Kompas Jumat, 2 September 2011

Menjadi pemimpin untuk periode kedua tidaklah membuat pasangan Wali Kota dan Wakil Wali Kota Solo, Joko Widodo-FX Hadi Rudyatmo, berubah. Tradisi mengumpulkan warga Kota Solo dalam sebuah acara refleksi—mengenai kepemimpinan mereka, yang digelar sejak periode pertama kepemimpinan—tetap dipertahankan.

Maka, ketika melewati tahun pertama periode kedua (2010-2015) kepemimpinan mereka, pada akhir Juli lalu, pemimpin Kota Solo yang akrab disapa Jokowi dan Rudy ini pun mengundang ribuan warga untuk berkumpul di Balai Kota Solo, Jawa Tengah.

Dalam refleksi bertema ”Solo Hijau dan Berbudaya” keduanya membuka dialog dengan warga Kota Solo, mulai dari pimpinan RT dan RW, pedagang pasar, pengusaha, organisasi masyarakat, lembaga swadaya masyarakat, hingga pimpinan partai politik, kalangan pendidikan, tokoh agama, dan mahasiswa.

Dalam dialog yang digelar malam hari itu, Jokowi duduk lesehan bersama dengan warga Kota Solo. Jokowi memulai paparannya dengan mengingatkan warga Solo bahwa Kota Solo adalah kota berbudaya yang memiliki kemegahan.

”Maka, sangat riskan kalau kota sebegini megahnya hanya ditumpukan kepada wali kota dan wakil wali kota. Makanya, tiap tahun, kami menggelar rembuk warga, rembuk kota, dan rembuk kampung karena kami ingin kota ini dipikirkan bersama-sama. Kalau ada persoalan, mari putuskan bersama,” paparnya.

Bicara soal APBD Kota Solo, Jokowi menegaskan, dalam enam tahun terakhir (2005-2011) APBD Solo berkembang pesat. Padahal, enam tahun lalu, saat pertama kali terpilih, menurut Jokowi, APBD Kota Solo hanya Rp 350 juta, tetapi sekarang mencapai Rp 1 triliun lebih. Pendapatan tersebut dikembalikan kepada masyarakat Solo lewat berbagai program untuk kesejahteraan masyarakat.

Dalam acara tersebut, Jokowi-Rudy membuka ruang dialog. Kesempatan tersebut dimanfaat warga, mulai dari menyampaikan unek-unek, permohonan, hingga kritik ataupun saran terhadap Pemkot Solo. Semua itu dijawab Jokowi apa adanya.

Bahkan, Jokowi sempat berkelakar, sejak menjadi wali kota dan wakil wali kota, berat badannya dan Rudy tak pernah berubah. ”Berat badan saya masih 52-53 kilogram, begitu juga Pak Wakil Wali Kota masih sama 70-72 kilogram. Tak ada yang berubah sejak enam tahun yang lalu,” ujarnya.

Ketua DPRD Kota Solo YF Sukasno yang juga hadir dalam acara itu menilai kinerja Jokowi-Rudy makin membaik. Kerja sama kedua pemimpin itu juga terlihat dari sejumlah program yang saling mendukung. Kinerja Pemkot Solo juga mendapat penilaian tinggi dari Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan (BPK). Dalam opini BPK atas laporan hasil pemeriksaan kinerja Pemkot Solo disebutkan kinerjanya wajar tanpa pengecualian.

Kendati demikian, Sukasno berharap kinerja Pemkot Solo terus ditingkatkan. ”Masih ada satuan kerja perangkat daerah atau dinas yang belum sepenuhnya mampu menerjemahkan keinginan wali kota dan wakil wali kota,” ujarnya.

Misalnya, wali kota menginginkan pendidikan di Solo murah, yakni anak-anak dari keluarga yang tidak mampu atau miskin harus bisa sekolah. Mereka dibebaskan dari sumbangan pengembangan sekolah. ”Pada praktiknya, yang miskin masih dipungut sehingga harus minta surat dari wali kota dan DPRD. Ini artinya dinas yang terkait kurang tanggap. Maka, ke depan harus ditingkatkan,” ujarnya. (son)

Kebodohan telah melanggengkan kemelaratan dan kekuasaan kolonial Belanda. Pendidikan kemudian menjadi tema sentral dalam pergerakan nasional. Inilah yang mendorong Tan Malaka, Bung Karno, Sjahrir, Ki Hajar Dewantara, dan tokoh-tokoh lainnya mendirikan sekolah dan ikut mengajar.

