rtweek2013

media type="custom" key="21439640" align="right"Responsible Travel Week 2013
related: responsible travel, responsible travel week, 2013 on this page: agenda/calendar, donations facebook: [|event page] (207 attending) flickr: [|responsible travel gallery] (670 views) google+ [|rtweek2013] (22 attending) ranker: [|responsible-travel-leaders] (3,000+ views, 50 voters) slideshare: [|Responsible Travel Week 2013] (44,000+ views) storify: [|rtweek2013] (300+ views) editing: [|What is responsible travel?]

Fall in love with responsible travel February 11-17 as [|Planeta.com] hosts our annual **Responsible Travel Week**, a week-long unconference that kicks off 2013 in fine style. The friendly confab takes place online and around the world through a series of local events organized by participants. A great plus: admission is free and there's no jet lag! Donations, of course, are much appreciated!

2013 is the fifth year for Responsible Travel Week and Planeta.com's 13th year of innovative conferencing. We expect our global conversation to take a great leap forward thanks to inspired participation. There are plenty of ways to get involved.

The motto of the 2013 RT Week is [|Redo, Re-Imagine and Remix]. Participants are asked to consider ways in which tourism benefits locals and visitors alike and most importantly in an era of the social web, to build on one another's efforts, to literally remix media in ways that enlighten and embolden. Toward that end we have a poster challenge and we'll be encouraging participants to curate responsible travel stories.

We will make specific suggestions Monday-Friday that correspond to the [|levels of engagement]. Featured are special motivational exercises to help you be attentive (Monday), generous (Tuesday), creative (Wednesday), empathetic (Thursday) and curious (Friday).

One of Planeta.com's tentpole events, Responsible Travel Week manifests our commitment toward effective communication and collaboration. Responsible Travel Week amplifies down-to-earth applications of noble concepts including responsible travel, conscious travel, the local travel movement and ecotourism with the inexpensive social web. We have the tools in hour hands to plan trips, to welcome visitors, to make the world a better place. Let's learn how to use new technologies, how to combine high tech with lo-fi face-to-face gatherings.

We welcome financial sponsors, including individuals and institutions willing to invest in a more formal approach, including awards and workshops focused on digital literacy training.

Plan ahead and let us know your plans. What participants get out of an event depends on what's put in. We recommend budgeting time before, during and after the week to make the most of networking opportunities. If you introduce your interests and interact with others even a modest investment of time can pay off spectacularly with new ideas and contacts. Be inspired and be inspiring!

Contact Info
Ron Mader [|email Ron] [|tweet Ron]

How to get involved
Engaged participation in any event (online and on the ground) requires a commitment and a certain degree of curiosity. On this wiki page you'll find specific suggestions on what you can do before, during and after the event. You don't have to do everything, but please find a way to get involved to make the most of responsible travel. This event is what **you** make it, what **you** learn and what **you** do. Consider it a wake-up call for a healthier 2013.

Top Tips
[|Circle the dates] on your calendar and budget time. Introduce yourself [|via Facebook]. Comment and ask questions on [|Ron's blog]. If you cannot create, curate. Share what you learn with family and friends. 'Responsible travel' has little value if we cannot articulate its values in public. Do what you love doing, not what you think you ought to be doing.

Agenda/Calendar
media type="custom" key="22202390" media type="custom" key="22204378" || => Before Responsible Travel Week=
 * || **Motivational Notes** || **Social Web** || **Natural World** ||
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Don't wait until February 11 to begin the preparations for Responsible Travel Week. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for a lively week.

Reflect on why you care about travel, what you love and what you would like to learn about responsible travel.

Register for social web channels you'd like to master.

Make a wishlist of the things you'd like to do, people you'd like to meet, places you'd like to visit in 2013. If you're a traveler, what 'responsible travel' options are of greatest interest?

Collaborate! In the backchannel (email, private face-to-face chats), talk this over with colleagues and figure out at least one announcement you can make during the week. Prepare ahead of time so you can announce your news on Day 1. || Responsible Tourism for Travellers - M Hatchuel [|@ThisTourismWeek] [|Off Track - Joel Werner/Radio National] [|@joelwerner] [|Responsible Travel Networking - Facebook] [|Responsible Travel Handbook (2006)] (PDF) [|@TransAbroad] Responsible Tourism in Cities Posters [|@RespTourismSA] [|@CapeTownTourism] The Role of Indigenous Tourism in Developing Conscious Hosts - [|@PembridgeAnna] [|Why aren't more bloggers writing about responsible travel? - Ethan Gelber?] [|@bikeabout] [|Leo Hickman at WTM] [|@LeoHickman] [|Greenwash. Guy Pearse on Big Brands and Carbon Scams] - [|@slowtv] Ireland Green Travel - [|@Greenirelandapp] [|Responsible Tourism - Huffington Post] [|Responsible Tourism - Transitions Abroad] [|Canastitas] [|Local Travel on Google+] ||  || [|blog]
 * media type="custom" key="22202386"media type="custom" key="22052254" || =Monday, February 11=

Day #1. Today's challenge: Be attentive.

According to the 90-9-1 principle, most people are browsers, aka lurkers and we say a big 'thank you' to anyone paying attention to responsible travel. For those budgeting time, many thanks! If you're not paying attention, you're probably missing out on something. Hopefully, we'll get you to engage more deeply, but first your conscious attention is where it all begins.

Advanced: Announce your plans for 2013. Travel pros, let us know what programs you're launching, what events you're attending, what sustainability goals you have for the coming year.

Advanced: Remind us what you did in 2012. Recaps are helpful as we move forward. Bring us up-to-speed on responsible travel actions you made in the past 12 months.

Post the news on the [|Facebook event page], [|Google+ event page] or tweet using the hashtag: [|#rtweek2013] || **Google+ Hangouts:** [|830am] and [|430pm] Monday PST If you'd like to join us, confirm your interest via the [|Google+ Event page]. Recordings will be uploaded to YouTube.


 * Elsewhere on the Web:** Participants have been uploading some amazing resources, essays and presentations that help us hit the ground running.

Here's what has caught our attention over the past few days:
 * [|Can food make Responsible Travel irresponsible?]
 * [|Authentic Accommodation as Art]
 * [|Responsible Travel in France]

Looking ahead, here is how the [|City of Cape Town celebrates Responsible Tourism Week] ||  || media type="custom" key="22125162" media type="custom" key="22160114" || =Tuesday, February 12= [|blog]
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Day #2. Today's challenge: Be generous.

Talk up someone else's business. Talk up another country or city. Write a testimonial for someone on Flickr, LinkedIn. Retweet someone's tweet, give a thumb's up to a video on YouTube. If you have an account on Foursquare, 'check in' at a place you like that you'd recommend to visitors. Share the love.

Collaborate and celebrate the positive efforts of others. True, [|sometimes we do suck at collaboration] but other times we're actually quite good. Focus on those interactions and see if we can build better relations this week.

