Certification for Ecotour Operators in Hawaii!
In 2010 the Hawaii Ecotourism Association was awarded funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority to develop a certification program for ecotour operators in Hawaii. In early 2011 the Board of Directors selected members of the community to serve as an advisory panel to review the developing certification program prior to offering certification to ecotour operators through the state. meetings with ecotour operators were held on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu in summer and early fall of 2011. Members of Hawaii Ecotourism Association and other ecotour operators who applied for membership in HEA received the certification training free of charge.
This was a pilot project and the members of the HEA board of directors and other advisors are in the process of debriefing and compiling suggested changes for the final draft of the application. Once criteria and procedures are in place, we will be taking applications for Certification for Ecotour Operators from other members. Watch this space for announcements.
Congratulations to the inaugural group of fourteen certified ecotour operators in Hawaii.
Atlantis Adventures – Oahu, Maui, Hawai‘i
Trilogy Excursions – Maui
Volcano Discovery – Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Paddle Sports – Maui
Hike Maui – Maui
Jack’s Diving Locker – Hawai‘i
Kayak Kaua‘i – Kaua‘i
Kualoa Ranch – O‘ahu
Pacific Islands Institute – O‘ahu
Pacific Whale Foundation – Maui
Wild Side Specialty Tours – O‘ahu
Annette’s Adventures – O‘ahu
Bike Hawai‘i – O‘ahu
Hawai‘i Forest & Trail – Hawai‘i
For more information on ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices, please visit The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
The new certification program expands on the Peer Review Process which has been in place since 2006. The following will give you an idea of what some of the requirements for a certified ecotour operator will be.
Hawaii Ecotourism Association's
Peer Review Process
In order to award and recognize companies for their commitment to sustainable travel, and provide a means for customers to differentiate themselves as true ecotour operators, the Hawaii Ecotourism Association developed and introduced its Peer Review Process in 2006.
The Review committee is made up of three current members of the HEA Board of Directors or the HEA Advisory Board and conducts the review based on four main areas:
- Environmental Conservation
- Cultural and Historical stewardship
- Contributions to Local Community
- Education and Training
Member companies who pass the review are recognized by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association for two years, provided with a “Reviewed” seal to use on company marketing materials, and are automatically entered for the HEA Ecotour Operator of the Year Award.
Companies who do not pass the review are provided with a short list of recommended improvements and are invited to reapply six months later for half the normal application fee. This process is intended to be a learning experience and self-assessment for companies who must reapply. Provided that operators implement the recommended improvements, in a verifiable fashion, then they can pass the review upon reapplication.
Over the past 3 years, more and more members have volunteered to go through the review process. Reviews are conducted every other month, operators who pass the review are expected to maintain their commitment to and practice of sustainable travel for the following two years; at which point the HEA Review Committee will review the company’s renewal application.
Please note that this is not a full certification process, however it is a first step in that direction. Reviewed Ecotourism Provider signifies that we have reviewed the company's practices to meet our standards of a sound and "true" ecotourism provider.
For more information contact us@ admin@hawaiiecotourism.org