Bertolak dari perjalanan sejarah yang pahit, para pendiri Republik bercita-cita bahwa kemerdekaan akan mengantar rakyat Indonesia menjadi bangsa yang cerdas. Agar hal ini tidak dilupakan generasi penerus, ihwal mencerdaskan bangsa dicantumkan dalam pembukaan UUD 1945.

Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono berusaha melaksanakan amanat itu. Anggaran sektor pendidikan digenjot, terbesar dibandingkan sektor lainnya. Pemerintah kemudian mengumumkan wajib belajar 9 tahun bagi anak-anak Indonesia.

Akan tetapi, dalam pelaksanaannya program mencerdaskan bangsa justru menjadi lahan baru untuk memperkaya diri kalangan pejabat. Aneka tafsir kemudian muncul. Ada yang berpendapat, wajib belajar bukan berarti sekolah gratis. Karena itu, berbagai pungutan tetap marak.

Ada pula yang berpendapat, program itu hanya berlaku bagi siswa dari keluarga miskin. Yang dibebaskan pun hanya sumbangan penyelenggaraan pendidikan (SPP). Selebihnya harus tetap membayar, seperti uang masuk sekolah, seragam, uang buku, dan sumbangan investasi pembangunan gedung.

Alhasil, banyak anak yang putus sekolah karena orangtuanya tidak mampu. Lalu terjadi banyak kasus pelajar yang nekat melakukan percobaan bunuh diri bahkan bunuh diri karena orangtuanya tak mampu membayar tunggakan SPP.

Lantas, apa sesungguhnya yang terjadi pada pendidikan kita?

Kabupaten termiskin

Di Kalimantan Barat, Pemerintah Kabupaten Kayong Utara melangkah lebih progresif. Sejak terbentuknya kabupaten ini tahun 2007, sebagai pecahan Kabupaten Ketapang, wajib belajar dilaksanakan secara absolut dan tidak hanya 9 tahun, tetapi 12 tahun. Selain itu, Pemkab juga menyiapkan pelayanan kesehatan 24 jam berikut tenaga dokter, secara gratis.

Berbeda dengan konsep wajib belajar 9 tahun yang sasarannya lebih kepada keluarga tidak mampu, Pemkab Kayong Utara menetapkan semua murid sekolah—negeri maupun swasta, TK hingga SLTA—tidak dikenakan SPP dan pungutan lainnya.

Pemkab juga menyediakan dua setel seragam, termasuk batik, dan buku-buku pelajaran secara gratis. ”Dengan demikian, tidak ada alasan orangtua melarang anaknya sekolah. Dan pemerintah sudah melaksanakan kewajibannya dalam mencerdaskan bangsa,’’ kata Hildi Hamid, Bupati Kayong Utara.

Kayong Utara merupakan kabupaten termiskin di Kalbar. Mayoritas penduduknya adalah petani gurem dan nelayan tradisional, kecuali di Pulau Karimata dan pulau-pulau lain yang telah menggunakan alat tangkap modern.

Data Bappeda setempat tahun 2010 menunjukkan, kepadatan penduduk Kayong Utara berkisar 20 jiwa per kilometer persegi. Namun, dari 95.605 jiwa penduduk, sebanyak 39.408 jiwa dikategorikan miskin (sekitar 41 persen).

Menurut Hildi, akibat kemiskinan, angka putus sekolah sangat tinggi pada masa lalu. Bangku sekolah banyak yang kosong. Orangtua melihat anaknya lebih bermanfaat membantu di ladang atau menangkap ikan di laut. Sebagian lagi membiarkan anaknya berkeliaran. Data tahun 2009 menunjukkan, jumlah anak telantar 149 orang

”Setelah sekolah digratiskan, jumlah yang mendaftar membeludak. Bahkan, ada yang usianya di atas 15 tahun mendaftar di SLTP. Ini menunjukkan meningkatnya minat belajar,’’ kata Hildi.

Di kabupaten ini terdapat 13 TK, 101 SD dan 7 sekolah agama setingkat SD, 32 SLTP dan 4 sekolah agama setingkatnya, 7 SLTA dan 2 sekolah agama setingkat, serta 3 SMK.

