CONSERVATION STORIES
Stewarding Natural
&
Cultural Travel Assets Worldwide
Adventure Travel World Summit Wrap Up
The Adventure Travel World Summit in Lugano, Switzerland, was a blast as we recapped 2022 and discussed our planes for 2023 and beyond!
It was a years-long wait to be back in-person, but the 2022 Adventure Travel World Summit in Lugano, Switzerland, was fantastic! ATCF executive director Soraya Shattuck, along with several board members Richard Edwards, Chunnie Wright, Gordon Seabury, Shannon Stowell, and Steve Barker were in attendance. We connected with new, returning, and prospective members while we discussed our conservation plans and priorities for 2023!
During our annual member breakfast meeting, we had a great panel of speakers, including ATCF board members (Gordon Seabury, Richard Edwards, Chunnie Wright), Praveen Moman, founder, and CEO of Volcanoes Safaris, and Georg Schwede from Campaign for Nature, who talked about 30x30 and tourism's role in the most significant global collective conservation push in the planet's history. 30x30 is a global initiative that aims to protect at least 30% of the planet by 2030. This includes working with local communities and governments to designate and expand protected areas for biodiversity conservation and the expansion of the nature-based tourism sector. The 30x30 movement has made significant progress in protecting the natural and cultural resources of our world. The ATCF is committed to representing the travel industry and prioritizing our efforts to work with local communities to support this global initiative and expand the reach of protected areas for increased conservation.
We also unveiled the Barbara Banks Vision Fund, a fund started by Charles Altekruse with his sons Ben and Jeremy, in honor of his late wife, Barbara Banks. A pillar of the adventure travel community, Barbara was an early supporter of the ATCF. In a touching moment, Charlie addressed the assembled group, many of whom knew and loved Barbara,
“Barbara’s life was dedicated to celebrating and sharing this beautiful, fantastic planet with others, finding locations of natural beauty and then illuminating the people, food, art, and traditions that tell the deep story of the place. And Barbara was a master storyteller of the world.”
The fund’s proceeds will go to the ATCF for its programs and initiatives. The fund has already received some donations, including a generous $10,000 contribution from ATCF member Wilderness Travel, where Barbara spent much of her career as the director of trip development. For more, or to contribute, click here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, it was a wonderful turnout of support for our annual ATCF meeting. A huge thank you to Freely for sponsoring our annual membership breakfast meeting and to MiiR, Grayl, and Toad&Co for donating event favors!
We look forward to seeing some of you next year in Maine, and in Hokkaido at the next World Summit!
ATCF Named Nonprofit of the Month by Wanderful
Wanderful recently named ATCF its nonprofit partner for the month of September, as part of the initiative, board member Norie Quintos wrote an article for Wanderful, further spreading the word about ATCF’s conservation work.
The women’s creator community Wanderful recently named ATCF its nonprofit partner for the month of September, donating a portion of its member dues and putting out posts about ATCF to its large social network.
As part of the initiative, board member Norie Quintos wrote an article for Wanderful, further spreading the word about ATCF’s conservation work. Read the article and learn how you can give back to travel here.
What is Wanderful?
Wanderful is a global network of like-minded female travelers, making traveling easier and more accessible for women. It’s massive network encourages members to find travel buddies, meet locals and connect with other adventurous women. The community gives members 24/7 access to travel tips and support from thousands of women around the world. Anyone that is interested in joining Wanderful can get involved through membership, chapters as well as events, and trips.
How does Wanderful give back?
Qunito’s article highlights the importance of supporting the travel destinations that support you. Whether this is staying in destinations longer, making ethical travel decisions, or donating to charity, everyone has the opportunity to give back.
Wanderful’s commitment to an equal and inclusive travel industry inspires thousands of women to see the world. From promoting women-owned businesses to educating their members on ethical decision-making abroad, Wanderful is paving the way for responsible female travelers. Their donation to the ATCF is another small, but impactful way, they support the communities that support them.
Conscious travelers, like the woman at Wanderful, make it possible for the ATCF to support community-driven conservation projects. The ATCF collects funds from membership, direct donations, and generous funding from its community partners. Small or large, donations go a long way in funding the protection of delicate destinations fighting to protect their cultural and natural resources.
If travel has been good to you, think about how you can return the favor.
Learn more about Wanderul on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Announcing the Barbara Banks Vision Fund
The Barbara Banks Vision Fund was announced at the ATCF members’ breakfast at the ATWS Summit in Lugano, Switzerland.
On October 5, 2022, the Barbara Banks Vision Fund was announced at the ATCF members’ breakfast at the ATWS Summit in Lugano, Switzerland. The fund has been set up by Charles Altekruse, with Benjamin and Jeremy Banks-Altekruse, to honor the life of wife and mother Barbara Banks, a pillar of the adventure travel community whose untimely death of cancer in May 2020, came as a shock to all who knew and loved her. Proceeds will benefit the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.
Banks was the longtime director of marketing and new trip development for tour operator Wilderness Travel in Berkeley, California. She was a regular fixture at ATTA’s annual Adventure Travel World Summit Trade Association. Her many colleagues became great friends.
Banks believed that travel and world travelers could be catalysts for positive, sustained change, locally and globally. “In her final years, Banks became a shooting star in this emerging “travel with purpose” niche,” says her husband, Charles Altekruse. “She championed local conservation projects wherever possible within the adventure travel industry.” Representing Wilderness Travel, Barbara became one of the first to sign on to membership with the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund when it was announced in 2016.
“Our family is so honored to announce the Barbara Banks Vision Fund in conjunction with the nonprofit ATCF,” said Altekruse. “Few organizations are as well positioned to effect change through travel.” With an extensive network of local operators, ATCF advances its mission “to support, leverage and expand the travel community's environmental and cultural conservation efforts for maximum impact” by funding visionary grassroots conservation projects in adventure travel destinations. ATCF has disbursed over $500,000 to 33 community conservation projects in 27 different adventure destinations worldwide.
“We are humbled and honored to have the support of Charlie, Jeremy, and Ben and the Barbara Banks Vision Fund,” said Soraya Shattuck, ATCF’s executive director. “Along with its member companies, ATCF has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic. We are now actively reconvening and reconfiguring to invigorate communities, empower individuals, and protect environments worldwide. And the support from the Barbara Banks Vision Fund will ensure the work continues.”
According to Altekruse, the ambitious goal for the next six months is to raise at least $250,000, the majority for direct support of grassroots conservation projects around the globe, with a portion dedicated to internal ATCF capacity building. Altekruse hopes to tap not only Barbara’s network of friends and colleagues in the adventure travel industry but also the couple’s personal and professional networks.
If you feel inspired by Barbara, please consider donating to the Barbara Banks Vision Fund or visit ATCF’s site here.
What We’re Reading, Listening To, Watching, and Talking About
See what the ATCF Board Members have been thinking about. Norie, Bob and Soraya share what they’ve been reading and thinking about.
5 Ways Global Tourism Must Rethink Its Influence as an Industry
By Lebawit Lily Girma
Norie Quintos, ATCF board member
ATCF board member Norie Quintos says: “This Skift piece surfaces the thinking of Kenyan ecologist Mordecai Ogada which challenges conventional wisdom about the role of tourism in conservation. He says, for example, that tourism must avoid “sustainability” unless locally defined. “Someone might think a guy herding his goat is destroying the environment,” said Ogada, “but the same person saying that thinks a tourist flying from New York with a huge carbon footprint to come and sit here and see elephants and drink champagne that’s refrigerated, is sustainable.”
