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How much time will it take to participate?
-- The conference lasts three weeks (November 1-18, 2005). We
recommend that participants consult the forum once or twice
a day during the event.
What topics will be discussed? -- Developing
Infrastructure for Sustainable Tourism, Finance
for SMEs, Private
sector/Public sector collaboration, Communities
and SMEs, Marketing
and Market Development, Triple
Bottom Line Business Structures and Strategies and Interpretive
Program Development
How do I register? -- For those who wish to
be active members of the forum, registration is a three-step
process, including filling out the registration
form, creating an ID on the Planeta Forum and paying
$100. For passive participants, we ask only that you fill
out the registration
form.
Who is taking part? -- More than 100 people
have registered for this innovative online forum. Active
participants are a mix of entrepreneurs, consultants and
others working in the field.
What difference will this make in the future of my business?
-- For tourism enterprises, the forum allows a unique opportunity
to share lessons learned as well as ask questions about specific
topics with colleagues around the world.
Why did you plan this? -- Forum organizers
Megan Epler Wood and Ron Mader have long discussed the need
to link financial investors, development organizations and international
banks with ecotourism practioners. As many internationally-funded
projects have failed, now is a good time to review priorities
and how investment can be focused in the future.
Where will the results go? -- Results will
be shared with development agencies via personal correspondence
and meetings with key individuals involved in donor policy development.
Is there information in Spanish? -- Si.
Can we expect the results to have any affect on the
local business environment? -- This depends on the
participants! Private businesses operate in policy environments
throughout the world where there are many barriers to sustainable
tourism development. One of the objectives of the forum is to
develop tools that can be shared by local entrepreneurs, communities,
governments and donors.
Why is it an online forum? -- Online conferencing
has a number of advantages. Ideas are what matter. Those who
express themselves clearly will be listened to with greater
attention and their opinions will carry more weight. Online
conferencing can be much more egalitarian, allowing time for
all voices to be heard. One other advantage of the online format
is immediate documentation. Conferences created by Planeta have
foster a global exchange of information without incurring often-daunting
travel expenses.
How do I make the most of participating in an online
forum? -- Start budgeting your time now. Make a list
of important talking points within the topics established in
the forum. During the dialogue, consult the forum at least once
a day and budget sufficient time to read what others are saying.
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