Menurut Hildi, pada awalnya Pemkab kesulitan mendatangkan tenaga pengajar. Mereka menganggap Kayong Utara sebagai daerah terpencil dan terbelakang. Namun, setelah Pemkab memutuskan mengutamakan guru dalam penerimaan calon pegawai negeri baru, yang mendaftar membeludak. Bahkan, ada yang dari Aceh.

Pelayanan kesehatan gratis

Bertolak dari gawatnya kemiskinan di Kayong Utara, Pemkab juga menggratiskan pelayanan kesehatan bagi masyarakat. Memang, di daerah ini belum ada rumah sakit karena memang belum dirasakan mendesak, sementara biaya operasional rumah sakit cukup besar.

Sejauh ini puskesmas yang ada dimodifikasi dan dilengkapi peralatan kedokteran, ruang rawat inap, dan dokter jaga 24 jam. Dokter spesialis juga didatangkan pada hari tertentu.

Di daerah lain, seusai jam kerja di puskesmas, dokter umumnya membuka praktik di rumah dinasnya dengan tarif yang berlaku umum. Di Kayong Utara, agar pasien tidak dipungut bayaran, Pemkab memberi insentif kepada dokter sebesar Rp 100.000 per pasien yang datang ke rumahnya di luar jam kerja.

Insentif bagi dokter kapal puskesmas jumlahnya lebih besar, Rp 2 juta untuk sekali perjalanan. Kapal puskesmas ini dilengkapi peralatan kedokteran untuk melayani penduduk di pulau-pulau. Sekali perjalanan membutuhkan waktu 7 hari.

”Walaupun saat ini hanya puskesmas, jika dokter berpendapat pasien harus dirujuk ke rumah sakit di kabupaten lain, Pemkab akan menanggung biaya ambulans dan rumah sakitnya. Jika dokter di rumah sakit mengatakan pasien harus dirujuk ke rumah sakit di Jakarta, Pemkab akan menanggung semua biayanya,’’ kata Hildi.

Kayong Utara jelas bukan daerah penghasil minyak bumi, melainkan kabupaten termiskin dan terbelakang di Kalbar. Lantas, bagaimana Pemkab membiayai semua pelayanan gratis tersebut?

Hanya beberapa miliar

Hildi terperanjat ketika ditanyakan hal itu. Ia mengatakan, pemerintah telah menyiapkan bantuan operasional sekolah (BOS) dan BOS daerah. Untuk kesehatan ada jamkesmas, askes, dan lain-lain. Pemkab hanya menambah beberapa miliar untuk menggratiskan pendidikan dan pelayanan kesehatan.

”APBD Kayong Utara ratusan miliar setiap tahun. Apalah artinya jika Rp 5 miliar atau Rp 10 miliar dialokasikan untuk menggratiskan pendidikan dan kesehatan,’’ kata Hildi.

Dengan menggratiskan pendidikan, masyarakat menjadi bergairah kembali. Anak-anak mereka tidak lagi memegang cangkul di ladang, menangkap ikan di laut, atau berkeliaran di pasar, tetapi kini duduk di bangku sekolah tanpa merasa rendah diri, membaca buku yang sama dan belajar bersama.

Agar progam pendidikan dan kesehatan gratis tersebut berkesinambungan, direncanakan akan ditetapkan dalam perda. Selama ini hanya berdasarkan keputusan bupati.

Bupati Hildi mengaku mendapat banyak masukan dari pamannya, pengusaha nasional Oesman Sapta, yang juga lahir dan besar di Kayong Utara, terutama agar mendahulukan kepentingan rakyat dan tidak membebaninya.

Terlepas dari semua itu, Kayong Utara layak menjadi contoh bahwa pendidikan dan pelayan kesehatan gratis bukanlah masalah yang membutuhkan dana besar. (Maruli Tobing)

Kompas, Senin, 6 Juni 2011.

