TICOS 2007 News Update

The last 12 months has been a busy and extremely productive time for Dick Sisman and Associates Ltd. The main focus has been the development and implementation of The Tourism Industry Carbon Offset Service (TICOS) as well as the completion of a number of projects for clients, the continuing development of Responsible Tourism initiatives and the close work with AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators).

• TICOS was founded late in 2006 as an industry wide carbon offset programme to stimulate collective action by all operators and travel agents selling holidays which include air or other forms of travel. TICOS is supported by a number of international and national agencies including UNESCO, IUCN World Commission for Protected Areas and AITO. TICOS has received 40+ project proposals from across the globe and is currently being embraced by over 20 tour operators. Membership numbers are increasing on a weekly basis and the Service has received tremendous support from the media. For more information visit www.ticos.co.uk.
• We have recently completed two research projects for The Travel Foundation, the first one on tourism hassle at destinations and the second one on carbon footprinting.
• We have provided research for one of the latest Insider Guides produced by The Travel Foundation on Climate Change and Tourism.
• Work with GTZ in Sri Lanka to develop a new Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) is ongoing. In October 2006 a 'train the trainers' programme was implemented to equip a small number of local trainers with the necessary skills and materials to deal directly with all companies wishing to develop the Green Isle programme.
• We continue work in the Gambia to help develop mechanisms which allow local businesses to gain income from the tourism sector. An alternative energy carbon offset project developed by TICOS is currently underway in the Gambia and is being supported by The Gambia Experience.
• Brighter Futures continues to develop as a trade not aid brand in the industry.
• Dick Sisman & Associates continue to provide a retained service to AITO and its 160 tour operator members and has recently agreed to provide a similar service to ABTOF (the Association of British Travel Organisers to France).
• DS & A is able to offer a low cost RT audit (including carbon emissions and energy costs) to tour operators, travel agents and suppliers in the tourism industry.

Tourism businesses interested in TICOS or any of the other work by Dick Sisman & Associates should contact Dick Sisman on email: dick@dicksisman.com.