The Last Tourist
from Born Explorer Films
Steve Barker, President of the ATCF board
“This is a must-watch for anyone in the business of tourism, and frankly everyone who travels,” says Steve Barker, president of the ATCF board. “The film shows the very real consequences of the way we travel and see the world today. I see it as a clarion call for change.” The film visits 16 locations and interviews people such as Elizabeth Becker, author of Overbooked; Judy Kepher-Gona, Kenya-based sustainable tourism expert; and Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures.
Soraya Shattuck, ATCF Executive Director
According to the Washington Post, Seattle Audubon, one of the largest chapters in the National Audubon Society network, has decided to change its name to distance itself from John James Audubon, the famed naturalist who was also an enslaver and a strong critic of those who sought to free African Americans from bondage. “The broader American conservation movement is just now starting to grapple with its racist historical roots,” says ATCF executive director Soraya Shattuck. “This is a fascinating article.”
Conservation Conversation With Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours
We sat down with the founders of Experience Plus to learn about their approach to sustainable travel.
Monica and Maria Elena Price are second-generation owners of two cycling travel companies, one based in the US and the other in Italy. The sisters (often mistaken for twins) own and operate BikesPlus (which supports tour operators and independent travelers on cycling tours and bike rentals in Europe) and Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours (the Colorado-based parent company that operates tours in over 10 different countries). This year the company celebrates 50 years since its first trip in 1972 when “our parents took 20 intrepid travelers from Pisa to Forli, across the Italian Apennines on bikes.” Experience Plus! has been an ATCF member since 2016.
How does Experience Plus! tackle the issue of climate change?
While it can sometimes feel like a small company can’t do much, when we are out there helping people see the world from the bike saddle, it’s an opportunity to give them a different perspective from their usual perch.
Climate change has become a part of our conversation at many stages of our trip management, sales, and development process. Interestingly, it is also now part of our communications with customers, especially when we talk about what to expect on tour. We now may have heat waves earlier in the season (think northern Europe in June or July). Many of the smaller, even four-star, hotels we like to use don’t have air conditioning, which in the past wasn’t an issue, but now it is getting warmer. So setting those expectations is key.
The drought this year (2022) caused at least one of our “Bike and Boat” tours to divert from some of our normal canal routes, which required itinerary adjustments and communications just weeks before departures. As storms become more unpredictable and heat waves more intense, we have to train our tour leaders to make decisions on the ground for the comfort and safety of our travelers. It’s all very real to us, and to our travelers. The benefit is that it is an opportunity for conversation and ideas.
And what about overtourism?
Our travelers vividly see the contrast between riding on quiet roads in the countryside and then entering larger more popular towns. Our most iconic and best-selling trip is “Bike Across Italy,” which cycles from Venice to Pisa. This tour also passes through Florence. All three of these iconic Italian cities are currently trying to manage overtourism in different ways and our guests are directly affected.
We stopped spending the night in Pisa almost 20 years ago when we realized that the hotel we used to use (right across from the Leaning Tower) wasn’t a comfortable place to stay because of noise, traffic restrictions, and crowds. We have conversations with our travelers about these issues and the possible solutions and we’re pleased that many come away realizing “off-the-beaten-track” towns such as Ravenna and Ferrara are equally rich in culture and history. So it’s not just about setting expectations but educating our guests, who will hopefully share what they have learned and take actions that make a positive difference.
Many of our travelers become wonderful ambassadors for exploring the world by bike and cycling in general, so they are already making a difference.
Experience Plus! has been a supporter of the ATCF since the beginning. Why?
Few of our trips are in locations that ATCF typically ends up supporting the most, yet we truly believe in the industry coming together to sustain local people and fragile places wherever the funding is most needed. We are all part of the same community.
It is important that all the stakeholders in the industry understand each has a part to play in protecting the planet. Sometimes we get so siloed in our own niches we forget the benefits of different groups coming together. Incredible ideas and solutions can come out of that. We think this is fundamentally important in how we address problems in the future. It’s the essence of community and we’re honored to be part of this one.
Why travel by bike?
There’s something about exploring the world on two wheels. You can cover a lot of ground and feel it under your wheels so it’s a great way to immerse in the place. And there’s a general sense that people on bikes are approachable, so making connections between people is easy. We even design our trips and train our guides to facilitate planned and serendipitous connections. I [Maria Elena] recently was able to introduce some of my own friends to the world of bike travel. These were people who wouldn’t have chosen a bike trip otherwise—and the best part of the trip was hearing their exclamations of wonder and fun. They loved the freedom to explore and stop whenever they wanted and really valued the insider knowledge of our local guides. It was eye-opening for them and a good reminder for me about why we do what we do!
Welcome New Members
We’re proud to announce Freefly, WeTravel, JourneyWomen, Adventures in Good Company, and Explorer X as new ATCF members.
The ATCF is excited to welcome Freely, WeTravel, JourneyWoman, Adventures in Good Company, and Explorer X to our global network of conscious travelers!
Freely is a Travel insurance and safety app. You can customize the cover you need for the days you need it, end to end on the app.
Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?
One of our main values at Freely is; 'Giving back to people, places, and the planet'. This is something that lives and breathes very strongly within our organization, and we are working hard to back this up in all ways possible. We want people to enhance their lives with travel and exploring the world, but to do it in the most sustainable way. As a travel (insurance) organization to be able to support the conservation of tourism is an absolute no-brainer.
WeTravel
WeTravel, the booking and payments platform powering multi-day travel, has built its platform with a mission to empower any travel business through its technological solutions. With thousands of group and travel businesses—who interact with 500,000 travelers, annually—using its platform, the business believes it has an unparalleled ability to positively impact how travel businesses operate, including being a champion, through its platform, in helping travel businesses protect and preserve people and the planet.
WeTravel is a proud, new member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and thrilled to support the organization’s impactful work to create actionable change in the travel industry, for a sustainable tomorrow.
Find WeTravel on YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
JourneyWoman
JourneyWoman is the original travel publication for solo women, established in 1994. They also provide a Women’s Travel Directory, which lists women-friendly tours, retreats, guides, and accommodations.
Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?
Women - and women over 50 - are the primary decision-makers in travel and can help influence good behaviors in others. Our editorial focuses on how women can travel sustainably, and we want to encourage women’s tour operators to embrace sustainability in their business practices.
Find JourneyWoman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
Adventures in Good Company creates experiences of a lifetime for women seeking new adventures. Their small group getaways encourage women of all ages and life stages to (re)connect with their adventurous selves, other women and cultures, and the natural world. AGC vacations are for women who love being active, regardless of whether you're a first-time traveler or a lifelong adventuress. They handle the logistics so you can relax, have fun, and fully experience some of the world's most breathtaking places.
Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?
AGC recognizes that any form of adventure travel is inextricably linked to impacting the places and people that are visited, but we stand to believe that travel can be a force for good, both in introducing our participants to new cultures and new beliefs and in providing economic benefit to the places we visit. That's why we strive to be a leader in sustainable travel. Our goal is to have a positive impact on the environment and cultures of the places we visit and to minimize the adverse impacts of travel.
Our commitment to sustainable travel follows three guiding principles: environmentally friendly practices like minimizing the use of plastic; protecting natural and cultural heritage; supporting local communities.
Adventures in Good Company has the opportunity to make a greater impact on conservation efforts through ATCF at 100% of our membership dues go directly toward funding conservation initiatives.
Find Adventures in Good Company on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Explorer X is a Seattle-based travel design company dedicated to helping people Travel Better and Live Better.
Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?
Working to conserve the culture, history, and environment/natural resources of tourism destinations not only protects/empowers the local community but also increases the likelihood that future generations of travelers will be able to visit, share with, and learn from these destinations and the people there as well.
Find Explorer X on Instagram and Facebook.
September News
See what the ATCF has been up to during the COVID pandemic and our conservation priorities for 2023 and beyond.