Tourism is a means of collective fulfillment providing opportunities for education and exchange. To protect and promote effects of tourism, such maximize the positive economic, ?social and cultural, the United Nations World Tourism Organization UNWTO publishes a code of ethics for tourism. The code of ethics for tourism holds responsible for all participants for practicing ethical tourism.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization-UNWTO’s code of ethics stipulates that:

1. Authorities should be attentive to the particular vulnerabilities of tourists as well as their own peoples involved in the tourism industry. Governments should also inform citizens of all potential dangers of travel abroad.
2. Travelers should learn the customs, laws and culture of their destinations, and be aware of any inherent hazards to foreigners. Tourists must take steps to protect themselves and the environment, people and culture of their host communities.
3. Vendors should promote local cultures and religions without infringing the beliefs of visitors. Tourism professionals are expected to provide hospitality, security and assistance to tourists.
4. Culture is a heritage shared by all of mankind; however, local customs should be maintained and tourism profits invested in safeguarding cultural resources.
5. Stakeholders and governments are encouraged to lessen the environmental impact of tourism and promote environmental

Please also check out our other guide on:

• Responsible Tourism
• Green Tourism

Oleh HARYO DAMARDONO

railbus solo-wonogiri KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Ribuan warga bertepuk tangan meriah, Minggu (20/2/2011), tatkala kain putih selubung railbus Solo—kereta baru pengumpan Solo-Wonogiri—dilucuti. Luar biasa dan mengharukan! Sambutan warga tetap meriah di tengah guyuran hujan deras di Jalan Slamet Riyadi di pusat Kota Solo itu.

Railbus buatan PT Inka, Madiun, dengan dana dari Ditjen Perkeretaapian itu akan melayani jalur Solo-Wonogiri. Angkutan ini mengantar penumpang dari Wonogiri ke pusat kota.

Setelah itu, warga Wonogiri dapat transit di Stasiun Purwosari, Kota Solo, berlanjut dengan kereta lain menuju Yogyakarta, atau bahkan Jakarta atau Surabaya.

Solo. Inilah kota yang memilih mempertahankan transportasi massal ketimbang mengaspal rel kereta api seperti kota lainnya.

Dengan bijaksana, Wali Kota Solo Joko Widodo memilih mengucurkan uang rakyat untuk membeli bus tingkat wisata, yang bersama dengan railbus, diresmikan oleh Wakil Menteri Perhubungan Bambang Susantono.

Bus tingkat ini mirip bus sightseeing, dengan atap terbuka seperti di Tokyo, Singapura, Madrid, atau kota dunia lainnya. Bus ini digunakan untuk melongok situs menarik di Solo dengan sepandangan mata.

Memang baru ada satu bus tingkat karena DPRD Kota Solo menolak alokasi anggaran lebih besar. Namun, tak mengapa, Solo tetap pionirnya, menjadi kota pertama dengan infrastruktur bus tingkat bagi turis yang mengunjungi kota itu.

Buruknya infrastruktur memang menjadi persoalan negeri ini, yakni bagi turis, terutama juga pebisnis, yang datang di suatu kota. Besar harapan, transportasi yang semakin prima mendatangkan pebisnis dan turis, dengan efek tumbuhnya perekonomian lokal. Dengan demikian, investasi Rp 16 miliar bagirailbus dan Rp 1,7 miliar bagi bus tingkat bisa balik modal sesegera mungkin. Setelah itu dana dapat digulirkan lagi untuk membangun transportasi umum lainnya.

Solo memang telah merajut mimpinya menjadi kota humanis, kota yang lebih baik bagi warganya. Jalur lambat di sisi selatan Jalan Slamet Riyadi, misalnya, telah diubah menjadi jalur pejalan kaki. Demikian pula trotoar dari Mangkunegaran menuju Jalan Slamet Riyadi juga diperlebar.

Tanpa gembar-gembor, Solo menolak mengekor kesalahan Jakarta dalam mengatasi kemacetan. Joko Widodo tidak ingin Solo seperti Jakarta yang menderita kerugian Rp 35 triliun per tahun. Ia tidak ingin warganya menjadi tua di jalan.

Lima belas unit Trans-Batik Solo kini dijalankan Pemerintah Kota Solo dengan konsisten. Sebelumnya, Pemkot Solo telah membangun area traffic control berbiaya Rp 21 miliar dalam lima tahun untuk mengontrol lalu lintas. Di masa depan akan dipasang variable message sign untuk menghindari kemacetan.

