Arizona caters to tourists with special interests. Wisconsin is certifying ‘green’ tourism

It is no secret that among the 30 million people who travel in Arizona every year, some just want to lie by a pool, enjoy a good massage and play a round of golf.

Others arrive with something more specific in mind. For some, it is catching a glimpse of a rare bird near Tucson. For others, it is peering at Pluto from Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. For others still, it is checking out a buzz-worthy restaurant or seeing a Native American dwelling.

Catering to those niche travelers is becoming increasingly critical as people look for things to do while on vacation besides sit in the sun, said Margie Emmerman, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Stephanie Paterik
The Arizona Republic

Full Story: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/0319nichetourism0319.html

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Wisconsin is certifying ‘green’ tourism

Businesses must show eco-friendly efforts to qualify

John Ivanko uses wind power, solar power and a wood stove to meet the energy needs at his bed-and-breakfast, Inn Serendipity. He serves food from his organic garden and composts the leftovers. Even the bath tiles at the inn were chosen with the environment in mind — they were produced from recycled windshield glass.

As a result of all this, the two-unit inn in rural Browntown, which Ivanko runs with Lisa Kivirist, was listed as one of the "top 10 eco-destinations" in North America last year by Natural Home & Garden magazine.

It’s not easy being green, but such efforts are about to be recognized further through an environmental certification program called Travel Green Wisconsin being created for Wisconsin lodgings, restaurants and other tourism businesses.

"This will help Wisconsin set itself apart from equally impressive states because it is the first," Ivanko said.

By John Hartzell
Associated Press

Full Story: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635191816,00.html