In This Issue:
See you in Lugano
Introducing New and Returning Members
JourneyWoman and Wanderful Raise Funds for ATCF
Conservation Conversation with Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours
Convening Communities Coming Soon
What We’re Reading, Listening To, Watching, and Talking About
See You In Lugano
See what the ATCF has been up to during the COVID pandemic and our conservation priorities for 2023 and beyond. We will also have a special breakfast speaker, Georg Schwede from Campaign for Nature, who will talk about 30x30 and tourism's role in the most significant global collective conservation push in the planet's history. Not to be missed!
Welcome New Members
Adventure Leaders
WeTravel
Adventure Trailblazer
Freely
JourneyWoman
Email soraya@atconservationfund.org to renew your membership or become a member.
Conservation Conversation With Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours
Has Travel Been Good for You?
Here’s How to Return the Favor by Norie Quintos, ATCF Board Member.
Convening Communities - Coming Soon
As we prepare for a new grant funding cycle in 2023, we also are introducing a major new initiative to connect not only our grantees to each other but to our members and partners in the travel and travel gear industries. The goal is to provide a platform and opportunities for the various communities that make up the ATCF family to connect, share, and find solutions.
What We’re Reading, Listening To, Watching, and Talking About
See what the ATCF Board Members have been thinking about.
August News
See what’s happening this month!
Record-Breaking Auction!
The 2022 Travel Conservation Auction was a huge success! Thank you to all our donors and bidders - we couldn’t have done this without you! And an extra big thank you to Hannah Lambert and Jonathan Burnham for the support in getting this auction to be our most successful yet!
ATCF Makes Headlines
Hear what Adventure Travel News has to say about ATCF’s most recent milestone.
Conservation Conversation With Journalist Stephanie Pearson
Hear what Stephanie Pearson, contributing editor to Outside Magazine, author of the recent National Geographic book 100 Great American Parks, and ATCF member has to say about travel today.
Travel Conservation Auction Winners
Check out the full list of the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction winners.
Support ATCF When You Shop on Amazon
Give .05% of your Amazon purchase back to the ATCF with AmazonSmile.
Calendar
Fall 2022
October 3-6
Adventure Travel World Summit in Lugano, Switzerland
ATCF will host its annual members’ breakfast on Wednesday, October 5, from 7 to 9 a.m.
Thanks so much for reading our August newsletter and if you have any questions about the auction please feel free to contact me.
Cheers,
2022 Travel Conservation Auction Winners
Here is the full list of the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction winners. Thank you to everyone that placed a bid and helped us reach our goal of raising $30,000!
We are happy to announce that the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction was a success. Thanks to our donors, members, and bidders we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $30,240! The funds raised will help support ATCF’s operations as we continue to protect our world’s adventure travel destinations. Here are this year’s highest bidders and auction item winners!
Adventure Travel Experiences
2 Nights at Camp Sossus, Namibia
Donated by Ultimate Safaris
Awarded to Eva M.
5-Day Lower Salmon River Rafting Trip
Donated by Oars
Awarded to Jennifer M.
Pacific North West Getaway in the Oregon Cascades
Donated by Westfir Lodge
Awarded to Laura P.
3-Night Safari in Maasia Mara Game Reserve, Kenya
Donated by Angama Mara
Awarded to Steve B.
Entry Pass to AdventureELEVATE
Donated by the Adventure Travel Trade Association
Awarded to Dan M.
3-Day Glamping in Baja California Sur
Donated by Todos Santos Eco Resort
Awarded to Griselda P.
4-Day Costa Rica Jungle & Beach Retreat
Donated by GreenSpot Travel and Cayuga Collection
Awarded to Jennifer M.
3-Day Backcountry Alpine Touring Adventure
Donated by Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures and EVO
Awarded to Hannah M.
5-Day Adventure in Sacred Valley
Donated by Mountain Lodges Peru
Awarded to Steven G.
7-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Donated by Mountain Lodges Peru
Awarded to Gabriela B.
3-Night Stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda
Donated by Volcanoes Safaris
Awarded to Stephen B.
4-Day Adventure + Flights, Panama
Donated by Ecocircuitos Panama and Copa Airlines
Awarded to Raymond W.
8-Day Mentoring Retreat in Portugal
Donated by Walking Mentorship
Awarded to Brian O.
4-Day Red Mountain Essential Retreat
Donated by Red Mountain Resort
Awarded to Rebecca T.
5-Day San Juan Island Hopper Adventure
Donated by REI
Awarded to Keith S.
Adventure Travel Gear
Water Purifier & Filter Bottle + Adventure Kit
Donated by Grayl
Awarded to Patti S.
Eagle Creek’s Best Travel Gear Package
Donated by Eagle Creek
Awarded to Hugh H.
MiiR Wine Bundle
Donated by MiiR
Awarded to Katie P.
Tenkara Rod & Starter Kit
Donated by Tenkara USA
Awarded to Lynn I.
prAna Yoga Mat
Donated by prAna
Awarded to Nadira D.
2 Helinox Sunset Chairs
Donated by Helinox
Awarded to Linda O.
Osprey Suitcase & Pack Bundle
Donated by Osprey
Awarded to Hugh H.
Osprey Pack Bundle
Donated by Osprey
Awarded to Angela C.
4 Hydro Flask 16oz True Pints
Donated by Hydro Flask
Awarded to Greg M.
$150 Toad & Co Gift Card
Donated by Toad & Co
Awarded to Norie Q.
$250 Toad & Co Gift Card
Donated by Toad & Co
Awarded to Cheryl T.
Cotopaxi Backpack Bundle
Donated by Cotopaxi
Awarded to Everett A.
Klean Kanteen Good To Go Kit
Donated by Klean Kanteen
Awarded to Dan M.
Adventure Travel Photography Workshop
Donated by Merrill Images
Awarded to David K.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all of our bidders. Our auction’s success comes from your generosity and passion for adventure travel!
If you were outbid and still want to support the ATCF, consider donating or becoming a member. Contact us or follow us on social media to learn more about our initiatives. Facebook & Instagram
ATCF Makes Headlines
See what Adventure Travel News has to say about the ATCF and its most recent milestone.
Adventure Travel News, the biweekly publication of the ATTA, recently ran a feature on the ATCF, with the headline “Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Quietly Achieved a Milestone in the Height of the Pandemic.” The article noted that despite the difficulties of the pandemic, the ATCF crossed the half-million-dollar mark in grants awarded—enabled by members—to 33 nature and cultural preservation projects around the world. “The ATCF completed two full grant cycles in response to the needs over the past two years. It was through this commitment … amid the pandemic challenges that $500,000 dollars were raised and granted in less than five years.”
The piece also quoted executive director Soraya Shattuck: “ATCF is a visible example of the adventure travel industry coming together to support the wild and wonderful, but imperiled, destinations our businesses rely on.” It noted that in the past two years, ATCF funded many meaningful projects such as the protection of threatened species and Indigenous communities in Guyana, the last remaining elephants in Cambodia, humpback whales in Mexico, and wildfire recovery in Australia.
“Many members stayed committed to the ATCF through financial hardship because they know our mission is more important than ever.”
Quoting Casey Hanisko (ATTA president), Shannon Stowell (ATTA’s CEO), Steve Barker (ATCF chair and co-founder of Eagle Creek), Norie Quintos (ATCF board member and contributing editor at Nat Geo), Paul Sarfati (ATCF member and founder of Baboo Travel, and JB Haab (board member of ATCF grant recipient Friends of Cochamo), the in-depth article delved into how the organization came to be, how it works, the types of projects it funds, its plans for the future, and how you can help.
Read the full article here.
Support ATCF When You Shop on Amazon
Support the ATCF when you shop on Amazon.