A sidenote. Today is the 5th anniversary of Australia's famous [|Sorry Speech]. We continue to update the Planeta Wikis' collection of Aboriginal Australia resources. || **Google+ Hangout:** [|Here's the recording of Monday's chat with Aivar Ruukel.] Buzzword Bingo fans, here's some of the lingo, aka jargon, we used: Food Miles, Food Waste, Hashtag, Sustainability, Wilderness, World Parks Congress.

There's been plenty of activity on the [|Facebook event page] and a bunch of new links on the [|Storify page]. For those attending the ITB Berlin in March, there's the [|A-Zs of Responsible Travel] event.


 * Elsewhere on the Web**: There's been plenty of activity on the [|Facebook event page] and a bunch of new links on the [|Storify page]. For those attending the ITB Berlin in March, heck out the [|A-Zs of Responsible Travel] event. Here's what caught our attention:
 * [|A Wake-Up Call for a Healthier Year]
 * [|Touristic Village, No Garbage Please]
 * [|Cape Town: How You Can Make a Difference]
 * [|A sustainable day in Amsterdam]
 * [|Child Protection in Tourism]
 * [|Responsible Travel Resources]
 * [|How to be generous]

media type="custom" key="22160132" media type="custom" key="21909584" || =Wednesday, February 13= [|blog]
 * Looking ahead:** Wednesday is World Radio Day! What's on your playlist for those passionate about travel and conservation? ||  ||
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Day #3. Today's challenge: Be creative.

Upload a presentation you've made and post on Slideshare. Share an album you've created on Flickr or Pinterest. Upload a video to YouTube. Tweet an original thought!

For those who are hesitant, don't worry so much about the quality of your photo or video and focus attention on doing something simple. You can always improve your efforts the next time.

Let 'constraints' enrich your experience. As [|Vine] puts it: "We believe constraint inspires creativity, whether it's through a 140-character Tweet or a six-second video."

BTW, today, February 13 is World Radio Day! What's on your playlist? Have you considered recording your own podcast? I've been pleased with iPadio.

Wednesdays are the day in which we guide friends through the world of member-generated wikis. The star is Wikipedia which just this past month debuted its travel-focused site called WikiVoyage. Tip: check out [|responsible travel on Wikivoyage]. Also, keep an eye on the hashtag [|#WikiWednesday]. || **Google+ Hangouts:** [|Conversation with Anders]


 * Elsewhere on the Web**:
 * [|10 tips towards being responsible in our communities]
 * [|Cycle Aware Wellington]
 * [|Si Mas Bicicletas]
 * [|See What Happens To Millions Of Pounds Of Las Vegas Buffet Leftovers]
 * [|Coiste Irish Political Tours]
 * [|Wiki Wiki]

media type="custom" key="23507754" media type="custom" key="22179434" || =Thursday, February 14= =(Valentine's Day)= [|blog]
 * Looking ahead:** Thursday is Valentine's Day. ||  ||
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Today is Valentine’s Day and we hope you’re enjoying a fun holiday with your loved ones. Valentine’s Day is a day of romance, love and compassion. It’s a perfect time to fall in love with responsible travel.

Day #4. Today’s challenge: Be empathetic.

‘What does your heart say?’ is a greeting in the Mixtec language (‘Na ca anun’). If we allow our hearts to be open, we gain and give so much. Our advice: if you don’t know what someone else wants, ask them. This is the logic behind the Platinum Rule.

Our physical, get outside challenge today is to visit a local park – whether it’s a neighborhood pocket park or a World Heritage Site. Check in via [|Foursquare] or take a photo to upload to our Flickr Groups ([|city parks] and [|world parks]). Bonus points if you volunteer, make a donation or just tell the park staff what you love about the park. “If the only prayer you ever say is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice, says Meister Eckhart.

Last bit of advice: Don’t forget the chocolate! || **Elsewhere on the Web:**
 * [|How to tell a love story (biodiversity)]
 * [|2013 Guide to Sustainable Tourism]
 * [|RSA Animate - The Power of Outrospection]
 * [|Voluntourism Hurts]
 * [|The Future of Heritage - Big Ideas]
 * [|The Business Case for Responsible Tourism]


 * Looking ahead:** Friday is our big photo safari in Las Vegas and a guided trek in Cape Town! || South Africa: Cape Town

http://www.capetown.travel/industry_blog/entry/cape-town-tourism-loves-responsible-tourism-week-at-valentines-day-informat || media type="custom" key="22150732" media type="custom" key="22229310" || =Friday, February 15= [|blog]
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All this week we've made specific suggestions Monday-Friday that corresponded to the [|levels of engagement]. Featured were special motivational exercises to help you be attentive (Monday), generous (Tuesday), creative (Wednesday), empathetic (Thursday). Today's challenge? Drumroll please!

Day #5. Be curious.

"Responsible travelers have to be passionately curious," says Martin Hatchuel. Responsible travel is not merely ticking the boxes or repeating what's been done in a repetitive fashion. This is the opportunity to expand one's horizons.

It's O.K. to ask questions, even provocative questions. Use the responsible tourism groups and the RT Week event page on Facebook to post questions. Tweet questions (using the hashtag #rtweek2013).

Search for a place you'd like to visit on [|Flickr], [|Google Earth] and [|Wikipedia]. If you find someone or someplace you love, let us know!

As it's Foodie Friday, eat something local and delicious. We highly recommend saying 'thank you' to the vendors at a local market or the chef at a favorite restaurant. Bonus points if you share photos in our Flickr Groups [|World Food] and [|World Market]. || **Google+ Hangout:** [|830am] PST [|Conversation with Marcus Bauer]

[|The City celebrates RT Week]
 * Elsewhere on the Web**:
 * [|Can food make responsible-travel irresponsiblle?]
 * [|Tourist Snapshots Help Researchers Understand Maldives' Whale Sharks]
 * [|Responsible Cape Town]
 * [|How to organize a photo safari]
 * [|Food, Health and Cultivating Communities]
 * [|Earth Day Art Contest] || South Africa: Cape Town

USA: Las Vegas Photo Safari at the District, 4-6pm, [|Poster] || media type="custom" key="21909552" media type="custom" key="22190434" || =Saturday, February 16= [|blog]
 * media type="custom" key="21909558"

It's time to slow down as Responsible Travel Week comes to a close. It's been a busy week for anyone keeping track of our dialogue on [|Facebook], [|Storify] and [|Google Hangouts]. Busier for those paying attention online and creating local events. This year we had more local events than ever, more original art than ever, more Slideshare presentations than ever. Thank you all for your attention, creativity, generosity, empathy and curiosity.

Day #6. Today's challenge is simply to reflect on what you've learned. What did you find most useful? Did you learn anything new? Did you try out any new social web services that surprised you? Feedback is always useful.

