Hawaii's Sustainable Tour Operators Recognized - Certifying Organization Expands Program

HONOLULU - June 1, 2016 - PRLog -- HAWAI'I - The Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA) today announced the receipt of a $50,000 contract from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to expand their Sustainable Tour Certification Program.

The Certification Program is a statewide program designed to educate and recognize Hawaii's tour operators who positively affect natural and cultural resources, contribute to conservation, and help sustain local communities.

The contract was awarded to HEA in an effort to highlight "Green, Eco-friendly & Sustainable" tour operators in preparation for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's World Conservation Congress to be held in September. The contract will allow HEA to expand their capacity for certifications, integrate sustainable tourism into the HTA website, and provide trainings for tour operators.

HEA has already begun the certification process, with five tour operators already attaining the Sustainable Tourism Seal of Approval. The five new tour operators are Valley Isle Excursions (Maui); Dolphins & You (Oahu); Haleakala Bike (Maui); Body Glove Cruises (Hawaii); Aloha Kayaks Maui (Maui). These are in addition the 18 other tour operators who already have attained certification.

"We are excited and honored to build a more sustainable tourism sector in Hawaii. Tourism can have many positive benefits for local communities and natural environments when approached correctly. Tour operators that attain this certification have shown a dedication to this vision and we are proud to recognize their efforts," said Chris Barzman, HEA Board Member and Certification Committee Chair.

HEA encourages businesses, residents and visitors alike to contact them with any tour operators who are dedicated to the principles of sustainable tourism. For more information, go to www.hawaiiecotourism.org/travelpono.

About Hawaii Ecotourism Association

Since 1994, HEA has been committed to helping better Hawaii's travel industry through promoting responsible ecotourism travel and educational tours to conserving the natural and cultural resources in Hawaii. HEA is a 501(c)3 non-profit composed of tour and lodging operators, travel writers, and travel professionals. For more information, visit www.hawaiiecotourism.org.

Daniel Logtenberg

Valley Isle Excursions, Marketing Manager

vie@maui.net

(808) 633-1739

https://www.tourmaui.com

Kainamaikalani Neuman

Dolphins & You, Operations Manager

kaina@dolphinsandyou.com

(808) 741-7931

https://www.dolphinsandyou.com

Lewis Upfold

Haleakala Bike, Manager

Lewis@bikemaui.com

(808) 575-9575

http://www.bikemaui.com

Michael Bell

Body Glove Cruises, Executive Strategy Coordinator

michael@bodyglovehawaii.com

(808) 326-7122

http://www.bodyglovehawaii.com

Peter Hamilton

Aloha Kayaks Maui, Owner

peter@alohakayaksmaui.com

(808) 270-3318

http://alohakayaksmaui.com