If you shop on Amazon, did you know you could support the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund at the same time, at no cost to you?
AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop with AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same prices, selection, and shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to ATCF.
On your web browser, you can add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it easier to return and shop.
To learn more, visit smile.amazon.com/charitylists or tap Charity Lists on the "Programs & Features" menu in the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile phone. Search for and choose: Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.
Conservation Conversation With Journalist Stephanie Pearson
Here from journalist Stephanie Pearson, contributing editor to Outside Magazine, author of the recent National Geographic book 100 Great American Parks, and ATCF member.
Stephanie Pearson, contributing editor to Outside Magazine, author of the recent National Geographic book 100 Great American Parks, and ATCF member.
For Stephanie Pearson, the outdoors has always been a primary force, the reason she pursued a job as a wilderness canoe guide during her college years and at Outside magazine out of graduate school in 1995. During her junior year of college, she studied in Ecuador and Colombia, which cemented her love for and intrigue with Latin America. She started working at Outside and it further opened the world. The first ATTA event I attended was in Chiapas, Mexico, in 2011. “It was the first time I’d ever met so many like-minded travelers and it was an absolute blast.” She joined the ATCF when it launched in 2016.
Tell us about a story you’ve written that has meant a lot to you.
Stephanie in Colombia in 2012. Photo by Joao Canziani.
I was an exchange student in the early ‘90s in Colombia when the semester was cut short because of drug violence. Many years after, around 2011, the FARC announced a moratorium on kidnapping foreigners in order to start the peace process with the government. Through my ATTA friend Gregg Bleakney, who had recently moved to Bogota, I met tour operator and pilot Hernan Acevedo. He arranged to take the photographer Joao Canziani and me to formerly FARC-controlled regions. It was a logistically challenging, risky trip and we flew all over the place in a borrowed Cessna plane. But to see those stunning places—Pacific coastlines, llanos, mountain regions—in their near-natural states left an enormous impression on me and I am forever grateful to Gregg and Hernan. The resulting story, “Love in the Time of Coca," ran in Outside magazine.
Given everything, how does travel need to change and what are you doing personally and professionally?
Stephanie in Colombia in 2012. Photo by Joao Canziani.
I try to live by the general philosophy that I need to take personal responsibility for my choices. Translating that to travel, I am constantly weighing the risk versus reward ratio for my travel. Is it necessary that I go? Are there more sustainable options for getting there? When I do get there, what will I be doing and where will I be staying, and how does that affect the community? If it’s a work trip, will the resulting story have the opportunity to inform or change opinion? I’ve always been a writer who likes to stay put for a few weeks in a place to try to better understand it, so the no-brainer solution for me is to travel less (which I have generally been doing for the past five years), stay in places longer, and appreciate the experience more when I do go.
You’ve been a supporter of the ATCF since almost the beginning. Why?
Stephanie in Colombia in 2012. Photo by Joao Canziani.
The ATCF is a fundamental pillar of the ATTA. It’s at the core of the mission of the organization. We have to understand and support the people who live in the regions we’re traveling to, first to find out if they even want us there, and second to empower them to make their own decisions about how they can better live and intersect with visitors. I really appreciate the soul searching and awareness both the ATTA and ATCF are doing around travel and conservation. We are all hard-wired to wander, but we have to do it more thoughtfully.
Tell us about a trip or place that changed you or your thinking.
I recently wrote about this in Outside, but my last trip to Sedona, Arizona, was a wake-up call. My parents have traveled there to hike every winter since the 1990s. It’s a deeply spiritual place for me, but it’s also becoming increasingly overrun and overcrowded and I have begun to ask myself if I should be there or anywhere that cannot sustain the overwhelming amount of visitors it receives.
Check out Stephanie Pearson’s work at Outside and on her site.
Online Auction Raises Record
The 2022 Travel Conservation Auction was a huge success!
We Did It!
Raising a record high of $30,000, we reached our fundraising goal. The 2022 Travel Conservation Auction was the ATCF’s biggest auction yet. Check out all of our auction item winners here!
All of the funds raised will help support ATCF operations as we continue to rebuild our funding efforts and prepare for our future conservation initiatives.
The ATCF team is so grateful for the generosity of our donors. The Travel Conservation Auction would not have been possible without all of you!
Adventure Travel Gear - 2022 Travel Conservation Auction
Check out all of the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction Items.
The 2022 Travel Conservation Auction is here and we could not be more excited! With over 20 items donated, this is our biggest fundraiser to date! Here is everything you need to know about the Adventure Travel Gear.
ADVENTURE TRAVEL GEAR
JUNE 27 - JULY 14, 2022. OPEN FOR 3 WEEKS ONLY!
Cotopaxi Backpack Bundle
Donated by Cotopaxi
A fantastic variety of Cotopaxi backpacks will give you a stylish option for every kind of adventure!
Bundle includes: Allpa 35L travel pack, Tarak 20L backpack, Batac 16L pack, Kapia 3L hip pack
About Cotopaxi: We believe the products that get us exploring can make a positive impact in other people’s lives. That’s why we create sustainably designed outdoor gear that fuels both adventure and global change, by dedicating a percentage of our revenues to nonprofits working to improve the human condition.
Water Purifier & Filter Bottle + Adventure Kit
Donated by Grayl
Never buy bottle water when you travel again! That's right. You can ditch the single-use plastic water bottles and tap into the world's water with GRAYL. Grayl Purifier & Filter bottles make water safe to drink in 10-seconds by removing all pathogens (bacteria, protozoa, virus), particulates, many chemicals and heavy metals-- all while making your water taste great! This Adventure Kit comes with one 24 oz GeoPress Purifier & Filter, one 16.9 oz UltraPress Purifier & Filter, extra replacement cartridges for both, PLUS an Earthwell x GRAYL 32 oz premium steel Kewler bottle for extra water storage.
About Grayl: Seattle-based GRAYL® makes innovative water purifiers and filters for international travelers and outdoor explorers so their adventures can be safe, self-reliant and awe inspiring. Since 2016, GRAYL purifiers have hydrated hundreds of thousands of adventures. GRAYL believes the greatest moments of life occur when one travels beyond their comfort zone, takes risks, builds connections with different cultures, and returns as a global citizen. GRAYL is distributed world-wide and is a member of 1% for the Planet, contributing at least one percent of every sale to non-profit organizations and charities that protect and preserve the natural environment.
2 Helinox Sunset Chairs
Donated by Helinox
A unique, never-seen-in-public coloration of the Helinox Sunset Chair! A customer favorite and for good reason. The Sunset Chair's high-back and compact carry sack that converts to a neck pillow were designed for ultimate relaxation. Lean back and enjoy the view. Add the optional rocking feet and you're in camp chair nirvana! *Shipping not included
About Helinox: Since 2009 Helinox has been a design-first company, focused exclusively on bringing comfort outdoors so you can be At Home, Anywhere. Furniture should be built to travel, so we’ve designed ours to be portable, durable, and beautiful as well as comfortable. This means you can relax when you’re backpacking deep in the woods, sitting on an urban rooftop, lounging at the beach, car camping, or simply hanging out in the backyard. So lightweight and compact, you’ll want to bring your own chair to any adventure or gathering.
4 Hydro Flask 16oz True Pints
Donated by Hydro Flask
Make any hour happier with our insulated 16 oz True Pint. From picnics in the park to panoramic vistas, enjoy your favorite morning brews or microbrews at the perfect temperature. Color - Black.