We are fans of the slow movement and [|Slow Adventures on Facebook] and it's no surprise that we will segue our use of the [|#rtweek2013] hashtag to [|#rtyear2013]. || **Elsewhere on the Web**:

Photographers are getting together at the Point on the 17th February at 3pm for a 3-hour Photo Safari with three themes, 1) Tourist attractions and accessibility to all; 2) Food Establishments typical to Mossel Bay or the area; 3) Flora indigenous and in the garden that will attract tourism. [|Details on Facebook] || media type="custom" key="22202406" || =Sunday, February 17= [|blog]
 * [|Earth Day Art Contest]
 * [|How do we cultivate South Africa’s future domestic tourist?]
 * [|The forbidden flower]
 * [|Giving back to the locals]
 * [|european ecotourism conference]
 * [|Does Voluntourism Do More Harm Than Good?]
 * [|Wildlife Tourism Workshop]
 * [|flying-environmental-impact] || South Africa: Mossel Bay
 * media type="custom" key="21909560"

Day #7. This is the official close of Responsible Travel Week. Thanks to everyone who has participated. This has been our best RT Week in five years with more engagement on Facebook, more tweets on Twitter, more ‘small steps’ by various participants who were brave enough to create accounts on social web channels. It’s easy once you know how to do it, but the first step … seems difficult if you don’t have encouragement.

Allow us to speculate a bit on the future of travel and tourism. Why shouldn’t it be more responsible, interpreting that as a win-win for locals and visitors?

During the [|International Year of Ecotourism] the traveling public were largely ignored as valued players during official policy making events. For example, the Quebec Ecotourism Declaration did not include travelers as stakeholders. A serious omission, n’est-ce pas? But so are locals. We don’t value their ‘experience’ when evaluating the impact of travel and tourism. Rarely have I been invited a tourism conference that included the viewpoints of regular travelers or locals.

A few years ago the [|Conde Nast World Savers Awards was critiqued] because one of the winners was a lodge that had been excluding local indigenous people from using the watering holes. The facility had a swimming pool for guests but water for locals … not until there was a public criticism.

We need a more holistic approach when it comes to evaluating practices – sustainable or not – and hopefully our communication can improve to the point where visitor and local input is more valued in the value chain. I believe that the social web is an excellent tool, but by no means the only one needed to accomplish this task. We need opportunities for conversation, for social bridging, for providing feedback to tourism pros so that travel is individually and collectively more empathetic.

Finally, a technical note. We’ll be segueing from the hashtag [|#rtweek2013] to [|#rtyear2013]. Use this as you see fit on Google+ and Twitter to keep our conversations moving forward. Take heart from the Maori Proverb (Whakatauki): “It’s fine to have recollections of the past but wisdom comes from being able to prepare opportunities for the future.” || **Slideshare**:
 * [|Engaging Events]
 * [|Responsible Travel Photography]
 * [|Responsible Travel Posters]
 * [|Set the Default to Open]

- https://twitter.com/catherinemack
 * Wiki**
 * Responsible Travel in Cape Town
 * Child Protection
 * Who's Who in German-Speaking Europe
 * Finno-Ugric Culture
 * Indigenous Peoples Week
 * Local
 * Biodiversity
 * #PDFTribute
 * Peru Slang
 * Sámi People
 * World Parks Congress
 * Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group
 * Volunteer ||  ||
 * ||  || http://www.ethicaltraveller.co.uk/2013/02/how-do-i-find-the-words

http://thealternative.in/travel/interview-ron-mader-on-responsible-tourism-week https://twitter.com/_thealternative

http://annevandertuuk.blogspot.mx/2013/02/why-would-you.html

https://twitter.com/AbangAfrica ||  ||
 * media type="custom" key="22155704" || =March 8=

ITB Berlin || **Elsewhere on the Web**: World Environment Day || **Elsewhere on the Web** Indigenous Peoples Week || **Wiki**
 * [|Ecotourism Europe]
 * [|Slow Berlin] || Berlin: [|A-Zs of Responsible Travel] ||
 * media type="custom" key="22219656" || =June 5=
 * [|World Environment Day Flickr Group] ||  ||
 * media type="custom" key="25059660" || =August 5-11=
 * Indigenous
 * Aboriginal Australia
 * Maori
 * Sami ||  ||
 * media type="custom" key="22155692" || =November 7=

Responsible Tourism Day || **Elsewhere on the Web** Responsible Travel Week 2014
 * [|Responsible Tourism Day - Slideshare] || London: WTM ||
 * media type="custom" key="22155686" || =February 10-16, 2014=

Easy as ... abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijk ||  ||   ||

Monday Hangout
media type="youtube" key="gqyDKVdncjk" height="315" width="420" Link to this page Announce the countdown (example: less than 10 days until Responsible Travel Week!)
 * ===Pre-Event: Build the Buzz=== || ===February 2013: Engage=== || ===Post Event: Reflect=== ||
 * Share the news online and in face-to-face chats

Ask questions. Create your own poster ([|examples]) Prepare a presentation

Organize local events, including photosafaris, carrotmobs and green drinks Create local information resources including foamboards and pop-up museums

Register on social web channels
 * Social Web**

Make announcements Ask questions
 * Facebook**: [|join the event and share the event on your wall]
 * Flickr**: upload photos and curate a gallery
 * Google**+ [|Join the Google+ Event]
 * Slideshare**: View the [|presentation]. Please share the presentation using Facebook, Twitter and Google+. You can also embed the [|presentation] on your site. Creative? Upload your own RT work.
 * Twitter:** Use the hashtag: [|#rtweek2013] (more info about tags and tagging); retweet tweets about Responsible Travel Week; tweet this page (there's a button in the left column)
 * Youtube**: create your own video playlist ([|example])
 * Ron's Blog**: [|Comment on Ron's blog] || Show off your work

Hold local events, including photosafaris, carrotmobs and green drinks Show off local information resources including foamboards and pop-up museums

Give feedback about what's working, what's not working Update pages on [|Planeta.com], including [|What is responsible travel?] Suggest updates for [|Planeta.com] Announce developments at conferences

Participate on social web channels
 * Social Web**


 * Facebook**: [|join the event and share the event on your wall]
 * Flickr**: upload photos and curate a gallery
 * Google**+ [|Ask questions and consult tips via the Google+ Event]
 * Slideshare**: Please share the [|event presentation] using Facebook, Twitter and Google+. You can also embed the presentation on your site.
 * Twitter:** Use the hashtag: [|#rtweek2013] (more info about tags and tagging); retweet tweets about Responsible Travel Week; tweet this page (there's a button in the left column)
 * Youtube**: create your own video playlist ([|example])
 * Ron's Blog**: [|Comment on Ron's blog] || We will ask the participants to answer a short survey

Please thank people whose work has inspired you during Responsible Travel Week

Online comment via the social web channels you consulted

On the ground share with colleagues what you learned

Review Hashtag stats

Check your 2013 calendar. What RT events were announced?

Evaluate the participation on social web channels
 * Social Web**


 * Facebook**: How many people introduced themselves?
 * Flickr**: Were albums and galleries were created?
 * Google**+ How many people joined and posted?


