Auction features World-class Responsible Travel Packages
     11 Apr 08
Proceeds to Benefit Sustainable Travel International�s Educational Initiatives

Boulder, Colorado - Sustainable Travel International (STI) announced today that it is hosting its 1st annual Sustainable Travel Auction Fundraiser, featuring vacation packages to world-class destinations around the world. The live on-line auction features dozens of eco-friendly trips and tours which are offered by responsible tour operators, lodges, hotels, and resorts that are committed to sustainable travel and tourism.

The items for auction will offer the highest bidder accommodations, tour packages, trips and even volunteer vacations from hotels, organizations and tour operators from around the world. Destinations include attractive domestic destinations like Alaska and Colorado and exotic international destinations like Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, Nepal, Panama, Poland, and Transylvania. They include a wide range from affordably priced vacation packages to luxury escapes.

The online auction and fundraiser will take place beginning on April 10 and ending on April 20, 2008. The entire proceeds from the auction will support STI�s initiatives which focus on supporting environmental conservation and protecting cultural heritage, while promoting cross-cultural understanding and sustainable economic development.

Dates: April 10- April 20, 2008
Time: 24 hours / day starting at 6 pm on April 10
Website Link:http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=stitravel

"Our auction offers travelers seeking environmentally and socially responsible vacations packages a plethora of options that have been donated by many of the world's leading travel companies who are committed to sustainable travel and tourism," said Brain Mullis, president of Sustainable Travel International. "The proceeds from the auction will help us to expand our outreach and educational efforts, which increase awareness and support for our mission to integrate sustainability into the travel and tourism industry."

Founded in 2002, STI is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and responsible travel by providing programs that enable consumers, businesses and travel-related organizations to contribute to the environmental, socio-cultural and economic values of the places they visit, and the planet at large. Programs include education and training, sustainable tourism eco-certification, climate mitigation, fair trade, and travelers� philanthropy.

A sampling of the dozens of vacation packages in the live auction include:

Alaska: Enjoy an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience in the Kenai Peninsula over the course of two nights and three days at one of two distinct lodges. The award-winning and luxurious Kenai Backcountry Lodge is situated on the glacier carved Skilak Lake near Cooper Landing. Whereas, Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is situated in Kachemak Bay State Park and was rated one of the 10 best green hotels in America by Forbes. Meals and daily activities are included.

Ecuador: Choose from two world-class, award-winning eco-lodges. Enjoy four days and three nights in the heart of the Amazon at Yachana Lodge where English speaking indigenous guides will introduce you to the wonders of the rainforest. Or opt for five days and four nights at the Black Sheep Inn set amid the Andes and rated one of the "Top 10 Ecolodges in the World" by Outside Magazine.

Chile: Discover the mysteries of Chile�s Atacama desert with Adventure Life, who made Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Green List for their responsible business practices. Spend four days and three nights at the exclusive Terrantai Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama, and explore the diverse region by visiting the Valley of the Moon and the El Tatio geysers.

Costa Rica: Stay three nights and four days at La Cusinga Lodge, one of the best ecolodges in Costa Rica. Its southern Pacific Coast location provides amazing ocean views as well as incredible access to some of the country�s most pristine and protected wildlife and ecology. This award winning ecolodge is dedicated to marine and terrestrial conservation and environmental education.

Morroco: A 15-day small group adventure with Intrepid Travel, 2006 Responsible Tourism Award winner of the �Best Tour Operator� and the �Overall Joint Winner� categories. Re-live the past in Fes, camp on the sandy dunes of the Sahara, trek through the impressive Todra Gorge, relax with a cup of tea in remote Imlil, indulge your senses in the souqs of Marrakesh, and kick back in the stunning coastal town of Essaouira.

Nepal: On this 11-day holiday, explore the natural and cultural wonders of this beautiful Himalayan country while traveling with members of the Dream Nepal Travels & Tours Alliance, an alliance of travel companies that have been working together for the development of sustainable tourism for more than 13 years.

For more information please e-mail info@sustainabletravel.com or call 720-273-2975. Details of all items to be auctioned are posted on the STI website: www.sustainabletravel.com/auction.html.

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Media Contact:
Brian T. Mullis
President, Sustainable Travel International
720-273-2975
brianm@sustainabletravel.com