About Hydro Flask: Hydro Flask® is the leader in high-performance insulated products that help people enjoy the things they love to do in the places they love to be. From the number one-selling water bottle to soft good innovations like the Day EscapeTM Soft Coolers to the Outdoor Kitchen dining collection, Hydro Flask’s delightfully simple designs and go-anywhere durability always deliver the perfect temperature when you need it. Founded in 2009 in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask inspires active outdoor lives with two simple words: Let’s Go! Its giving program, Parks For All, supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and investing in public green spaces so people everywhere can live healthier, happier, and more fulfilled lives.
MiiR Wine Bundle
Donated by MiiR
The 750mL MiiR Wine Bottle keeps your favorite wine at its ideal temp. With the capacity to hold a full bottle of wine, the Wine Bottle looks sleek enough to outfit any table while being durable enough for outdoor treks. The 10oz Wine Tumbler features our Press-fit Slide Lid to prevent spilling and an easy-to-hold design. Both products feature our Thermo 3D® double-wall vacuum.
About MiiR: MiiR is a design-forward, generosity-driven brand that makes premium stainless steel vessels for coffee, water, bar, and food. Every MiiR product sold helps fund transparent giving projects at the intersection of people and the planet.
Eagle Creek’s Best Travel Gear Package
Donated by Eagle Creek
Tarmac International Carry-on (2 wheels) - The Tarmac XE 2-Wheel Carry-On was built incredibly durable to tackle even the most extreme travel environments.
Migrate Duffel Bag 40L - The Migrate Duffel 40L is the quintessential carry-on-sized adventure bag.
Pack-It Travel Organizers - These provide ultra- light organization and peace of mind that sweaty, stinky clothes will stay contained.
About Eagle Creek: Adventure travel outfitters since 1975. At Eagle Creek, we believe both travel and life in the outdoors change people. That’s led us to develop a broad collection of stylish and durable gear to get people to their next adventure - whether it’s on a nearby trail or in a country halfway around the world.
$ 150 Toad & Co Gift Card
Donated by Toad & Co
The gift that always fits, and never requires awkward size guessing – a gift card is always a good idea. Get a gift card for yourself, a friend, and your loved ones! A gift card means no gift waste, all reward.
About Toad & Co: We’re big on enjoying the simple things in life, embracing the silly, and letting go every once in a while. It keeps our spirits high and gives us the energy to focus on the things that matter, like empowering people with disabilities, sourcing the most sustainable materials, partnering with the cleanest factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.
$250 Toad & Co Gift Card
Donated by Toad & Co
Adventure Travel Photography Workshop
Donated by Merrill Images
This gift certificate is for one person to attend a small group online workshop with professional travel photographers John and Lisa Merrill. In their three-session workshop, the Merrills share tips for creating visual stories of the places you explore and the people you meet. Using examples from assignments and adventures around the world, John and Lisa will help you harness the transformative power of light, compose for impact, and intentionally make, versus take, photos. You’ll get tips for compelling portrait, landscape, food, architectural, and street photography, and explore ICM (intentional camera movement) for impressionistic images. John and Lisa will also share techniques for organizing and optimizing your photos, and combining them into compelling stories of your travel adventures to treasure and share.
About Merrill Images: John and Lisa Merrill are travel and social impact photographers who create images to evoke wonder, inspire action, and strengthen communities. The Merrills are inspiring educators who help nurture photographic creativity via online and in-person workshops, Pacific Northwest PhotoWalks, UnCruise Photo Adventures, and international photo tours. View galleries and learn more at www.merrillimages.com.
Osprey Suitcase & Pack Bundle
Donated by Osprey
Transporter Global Carry-On Bag (Venturi Blue) - the Transporter® Global Carry-On Bag is built with durable materials to handle adverse conditions around the globe and withstand the rigors of travel.
Daylite Wheeled Carry On Duffel 40 (Black) - Lightweight and durable, the Daylight® Carry-On Wheeled Duffel 40 is ready for your next trip out of town with a large main compartment that makes packing quick and easy and two exterior pockets that hold quick-access items.
About Osprey: Today, Osprey is a melting pot of diverse personalities, backgrounds, and abilities. All share the common belief that adventure is open to everyone and found anywhere. Developed by Osprey employees, these guiding principles are our moral compass and an honest representation of our entire company: INNOVATION. INTEGRITY. QUALITY. RESPECT. STEWARDSHIP. Since day one, sustainability has been part of our core values — from building the most durable products possible to launching our All Mighty Guarantee to introducing high-quality recycled materials and better chemistry.
Osprey Pack Bundle
Donated by Osprey
Porter 65 Deluxe Travel Duffel (Petunia Blue) - Ideal for lengthier travel excursions and adventures of all kinds, the Porter 65 offers a large storage capacity and convenient organization with on-the-go access.
Arcane Roll Top Pack (Stonewash Black) - A beautifully crafted everyday bag, the Arcane Roll Top was designed to fit a variety of scenarios and withstand the demands of daily use.
Tenkara Rod & Starter Kit
Donated by Tenkara USA
Hane Rod - 10ft10in. The HaneTM is a super compact all-around tenkara rod that will quickly become your favorite adventure rod. Measuring just under 15 inches when collapsed, but extending to 10ft 10in (330cm), the Hane fits nicely inside a small day pack, making this a superb tenkara rod for backpacking, bikefishing and other adventures.
Tenkara Kit - This starter kit comes in a custom mesh bag and contains all the essentials to get started tenkara fishing
Tenkara Book - This book is a complete guide to the techniques, gear, history, and philosophy of tenkara, the Japanese method of fly-fishing.
About Tenkara USA: Part of what makes us unique is our connection with Japan. Tenkara is a method of fishing that comes from Japan with a long history. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel here, but rather to share the tenkara story. We believe the easiest way to keep tenkara simple is to look at the Japanese tenkara anglers and what they have to teach us.
Klean Kanteen Good to Go Kit
Donated by Klean Kanteen
The Good To Go Kit is a stainless steel set made for eating and drinking on the go at work, school, or anywhere you travel. Featuring our 32oz Insulated Food Canister to keep food hot for 11 hours and cold for 45 hours, plus a leakproof, plastic-free 34oz Food Box with a press and lock tab.
Also includes a 16oz Insulated food canister.
About Klean Kanteen: A leader in BPA-free, stainless steel drinkware and food transport, Klean Kanteen is family owned and operated, with distribution in 40-plus countries worldwide. Our products are the vehicles that deliver this promise, starting conversations, and inspiring people to make conscientious choices every day. A certified B-Corporation, Climate Neutral, and 1% for the Planet member, Klean Kanteen is committed to using business as a force for good and has donated over $3.4 million to environmental organizations globally.
Protect our world’s natural and cultural resources by placing a bid today!
As always, thank you to our members and to everyone who donated to the auction. We would not be able to do this without you.
Adventure Travel Experiences - 2022 Travel Conservation Auction
Check out all of the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction Items.
The 2022 Travel Conservation Auction is live and the bids are flowing in! We have over 20 items available for bidding, making this our biggest fundraiser to date.
Adventure Travel Experiences will be available on Charity Buzz from June 27th to July 14th.
With just over a week left to bid, here is everything you need to know about Adventure Travel Experiences.
ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
JUNE 27 - JULY 14, 2022. OPEN FOR 2 WEEKS ONLY!
5-Day Lower Salmon River Rafting Trip
Donated by Oars
Soak up the sun. Ramble with the river. Idaho’s Lower Salmon River is home to some of America’s most beautiful inland river beaches, super-sandy and sprawling alongside clear, mellow pools which are perfect for stand up paddleboarding and playing in inflatable kayaks. There’s no shortage of thrill seeking either. Some of Idaho’s most famous whitewater rapids, gorges and viewscapes—like Demons Drop, Snow Hole and Blue Canyon are just around the bend.