 * Slideshare**: How many views did the [|presentation] receive? Were other RT presentations uploaded?
 * Twitter:** How popular was the hashtag?
 * Youtube**: Were any RT playlists created?
 * Ron's Blog**: [|Comment on Ron's blog] ||

Easy Ways to Participate

 * **Levels of Engagement** || **Travelers** || **Locals** || **Tourism Pros** ||
 * **Be attentive** || Check out the conversations, pictures, videos || Check out the conversations, pictures, videos || Check out the conversations, pictures, videos ||
 * **Be creative** || Upload photos, videos from your trips; Announce upcoming events, publications, trips || Upload photos, videos from local attractions and services || Upload photos and videos from local attractions and services; Share presentations ||
 * **Be generous** || Say kind things about the kind of travel you love || Say kind things about the kind of travel you love || Say kind things about the kind of travel you love ||
 * **Be empathetic** || Put yourself in the shoes of locals and other travelers || Put yourself in the shoes of visitors and other locals || Put yourself in the shoes of your colleagues, visitors and locals ||
 * **Be curious** || Seek out the type of travel that inspires you on the ground or as an armchair explorer || Ask visitors about their homes and where there travels have taken them || Seek out the type of travel that inspires you on the ground or as an armchair explorer ||

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Slideshare
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Sponsors
We are seeking sponsors for Responsible Travel Week to help cover the development of training seminars and webinars to carry the conversations forward. Benefits include your logo on the official event info (including the [|popular Slideshare presentation]), a link on this page and VIP tickets. Contact Ron Mader for details.

Attention Businesses Featured on Planeta.com
Attention [|Travel companies] and [|Spanish language schools].

Wishlist
More local events More partners More sponsors ($)

History
2013 is Planeta.com's 13th year of online conferencing and the fourth year for Responsible Travel Week. We expect the conversations to take a great leap forward thanks to inspired participation from returning participants and those new to online conferencing and responsible travel. Take a peak at what we accomplished during Responsible T Weeks in 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Each year our discussion has continued to mature as the social web becomes easier to use and responsible travel becomes more trendy!

Questions and Answers (Q&A)

 * Who should participate?** Everyone's invited! Responsible travel affects us all. For visitors, this event is an opportunity to see where to go, how to travel and who to meet. For local tourism leaders and travel businesses, this is free advertising and an opportunity to learn good practices from around the globe. For journalists, authors, bloggers and other media pros, this is an opportunity to scan beyond the horizon for stories and a way to share the news about features you've published. Active participants will be featured on this page and we will be happy to retweet your tweets, add stars to your Flickr photos, like your comments on Facebook and give the thumbs up on YouTube videos.


 * Why participate?** If you are curious about responsible travel, this event lets you explore the topic in depth. It's a catalyst for many to get up to speed on the off-the-shelf social web channels. If you prepare a bit and budget time during the week, you'll learn a lot. Suggestions below. Exemplary performance will be recognized and rewarded. Let's pool our talents and learn together. The more information we share, the easier it is for others to join these efforts.


 * May I contribute $ to support Responsible Travel Week?** - Individual donations and institutional support are welcome. If there are large contributions ($500 and up), we would like to integrate this as a payment for webinars to keep the conversation moving forward.

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 * What are the benefits of VIP ticket holders?** VIPs are eligible for gifts, 1-1 consultation and diploma! Those who contribute more than $100 receive free gifts, including Ron's original postcards from Oaxaca and a diploma.


 * What are the benefits to general participants?** Idealistically, you have the opportunity to gain in terms of knowledge and networking. You have the opportunity to learn and use multiple social web platforms to present your work. In terms of quantifiable benefits, engaged participants find their number of Twitter followers or likes on Facebook grow during Responsible Travel Week. You can also track the number of new endorsements on LinkedIn, views on Slideshare presentations, views or edits on wiki pages. If you prepare presentations or posters for the event, links to these resources will be featured on this page.


 * What is Responsible Travel?** Responsible travel is treating others the way they wish to be treated. It's a variation on the Platinum Rule... it's also good manners. Rephrasing the Cape Town Declaration "Responsible travel creates better places for to live and better places to visit." Good friends agree that responsible travel is a must-have in the growing movement that connects visitors and locals.


 * What are the featured topics?** We are seeking some interesting stories about tourism's connections to accessibility, biodiversity conservation, indigenous peoples, food, parks and protected areas, volunteering and water cooperation. Other big questions to be explored are the connections between city and rural environments. Other topics: child protection, public transportation, e-waste and the proper disposal of batteries.


 * What's new in 2013?**
 * We're changing the name of the event from 'Responsible Tourism Week' to 'Responsible Travel Week'
 * We're hosting local events in Las Vegas
 * We're surveying participants on what constitute responsible tipping
 * Spotlight on food and tourism, including the issues of eating locally and recycling food waste
 * We're [|ranking the leading countries in responsible travel]. Top vote-receiving countries receive bragging rights!
 * We are using Google+ for [|Live Hangouts]
 * VIP tickets!


 * What matures in 2013?**
 * We're holding our second poster challenge!
 * We're connecting responsible travel to cities
 * We're connecting responsible travel to events
 * We're connecting responsible travel to parks
 * We're connecting responsible travel with indigenous culture
 * We're connecting responsible travel with child protection
 * We're improving our marketing tips for responsible travel services
 * We're improving our tips for travelers seeking responsible travel options
 * We're updating our directory of tourism portals with links to specific info about responsible travel


 * How do participants document responsible travel?** Photos and videos are ideal. Show us responsible travel in action. If you don't have a camera of your own, think about curating pictures via sites like Pinterest or assembling the info as a story via Delicious or Storify. If you cannot create, curate!


 * I would like to organize a local event, but I don't have time before February 17. What can I do?** You can announce the event during RT Week or simply let others know that a local get-together is in the works. On Twitter, use the hashtag #rtweek2013 AND #rtyear2013.


 * Can I volunteer?** Editors help us update our directory of official Tourism Portals and reward the countries and cities that make responsible travel a priority. Find the links of specific information about responsible travel on official portals and share on our Facebook event and Google+ pages or via Twitter.


 * How does this event encourage collaboration?** One of the goals of Responsible Travel Week is to encourage collaboration within local and regional communities. We need to find ways out of institutional silos and get people to share information. Toward this goal, we encourage participants to be generous in their words of praise and testimonials for others. It's blue sky thinking, but we'd like to replace finger pointing with recommending positive interactions. Keep an eye on our country contest as we compare how different nations fare when it comes to showcasing specific examples of responsible travel in action.


 * What's being updated on the Planeta Wiki?** We ask editors of the Planeta Wiki to help edit the global review of tourism portals. Other pages we will be updating include volunteer, sami, tapas, Responsible Tourism in South Africa, Responsible Tourism in Cities, maya, parks, biodiversity. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, we'd like suggestions to help update our Who's Who resources of those working in the UK and in German-speaking Europe.


 * What is the role of cities and responsible travel?** Responsible travel should be embedded within policies and part of the focus will be to create a snapshot of world cities including Las Vegas, USA, Cape Town and Mossel Bay, South Africa, Auckland, New Zealand and Oaxaca City, Mexico. This continues our work since 2011's Responsible Tourism in Cities Workshop.