Kini, Solo juga mulai memimpikan trem seiring rencana pembangunan rel dari Gladak-Pasar Gede-Stasiun Jebres. Nantinya ada jalur loop Stasiun Purwosari-Slamet Riyadi-Gladak-Pasar Gede-Stasiun Jebres-Stasiun Balapan.

Boleh jadi, beberapa tahun mendatang kita sudah dapat naik trem di Solo, seperti trem Citadis di Barcelona, Madrid, Jerusalem, dan Istanbul. Kota menjadi lebih manusiawi, dengan berkurangnya emisi gas buang dan transportasi yang lancar.

Bagaimana revolusi transportasi dapat dimulai dari Solo?

Tentu saja ini berkat kepemimpinan Jokowi—sapaan akrab Joko Widodo. Sebagai pengusaha, dia mengerti betul betapa kelancaran perdagangan perlu didukung transportasi mumpuni dan betapa ekonomi suatu kota meningkat bila kota itu diminati untuk bermukim dan berusaha. Suatu kondisi yang dimungkinkan bila mobilitas orang-barang tanpa hambatan.

Jokowi juga mau mendengarkan ahli transportasi, seperti Djoko Setijowarno dari Unika Soegijapranata. Bila kota-kota lain ingin sehumanis Solo, tentu saja kini sudah ada laboratorium hidup Kota Solo. Datanglah ke Solo, pelajarilah, dan terapkanlah!

Sumber: Kompas, Selasa, 22 Februari 2011.

DY

green tourism

Green tourism is one of form of ecotourism. This is low-impact tourism with an eye toward protecting the environment and culture of an area. The United Nations has set up certain criteria for ecotourism, but green tourism can cover a wide range of standards and conditions, from fully compliant to less stressful on the environment than standard tourism. There are many opportunities for green travel available worldwide.

Ecotourism encourages environmentally responsible travel around the world. When you travel green or want to become an eco-tourist, your goal is to do no harm to the environment. While you vacation, you can help give Mother Earth a well deserved rest. As green tourism becomes more popular, there are likely to be more vacationing options available. More resort areas likely will take steps to have less of an impact on the surrounding environment, and sustainable tourism could easily become the standard. Local economies might be able to take full advantage of the booming tourist trade without compromising the local environment, allowing tourists to enjoy the beauty that these areas have to offer for many years to come.

DY

ecotourism destinations

Ecotourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strive to be low impact and (often) small scale (as an alternative to mass tourism). Its purpose is to educate the traveler; provide funds for ecological conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.

Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or voluntourism, personal growth and environmental responsibility. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates. (wikipedia)

DY

responsible tourism

Responsible Tourism is tourism ‘that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit’.
The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations defines Responsible Tourism as follows:

Responsible Tourism is tourism which:
• minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts
• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
• improves working conditions and access to the industry
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
• provides access for physically challenged people
• is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence”

Responsible tourism is fast becoming a global trend. Operators, destinations and industry organisations in South Africa, the United Kingdom, United States, the Gambia, India, Sri Lanka, are already practicing Responsible Tourism, and this list is growing. Recognising the global significance of Responsible Tourism World Travel Market, one of the world’s largest travel exhibitions, has created World Responsible Tourism Day, to be celebrated annually during November. World Responsible Tourism Day is endorsed by the World Tourism Organisation and World Travel and Tourism Council. (wikipedia)

Please also check out our other guide on Lasminute Hotels

By Jenny Franklin

If you have an itch to get out of town, but haven’t booked a hotel in advance at your favorite hotspot, have no fear – the early bird doesn’t always get the worm. Never mind if you have dared to set out on a holiday trip at the eleventh hour and without any prior planning and any sort of bookings and reservations; you have done the right thing. You have every right to be your own Santa Claus and gift yourself with the most beautiful surprise holiday gifts.

Last minute hotel deals or special offers by hotels for the rooms that remain unoccupied for certain period are a boon for those who have made a last minute travel plan even with their family or set out on a business tour at a moment’s notice. Last minute hotels not only increase your chances to land up at any of the best discount hotels on offer at your destination but also offer almost the same privileges that you usually get in case of booking in advance. What’s more! You can even get a bigger discount for booking a hotel room at the last minute.

