GOLETA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2009--
To assist deserving adventure tour operators in growing responsibly,
today the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and Teva®
(a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, NASDAQGS: DECK) announced
the launch of a new scholarship program that provides financial
support to early-stage adventure tourism enterprises.
Providing young businesses with access to the ATTA’s global network, its
membership resources and the Adventure Travel World Summit, is the
strategic impetus behind the ATTA’s Tour Operator Scholarships – made
possible by Teva. In 2009, three scholarship recipients will receive:
-
A complimentary membership in the ATTA for one year ($500 USD value);
-
One pass to the Summit ($895 USD value); and
-
A $1,000 USD travel stipend for travel to the Summit
“Now more than ever, we want to continue supporting the needs and
interests of business leaders who are committed to building sustainable
businesses in culturally and ecologically rich regions worldwide,” said
ATTA President Shannon Stowell. “With key backing from Teva, we’re
assisting and rewarding entrepreneurs investing in responsible adventure
tourism development.”
Three scholarships will be awarded on September 22, 2009. All entries
will be reviewed by members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association's
Board of Advisors and Teva, and evaluated based on the following
criteria:
-
Demonstrated need (start-up's, nonprofit status – though not a
requirement, located in an emerging but impoverished destination,
etc.);
-
Potential for positive impact on local cultural, ecological, and/or
historical resources;
-
Exemplary ecological, historical, and cultural practices;
-
Exemplary efforts to work with local and indigenous peoples;
-
Proof of the highest level of professional ethics and practices; and
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Ability to prove how this Scholarship will be used to elevate the
business to achieve a higher level of success - and how it can be
utilized sustainably to build long-term and lasting success for the
company and the people and places visited.
Scholarship funds are used by selected incorporated tour operators to
grow their business, network, develop their professional skills, and be
mentored and inspired by industry peers and influencers. The
scholarships are meant to provide aspiring business leaders to with the
chance to take their business to ‘the next level.’
“At Teva, we believe adventure is the perfect excuse to get outside,
explore the world and be together,” said Liz Ferrin, Teva Branded
Content Manager. “Our partnership with ATTA gives us the opportunity
to build relationships with like-minded individuals, organizations and
outfitters who share our passion for adventure and travel.”
Deadline for scholarship submissions is 11:59 p.m. (PT) on September 15,
2009. Qualified tour operators may access the application form at http://www.adventuretravel.biz/operator-scholarship-teva.aspx.
About Teva
Founded in 1984, Teva began with an unassuming Grand Canyon river guide
and an idea that would become the world's very first sports sandal. The
first pairs of Teva footwear were sold out of a van to friends and
fellow boaters at the various put-ins along the river. From this
beginning a culture of passion for adventure has defined the Teva
lifestyle. Today, Teva remains committed to both the innovation in
footwear suited for the adventure lifestyle and the protection of the
earth's waterways. Teva is a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation,
NASDAQGS: DECK. Deckers Outdoor Corporation strives to be a premier
lifestyle marketer that builds niche brands into global market leaders
by designing and marketing innovative, functional and fashion-oriented
footwear developed for both high performance outdoor activities and
everyday casual lifestyle use. Teva®, Simple®Shoes, UGG® Australia,
TSUBO®, and Ahnu® are registered trademarks of Deckers Outdoor
Corporation.
About the Adventure Travel Trade Association
Established in 1990, the ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz)
is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking,
professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure
travel market. ATTA members include tour operators, destination
marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents,
guides, accommodations, media and service providers. Host of the annual
Adventure Travel World Summit executive trade conferences, the ATTA also
makes possible www.Adventure.Travel, the traveler’s hub of physical,
cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour
operators from around the globe.
Source: Deckers Outdoor Corporation
Teva
Jaime Eschette, 805-967-7611, ext. 178
jeschette@deckers.com
or
ATTA
Chris
Doyle, 916-847-0261
cdoyle@adventuretravel.biz