]>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:32:55 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/04/bulgarian-campaigners-continue-protest-against-ski-area-expansion.htmlA series of protests and rallies organized by citizen groups and NGOs in the four Bulgarian cities of Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Kazanlak this week have sought to demonstrate what the campaigners describe as, “…massive public support for the protection of Vitosha Nature Park and Pirin National Park  from grossly illegal projects to construct ski runs and facilities in these iconic protected areas in Bulgaria.”

“Recently proposed changes to the Bulgarian Forest Act, which have already been approved by the Bulgarian government and are now being considered by the Bulgarian Parliament, would allow for expansion of ski runs and ski facilities by business groups with shady capital hiding behind offshore companies such as Vitosha Ski JSC and Yulen JSC,” said the campaigners in a statement which continues,

“In February 2012 two stages of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup were organized in Bansko Ski Zone where 40% of the ski runs in Pirin National Park are illegally constructed by Yulen JSC.  Last week a leaked government report revealed that the Council of Ministers is taking steps to exclude 12% of the Pirin Mountain from the UNESCO World Heritage List. The aim is to allow further extension of Bansko Ski Zone and the construction of two new ski zones in the park thus endangering it.”

“At the end of February 2012 the Director of Vitosha Nature Park Toma Belev was replaced through a controversial procedure, which involved changes in the application rules in order to favour the newly appointed director.  Mr. Belev is known for his firm position against any illegal construction and has been actively protecting the oldest park in the Balkans for the benefit of the community.”

“Meanwhile, despite massive public opposition, the Bulgarian Parliament is on its way to amend 5 laws, including the Forest Act, in what seems as a “gift” to the offshore companies backed by “capital of dubious origin”.  The new legislation will favour the same persons and entities responsible for the widespread destruction of Bulgarian nature.”

“If passed as proposed, the amendments would go against the public interest and contravene EU and Bulgarian legislation on competition as well as nature protection. They would allow for the construction of ski runs and ski  facilities without changing land use. Furthermore, they would allow the acquisition of building rights on public land without tender and for an indefinite period.” 

“The amendments of the Forest Act come as a direct answer to the blackmail held by Vitosha Ski JSC from November 2011 when the company announced
that it will not open for business the ski facilities in Vitosha Mountain until  the amendments are passed.” 

Recently, famous Bulgarian actors, musicians, writers and TV presenters expressed their concern over the proposed amendments to Bulgaria’s Forest Act in a series of videos recorded for For the Nature Coalition – an umbrella group of organizations opposed to the ski areas expansion in national parkland, including the WWF.

“Also very controversial is Bulgaria’s Tourism Act which would allow the monopolization of the ski tourism by means of tailor made ski-runs-categorization rules that benefit only large ski resorts and jeopardize the existence of smaller ski runs.  It also introduces the monopoly in ski training in favour of the president of the Bulgarian Ski Federation Tseko Minev, linked by reports in the Bulgarian press to both Vitosha Ski JSC and Yulen JSC.”

“Another amendment is envisaged in the Concessions Act and is a direct attempt to legalize the use of 65 ha in Pirin National Park for which the  Minister of Environment and Water confirmed last year that were being used  illegally by Yulen JSC.

“The Spatial Planning Act amendments would allow the construction of “priority” projects outside built-up areas and with less control by central  government. The Physical Education and Sports Act will allow public sport  facilities, trails and mountain huts to be rented without tender to sport  federations and clubs instead of tourist societies.” ]]>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:23:20 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/03/cairngorm-mountain-retains-gold-status-in-green-tourism-awards.htmlFor the eighth year running the visitor attraction at CairnGorm Mountain has been awarded the highest status – Gold – in the Green Tourism Scheme administered by Scottish tourism body Visit Scotland.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme, has been running since 1997 and with over 2000 members across the whole of the UK and Ireland, it is the largest and most established scheme of its type in the World. In Scotland the GTBS was developed in partnership with VisitScotland and it is recognized by UK
national government as a crucial part of its drive towards sustainability.

Cairngorm Mountain substantially consolidated its GTBS GOLD award with highlights from the audit including praise for its UV treated water, ecological waste water treatment, excellent mountain interpretation, good visitor recycling facilities, local crafts and the use of recycled paper.

Of particular note were the continued development and promotion of the Snow White project, habitat development and preservation and their ‘leave no trace’ practices. The assessors noted that considerable efforts had been made to make the business more sustainable with ongoing projects to improve facilities and a very good working action plan related to all things sustainable which they are continuing to develop and update.

It’s great to see that CairnGorm Mountain have maintained their status and more importantly continued to work and progress.   

With accreditation schemes – particularly when you have attained the
highest level – it could be easy to rest on ones laurels – but clearly CairnGorm has not.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:39:05 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/03/slovenia-embeds-sustainable-development-at-the-highest-level.htmlA Joint Declaration of Sustainable Development of Slovenia was signed by all key Slovenian tourist operators. This is a document on joint action and partnership covering 2012-2016 and is binding for all sectors of the tourist economy - public, private, and civil.

