The Evolution of Galveston`s Nature Tourism

The Nature Tourism Partnership
Galveston Island
Galveston Island: sand, salt, water
Welcome…You’re on Island Time!
3 Words to Describe
Galveston Activities
Nature Tourism Partnership (NTP)
 What is the partnership?
 Collaboration for purposeful nature tourism opportunities
 Why did form?
 Create synergy between like-minded organizations/agencies
 Sharing limited resources
 Promote nature tourism around Galveston area
 Showcasing economic benefits for conservation
 Who is involved?
 23 nature- related organizations, including both
governmental and NGO’s. Sponsored by the Galveston Island
Nature Tourism Council, and with leadership from the
Galveston Bay Area Master Naturalists,
Necessary Partners
 Improving communication and marketing for greater
participation and funding
 Professional development of tourism industry
 Sharing conservation efforts and benefits
Nature Tourism Partners
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Artist Boat
Audubon Texas
BaySmart Sea Scout Base Galveston
Clean Galveston
Flower Garden Banks NMS
National Ocean and Atmospheric
Association (NOAA)
Friends of Galveston Island State
Park
Galveston Audubon
Galveston Bay Area Master
Naturalist
Galveston Bay Foundation
Galveston Baykeeper
Galveston CVB
Galveston Historical Foundation
 Galveston Island Nature Tourism
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Council
Galveston Island State Park TPWD
Galveston Island Tree Conservancy
Galveston Park Board (includes
CVB)
Gulf of Mexico Foundation
Houston Audubon
Moody Gardens
Scenic Galveston
Turtle Island Restoration Network
Surfrider Foundation (Galveston)
Surfrider Foundation (Upper Tx
Coast)
Texas Nature Conservancy (TCPP)
NTP Successes and Challenges
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 Nature Bus Tour
 Mayoral address
 Evolving strength as partners, collaborations
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 Momentum slump
 Immediate actions
Volunteer Tourism
 Direct action,
capturing energy for
conservation
 Available staff and
resources needed or
shared
Virtual NTP Bus Tour
 Given to local representatives and business partners
 A captivating overview of the nature tourism
opportunities on Galveston Island
Ready for a tour?
NTP Bus Begins…
Meet and greet at TIRN offices, downtown.
Traveling through the island with experts…
NOAA Sea Turtle Facility
Galveston Bay Foundation Sweetwater Preserve
Coastal Heritage Preserve
LaFitte’s Cove
Galveston Island State Park
Sea Scout Base
Future of NTP
 Communication focus
 Resource sharing
 New activities for local promotion
 Issue-focused support
 Volun-Tourism
Application of NTP
 Model for local network that advocates conservation
and preservation through the economic and cultural
value of nature tourism.
Thank you! From your Nature
Tourism Partners of Galveston
 Diane Olsen, Moody Gardens & Galveston
Island Nature Tourism Council
 Lisa Reznicek, Texas Parks and Wildlife,
Surfrider Foundation
 Anja Borski, Galveston Bay Foundation