In Oaxaca, Mexico I'm a big fan of [|Fundación En Vía] which combines the power of microfinance with the power of tourism to create business opportunities. Tours that literally 'give back' and create low-interest loans are much-needed in Mexico and I like the way this organization connects the capital city of Oaxaca with rural towns.
 * Can you share with us a model example of responsible tourism in a rural destination and a city? **


 * Why an unconference?** Simply put, we think participants can organize themselves and the unconference is the ideal approach. Traditional conferences are overly scripted without opportunities to engage one another. We created the Responsible Travel Week as an inexpensive way to broaden and deepen conversations about travel and tourism. That said, the online unconference approach can be complicated, so Ron will be [|updating his blog] and [|storifying (not a real word ... yet) tweets] about Responsible Travel Week. The point is to explore the social web by exploring the social web. The past few years Responsible Travel Week has encouraged everyone to show the practical actions of making tourism beneficial to locals and visitors alike. With citizens seizing the day around the world, we think it's about time that we organize ourselves in travel and tourism.


 * Can anyone create a local event?** Yes! Do what you think would work best and most simply. Get people involved and learn together what 'responsible travel' is all about.


 * Who can use the #rtweek2013 hashtag?** Anyone. We recommend that the #rtweek2013 hashtag be used to document what you find inspiring during RT Week. On Twitter, you can tweet about your own work or others and include the hashtag. You can use the hashtag to identify posters or relevant photos on Flickr. You can use the hashtag to identify relevant info on Delicious. We'll compile our favorite tweets, posters, presentations in the [|curated collection on Storify].


 * What's the difference between the hastags #rtweek2013 and #rtyear2013?** We're using #rtweek2013 to focus attention on responsible travel between February 11-17. That said, we think responsible travel should be practiced every day, so we're using #rtyear2013 throughout the year to call attention to publications, events and resources related to related travel. We'll compile our favorites in the [|curated collection on Storify].


 * What were the initiatives that have happened over the course of #rtweek2013 **

Here are some favorite resources we learned about thanks to Responsible Travel Week:


 * [|Authentic Accommodation as Art]
 * [|Responsible Travel in France]
 * [|Can food make Responsible Travel irresponsible?]
 * [|Cape Town: How You Can Make a Difference]
 * [|10 tips towards being responsible in our communities]
 * [|Child Protection in Tourism]
 * [|Responsible Travel Resources]
 * [|Cycle Aware Wellington]
 * [|Si Mas Bicicletas (Yes More Bicycles) - Flickr]
 * [|Off Track - Radio National]
 * [|See What Happens To Millions Of Pounds Of Las Vegas Buffet Leftovers]
 * [|How to tell a love story]
 * [|RSA Animate - The Power of Outrospection]
 * [|The forbidden flower]
 * [|Giving back to the locals]
 * [|Does Voluntourism Do More Harm Than Good?]

We also learned about a number of events that will take place later in this year including:
 * [|European Ecotourism Conference]
 * Indigenous Peoples Week
 * [|Wildlife Tourism Workshop]

This year we will be talking up the 'mainstreaming' of responsible travel, how it applies to big cities like Las Vegas, USA and Mexico City and smaller towns like Kiruna, Sweden and Oaxaca, Mexico. Responsible travel runs the gamut from eco issues including wildlife conservation and recycling to social issues including the respect of indigenous cultures. It's not a 'niche' but rather a must-have to be embedded in tourism policies, development and promotion.

My fingers are crossed and I'm hoping that the concept of the photo safari -- http://planeta.wikispaces.com/photosafari -- takes off because of the actions this year. RT Week participants held local safaris in Mossel Bay, South Africa and Las Vegas, USA. At zero cost, I cannot imagine a more cost-effective marketing scheme and it's a great way to make the noble discussion of 'responsible travel' part of everyday conversations. The upside is that the safari creates mobile face-to-face encounters which generate photos are shared online.

What's next?
Responsible travel is something we should celebrate every day. So on Twitter and Google+ w e’ll be segueing from the hashtag [|#rtweek2013] to [|#rtyear2013]. What's next? You tell us!

https://natureontheedge.com/2013/02/12/rt-week-2013-wildlife-conservation-awareness/

Calendars

 * media type="custom" key="21672972" || media type="custom" key="21672600" ||

Games, Challenges and Contests
You cannot win it if you're not in it!

Nominations please for the cities and countries which are in the vanguard of developing responsible travel.

Nominations please for favorite display of responsible travel via the social web: a gallery on Flickr a stack on Delicious a map on Foursquare a board on Pinterest a story on Storify a playlist on YouTube

[|Travel companies] - Add photos to [|Workshop 21] [|Spanish language schools] - Add photos to [|Taller 21]
 * Speaking of Flickr ...**

an informative foamboard a pop-up museum a free, public photosafari a public green drinks cocktail hour a soundwalk
 * Locally create**

Photo Safaris

 * Feb 16** Mossel Bay Photo Safari [|Facebook]

Storytelling Now
Let's do a check-in. How capable are you in telling your story via the social web and heritage media? What are your aspirational goals? You have more resources at your disposal than you realize. The [|Storytelling Now] presentation can help you become aware of your allies and your progress.


 * || **English** || **Spanish** ||
 * =WHO= || Everyone is invited. || Todos estan invitados. ||
 * =WHEN= || **2013 Responsible Travel Week** takes place Feb 11-17. We suggest participants budget at least one hour/day for participation. It helps if you spend some time prior to Responsible Travel Week for background reading and registration online the social web channels you wish to explore this year. || **La Semana de Turismo Responsable 2013** se llevara a cabo del 11-17 febrero. Sugerimos que los participantes programar por lo menos una hora al día para la participación. Ayuda si inviertes unas horas antes de la semana para leer los ensayos recomendados y registrar en los caneles de las redes sociales que quieres explorar este año. ||
 * =WHAT= || Responsible Travel Week is a live demonstration of social web as an easy and inexpensive means of documenting the challenges and successes of developing responsible tourism. Consider this an unconference. There is a flexible agenda with topics of common interest an an invitation to the participants themselves to show responsible travel in action. || La Semana de Turismo Responsable es una muestra en vivo de los redes sociales como una manera facil y barato para documentar los desafíos y éxitos del desarrollo del turismo responsable.

Considere esto un unconference. Hay una agenda flexible, simplemente con los temas de interés común y una invitación a los propios participantes para mostrar el turismo responsable en acción. ||
 * =COST= || Free (Financial donations are accepted) || Gratis (Las donaciones financieras son aceptadas) ||
 * =WHERE= || Responsible Travel Week takes place online and integrates the digital realm with down to earth good practices around the world.

Seek out and support local events. Create a photo safari or host greendrinks or a carrotmob. || La Semana de Turismo Responsable se realiza en línea e integra al mundo digital con las prácticas buenas alrededor del mundo.

Busca y apoya algún evento en tu localidad. Crea un fotosafari o patroniza greendrinks o un carrotmob. ||
 * =WHY= || One of the key objectives of Responsible Travel Week is to [|create incentives for continuity] - we'd really like to hear updates on recent tourism conferences and previews of upcoming events that touch upon the core values of responsible travel. Another key objective is to strengthen relationships with existing contacts and make new friends! || Uno de los objetivos claves de la Semana de Turismo Responsable es [|crear incentivos para la continuidad] - nos gustaría oír noticias actualizadas sobre conferencias de turismo y también saber sobre los acontecimientos en el futuro. Otro objetivo fundamental es fortalecer las relaciones y hacer nuevos amigos! ||
 * =HOW= || We'll be using Delicious, Facebook, Flickr, Slideshare, Twitter and YouTube to document tourism practices around the world.

