Nomad Safaris Achieves Green Globe Certification to become First Green Globe Certified Activity in New Zealand and Australasia

Green Globe International, Inc., owner of the Green Globe brand worldwide, today announced that Nomad Safaris, a 4-wheel drive safari operator based in Queenstown, New Zealand, has become the first Green Globe certified activity in New Zealand and Australasia.

The certification is the latest recognition for owner-operators Amanda and David Gatward-Ferguson, following their New Zealand Tourism Awards wins in 2004 and 2006.

Nomad Safaris operates a fleet of Land Rover Defenders and quadbikes to access the spectacular Queenstown scenery, including the many stunning locations featured in the “Lord of the Rings” films. Due to the popularity of the films, Nomad Safaris now runs specific tours showcasing the “Lord of the Rings” locations.

Commenting on their Green Globe Certification, owner Mrs. Gatward- Ferguson said, “It’s a significant achievement because it’s focused on an issue that’s on the forefront of everyone’s mind – sustainability. People do not expect operators who run 4-wheel drive tours to be sustainable. However, it is even more important that we try to have as little impact on the environment, given what we do. We can’t eliminate, but we can mitigate and minimize. Green Globe certification offers the ultimate proof that we are achieving those ends.”

Mr. Gatward-Ferguson added that simple things made a difference, such as good driving practice to reduce emissions, switching lights off when not needed, recycling, buying biodegradable items, instructing drivers to pick up refuse when they see it and choosing suppliers who shared their green commitment.

Nomad Safaris will continue to commit themselves to respecting the environment that provides them with their livelihoods. In fact, the directors are frequently approached to talk about their vision and commitment with regard to sustainability and the environment. All requests are responded to very positively. “They give us a chance to try to explain how everyone can do their bit to help,” said Mr. Gatward-Ferguson. “’Attention to detail, reliability, good branding, hard work and fabulous places’ were the key ingredients in the continued success of Nomad Safaris.”

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) established Green Globe in 1992 as a response to the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, where 182 Heads of State endorsed the Agenda 21 principles of Sustainable Development. Green Globe is the only international sustainability program based on Agenda 21 principles.

The Green Globe benchmarking and certification program is managed by EC3 Global, a leading international environmental and tourism advisory group, for Green Globe Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, a joint venture established to market the program in the Asia Pacific region.

To receive updates or information on Green Globe International and the Green Globe program, please visit www.greenglobeint.com.

Green Globe Benchmarking and Certification
Brisbane-based EC3 Global, a leading international environmental and tourism advisory group, is wholly owned by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC), the world’s leading scientific institution delivering research to support the sustainability of travel and tourism. As the commercialization company for STCRC’s intellectual property, EC3 Global provides the technology platform for the Green Globe benchmarking and certification program. For information on Green Globe’s benchmarking and certification program, please visit http://www.ec3global.com/products-programs/green-globe/Default.aspx. For additional information on EC3 Global, please visit www.ec3global.com.

About Green Globe International, Inc.
Green Globe International, Inc. is the majority owner of Green Globe, Ltd., a British company that owns the Green Globe brand, the premier international brand for sustainable travel, tourism and related green businesses. Green Globe’s worldwide network extends across 50 countries. Green Globe International has been admitted as an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. For more information on Green Globe International, please visit www.greenglobeint.com.

Contact:
For Green Globe International, Inc.
A. Beyer
Tel: +01 951 677 8073
[email protected]
www.greenglobeint.com