ruralfair

January 19-30, 2009
2008

RURAL TOURISM FAIR, JANUARY 21-30, 2008
The 8th annual [|Rural Tourism Fair] took place in and around Oaxaca City January 21-30.

Meeting Point: Café Los Cuiles, Antonio Labastida #115, 1130am-2pm and Café Orgasmico, Allende #107, 430-6pm Editing terminos, web123
 * Lunes 21.01 (Mexico Monday) -** Internet Workshops ([|poster]) ([|Erick's video])

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Meeting Point: Ayuuk (1 block west of the Tule Tree), 11am Lunch at Caldo de Piedra, 3pm ([|Melissa's photos])
 * Martes 22.01 (Tule Tuesday) - Mexican Cypress Tree Walk in [|Santa Maria del Tule]** ([|poster]) ([|Erick's video]) ([|Ron's video]) ([|Melissa's photos])

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Meeting Point: Museo Comunitario, 11am Lunch at El Descanso, 3pm
 * Miercoles 23.01 (Wiki Wednesday) - Walk with the Weavers in [|Teotitlán del Valle]** ([|poster]) ([|Erick's video]) ([|Melissa's photos])

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Meeting Point: Mandala, Xólotl #118, (in front of the Cruz de la Piedra and the Pochote Cultural Center). 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. Get a head start! Walk to the Planetario Nundehui and astronomy talk by Academic Tours's Florencio Moreno. At 530pm meet us for tea at Mandala. We will then walk uphill (about 20 blocks) to the observatory.
 * Jueves 24.01 (Thirsty Thursday) - Mesoamerican Astronomy Walk and Talk** ([|poster])


 * [|Astronomia y astrofotografia desde Oaxaca Mexico]**

Meeting Point: Pochote and Socio-Bio Markets, Garcia Vigil (1 block west of Carbajal Park, between Cosijopi and Xólotl), 10am-1pm ([|poster]) Australia Night cocktail and slideshow at Comala Restaurant, Allende #109, 6pm-8pm ([|poster])
 * Viernes 25.01 (Foodie Friday) - Oaxaca Markets and Australia Night** (posters for each event)

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Meeting Point: Amigos del Sol, Pino Suárez #802, 10am-noon
 * Sabado 26.01 (Saturday Safari) - Oaxaca Options Information Exchange** ([|poster])

Participants exchanged terrific information. Brochures and flyers were distributed from El Descanso, Caldo de Piedra, Ecoturismo Comunitario Huatulco, Oaxaca Bed and Breakfast Association, Friends of Oaxaca Folk Art, Trans-Tour, Huerto Organico Arbol de la Vida, Aboriginal Tourism Australia, Despacharte, Mezcal Sinai, Nisbiaa, Cafe Maravilla, Tamazulapam del Progreso, Corredor Ecoturistico Ochovenado and Planeta.com.

This year's attendance at the information exchange was about 30, the lowest number in the history of the fair. And to be honest, we were expected lower numbers. Reasons for the downturn include a new location and limited hours. This year's exchange did not have conferences or the crowd-pleasing tamales or tejate. The new location of Amigos del Sol is much smaller than the previous venue. Discussion at the exchange opened the idea that an additional fair may be held later this year or combined with a BarCamp. Also, many of those with information expressed an interest in creating tours along the lines of the other events in this year's fair. These visits will be announced on the Oaxaca Wikispace and Planeta.com.

Meeting Point: Café Orgasmico, Allende #107, 430-6pm Editing web123
 * Lunes 28.01 (Mexico Monday) - Internet Workshop**

Meeting Point: West of the Oaxaca City baseball stadium at the bus stop, 10am. ([|Consul map]) Bring a hat and walking shoes! Lunch at Restaurante Yuli, **[|Santa Maria del Tule]**
 * Martes 29.01 (Tierra Tuesday) – Organic Garden Visit and Compost Demonstration in Rojas de Cuahtemoc** ([|poster]) ([|Erick's video])

[|Huerto Organico Arbol de la Vida]

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Meeting Point: Museo Comunitario, 11am Lunch at Artelar, Juárez #41, 3pm ([|Flickr])
 * Miercoles 30.01 (Wiki Wednesday) Walk with the Weavers in [|Teotitlán del Valle]** ([|poster])

Information shared at the natural markets Updates of Planeta.com pages: Santa Maria del Tule, Central Valley Index, Things to do in Oaxaca City, Where to stay in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Options and others
 * Post Fair**

ABOUT THE FAIR
A small festival among friends, the 2008 Rural Tourism Fair was the eighth annual tourism fair created by Planeta.com and friends.

The schedule was developed using the methodology of Open Space Technology and shared on the Oaxaca Wikispace.

The fair highlights rural travel and ecotourism and brings together inspired travelers, local travel providers, community leaders, indigenous artisans, media, academics and students.

The annual event provided opportunities for dialogue among travelers and locals about ways to explore the rural countryside in a responsible manner. There is no cost to attend and no cost to share information. W

NEW IN 2008
In 2008 the fair expands from a one-day event at Amigos del Sol to a nine-day event held at various locations in and around Oaxaca City. Our motto: think smart, travel slow! We are creating some games and treasure hunts for self-guided tours.

There will also an international component featuring responsible travel and ecotourism in Australia and New Zealand.

The outcome remains the same -- good networking opportunities and information sharing, great food and updated content on Planeta.com.