Tip: Be honest and be public. This is the week where you get to shout out to the world the good things you see around you. Lead the way or follow the topics for which you have interest and passion. Talk food, parks, museums, volunteering, slowtravel / localtravel. These conversations broaden and deepen our dialogue. Have fun! || Usaremos Delicious, Facebook, Flickr, Slideshare, Twitter y YouTube para documentar prácticas sobre turismo en todo el Mundo.

Consejo: Se honesto y abierto. Esta es la semana para gritarle al mundo las cosas buenas que ves a tu alrededor. Se un lider y guiarnos o seguir los temas en que te interesan y te apasionan. Platica sobre comida, parques, museos, oportunidades para voluntar, turismo lento (slowtravel) y el movimiento acerca turismo local (local travel). Estas conversaciones ampliar y profundizar nuestro diálogo. Que te diviertan! ||


 * || **Swedish** || **Estonian** || **German** ||
 * =WHO= || Alla är inbjudna. || Kõik on kutsutud. || Jeder ist eingeladen. ||
 * =WHEN= || **2013 Responsible Travel Week** äger rum 11-17 februari. Vi föreslår deltagarna budgeterar minst en timme / dag för deltagande. || **2013 Aasta Vastutustundliku Turismi Nädal** toimub 11-17 veebruaril. Osalemiseks soovitame pühendada iga päev vähemalt ühe tunni. || **Die Woche für Tourismus mit Verantwortung** findet von 11 bis 17 Februar 2013 statt. Wir schlagen vor, mindestens eine Stunde pro Tag für die Teilnahme einzuplanen. ||
 * =WHAT= || Responsible Travel Week är en demonstration av social web som ett sätt att dokumentera utmaningar och framgångar av [|ansvarstagande turism].

Tänk på detta en unconference. Det finns ingen agenda, bara frågor av gemensamt intresse, en inbjudan till deltagarna själva att visa ansvarsfull turism i aktion. || Vastutustundliku turismi nädalal kasutame erinevaid social web vahendeid, et tutvustada vastutustundliku turismi näiteid ja edulugusid.

Mõelge sellele unconference. Ei ole kindlaksmääratud päevakorda, lihtsalt huvi pakkuvates kutse osalejad ise näidata vastutustundlik turism in action. || Die Woche für Tourismus mit Verantwortung ist eine Live-Demonstration der Möglichkeiten von Social Web zur Dokumentation der Erfolge und Herausforderungen einer verantwortungsbewussten Tourismus-Entwicklungj.

Die Responsible Travel Week ist eine Unkonferenz. Es gibt keine feste Tagesordnung. Themen von gemeinsamem Interesse werden von den Teilnehmern diskutiert. ||
 * =COST= || Gratis (Finansiella donationer accepteras) || Free (Rahalisi annetusi on aktsepteeritud) || Kostenlos (Finanzielle Spenden werden angenommen) ||
 * =WHERE= || Responsible Travel Week äger rum på nätet och integrerar den digitala eran med jordnära god praxis i hela världen. || Vastutustundliku turismi nädal toimub internetis ning ühendab endas digitaalse ajastu võimalused ning vastutustundliku turismi kohalikud praktised näited kogu maailmast. || Die Woche für Tourismus mit Verantwortung erfolgt online und verbindet die digitale Welt mit praktisch erprobten Konzepten auf der ganzen Welt. ||
 * =WHY= || Ett av de viktigaste målen för Responsible Travel Week är att skapa ett incitament för kontinuitet - vi skulle verkligen vilja se uppdateringar från de senaste turism-konferenserna och eventen, och vi vill också gärna se en agenda för framtida evenemang. Ett annat viktigt mål är att stärka relationer med befintliga kontakter och få nya vänner! || Üks vastutustundliku turismi nädala olulisemaid eesmärke on innustada järjepidevust - soovime väga kuulda uudiseid hiljuti toimunud või eesseisvatest konverentsidest ja üritustest. Teine oluline eesmärk on tugevdada suhteid vanade sõpradega ja leida uusi sõpru! || Eines der wichtigsten Ziele der Woche für Tourismus mit Verantwortung ist es, Anreize für Kontinuität zu schaffen - wir würden wirklich gerne über die neuesten Tourismus Konferenzen und Veranstaltungen erfahren und freuen uns über Tipps zu Ereignissen in der Zukunft. Ein weiteres wichtiges Ziel ist es, Kontakte zu stärken und neue Freunde zu machen. ||
 * =HOW= || Vi kommer att använda @Delicious, Facebook, Flickr, @Slideshare, @Twitter och @YouTube för att dokumentera metoder på turismområdet runt om i världen.

Var ärlig och var offentlig. Det här är den vecka där du får skrika ut till världen de bra saker du ser omkring dig. Skapa en lokal händelse. Stöd en lokal händelse. Gör en Foamboard. Skapa nya eller följ ämnen som du har intresse och passion för. Prata mat, parker, museum, prata volontärarbete, prata slowtravel / localtravel! Dessa samtal kan bredda och fördjupa vår dialog. Ha kul! || Me kasutame näidete esitlemiseks järgmisi vahendeid - Delicious, Facebook, Flickr, Slideshare, Twitter ja YouTube

Ole aus ja avatud. See on nädal, kus sa saad teadvustada maailmale häid asju, mida sa näed enda ümber. Loo oma kohalik sündmus või toeta mõnd kohalikku sündmust. Tee "foamboard". Algata ja juhi arutelu teemal, mille osas tunned kirglikku huvi. Räägi kaasa haakuvatel teemadel nagu - kohalik toit, vabatahtlik tegevus, aeglane reisimine, kohalik reisimine. Need vestlused laiendada ja süvendada meie dialoog. Have fun! || Wir werden mit Delicious, Facebook, Flickr, Slideshare, Twitter und YouTube Tourismus-Praxis auf der ganzen Welt dokumentieren. Seien Sie ehrlich und öffentlich. Dies ist die Woche, bei der Sie der Welt über die guten Dinge, die Sie in Ihrem Umfeld beobachten, erzählen können.

