For Immediate Release

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

Media Contact: Ayako Ezaki, Director of Communications, TIES
media@ecotourism.org | +1 202 506 5033 x14

ecoDestinations Features UK’s Best Responsible Travel Experiences

~ Rediscover the natural and cultural charms of the top international destination!
Washington, DC - March 9, 2009 - Consistently ranking among the top six
international destinations, and boasting 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there is an
endless abundance of awe-inspiring places to explore in the United Kingdom. Many
parts of the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), remain wild and
pristine, offering unique opportunities to journey off the beaten path and into the great
outdoors. Throughout March, ecoDestinations is offering tips on how to experience the
best of the UK, while remaining in the good graces of Mother Nature.

Eco Auction of the Month: the United Kingdom

TIES ecoDestinations online auction this month features a selection of the finest eco-
holiday experiences in the UK, generously donated by our members and partners who
are leading responsible tourism companies in the UK and the world. These auction
packages offer unique opportunities to explore beautiful land and seascapes, experience
the sublime pace of life in the countryside, be part of grassroots community
conservation efforts, and much more! The proceeds from TIES ecoDestinations online
auction, hosted monthly on cMarket, a charitable auction community with over 87,000
active bidders, will directly impact TIES work of uniting conservation, communities and
sustainable travel.

The Soapbox: Voices of Local Stakeholders and Travelers

Since 1872, London's legendary Hyde Park Speakers Corner for the Sunday Soapbox
has offered people the opportunity to speak out about what moves them, promoting
true freedom of speech, community, and learning. In similar style, TIES provides the
opportunity for stakeholders and travelers to do the same through The Soapbox section
of ecoDestinations each month.

"We have a national addiction to cheap flights and not enough is being done to provide
alternatives," says Sally Broom, Founder, Your Safe Planet, noting that short haul flying
is one of the most critical issues in the UK travel market. Sally encourages UK travelers
and visitors to get out of London, travel slow and experience local flavors - "Discover
the wonderful regional parts of the UK and their fascinating history and in doing so
support local tourism. Go to Cornwall and find fabulous gardens, fresh sea air,
intriguing local art galleries and sustainable fish restaurants."

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

1301 Clifton Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009, USA Tel: +1 202-506-5033 Fax: +1 202-789-7279
info@ecotourism.org www.ecotourism.org
5% for COMMUNITIES

As part of TIES’ commitment to supporting visionary grass-roots efforts and investing in

a sustainable future, each month TIES will contribute 5% of the funds raised through
ecoDestinations to one organization selected from the featured destination.

This month, our COMMUNITIES contribution will support the Mosaic Partnership, a
strategic partnership between communities and organizations involved with National
Parks in England and Wales, promoting the benefits of National Parks for all to enjoy.
The project connects 11 organizations - the eight National Park Authorities in England,
the Broads Authority, the Youth Hostels Association, and the Campaign for National
Parks, which hosts the project - with the aim of cementing long-term sustainable
engagement of under-privileged communities and National Parks, and creating
sustainable leadership capacity in the voluntary sector.

About ecoDestinations

ecoDestinations is an auction with a vision, connecting travelers with inspiring

ecotourism initiatives. Highlighting a new destination each month, TIES is sharing
stories of best practices in ecotourism and promoting amazing travel experiences that
make a positive impact. Our vision is a world in which all tourism is ecotourism.
For partnership inquiries and feedback, contact Julia Fisher, TIES ecoDestinations
Manager, at: ecoDestinations@ecotourism.org.

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The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

1301 Clifton Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009, USA Tel: +1 202-506-5033 Fax: +1 202-789-7279
info@ecotourism.org www.ecotourism.org