However, though last minute hotels are so tempting and offer such plum discounts, they are a gamble in a way. You may net a good deal or you may not, depending on whether there are hotel rooms available in the desired city at the time of your trip. Your chances of getting last minute hotel rooms and discounted prices increase considerably if you are ready to accept a wider range of accommodation types and decrease, if you get too specific.

Good last minute hotels that you book online may include budget, deluxe and luxury hotel accommodations available globally, often at discount rates. Most of the hotel-booking websites offer a wide range of discount hotels to choose from, while some of them allow you to read real customer experiences that are invaluable when it comes to making the right selection. Allowing you to access best rooms at some of the best hotels in your chosen destination anytime you want, the strength of a website lies in the fact that how frequently it is updated and how soon can it find and offer a good hotel discount offer for its customers along with cheap accommodations that can fit in every budget.

We all know how difficult it is to take a break from our work and go on a vacation these days, not to mention the endless problems that crop up, whenever we try to plan a holiday right. If we do dare to go on a last minute vacations, we may find ourselves short of options. Most of the last minute travel and hotel deals are either too expensive or too basic in nature. However, with thousands of hotel booking websites now in place, it has become easier to do a quick research, compare available options, and good last minute cruise deals or last minute hotel deals within our budget.

Get information and online booking Discount Hotels and Last Minute Hotels Explore -go4hotels.com. You make a call at this no. For +44 (0) 207 099 2652 for online booking for discount hotels in London.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Franklin

http://EzineArticles.com/?Last-Minute-Hotels—Just-In-Time-Approach-to-Get-Best-Hotels-at-Discounted-Prices&id=4094463

By Dani Alonso

Lots of things have happened since the early days of the space race. The moon was conquered, and even if the Fox documentary caused a lot of trouble, there is too much proven evidence that man walked on the moon. Good. Further from that, Houston, we have a problem. Luckily for us, the solution should be easy, but things need to move on.

Space tourism is a need inside every human populating the Earth and every time that population has been asked about traveling to space the answers have been massively favoring it. It is considered statistically that more than a 70% of the people would consider travel to space, if affordable. Within this 70%, more than the half of them would agree to spend 3 month’s salary in a trip like this.

What this result means, further from being just some numbers alone, is that space tourism is definitely possible, as 3 months salary is what will be required in order to go for a sub-orbital trip. That is about $10.000 (US). This could happen in a maximum period of 10 years provided that it was started now but movement is still very slow in this space tourism.

Where is the problem there? The problem is that space agencies are not investing in space tourism. And until they realize that there is a real waiting market that would go for it, nothing will be done. The technology exists, we are not speaking about any revolutionary idea. Instead, we are just speaking about cost of opportunity. Travel agencies are investing less than a 2% in space tourism while in other areas they are putting all their government financial helps.

The problem goes deep and gets back to the origin, as the citizen does not like to pay taxes to see people landing in Mars, but would love to pay taxes if somebody could take him or her for an orbital flight or to an international station, or even to a space hotel. And if the citizen does not like to pay high taxes for that, then space agencies have the days left counted with hand fingers. A change has to be produced and as soon as space agencies realize the need for space tourism, then the money they will get will arise again.

There is a key point in the reduction of cost, as NASA is beginning to understand. As well as an airplane industry could not be competitive if after every trip the plane would have to be thrown away, traveling to space can’t be developed until the technology for durable space transport vehicles is developed. And this technology is there waiting to be developed, but a very small part of the budget is placed on those projects. As soon as this problem gets solved all the rest will follow up, as everything will be more cost competitive.

Nowadays, a large trip to the Antarctica can reach $10.000, and the numbers of people going there are extremely rising. If the same cost is applied for traveling to space, the numbers expected could be massive, as the experience can be absolutely extraordinary. Space Tourism is an undeveloped market that is waiting it’s opportunity and I can promise that the first one to realize it will make a fortune.

Let’s cross our fingers and wish for a future in which an orbital trip could be as usual as going down to visit the South Pole. Let’s hope the relevant people listen to public opinion about space travel. Personally, I wouldn’t like to die before trying this opportunity. Would you?