Veranstalten Sie ein lokales Event. Unterstützen Sie ein lokales Event. Erstellen Sie ein Foamboard. Übernehmen Sie die Initiative oder folgen Sie den Themen, die für Sie von Interesse und wichtig sind. Sprechen Sie über Essen, parks, museums, Freiwilligenarbeit, slowtravel / localtravel. ||

Ranker: Responsible Travel Leaders
In 2013 Responsible Travel Week hosts a competition focusing on the countries which are responsible travel leaders. Winner(s) receive bragging rights! Go to our Ranker page to vote: []

With 2,500 views and 48 votes here are the stats as of January 31: South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Australia, France, USA, Nepal, Germany, Peru, Ecuador

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Hangout
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Hangout with Aivar
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Preview Vodcast!
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Specific Tips

 * Everyone -** Be inspired and be inspiring. Attitude is everything.
 * Everyone** - Be a romantic. What do you love about responsible travel? Share that love.
 * Everyone -** Share examples of responsible travel that you have personally experienced. Provide specific examples.
 * Everyone** - Be generous. Compliment someone via Twitter, fave a photo or write a testimonial on Flickr, like us on Facebook, give a thumbs up to a video on YouTube. You can even call or greet someone face-to-face!
 * Have your say** - Comment on [|Ron's blog]
 * Walk the talk** - Practice responsible travel where you are. Take a walk with neighbors and visitors.
 * Be frugal and creative** - Make a pop-up museum about responsible travel!
 * Live local** - Organize a local Photosafari and/or Green drinks
 * Play nice!** - Use Responsible Travel Week as an opportunity to build healthy relationships at the local AND international levels.
 * Prepare** - Budget time and plan now by circling the dates on your calendar: February 11-17.
 * Register** - If you'd like to learn how to use social web channels, register online and test out a few before the week begins. Sooner the better!
 * Share** - Responsible travel is better with friends.
 * Make it delicious** - Eat good local food and let visitors know where to treat their taste buds with local or organic or fair trade goodies.
 * Be creative** - Make your own poster or video showing responsible travel in action
 * Survey Says ...** - What is responsible travel? Please answer the [|RT survey]
 * Facebook** - [|Introduce yourself on Facebook]; Write something kind about someone/something you respect; Like other people's intros and resources; Share the event on your wall; Let us know about relevant groups and pages on Facebook. (Status report: Now more than 100 people have registered on Facebook to participate during RT Week. Last year we had a total of 183. Let's see if we can equal that # but more importantly, let's judge the success on the quality of interaction and ROI, aka Return on Involvement!).
 * Flickr** - Add photos to the Flickr Groups: [|City Parks], [|World Parks] , [|World Food], [|World Trees], [|Hyperlocal], [|Si Más Bicicletas (Yes More Bicycles)]
 * Twitter** - Use the hashtag: [|#rtweek2013] (more info about tags and tagging)

Players
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 * Conference organizers** - Provide summaries or previews of events featuring responsible travel
 * Government officials** - Prepare blogs, tweets, flickr albums and Slideshare presentations about your work in responsible travel. We challenge city and country leaders to volunteer to edit the Planeta Wiki for the next six months. If you'd like to be able to edit about the place where you live and work, let us know you'd like to be an editor.
 * Bloggers and Journalists** - Preview Responsible Travel Week and ask questions that you'd like assistance. Afterwards, please keep us updated on features that focus on responsible travel.
 * Guidebook Authors and Publishers** - Preview Responsible Travel Week in your blog or twitter account and ask questions that you'd like assistance. Afterwards, please keep us updated on how your books integrate new information generated during RT Week
 * Students** - Share news about Responsible Travel Week with your teachers and classmates. Print out the free posters (below) for your classroom or academic message board.
 * Teachers** - Share news about Responsible Travel Week with your students and colleagues. Print out the free posters for your classroom or academic message board.
 * Travelers -** Please answer the [|RT survey]
 * Travel companies, guides, hotels, restaurants** - If your services are particularly eco- and people-friendly, let the world know. Add photos to Flickr, videos to YouTube and show us specific examples of your work; print the free posters (below) for your business; create your own poster (and submit it to our poster competition!); offer discounts to visitors who mention RTWeek; encourage your clients to use social web to provide testimonials of what you do well; tweet about specific actions and provide links where we can find details
 * Trusted colleagues** - Editors, please help clarify the text and translate the info on this page; update other Planeta Wiki pages that we can spotlight
 * Sponsors** - Those interested in financially supporting Responsible Travel Week should [|contact Ron].

Outcomes and Evaluation
stats: [|2013 page stats] (FYI, in 2013 RTWeek2013 has received 4,600 views as of Feb 18) More views on the Planeta Wiki's pages More tweets using the hashtag on Twitter More original presentations and videos from participants More news stories about responsible travel prior to and during Responsible Travel Week More translations of 'responsible travel' in other languages
 * **Quantitative Goals** || **Qualitative Goals** ||
 * We would like to see an increase in the number of people using the hashtag on Twitter, an increase in the number of views of this page (FYI: RTWeek2012 was the 7th most viewed page in 2012, receiving 14,382 views, the vast majority after the completion of RT Week.)

More edits from Planeta Wiki editors prior to and during Responsible Travel Week More participation from travel companies and language schools featured on Planeta.com

10 new or returning businesses featured on Planeta.com

Commitment from 1-5 institutions to conduct social web workshops || We would like to encourage and catalyze collaboration and networking at the local (city, country) and global levels We would like to see examples of specific tips for locals and visitors We would like to see guidelines for policymakers We would like to see information about responsible travel translated into other languages (those interested are cordially invited to use this wiki) We would like to see editors embedding responsible tourism info into the wiki We would like to see examples of curation using social web To encourage social bridging we would like to see examples of Photo Safaris, Soundwalks, Foamboards and Pop-up Museums ||

Ron's Responsible Travel Week Top 10 Playlist (aka Recommended Listening)
[|Permeate: Anthony Magen] - Taking to the city on foot, Miyuki Jokiranta and Anthony Magen take a soundwalk.

[|Technology and Education]- Antony Funnell, presenter of RN’s Future Tense, talks about our relationship with technology and what it means for education. He casts a questioning eye over new technology and the sometimes hyperbolic powers ascribed to it. [|@RNFutureTense]

[|RSA Animate - The Power of Outrospection] - Introspection is out, and outrospection is in. Philosopher and author Roman Krznaric explains how we can help drive social change by stepping outside ourselves. [|@romankrznaric]

Country Contest
Go to our Ranker page to vote on our Country Bragging Rights contest. [|#countrycontest] http://www.ranker.com/list/responsible-travel-leaders/ronmader

Buzzword Bingo
Access Accommodation Architecture Cities Conscious Crafts Health Indigenous Markets Mezcal Slow Spirituality Sports Transportation Trees Walk Well-Being

Rs
Rank - Reanimate - Reawaken - Recap - Recharge - Reconnect - Recover - Redemption - Redo - Refresh - Re-Imagine - Reinvent - Reinvigorate - Remix - Repair - Rerank - Resonate - Return - Retweet - Reveal - Revel - Romance

How many times has the RT Week 2013 been viewed?
By the end of 2012, the RTWeek 2013 page has been viewed more than 5,000 times. ([|source]).