About OARS: OARS is a family-owned and operated company since 1969 remain the same. Today, our dedicated staff and guides, carry on the long legacy of providing people with unforgettable experiences in some of the most beautiful places in the world! OARS strives to encourage and actively support awareness, deeper appreciation, and preservation of our rivers and environment.
3-Night Safari in Maasia Mara Game Reserve, Kenya
Donated by Angama Mara
The winner of this amazing package will enjoy a 3-night stay with a friend at Angama Mara in Kenya’s Maasia Mara Game Reserve. Included in the packed are accommodations for three nights, all meals and drinks (other than French Champagne), driving safaris into the reserve and walking safaris.
About Angama Mara: Angama Mara is a remarkable owner-run safari lodge inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’. Located high above the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara overlooks Kenya’s Maasai Mara, considered by many as the loveliest game reserve on the continent. Here guests will find a lodge where everything is as it ought to be: two intimate camps of just fifteen tented suites each, a private airfield and access to the Mara below, tailor-made safari days and a famously warm Kenyan welcome.
5-Day Adventure in Sacred Valley
Donated by Mountain Lodges Peru
Design your own adventure through the charming towns of the Sacred Valley, to seldom-visited Inca archaeological sites, along remote highland hiking trails with breathtaking views, and to hidden villages for a first-hand glimpse into the culture and daily life of these traditional Andean communities. End the experience with a visit to the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.
About Mountain Lodges Peru: Mountain Lodges of Peru is a family-owned Peruvian adventure travel operator providing sophisticated journeys and adventure experiences through the mountainous regions of Peru leading to the incomparable ruins of Machu Picchu. Established in 2006, MLP provides adventurous and active travelers an opportunity to experience a full cultural immersion into remote Andean communities with the comfort of six exclusive mountain lodges and four unique boutique hotels in the city of Cusco.
7-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Donated by Mountain Lodges Peru
The Salkantay Adventure goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Inca civilization and the extraordinary legacy that they left for generations to come. After 6-day of hiking you reach Machu Picchu Sacntuary for an in-depth exploration of the one of the seventh wonders of the modern world.
About Mountain Lodges Peru: Mountain Lodges of Peru is a family-owned Peruvian adventure travel operator providing sophisticated journeys and adventure experiences through the mountainous regions of Peru leading to the incomparable ruins of Machu Picchu. Established in 2006, MLP provides adventurous and active travelers an opportunity to experience a full cultural immersion into remote Andean communities with the comfort of six exclusive mountain lodges and four unique boutique hotels in the city of Cusco.
5-Day San Juan Island Hopper Adventure
Donated by REI
Spend five days soaking up the magic of the San Juan Islands on an exhilarating hike and kayak adventure with REI. Kayak waters rich with marine life while circumnavigating Henry Island, search for whales, porpoise and more on a premier wildlife cruise, enjoy 360° views from Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans, and sleep among the trees in a luxury yurt and relax at a historic Pacific Northwest resort. Trip Includes Four nights accommodations; most meals; tandem kayaks (singles are not available) and kayaking equipment; dry bags; any park or other admission fees; wildlife watching cruise; interisland ferry fares while on trip; all gratuities related to services necessary to support the itinerary, with the exception of lead and assistant guide; all ground transfers as noted on daily itinerary, to include one transfer to Eastsound airport at trip conclusion on Day 5. This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. You should be capable of kayaking up to 8 miles (up to 6 hours) and hiking between 3–8 miles. Beginning kayakers are welcome.
About REI: At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) we believe a life outdoors is a life well-lived! We believe that it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors, for all. Since 1938, we have been your local outdoor co -op, working to help you experience the transformational power of nature. We bring you top-quality gear and apparel, expert advice, rental equipment, inspiring stories of life outside and outdoor experiences to enjoy alone or share with your friends and family. And because we have no shareholders, with every purchase you make with REI, you are choosing to steward the outdoors, support sustainable business and help the fight for life outside. So whether you’re new to the outdoors or a seasoned pro, we hope you’ll join us.
2-Nights at Camp Sossus, Namibia
Donated by Ultimate Safaris
Bid now for a 2 night getaway under the stars at Camp Sossus! Escape to the tranquil and scenic Namib Tsaris Reserve and spend two nights, all inclusive, under a blanket of stars at Camp Sossus. A perfect escape to unwind and reconnect with nature, while exploring the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei.
About Ultimate Safaris: Ultimate Safaris is an award winning Namibian Conservation Travel Company. We are dedicated to the protection and conservation of the areas in which we operate as these are some of the most pristine and delicate wilderness areas on earth. Our camps are conservation impact investments, pioneering environmental sustainability, community development and conservation.
3-Day Glamping in Baja California Sur
Donated by Todos Santos Eco Resort
Camp Cecil de la Sierra is a luxury tent camp in the mango and grapefruit grove of a local ranching family in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve of Baja California Sur, close to the town of Todos Santos.
About Todos Santos Eco Adventures: Todos Santos Eco Adventures (TOSEA) is the leading eco-adventure company in Baja California Sur. Family-owned and operated since 2002 by Sergio and Bryan Jauregui, TOSEA boasts boutique style, concentrated attention to the guest experience, strong conservation travel credentials, three amazing properties, and a dynamic team that loves sharing their passion for the phenomenal natural beauty, unique culture, and extraordinary wildlife of Baja.
4-Day Red Mountain Essential Retreat
Donated by Red Mountain Resort
A 4 day, 3 night Essential Retreat for 1 solo guest in a Desert Oasis Room at Red Mountain Resort. The retreat includes daily guided hiking, fitness classes, use of the resort amenities and 3 healthy meals each day.
About Red Mountain Resort: Red Mountain Resort has everything you need to relax, renew and rediscover your passion for adventure. As one of the most ideally located resorts in St. George, Utah, Red Mountain Resort allows for customized adventures to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, while Snow Canyon State Park is only about a 1/4 of a mile down the road.
3-Night Stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda
Donated by Volcanoes Safaris
Mount Gahinga Lodge is the perfect base to go gorilla tracking on the Ugandan side of the Virungas, track the rare golden monkey, climb a volcano, walk through local villages and most of all to share the culture of the Batwa, the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rain forest. The beautiful hand-built bandas reflect the magic of the aesthetic traditions of the Bufimbira people. Stay provides direct private footpath to access gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, and includes personal butler service for all guests.
About Volcanoes Safaris: Volcanoes Safaris have been pioneers of gorilla and chimpanzee eco-tourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997. We have had a clear vision during our 25 year journey: to develop lodges that are sensitive to local culture and aesthetics, connect to local communities and conservation of great ape species and seek to use resources responsibly.
Pacific North West Getaway in the Oregon Cascades
Donated by Westfir Lodge
Two night stay at the Westfir Lodge and guided tour of your choice for two with the Cascades Outdoor Center. Homemade breakfast is included every morning.
About Westfir Lodge: Located in the Willamette Valley, in the Oregon Cascades in the foothills of the Willamette National Forest. Our cozy adventure based lodge is across from the longest covered bridge in Oregon, just a short drive from Crater Lake National Park. Nestled conveniently between Eugene and Bend, a perfect base for all your adventures. The Cascades Outdoor Center offers daily tours from the Lodge which include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing tours!
4-Day Coasta Rice Jungle & Beach Retreat
Donated by GreenSpot Travel
3 night stay in a One Bedroom Bungalow with full a-la- carte breakfast included. A sandy, forest-fringed beach hugs boutique eco hotel Aguas Claras, where airy, Caribbean-style suites and bungalows dot the jungle- shaded grounds, and a spa and beach club fuel its laid- back vibe. GreenSpot Travel will also include round-trip ground transportation from San Jose, Costa Rica’s international airport (SJO) to the lovely Aguas Claras boutique hotel on the Caribbean side of the country for up to four travelers in the same party.