The declaration states that tourism will become one of the leading branches of Slovenian economy and shall significantly contribute to the attainment of the development objectives of Slovenia.

The purpose of the document is to:

1. Clearly define the importance of tourism for Slovenia
2. Identify all key sources for the attainment of better competitiveness of Slovenian  tourism
3. Define the stragic measures for competitive and sustainable Slovenian tourism
4. Form a partnership for sustainable development, by which the signators shall undertake that "tourism in 2016 in Slovenia will be entirely based on sustainable development and, as the most successful branch of the national economy, will significantly contribute to the social welfare and reputation of our country in the world."

Slovenia has a community based ski industry, with a wide range of activities that can really create a sustainable, distinctive offering.  It’s great news that Slovenia as a destination wants to embed Responsible Tourism and that it is being backed at the highest level.   There are many examples where tourism is caught between different departments or ministries in government with conflicting priorities.   

This agreement defines the importance of tourism to the Slovenian economy
and gives a framework and reference point for all future development.   I hope this succeeds and whole Slovenian ski industry becomes an example of Responsible Skiing.]]>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:06:57 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/03/wind-power-gives-financial-stability-in-an-uncertain-world.htmlAs our energy costs continue to spiral, I think all of us are concerned where this will end.   There are two ways to tackle this in our domestic worlds and in business alike.   Firstly, reduce the amount we use, and secondly, reduce the amount we need to purchase from elsewhere.   Succeeding in these two areas limits exposure and financial risk.   

Last year, a small family-owned New England resort did just that.   When installation of this turbine was completed in January, Berkshire East gained the distinction of becoming the world's first 100 percent wind-powered ski resort. 

Was the resort doing it for  ‘green’ reasons or financial reasons? 
I question whether it matters.  

For a resort to be sustainable in every sense of the word – it also needs to survive financially.   If it goes bankrupt all the economic and employment benefits to the local community are lost.

For small ski resorts, soaring energy costs are one of the main reasons they struggle.  Berkshire East's operators have said  that trading rising electricity bills for fixed loan payments, and free fuel costs, was essential to the area's continued economic viability.

The project was partially-backed by state and federal grants and should reach an economic “break-even" point within a decade.   

The installation also eliminates 1,400 tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions-the equivalent of taking about 250 cars off the road each year. 

The win-win nature of such projects is making them increasingly popular –and I hope many more resorts see the benefits of this approach.]]>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:49:35 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/03/resorts-why-dont-they-want-to-commincate.htmlDid you know that the Three Valleys in France, including the big names such as Méribel and Courchevel, uses renewable hydropower to run nearly 2000 snow guns and almost 200 lifts? And that biodegradable bio fuel is used in
all the piste vehicles?

You probably won’t know this – as this information is hard to come by –but I wonder why?

 Hunting through the websites you’ll find no information at all –  which is odd.   Do the ski  resorts believe skiers are not interested?   Do they think they should keep it  to themselves and just get on with doing the ‘right thing’ without publicising it  – so it is not seen as a gimmick?

In fact, Méribel, for example, has a whole raft of measures in  place to minimise the impacts of skiing and a number of ongoing  projects.

I question though, why the resorts don’t want to communicate with  their customers?   Outside of the ski world there are many companies who prioritise this – think of Marks & Spencer.

Quite possibly they think that their skiers are not interested in green, dull, worthy words – and I would agree! There are very few people who are!  

However, people are interested in the fabulous mountain scenery they seek out every year.   People are interested in places being kept clean and pristine for their holidays.   People are interested in unique food and culture.  

Most importantly, people are interested in (and give their loyalty and hard-earned cash to) companies who take responsibility and see the shared value in protecting what is precious.  Resorts need to take a stand and trust their customers.   Principles matter and people are increasingly attracted to companies that have a vision and take care of the people, environment and resources that are critical to its success. 

Resorts need to tell the story – and keep it engaging.   They need to tell skiers what they are doing and why it matters to them.  
 
No-one wants to hear the dull stuff – but they do want to have a great
holiday – now and in the future.]]>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:04:05 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/02/green-groups-question-fis-decision-to-stage-bansko-world-cup.htmlA group representing more than 30, mostly environmental organisations, including the WWF, has issued a statement questioning the FIS decision to stage the second Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Bansko, Bulgaria this season when, “…citizen groups and NGOs are concerned that the operator of Bansko Ski Zone has persistently violated Bulgarian and international environmental legislation and FIS regulations.  With close to 40% of the ski runs in Bansko being illegally built and operated, many fear this event has cast a shadow over FIS reputation.”

In 2011, Bulgaria’s Minister of Environment and Water Nona Karadzhova admitted that the operator of Bansko Ski Zone Yulen JSC was using a territory larger – by about 65 ha - than the one designated by the concession of Bansko Ski Zone.

