Save the date! JUNE 2, 2015
ATTENTION: Ecotourism fans and friends in Asia
It is my pleasure to announce the formation of Asia’s first and only functioning ecotourism body, Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN).
The ecotourism industry is growing fast in the world including Asia and the need to link conservation with tourism is increasing important day by day. AEN will provide more hands-on connections and relevant opportunities for members working together at a regional scale. AEN will provide more networking and business opportunities, significant information, educational materials and networking prospects to both small and large organizations within Asia. A founding board has been formed to help start the Network and have identified the following key objectives and expected outcomes:
Key Objectives:
Connect AEN ecotourism stakeholders for knowledge transfer, and marketing and business opportunities (B2B and B2C).
Create new networking opportunities for AEN ecotourism stakeholders.
Provide AEN ecotourism stakeholders with modern eLearning tools, training opportunities, and market data.
Influence policy makers and emphasize the importance of embracing the international branding and certification.
Expected Outcome:
Identify and get acquainted with the Asian Ecotourism leaders in the region including the foundation of a management structure.
Discuss and recognize the needs of the regional network to strategically implement collaborative projects
Create working group(s) and identify tasks to best utilize the establishment of AEN office in Bangkok mid-2015 with the assistance of DASTA
Prepare to create a list and profile of ecotourism associations in Asia
We would like to invite you to attend the inaugural meeting of Asian Ecotourism Network. At this important meeting, we will formally launch the Network, elect officers, and provide information on membership. We will also begin to plan educational and training programs and services as well as introducing tourism standards and marketing benefits focused on AEN members in Asia and its influenced regions. This meeting is open to any individuals and organizations that support the missions of AEN. You do not need to be the AEN member to attend this first meeting, but you will need to join AEN should you wish to become a member of AEN.
What: AEN Inaugural Ceremony and Asian Ecotourism Leaders' Meeting
When: 1:00pm June 2, 2015 (see below for the detailed agenda)
Where: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
118/1 Tipco Building, 31st Floor, Rama VI Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Cost: THB1,000 equivalent of USD30 per person (complimentary for the invited guests) collected at the door
Feel free to forward this invitation to any other interested industry persons. We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to your participation!
Sincerely,
Masaru Takayama
Founding Chair, Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN)
- tentative AEN inauguration ceremony -
1:00pm - registration open
1:30pm - opening of the ceremony by Director General DASTA
1:50pm - words of welcome by AEN founding Chair
2:00pm - exchange of token of appreciation
2:15pm - words of commitment by the board, introducuction of
AEN admin staff followed by group photo
2:45pm - break with refreshments
3:15 - 6:00pm Asian Ecotourism Leaders' Meeting - ecotourism case studies in Asia (Mongolia, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Hong Kong(China), and Nepal.)
6:00pm - closing on the ceremony
6:30pm(7pm) onwards - AEN networking at a restaurant/bar in Bangkok