About Cayuga Collection: We’re The Cayuga Collection. 7 award-winning, sustainable luxury hotels in Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua. We’re tucked away in the most incredible corners, committed to protect and preserve the communities and ecosystems that surround us.
About GreenSpot Travel: Adventure, nature, and culture reign supreme. Our custom-designed ecoluxe vacations are all exciting, pampering and relaxing, where you’ll meet fascinating people and soak up one-of-a-kind experiences in destinations around the world.
Entry Pass to AdventureELEVATE
Donated by the Adventure Travel Trade Association
Join other adventure travel and outdoor recreation professionals in Portland, Maine in May 2023 at the premier networking and educational event in the U.S.!
About ATTA: Established in 1990, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) today is widely recognized as a vital leadership voice and partner for the adventure travel industry around the world. The membership and trade organization is designed to be a force for the industry and exists to drive thought leadership, industry promotion, and opportunities to network and convene globally to create trade and business health. It currently serves more than 1,000members in 100 countries worldwide. The constituency is made up of tour operators, tourism boards, specialty agents, and accommodations.
3-Day Backcountry Alpine Touring Adventure
Donated by Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures and EVO
Escape into Whistler's Backcountry for 3 full days! Exclusively designed for the early rising ski tourer, this package bundles in a mechanized transfer service to maximize 3 full days of powder explorations in the pristine alpine terrain of the Solitude Valley. Please Note: this package is limited to guests using Full Alpine Touring or Splitboard gear. INCLUDES
• A Sunday morning transfer into the Lodge 7:30am check-in at our base facilities/parking area
• 2 nights of off-the-grid accommodation for two. All meals for each night booked (après-ski appetizers & 3-course dinner, with a continental breakfast & bagged lunch + hot & cold non-alcohol beverages)
• Tuesday afternoon transfer back to base facilities/parking area (2:00 pm departure from Lodge). Return luggage drop service (40 lbs per guest + an extra set of equipment)
• Use of lodge amenities including our Scandinavian Sauna, guest toboggans, & snowshoes.
• Backcountry ski, splitboard, and avalanche safety equipment rentals provided by evo Backcountry
About Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures: Callaghan Country is a unique wilderness adventure operation featuring the Alexander Falls Touring Centre providing convenient access to a full range of SKI CALLAGHAN experiences including classic, skate, and wilderness cross-country skiing, dog-friendly trails, as well as forest and meadow snowshoeing, magnificent alpine ski touring slopes, and deep, deep powder. At the heart of this landscape, 13.8 kilometers (8.4 miles) up from the nearest road, sits Journeyman Lodge, a well- appointed backcountry inn boasting friendly hospitality, great food, and comfortable accommodation for up to 24 people. The Journeyman Lodge was hand-built by members of Whistler’s backcountry skiing community back in the 90s - and it’s been a dream destination for outdoor adventurers in search of deep powder ever since.
4-Day Adventure + Flights, PANAMA
Donated by Ecocircuitos Panama and Copa Airlines
Get intimate with nature and explore Panama's rich biodiversity in Panama City:
2 Round Trip Tickets to Panama - Travel non-stop to Panama from any of the USA and Canada gateways serviced by Copa Airlines
Accommodations for three nights (double room) with breakfast included
Private transfer in & out.
Panoramic City Tour (Casco Antiguo and Cerro Ancon hike)
Camino de Cruces Trail + Emberá Indigenous Encounter
Hiking in Campana National Park
All day activities include private transportation, naturalist guide, snacks, and lunch.
About Ecocircuitos Panama: Ecocircuitos Panama is a locally owned tour operator that specializes in designing tailor-made travel experiences in Panama for the adventure traveler. We love exploring unusual places away from common tourist paths; our experiences include, outdoor adventures, wildlife and cultural encounters, family holidays, educational and academic tours, and community projects that foster sustainable development.
About Copa Airlines: Celebrating 75 years of service, Copa Airlines is the flag carrier of Panama. From its hub in Panama City, Panama, Copa Airlines serves more than 70 destinations throughout the Americas and the Caribbean and has been recognized as the most on-time airline in Latin America for 8 years in a row.
8-Day Mentoring Retreat in Portugal
Donated by: Walking Mentorship
Join us for an 8 Day immersive mentoring retreat on Costa Vicentina. Take a deep dive into your desired future and draw the action plan to reach it using our time-proven “Destination You” flagship mentoring program while walking the beautiful Costa Vicentina in the Atlantic south of Portugal with a group of like-minded people.
About Walking Mentorship: Walking Mentorship is a company that facilitates mentoring programs, for individuals and companies, elevated by walking in nature. Based on an innovative service model, the WM has been partnering with different co-mentors from various geographies and organizations committed to unleashing their teams' full potential. Always walking, always in nature.
Protect our world’s natural and cultural resources by placing a bid today!
Thank you to our members and to everyone who donated to the Travel Conservation Auction. We would not be able to do this without you.
Thank You Travel Conservation Auction Donors
This year we are on track to raise $30,000 during the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction. This is our biggest auction to date and we could not be more thankful to our generous donors. Without their help, the ATCF would not be able to do what we do. Be sure to check out the Travel Conservation Auction and place a bid to help us support conservation in adventure travel destinations!
This year we are on track to raise $30,000 during the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction. This is our biggest auction to date and we could not be more thankful to our generous donors. Without their help the ATCF would not be able to do what we do. Be sure to check out the Travel Conservation Auction and place a bid to help us support conservation in adventure travel destinations!
To our donors, THANK YOU. We are overwhelmed by your eagerness to support the Travel Conservation Auction.
We’re so grateful for these companies stepping up and supporting us. Please consider picking up an item at our travel conservation auction.
New Member: HELINOX
We sat down with our latest ATCF member, Helinox, to learn why they became a member. They believe in the conservation of tourism destinations because they are travelers and adventurers. They revel in the diversity and beauty of the natural world and are committed to preserving these places.
Since 2009 Helinox has been a design-first company, focused exclusively on bringing comfort outdoors so you can be At Home, Anywhere. Furniture should be built to travel, so they’ve designed their gear to be portable, durable, and beautiful as well as comfortable. This means you can relax when you’re backpacking deep in the woods, sitting on an urban rooftop, lounging at the beach, car camping, or simply hanging out in the backyard. So lightweight and compact, you’ll want to bring your own chair to any adventure or gathering.
Helinox believes in the conservation of tourism destinations because they too are travelers and adventurers. They revel in the diversity and beauty of the natural world and are committed to preserving these places.
They decided to become a member to support the conservation of these tourism destinations and to connect their brand with the organizations and operators who facilitate bringing people to them.
Helinox was also generous enough to provide our 2022 Travel Consevarion Auction with 2 Helinox Sunset Camp Chairs
Attending Adventure Elevate in Portland, Oregon
Soraya gives a recap of her time at ATTA’s Adventure Elevate in Portland, Oregon. “What a wonderful week of reconnecting with our ATCF members from all over the world! It’s been over two years, and boy did it feel good.”
What a wonderful week of reconnecting with our ATCF members from all over the world at ATTA’a Adventure Elevate in Portland, Oregon! It’s been more than over two years, and it felt great to connect with everyone. I spent some time catching up with ExperiencePlus!, Modern Adventure, and Pandion, and learned how business is really ticking up for them. I chatted with old and new friends from World Nomads/Footprints to talk about potential future collaborations.