WEB 1, 2, 3
The complete agenda will be edited on the Oaxaca Wikispace. Also, in tandem with Planeta.com's showcase of practical applications of Web 2.0 technologies, the fair has its own Facebook page. Flickrmeets and photo safaris will also be arranged.

Visitors with web skills (Google Earth, Flickr, YouTube, Wiki) are encouraged to share their knowledge with locals at workshops that will be convened at cybercafes in Oaxaca City and Teotitlán del Valle during the event.

YOUR TURN - If you cannot join us in person, share photos of rural tourism where you live in our popular Flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/ruraltourism

FAQ
January 21-30 are the dates for the [|2008 Rural Tourism Fair].

The Rural Tourism Fair is the eighth annual event co-created by Amigos del Sol and Planeta.com in Oaxaca City, Mexico. We asked Planeta.com founder Ron Mader to talk about the fair and describe what visitors can expect.


 * WHAT IS RURAL TOURISM?** -- Rural tourism -- [|defined] -- allows travelers to visit areas outside of urban areas. Options include hiking and biking, visiting community museums and buying [|crafts]. Mexico considers rural tourism a critical feature in its promotion of niche markets.


 * WHO WILL ATTEND THE FAIR?** -- There are multiple target audiences. The 2008 Rural Tourism Fair brings together travelers, local travel providers, media representatives, community leaders and government officials. We meet at Amigos del Sol, Pino Suárez #802 and visit in the city and plan trips to the country.


 * HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?** -- Entrance is free!


 * WHY A RURAL TOURISM FAIR?** -- In 2002 the Los Angeles Times published a feature about how 9/11 impacted rural communities whose economies depend on tourism. James Smith and Ken Ellingwood's article -- Sept. 11 Leaves Carpet Loomers Idle in Oaxacan Town -- prompted us to think of new ways to raise awareness about rural travel.


 * IS THIS A BIG EVENT?** -- We call this 'a small festival among friends' but make no mistake, it is BIG in spirit. This might well be the largest small festival in the world. Join us and see for yourself!


 * WHAT CAN THE VISITOR EXPECT?** -- Visitors to the fair will enjoy direct, personal interaction with local tour operators, community representatives and artisans. It's an easy way of learning about places to visit and how to travel in a responsible manner that respects the environment and the local cultures.

THEMES

 * Paper Recycling** - A hands-on workshop for kids of all ages
 * Water Conservation** - Lessons on building dry toilets in rural communities and conserving water in city hotels
 * Walk with the weavers** - Teotitlán's community museum invites you to join weaver-led tours
 * Mezcal and Coffee Tourism** - Visit agave fields and and coffee fincas
 * WHO ARE THE EXHIBITORS?** -- Exhibitors include a mix of tour operators, community representatives, artisans, environmental groups, and government representatives. A directory of exhibitors will be distributed at the fair.


 * WILL THERE BE REFRESHMENTS?** -- Of course! Our event in Oaxaca always features local food, including free [|tamales] and other goodies. This year's fair features fresh coffee from the Sierra Sur, traditional candies from Etla and the traditional Oaxacan power drink, [|tejate].


 * WHERE DOES THE FAIR TAKE PLACE?** -- The fair is held at Instituto Amigos del Sol, a language school that provides English and Spanish language instruction.
 * DO YOU RECOMMEND PLACES TO STAY?** Looking for a place to stay? Check out the Planeta.com [|directory].


 * WHAT IS PLANETA'S INVOLVEMENT?** -- The fair continues Planeta.com's support of entertaining, educational events in Oaxaca since 2001.


 * DOES THIS EVENT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH URBAN ECOTOURISM?** -- A few years ago Planeta.com hosted an online conference about urban ecotourism and there's no question that cities must do a better job in preparing visitors who are heading to rural areas. Convening this year's fair in Oaxaca City is precisely the type of traveler preparation that can be educational and fun.


 * WHAT'S NEXT?** -- Currently, Planeta.com is developing an ecotourism diplomado with readings in English and Spanish. We are also hosting an online conference linking tourism and migration and participating in several events in [|Australia].
 * HOW LOG IS REGISTRATION OPEN?** -- Registration closes January 22. We ask exhibitors to fill out an [|application].
 * CAN I HELP PROMOTE THE FAIR?** -- If you have a website, please add a [|link]. If you can add artwork, even better!

ABOUT PLANETA

 * Planeta.com** is an [|award-winning] website that presents articles and discussion about the environment and travel. The site debuted in 1994. Travelers will find tips on choosing eco-friendly, people-friendly and place-friendly trips. Professionals will find a number of helpful resources, including our [|Exploring Ecotourism Resource Guide].

Posters - [|English], [|español]

January 21 - Internet workshops, Cafe Los Cuiles and Cafe Orgasmico ([|poster]) January 22 - Mexican Cypress Tree Walk, [|Santa Maria del Tule] and lunch, Caldo de Piedra ([|poster]) January 23 - Walk with the Weavers, [|Teotitlán del Valle] ([|poster]) January 25 - Australia Night ([|poster]) January 26 - Treasure Hunts and Party January 30 - Walk with the Weavers, [|Teotitlán del Valle] ([|poster])

REFERENCES

Planeta.com http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/mexico/oaxaca/feriarural2008.html

Flickr Collection http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/collections/72157603356095551