Contact: Becky Bovell
(941) 743-1900
Press Release
Grande Tours Awarded
Ecotourism Certification
Popular Attraction One Of The First In
PORT
Grande Tours –
“Our goal has always been to
balance providing a fascinating tourism experience with demonstrating a respect
for nature,” said Captain Marian Schneider, owner and operator of Grande Tours.
“I am thrilled to receive this certification. It not only validates our efforts
but confirms that we have successfully achieved our goal.”
The Society for Ethical
Ecotourism defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”
Consequently, certification is granted to ecotour
providers only after they have met several criteria, such as minimizing impact
to the environment, providing direct financial benefits for conservation, and
providing financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
”Captain Marian Schneider
was a true pioneer in ‘eco-tourism’ in Charlotte County long before the words
became commonplace and “nature” activities were nationally marketed,” said
Becky Bovell, Tourism Director for the Charlotte County Visitor’s Bureau. “We
are delighted that Grande Tours has been recognized and pleased that
Grande Tours offers a number
of kayaking, canoeing, fishing, birding, and leisure tours, including one
specializing in wildlife photography with Arthur Morris, an internationally
renowned bird photographer, and a dolphin cruise that uses hydrophones to allow
visitors to hear as well as see the playful mammals.
In addition to Grande Tours,
other establishments receiving The Society for Ethical Ecotourism’s first round
of certifications are Everglades-Floridays Charters
in
For more information about
Grande Tours, call (941) 697-8825, or visit the Web site at www.grandetours.com.