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What is the Georgia Nature-Based Tourism Association
and its Mission?
Georgia is a state which has an amazing diversity of natural areas such
as mountains, rivers (white & blackwater), forests of all kinds, farmlands,
swamps, lakes, coastal marshes, and barrier islands. However, the potential
exists for causing negative impacts upon these natural resources as various
efforts are undertaken in order to achieve a stronger economy. Two avenues
of impact are the embracing of overtly destructive industries, and the
overuse of those resources by nature-based tourism entities themselves.
The facts show that nature-based tourism is an important segment of the
overall economy, and is one which is based upon there being a diverse,
healthy environment.
In the 1990's an international corporation made plans to create a strip
mine (promoted as an economic benefit for the area) that would be adjacent
to the Okefenokee Swamp and negatively impact both the world-famous wetland
and the local nature-based tourism entities. Concerned individuals and
groups from both the conservation and business communities of the state
responded, and created the Georgia Nature-Based Tourism Association in
order to draw attention to how it is possible to have both sustainability
of natural resources along with economic benefits to the community.
The focus is placed on the common areas of conservation and commerce.
The GNTA was seen as a way of educating decision makers about the need
to integrate economic development with resource conservation. Part of
the GNTA mission is to get people to realize that it isn't an either or
situation and that local conservation and economic issues and efforts
impact us all. Everything is interconnected. 
Another goal of the GNTA was to create a forum to increase awareness
of the existence and value of our natural resources. By exposing the public
to Georgia's unique areas and positive experiences we hope to create allies
that will work for its protection and wise use.
Who We Are
The GNTA is an alliance of nature-based tourism businesses, conservation
organizations, government agencies of all kinds, and individuals of
diverse
backgrounds. Our members have a desire to look past the traditional approaches
to solving conservation and commercial concerns which often line groups
up on opposite sides. Mindful of different needs and agendas for each,
we promote respect for the earth as the guiding force for our actions,
and believe strongly in working together in a cooperative partnership.
Membership Benefits:
- Partnership in a unified force which promotes the integration
of economic development with resource conservation thereby benefiting
both the natural resources and the nature-based tourism industry of
Georgia, and which also provides ways whereby awareness of the
existence
and value of our state's diverse and unique natural resources would
be increased.
- Extensive free publicity for each member via meetings, the
GNTA web site with free member links, monthly newsletters, member and
resource directories, displays at regional conferences, and press releases.
- Specialized on-site tours of members' nature-based areas of
operation around the state that provide exposure to a variety of sites,
types of businesses, and methods of operations at no charge or reduced
rates.
- Multiple networking opportunities among nature-based tourism
business owners, resource managers, conservationists, and community
leaders that produce new alliances and a sharing of beneficial information.
- Opportunities for involvement in regional nature-based events,
including helping create new conservation and nature-based tourism conferences,
festivals, and excursions and conferences that link multiple communities
and sites.
- Free professional development opportunities through workshops,
focus sessions, and special programs that cover a variety of natural
resource and nature-based tourism topics.
- Additional professional contacts with area press, and leaders
in governmental, business, educational, and environmental organizations
through volunteer service on association committees.
- Organizational and leadership experience by serving on-or leading-association
committees.
- Selected sales opportunities via member's spotlight and featured
speaker displays.
- Exclusive GNTA reference library access which includes helpful
publications and publicity photos.
- New friends and unique experiences.
Contact the GNTA
GNTA Email: Julia
Murray
GNTA Phone: (404) 975-4954
GNTA Mailing Address:
Georgia Nature-based Tourism Association
547 Cameron St.
Atlanta, GA 30312
GNTA State Officers:
President:
(Membership Chair)
Chip Campbell
Okefenokee Adventures
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
866-893-7926
Info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Vice President:
Karen Arms
Tootsy Tours
140 Johnny Mercer Blvd
Suite 12
P.O. Box 30279
Savannah, GA 31410
888-736-3828
karms@tootsytours.com
Secretary/Treasurer:
Joy Campbell
Okefenokee Adventures
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
866-893-7926
info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Southeast Chapter Officers:
President:
(Membership Chair)
Chip Campbell
Okefenokee Adventures
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
866-893-7926
Info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Vice President:
Karen Arms
Tootsy Tours
140 Johnny Mercer Blvd
Suite 12
P.O. Box 30279
Savannah, GA 31410
888-736-3828
karms@tootsytours.com
Secretary/Treasurer:
Joy Campbell
Okefenokee Adventures
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
866-893-7926
info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Board of Directors
Chip Campbell, Chair
Okefenokee Adventures
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
866-843-7926
info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Karen Arms
Karen Arms
Tootsy Tours
140 Johnny Mercer Blvd
Suite 12
P.O. Box 30279
Savannah, GA 31410
888-736-3828
karms@tootsytours.com
Joy Campbell
Okefenokee Adventures
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
866-893-7926
info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Jane Helms
The Helmstead Bed and Breakfast
P.O. Box 61
Homerville, GA 31634
888-224-3567
helmstead@aol.com
Michael Neal
8005 Old Tybee Rd.
Savannah, GA 31410
Hwy. 80 East
800-311-4779
brmarina@aol.com
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