“The ski run on which the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup is being held is also built in breach of concession regulations.  Bansko Ski Zone is located within the boundaries of Pirin National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, EU Natura 2000 site as well as a protected area category II of IUCN,” said the statement.

“However, the breach of environmental legislation committed in Bansko Ski Zone is not only a national problem, but also goes against a number of International acts and FIS documents.  The FIS Competition Rules Book IV - Joint Regulations for Alpine Skiing, 650.6.1.1 states that “The applicant is responsible for the observance of applicable environmental regulations during development of the course including completion of any improvements required by the inspector.”

“Environmentalists in Bulgaria firmly believe that Bansko Ski Zone does not meet this requirement and should not have been awarded the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.”

The statement goes on to make allegations regarding the financial arrangements behind the ski lift company and some of its funding.

Given that the Minister of Environment and Water made a public statement last year admitting that it had been built illegally – there was no longer any dispute about this.   As is always the case with such developments though – once done – what can be done?   There are no penalties currently being applied by the country or the EU.   To give park boundaries and rulings status – there must be penalties for non-compliance and certainly organizations such as the FIS should not be showing show tacit support by hosting events on such illegally built areas.  

The only open question was the timing of the statement versus the timing of the planning of the event – perhaps there was not time to make a switch?   If that is the case – will the FIS refuse to host any more events in Bansko to set an example for the future?
]]>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:52:58 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/02/neilson-exciting-new-winter-holiday-ideas-for-next-season.htmlI have just got wind of the new Neilson 12/13 ski brochure.   I never can get my head around how early the new brochures come around again!   Fresh for next winter the company has more adventure options which is exciting to see.   They include husky-dog sledding, cross country, snowshoeing and ice fishing in Sweden, or visiting Finland to see the Northern Lights and meet the Sami people and their reindeer or taking guided snowshoe treks in France, Italy and Switzerland with an overnight stay in the world famous Grand St Bernard Monastery at an altitude of 2,469m.

I’m delighted to see these additional activities widening the definition of a winter snow holiday.   At the Responsible Skiing Conference back in October, I explained the benefits of such holidays for both the operators and the destinations.   For operators it gives them access to a much wider market – those people looking for a winter holiday not just skiers, and for destinations – the more activities there are, the more livelihood options there are for local people and the less they need to rely on large amounts of snow.   Not forgetting customers – these can create some really memorable trips and get you much closer to the local culture and environment.  

This is what Responsible Skiing is all about.   They are great adaptation techniques that will help both become more sustainable in future and I’m glad to see people are taking note. ]]>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:40:15 +0000http://www.responsibleskiing.com/1/post/2012/02/club-med-looks-to-the-ski-trails-of-north-america.htmlThe company that started the trend towards all-inclusives is now turning its attention to upscale ski resorts.

Club Med opened in 1950 and was the world's first all-inclusive vacation.  The Paris-based company started out as a low-cost resort chain, attracting young couples and singles and surfed profitably through the 1970s.  It sought to project a more family-orientated image in the 1980s and 1990s, but that wasn't enough to offset the competitive pressures from companies that offered newer resorts at comparable prices.  

At its peak, Club Med owned 120 properties around the world, including many in hard-to-reach exotic locations.  But the company declined in the 1990s as competitors sprang up that broadened beyond couples into the family market with even upscale hotel putting their toes in the water.  Club Med currently owns 18 properties in the Alps and is now looking to ski resorts across the pond.

However, the all-inclusive model seems to be gaining ground again exemplified recently with First Choice in the UK switching its entire summer portfolio to all-inclusive.   Indeed,  the ski industry, often not associated with the all-inclusive market, is moving in the same direction with the ultra-packages of the last couple of years together with the catered chalets which are so popular with the UK market.

There are several reasons why the all-inclusive model is popular, however it mainly boils down to the fact that travellers know in advance the cost of their holiday which is helpful with budgeting and to protect against erratic exchange rates.   Increasingly they have been upping their game with gourmet meals in a variety of restaurants and wide ranges of facilities - as well as becoming family-friendly.

However, questions are inevitably asked about how much all-inclusive hotels contribute to the local economy and local community and how much damage they can do.   First Choice had to make much defence of its new venture in the light of its own commitment to responsible tourism.

Like most things – it all depends.   All-inclusives often have very high staff to guest ratios providing much employment, can be huge consumers of local produce and provide stability of demand to local producers and can provide facilities and support to local communities.   Or not.

So Club Med, who already calls itself the global leader in ski lodging is now looking at upscale ski resorts to the US and Canada for future expansion.  Those two areas make up about one quarter of the global skiing market.

The Club Med resort in Chamonix is Green Globe certified – but that stands alone in the portfolio so far.   Will Club Med take the initiative to ensure all its ski resorts minimise their negative impacts and maximise the benefits to the local environment and community?  We all need the big players to take up their responsibility and show leadership to make a difference. 

I’ll be watching. ]]>