Far from travel to space, but here you can find help if traveling to Europe: Travel to Europe

If you look for free hotel travel certificates, make sure to visit: Free Hotels

For hot travel deals, tricks and tips: Travel Addicts

Dani Alonso

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dani_Alonso

http://EzineArticles.com/?Space-Tourism—Is-it-Possible?&id=888601

We have additional information on this subject you may be interested in reading:

• World Heritage Site
• Ecotourism – Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
• Community Based Tourism
• Sustainable Tourism- A Prerequisite of Sustainable Development
• Medical Tourism
• Hospitality Management
• Destination Management Company

By Kieran Ross

Ask any person on the street which industry earns New Zealand the most amount of money and 9 times out of 10 you are bound to hear ‘Dairy’. However a little known fact is that the dairy industry is second to the tourism industry in terms of earning foreign exchange.

In 2007, international tourists spent $8.8billion(1) on our shores. During the same time we exported $7.3billion(1) worth of dairy products. So if international tourists are so important to our economy, what does its future hold with the cost of air travel increasing and the need to reduce carbon emissions?

We are an isolated country and a long-haul destination from all of our major tourist markets baring Australia. It has always cost visitors more to get to us than other possible destinations. This limits the volume of people who are able to travel here. On top of this, add to the traveller’s decision process the impact of air travel on their carbon footprint and we have significant obstacles to overcome in our efforts to attract international visitors.

New Zealand has always had a ‘clean green’ image and the major attraction for international visitors is our array of unspoilt natural landscapes. This is the theme of Tourism New Zealand’s (TNZ) 100% Pure NZ marketing campaign. However many of the service providers that tourists use have not been living up to this ‘clean green’ image.

In order to minimise the carbon footprint international visitors create during their visit and help mitigate the environmental impact of their air travel to NZ, TNZ has identified the need for our industry to deliver a sustainable experience for our visitors. This has been outlined by TNZ and the Government in the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 (NZTS 2015). Tourism relies more than any other sector on our countries continuing sustainability as a nation. This is because New Zealand itself is the product we are selling internationally. Sustainability involves delivering the maximum benefit – economic, social, cultural, and environmental – with as few unwanted effects as possible ensuring the future of the industry and our environment(2).

The most significant development our industry has had since the publication of the NZTS 2015 is the development of the world’s first integrated environmental performance and quality assurance system – Qualmark Green. Qualmark is TNZ’s official independent mark of quality and now every Qualmark accredited accommodation provider, visitor activity and transport provider, visitor service and venue is assessed on their environmental performance and required to meet a set of minimum standards. Those that excel receive either a bronze, silver or gold accreditation which they can promote alongside their quality rating.

Furthermore, the small South Island tourist town of Kaikoura (famous for whale watching) has been extremely proactive with regards to sustainability. In 2004 Kaikoura became the first local authority in the world to achieve Green Globe 21 Certification. Green Globe is a global benchmarking and certification process for sustainable travel and tourism. Kaikoura District Council created an environmental and social policy action plan using Green Globe’s guidelines, reduced its solid waste output through a zero waste scheme which has saved the district thousands of dollars, and introduced a carbon offset scheme to ensure that their carbon footprint is dramatically reduced. The certification has become a unique selling point for Kaikoura as a destination which has resulted in increased visitation.

Initiatives such as these show how New Zealand is leading the way with sustainable tourism. It is ensuring that those involved in the industry live the clean green image our international visitors expect. And due to the breadth of the industry throughout NZ, sustainable values are reaching all communities around the country.

1: Tourism Satellite Account – 2007

2: New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015

Campbell Consulting provides specialist management consulting services and dynamic market research led strategy to companies, firms & organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and around the world. The core competencies of the company are in tourism and event stadia.
Campbell Consulting was established by Gordon Campbell in 2003 and has grown to be one of New Zealand’s most experienced business and strategic marketing consultancy companies. Prior to this Gordon was a director for KPMG New Zealand, operated his own marketing and research firm as well as holding various directorships including that of Tourism Auckland.
Campbell Consulting specialises in market research, feasibility studies, economic benefit, business modelling, marketing strategy, concept development and strategic advice. Campbell Consulting is a full member of the Market Research Society of New Zealand and its directors have international experience in China, Australia, UK and America. For further information visit: http://www.campbellconsulting.co.nz/

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Also check my other guide on:

• World Heritage Site
• Ecotourism – Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
• Community Based Tourism
• Sustainable Tourism- A Prerequisite of Sustainable Development
• Medical Tourism
• Hospitality Management
• Destination Management Company