In some cases, this standard might be provided by an independent scheme, such as the Rainforest Alliance.

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Again, the Rainforest Alliance does things differently.

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In an effort to harmonize these efforts, sustainable tourism heavyweights including Rainforest Alliance, the United Nations Foundation, as well as travel groups such as Expedia, Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and Hyatt Hotels have joined together to create the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

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In partnership with Rainforest Alliance, TIES has also developed an advocacy campaign entitled "Your Travel Choice Makes a Difference, " which is designed to help and empower consumers with helpful information that guides them towards responsible travel choices with detailed recommendations on how to make alternative travel choices, and to avoid leaving negative marks on cultures, economies, and the environment.

CNN: The International Ecotourism Society statement

As part of our efforts to educate consumers about responsible travel choices, TIES, along with several other global institutions and organizations such as the United Nations Environmental Programme, United Nations Foundation, Rainforest Alliance and the United Nations World Tourism Organization, has been working on developing a global process evaluating the effectiveness of certification mechanisms that clearly set apart sustainable from non-sustainable forms of tourism. (See: www.sustainabletourismcriteria.org for more information.).

CNN: The International Ecotourism Society statement