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At Work
Pg 30 - AT WORK WITH LIZ WESSEL
This home-based travel agent created a green business for those who want to spend and invest their travel dollars in a way that makes a difference.
Who: Liz Wessel, founder and owner, Green Concierge Travel
Where: Madison, Wisconsin
Why: Turned her love of travel and passion for the environment into a business geared toward the eco-traveler. Travelers who book with Green Concierge Travel stay at green hotels, support restaurants that offer locally grown food, and rent bikes for transportation, among other sustainable options.
Organic Spa: When did you launch Green Concierge Travel, and why?
Liz Wessel: I launched Green Concierge Travel in January of 2007, because I was at a juncture in my career where I had an opportunity to take a new direction. I looked at what I liked to do-travel-and what my lifelong passion is-the environment-and recognized the opportunity. I had also become aware of the rapid growth of ecotourism within the travel industry while working on a project for The Biodiversity Project, a non-profit organization that focuses on making the connection between you and me and the biodiversity in the world around us.
OS: How would you describe GCT?
LW: Green Concierge Travel makes travel arrangements for business and leisure travelers. Operating as a green business and following the best practices of ecotravel, we introduce our clients to the natural and urban environments at their destination. We support and recommend local and environmentally friendly businesses and services. And finally, we advocate for responsible and ethical behavior by all visitors. Don't leave your values at home!
OS: When did you first notice consumer interest in green travel?
LW: In 2004, I was asked to complete a development plan for The Biodiversity Project. In looking at different audiences and constituencies that already care about biodiversity, the ecotravel sector emerged along with some other sectors- gardening and native plants, zoos, aquariums, and natural history museums and their members. From this work I realized that the ecotourism sector of the travel industry was the fastest growing sector of travel; that the participation by North American travelers was just beginning, but had lots of potential, and that North America as an ecotourism destination was undersold. As this project drew to a close, I had an opportunity to shift from non-profit work to the private sector. Vendors offering ecotours exist, but there were few travel agencies connecting travelers with the vendors.
OS: What makes one of your trips "green?"
LW: When I started, I wanted to create a travel company that supports and enhances the type of travel I like to do. I have used Amtrak for several business meetings I have attended. When visiting family in the San Francisco Bay Area I have rented a hybrid at the airport, and I have also used mass transit at destinations. For transportation I am tracking my family's mileage from trips, the mode of travel and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. We plan to purchase a carbon offset for this travel at the end of the year. More information on carbon offsets and companies offering these can be found at Native Energy or the Carbon Fund. This is a service that Green Concierge Travel provides to its clients; clients are provided with a carbon estimate based on their mileage and mode of travel. It is up to the client to decide whether or not to purchase the offset and from which program. Carbon offset programs exist all over the world, so for some people a program that is planting trees in Africa may make more sense than one building solar installations in the U.S.
* I also support staying at smaller, locally owned inns and bed and breakfasts. When my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Hawaii to the island of Kauai, we stayed at bed and breakfasts on the island. They proved to be an excellent choice; in one, we ended up in the top floor "suite" off Hanalei Bay with a 360 degree view. It was very romantic and the hosts were extremely helpful.
* I also like to hike and picnic so I tend to seek out the local markets including farmers markets and food purveyors providing organic and locally grown or made products such as cheeses, beer, fruits, and vegetables. Picnicking allows you to experience some of the great natural and historic areas of wherever you are. It means that you don't have to stop what you are doing to eat; it becomes part of the flow of the day. But when I sit down to eat, I want to patronize restaurants that serve locally grown, seasonal or organic food. I admit it readily, I love food and so seeking out interesting and great places to eat is part of the fun.
* So whether it's transportation to a destination, accommodations or the activities and getting around once you arrive, Green Concierge Travel helps you find locally run and environmentally respectful ways to do it.
OS: How do you feel about spas?
LW: I think the great news about spas is that they are showing up everywhere. For example, I recently researched dude ranch vacations that can be found throughout the United States and Canada. There are a variety of ranches that have added spa facilities and a variety of packages to match. Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in British Columbia is a great example. Green Concierge Travel does not offer specific group trips to spas yet, but my sister and I are beginning to research a spa vacation for next winter, so I hope to do some site inspections soon!
www.greenconciergetravel.com