Sustainable Tourism

Welcome to the Center for Sustainable Tourism

The Center for Sustainable Tourism is an interdisciplinary effort of many university academic and non-academic units. Of particular note are the roles that the Office of Engagement, Innovation and Economic Development and the College of Health and Human Performance play in providing support for the Center's Sustainable Tourism Initiatives Coordinator and the Associate Director for Academic Programs, respectively.

The Center is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism throughout our region and across North Carolina and the nation through innovation in graduate education, leadership development, community consultation, and collaborative research. Devoted to implementing sustainable practices in business operations, public policies, and personal travel behaviors, the Center offers solutions to challenges facing the tourism industry and destination communities as they balance economic viability with socio-cultural and environmental enhancement and equity.

Examples of Sustainable Practices in North Carolina

Sustainable Tourism Tips: Greening N.C. Travel: Sustainable NC Awards

ST Tips Now in its seventh year, the Sustainable North Carolina Awards recognizes North Carolina organizations and businesses that have successfully integrated social responsibility and environmental stewardship in their business model. Awards will be presented in five categories in 2008 – three for businesses, one for public, nonprofit & academic organizations, and for the first time, for individuals. The award categories include Triple Bottom Line, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, The Greater Good, and a new individual award for Sustainability Champion. Past winners include the N.C. Zoological Park in Asheboro, the N.C. Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill and Larry's Beans in Raleigh. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 17. Finalists in each category (three in each), will be announced on Oct. 1; winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Nov. 10. Here is more information, including nomination forms and specific information for each category. Also, a URL for more information on Sustainable North Carolina or the North Carolina Sustainable Business Council, call (919) 839-2111 or email info@sustainnc.org. For more information on sustainable practices, contact Alex Naar at (919) 715-3782 or via naara@ecu.edu.

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Featuring Our Faculty: Beverly Wright

Assistant Professor, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, College of Business, Dr. Wright’s interests include the study of marketing research and data collection methodology. Currently she is working with non-for-profit organizations in collaboration with the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center at ECU to develop quality marketing information reports as the identification of community partners and projects fosters volunteer activities for students and faculty while maintaining positive partner relationships. She is also working on the Impacts of Tourism/Second Home Impacts study for the Center for Sustainable Tourism.