I also got up early one beautiful morning and did a sunrise hike up Spencer Butte with Grayl, and we were able to see all the central Oregon peaks poking out of a lower bank of fog. I caught up with old friends from Mountain Lodges of Peru, Bicycle Adventures, Tomorrow’s Air, and Reefs to Rockies, and shared our ATCF strategies for 2023 and beyond. And made new friends, Explorandes, journalists Tim Neville and, Kathleenne Rellihan, West Fir Lodge, and so many others! And did I mention that my Day of Adventure started with a morning of trail stewardship along the McKenzie River? What a fun week!
It’s always a wonderful time at ATTA events and I can’t wait to see you at the next one.
- Soraya Shattuck
ATCF Director
Conservation Conversations with Dan Moore
We asked longtime member and CEO of Pandion, Dan Moore, a few questions on the state of conservation and why he supports the ATCF.
We asked longtime member and CEO of Pandion, Dan Moore, a few questions on the state of conservation and why he supports the ATCF.
How does travel need to change and what role are you playing personally and/or as a company?
All travel needs to look through the lens of “net-positive.” This means that, while there are impacts from travel (e.g. carbon), in the whole travel needs to provide a net positive to the communities and environments being visited. This can include local ownership, community-led practices, and travelers feeling a sense of purpose upon returning home. Professionally, I offer training and consulting to travel businesses and destinations so they can do this better. Personally, I am on the board of some nonprofits working in this capacity.
You have been a supporter of the ATCF since the beginning, why?
ATCF is a good place to “put my money where my mouth is.” I talk about how travel should/could be positive for the places we visit, but this is a lot more complicated than it seems. ATCF is actually one way to give something back constructively. It is also special to be part of a community with like-minded companies and organizations. Community is important. There are several nonprofits out there working towards parallel objectives. ATCF could be a leader in bringing them all together to tackle bigger issues collaboratively. Additionally, I think there are some best practices that could be conveyed to the travel industry. I’m happy to be an ATCF member. It’s a tough time for nonprofits, but we are doing good work, and we need to do more.
Tell us about a trip or place that changed you or your thinking?
In 2012, I had a negative experience in a European country consistently ranked near the top of adventure travel that changed my perspective and the course of my work. While the destination was beautiful and travel offerings plentiful and organized, the guides I encountered ranged from mediocre to unsafe. Shortly after the trip, I had an opportunity to meet with Ajeet Bajaj from India-based Snow Leopard Adventures. Ajeet was extremely well prepared to demonstrate the quality and safety of his operation. He pulled out a thick three-ring binder detailing the level of training and safety standards his guides must reach and was able to tie their training to countrywide standards that he helped create in India. It occurred to me that certain countries are assumed, by both travelers and travel professionals, to be safer and of higher quality simply because they are wealthier and more “developed”. Whereas it is often assumed the opposite is true, based on inaccurate or harmful stereotypes, for destinations that are considered less “developed”. This is what inspired me to get involved with guide standards. Having an international metric for measuring the core competencies guides must possess, regardless of where they happen to guide, puts guides on a more equal footing and helps raise the bar for adventure travel globally.
ATCF member Pandion Consulting and Facilitation delivers industry training and facilitates tourism development programs around the globe. Founder and CEO Dan Moore has nearly two decades of experience guiding, training guides, and facilitating workshops. He also helped create the groundbreaking international Adventure Travel Guide Standard and currently serves on the Standard’s Governance Board.
Thanks for reading! For more stories and interviews keep exploring our adventure blog.
May News
In this issue:
New membership categories (lowered pricing for travel industry & media)
Welcome new & renewing members!
Project update from 2020 grantee Friends of Cochamo
Royal Robbins raises $7,000 for ATCF
Three questions for Adventure Trailblazer Toad&Co
And more
In this issue:
New membership categories (lowered pricing for travel industry & media)
And more
New Membership Categories & Reduced Pandemic Pricing
In response to member feedback and the challenges the travel industry is still undergoing, the ATCF Board recently approved changes to the membership structure and dues. The membership levels are more closely aligned to those of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to avoid confusion. In addition, annual dues have been lowered for travel industry members and media in 2022, considering the pandemic’s continued consequences. “The pandemic has only emphasized the importance of our mission to preserve and protect the planet,” says Steve Barker, chair of the ATCF board. “At the same time, many travel companies are still recovering financially. Our revised strategy lowers the barriers to membership, expands the tent, diversifies funding streams, and builds community.” Also new, is a membership level for individuals.
Join us! Or re-join! Contact Soraya or any of the board members.
Annual Membership Dues Structure
Adventure Leaders - $25,000
Adventure Trailblazers - $10,000
Adventure Stewards - $5,000
ATCF Member (travel industry) - $300 per $1M in sales, up to $5,000 *COVID special pricing
ATCF Member (gear/retail industry) - $500 per $1M in sales up to $5,000
DMO/Tourism Boards - $1,000 flat fee
ATCF Media Member - $100 (with revenue <$1M)
Nonprofits and Foundations - reciprocal
ATCF Community Member - $100 (for individuals: non-voting, non-nominating member)
Welcome New & Renewing Members!
Adventure Trailblazer
Toad&Co, Pandion Consulting, Travel Babbo, Alaska Wildland Adventures, Wild Places, Greenspot Travel, Hi Travel Tales, Stephanie Pearson Media, Bike Odyssey Cycle Tours, Encounters Asia, Law Office of Chun T Wright, Angama Mara, Mountain Lodges Peru, Conservation Alliance, Grayl, Todos Santos Eco Adventures, Trekking Hellas, Wilderness Travel, Norie Quintos Media, & Cynthia Dunbar.
Email soraya@atconservationfund.org to renew your membership or become a member.
Auction Update
Planning for ATCF’s 2022 online summer auction, our biggest fundraiser of the year, is underway. The money raised goes to support ATCF programs and initiatives, including small, high-impact grants that protect a diverse and unique set of the natural and cultural resources of our world. To date, the ATCF—supported by you—has awarded more than half a million dollars to 33 community conservation projects in 27 adventure destinations around the world!
The online auction takes place in June (dates to be determined), and will be hosted on the ATCF website, with high-value items concurrently hosted on Charity Buzz, with its wider audience reach.
We are still taking donations. To learn more about why you should donate an item to our June auction, read here. Thank you to those who have already donated items and trips, including Grayl, Mountain Lodges of Peru, and Todos Santos Eco Adventures.
Project Update
ATCF Grant Funds Trail Maintenance, Provides Work to Unemployed Horse Packers, and Generates Further Funding.
3 Questions for Toad&Co.’s Gordon Seabury
“We believe that if we all work together to make conscious choices, it means a brighter, more joyful future for all of us.”
Royal Robbins Raises $7,000 for ATCF in 2021
Last year, at the height of the pandemic, outdoor clothing company (and ATCF member) Royal Robbins donated a percentage of the proceeds from select products to the ATCF to fund its conservation efforts. The fundraiser raised over $7,000. Thank you, Royal Robbins!
This year we’re making a big push to find more passionate volunteers. Join an experience team of travel leaders to make a major difference in conservation.
Calendar
Spring
May 3 to 5
Adventure Elevate - Eugene, Oregon
ATCF is a supporting partner of Adventure Elevate. Do you want to meet to talk about joining as a leader in conservation? Reach out to Soraya Shattuck to schedule some time to talk!
Summer
ATCF Auction - Virtual, join from anywhere
Donate an item to the auction, spread the word, and bid at ATCF’s largest annual fundraiser.
June 9 to 11
Summer Outdoor Retailer Show - Denver, Colorado
ATCF members will be in attendance. Reach out to Soraya Shattuck to connect.
Fall
October 3 to 6
Adventure Travel World Summit - Lugano, Switzerland
ATCF will host its annual breakfast for members and potential members.
Thanks so much for reading our May newsletter and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Cheers,
We’re Social
Project Updates
From Instagram
