The Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA) recently announced the winners of the best of sustainable tourism awards. Seventeen tour operators, including several Hawaii island companies, were honored.
The Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA) recently announced the winners of the best of sustainable tourism awards. Seventeen tour operators, including several Hawaii island companies, were honored.
Local professional guide Erik Storm received the 2014 Ecotour Guides of the Year award. The award is based on providing visitors to the Big Island with an enriched, education-based exploration of Kilauea volcano.
“This award is truly an honor for me as there are so many others in the same field who were nominated that I look up to and appreciate,” Storm said. “My primary goal is to have visitors leave with respect for the natural and cultural uniqueness of this beautiful island — the fact that I get to share the amazing Kilauea with visitors is truly a privilege.”
During the past year, Storm and his guests have removed more than 1,200 Hedychium gardnerianum (Kahili ginger) and several Morella faya (Faya bush) to help restore and protect the native rainforests of Kilauea. Storm calls this option while on tours “voluntourism.”
Storm is a private guide for VolcanoDiscovery Hawai‘i, as well as operations manager. For more information, visit http://hawaii.volcanodiscovery.com/.
HEA is a nonprofit organization that protects Hawaii’s unique natural environment and culture by promoting responsible travel. The year marks HEA’s 20th anniversary.