http://www.ecorismo.com/ The second session of ECORISMO - the annual forum and trade-fair on eco-products and environmental solutions for the hospitality and tourism industries consisted of  two intensive days full of events and contacts.

The Palais of Congres in Arles - France - is now used to it : once again this year all the premises took up again with green attitude in welcoming Ecorismo second session. No carpet, low consumption lights, recycled-cartonned boots...the integrated environmental management of the organization was the first surprise for visitors. Each of them was given an « Ecorismo Environmental Pact » suggesting environmental attitudes taking into account for example waste disposals or travel manners.

Many hotel groups managers, professional representatives and professional senior buyers came to this second Ecorismo session. About 2348 visits within two days were recorded, 16% more than last year (despite some traffic problems) !

The 106 exhibitors (representing 31% more of exhibition surface than last year) all greeted the quality of the visitors ... and to come back next year !

The 80 conferences (16% more than last year) handled by 75 speakers have welcomed this year 1877 professionals !

Among the key moments of Ecorismo 2008, three major events to be highlighted :

1- The setting up of the Ecorismo Eco-Purchasing Club : 25 members of major hotel chains already registered for this first meeting !

2- The launch of several "Commissions on Sustainability" within major organizations and hotel chains

3- The organization and the presentation of the first Ecorismo Trophies :

* Laurier Ecorismo-Synhorcat Trophy of the best environmental initiative of the year

to :

Restaurant Nature & Saveur - Place des Cordeliers in Annecy - France

Mme Laurence SALOMON, chef and manager www.nature-saveur.com

* Laurier Ecorismo-Primagaz Trophy for energy savings to :

Eco-lodge L'Orri de Planès in Planès - France

M. Arif QURESHI, owner. www.orrideplanes.com