Visible Tweets
[|#rtweek2013]

Linked-In
[|RT Week 2013]

Links
[|A Wake-Up Call for a Healthier Year] - [|Ethan Gelber] [|LocalTravelMovement] [|Responsible Travel Week, 11. – 17. Februar 2013] - [|@lilmsitchyfeet] [|Si parla sempre più di turismo responsabile] http://in.reset.to/blog/responsible-travel-week-feb-11th-17th-february - https://twitter.com/RESETIndia http://www.cascada.travel/News/EcoCamp-Patagonia-Loves-Responsible-Travel-Week - https://twitter.com/cascada_travel [|The City of Cape Town celebrates Responsible Tourism Week] - [|@respCPT] [|@CityofCT] [|Can food make Responsible Travel irresponsible?] - [|@ThisTourismWeek] http://thegreeneyereport.blogspot.com/2013/02/responsible-travel-week-2013.html - https://twitter.com/LOVE2UNIQUE [] [] [] [] [] http://designatweeta.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/responsible-travel - [|@designatweeta] [] - [|@tourBlogging] [] [] http://ronmader.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/rtweek2013 [] - [|@ThisTourismWeek] [] [|http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2005032&c=setreg®ion=2] - [|@TravelMole] [|http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2004594&c=setreg®ion=2] - [|@TravelMole] [] [] - [|@Tourisme_Veille] http://paper.li/SocialTourismSA/1328721014 - https://twitter.com/SocialTourismSA [] [] [] []

Responsible Travel Leaders
[|http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2004705&c=setreg®ion=4] - [|@TravelMole]

Ron's Blog
[|Responsible Travel Week Day 7: Wrap Up] [|Responsible Travel Week Day 6: Be Grateful] [|Responsible Travel Week Day 5: Be Curious] [|Responsible Travel Week Day 4: Be Empathetic] [|Responsible Travel Week Day 3: Be Creative] [|Responsible Travel Week Day 2: Be Generous] [|Responsible Travel Week Day 1: Be Attentive] [|Open Educational Resources and #PDFTribute] [|Responsible Travel Week Q&A] [|Responsible Travel Leaders] [|Announcing Responsible Travel Week]

Testimonials
Many thanks for the [|kind testimonials] for Responsible Travel Week!


 * Anna Pollock:** Ron is one of the most consistently generous promoters of responsible travel whose Planeta Wiki is an invaluable and comprehensive source of information. The organisation of Responsible Travel Week, which brings together experts and students of responsible travel from all over the world, makes an enormous contribution to the adoption of sustainable practices and helping spread new ideas, techniques and skills. Ron is first and foremost an enabler and facilitator as opposed to an empire builder and if he didn't exist we'd have to invent him!


 * Andy Drumm:** Ron's tireless work to promote sustainability in tourism has been very effective in promoting and facilitating the engagement of local practitioners to enrich a global dialogue. Responsible Tourism Week goes from strength to strength as a forum that successfully builds and links between the diverse institutions and individuals building sustainability in the tourism industry.


 * Joshua Berman:** Ron Mader is breaking new ground with his Responsible Travel Week 2013. He is professional, forward-thinking, and the perfect global spokesperson for responsible tourism across the world.


 * Anders Kärrstedt:** Ron's hands on work with Responsible tourism is impressive. Planeta.com, Wikiplaces and organizing several unconferences on the subject has helped many to get an insight what responsible tourism really is about in practice. Small practical tips help to collaborate with other companies, friendly invitations to participate in different events and a lot of attention is how Ron has helped us.


 * Valere Tjolle:** Without doubt Ron is the most determined, passionate, inspirational and well-connected person in the sustainable tourism world.


 * Marcus Bauer:** For the last five years I had the privilege of working with Ron to fuel the global movement for local travel and responsible tourism. The Responsible Tourism Week, anually organized by Ron, is a highlight in the calendar for everyone interested in learning, sharing and networking about responsible travel. Ron is not only a constant advocate for the use of social media in and for tourism, he is also a literate and instructive facilitator of virtual conferences and for online collaboration. What I particularly like about Ron is that he does not restrict his engagement to internet-lobbying. He walks out and hands-on involves local people by introducing them to the power of social media tools thus giving them an important voice to claim their stake in tourism development.


 * Sallie Grayson:** Ron's advocacy and support for "local" and "responsible" travel is tireless - I would highly recommend that small organisation particularly - find the tiny fee that planeta requests for SEO support - it is well worthwhile. if you cant find that then still join in the 2013 RT WEEK - you will gain a lot.


 * Carlos Topete:** Ron has organized and lead the Responsible Travel Weeks for many years now. With the creation of the Responsible Travel Week Ron has encourage responsible travelers from around the world to discover local experiences and crafts by involving local businesses as venues for events such as Cheese Night and Chocolate Night.


 * Annelies Hamerlinck:** Ron is one of the most inspiring and visionary man I have come to meet so far. He has so much knowledge about Ecotourism and is very willing to share it with the world, and he always willing to keep learning about new media. He is definitely an inspiration for me to run my business in the most eco-friendly way possible. I had read and studied about Ron when I wrote my thesis about Ecotourism a long time ago at University in Belgium, I feel very blessed I have come to know him more and that now he is a part of my life and professional network.


 * Richard Mahler:** I can think of no one more capable, qualified, or creative to organize 2013 Responsible Travel Week than Ron. He will do an exceptional job, above and beyond the call of duty.


 * Greg Hubbs:** I have worked with Ron Mader on numerous occasions as both a colleague and student in his tireless creative quest to use social media tools in order to further the important dialog regarding responsible travel, which is a concept we have long advocated at Transitions Abroad and about which he has written and contributed so very much for many years in his association with my late father, myself, and so many other leaders in the travel field. Ron has conducted social web workshops with us at Transitions Abroad, which is way to not only teach and collaborate with us using all the relevant new media tools which develop ceaselessly, but to draw us further into participation in his own ambitious vision.

The workshops conducted with us are merely a drop in the bucket compared to how he synthesizes the use of social medial for the yearly Responsible Travel week, an online conference using all possible media, in which we have been pleased to participate and hope to be even more active in the future. Responsible Travel week focuses on best practices in travel and tourism around the world and is based upon sophisticated discussions of both the "golden rule" of travel advocated by my late father and Ron's platinum rule of travel which center on developing and enhancing the relationships of travelers visiting countries or regions and host communities.

Ron Mader has developed an extensive and growing Wiki in which to store references to the concepts discussed (and often invented) in the many online and in-person conferences he conceives, all of which are designed to take discussion of key issues in responsible travel and ecotourism to a new level, and ultimately strive to make the world a better place for both locals and visitors at home and abroad by furthering communication and promoting positive action.

Ron Mader works on a plethora of projects in the actual and virtual world, but we believe that Responsible Travel week is destined to become the largest online forum for discussion of its kind, which is a supreme testament to a talented and tireless leader in a field which transcends any fad by dealing with the core issues we must face up to as empathetic tourists and hosts.

**Aivar Ruukel:** I have been following Ron online since early 90-ties, when he started Planeta.com first and one of the best sources on Ecotourism inspiration and information. Once I have had pleasure to meet Ron, when he gave a keynote on European ecotourism conference in 2010. It was the highlight of the event. We do collaborate online every week, and I am allways learning from him, every now and then!"

Responsible Travel Questions
Q1. Do official city or country tourism portals have info about 'responsible travel'? Q2. How is 'Responsible Travel Week' translated in other languages? Q3. What's on your audio playlist for those passionate about travel and conservation? Q4. By what measures should we judge a country's success in tourism: Economic? Social? Environmental? Q5. What do you love about responsible travel? Q6. What did you enjoy about Responsible Travel Week? media type="custom" key="22201966"

Poster Challenge
[|Gallery] - [|Search]
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Buzzword Bingo
(Nerdy fun: Bonus points if you include the following words in your blog posts and tweets!)
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