Generating tourism through green energy

Bad economic news affects our nation and state on a daily basis but one of the biggest boosts to the economy here in the east is tourism.

Like any business it’s all about making more and spending less.

Pat Long with the Center for Sustainable tourism at ECU said, “Travel is down, expenditures are down, bookings are down.“

But optimism for the future of the tourism industry in the east was up at a conference in New Bern Wednesday.

Long explained, “We’re looking for every possible alternative in terms of substantiality that will lessen the cost to the business that will increase their profit level.“

Long was one of a handful of speakers who discussed ways to help eastern North Carolina plan for a sustainable future.

Some of the money saving ideas discussed also benefits the environment.

Martha Gettys said, “There’s a great deal of opportunity for renewable energy in this state. So we have not come anywhere close to reaching our full potential.“

Gettys is with NC Green Power. She says harnessing things like methane gas, solar power and wind energy are just a few of the many ways the tourism industry can help save some green going forward. Problem is, right now, it’s not cheap.

“It cost more to produce that energy than the conventional coal and nuclear produced energy,“ said Gettys.

But there are small ways hotels and restaurants can get the ball rolling. Simple steps like recycling towels and installing energy saving bulbs.

Professor Robert O’Halloran with ECU Hospitality Management said, “I think that we as an industry in hospitality are the most visible signs of any green or sustainable practices that you will see.“

As people continue to migrate to the green side of living, hopefully an environmentally friendly area will become a vacation destination.