Get on the Map
Explore, Join, and Share Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map
Tourism Cares' Meaningful Travel Map is an innovative tool that connects travel professionals with vetted sustainable organizations, experiences, accommodations, and tours, catering to the increasing demand for authentic travel and sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and the environment.
At the heart of the Map lies the principle of meaningful travel, which ensures that tourism directly supports local communities, protects cultural and environmental assets, and fosters deeper, more responsible connections with destinations.
Why Should We ALL Get on the Map?
The Meaningful Travel Map provides a valuable opportunity for all travel professionals, including operators, advisors, DMOs, and suppliers, to tap into the rising demand for authentic and impactful experiences and use travel as a force for good. Here’s why the Map matters:
Clients want sustainable travel. According to a Booking.com 2023 survey, 76% of travelers want to travel more sustainably and 69% want their money to go back to local communities. Even if your clients aren’t using the word “sustainability,” we know that travelers want an immersive, authentic, culturally rich experience. By integrating Map partners into itineraries and destination marketing, clients and host communities will have a positive experience that benefits all.
The industry needs a one-stop source for sustainable tourism options. When it comes to sustainability, industry professionals often don’t know what to look for or where to start. The Meaningful Travel Map provides a global catalog of experiences, all vetted by Tourism Cares under our criteria. Clients can be assured that their trip creates a bigger impact.
The future of travel is at stake. We are seeing more and more negative impacts from the growth and mismanagement of tourism, including overcrowding, extreme weather patterns due to climate change, and economic disparities. Spreading the impact of tourism on small communities and purpose-driven businesses makes destinations stronger and travel experiences more meaningful.
What Kinds of Businesses are on the Meaningful Travel Map?
Meaningful travel focuses on creating real benefits for local communities, protecting cultural and environmental resources, and helping travelers connect more deeply with destinations. To qualify, organizations featured on the Map must prioritize:
Community Involvement:
Ensuring that tourism brings sustainable economic benefits, especially to those not traditionally impacted positively by tourism.
Positive Impact:
Including non-profits, social enterprises, B Corps, and other organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in tourism.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Valuing people from all backgrounds and perspectives, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and woman-owned.
Environmental Responsibility:
Aligning with Nature Positive Travel & Tourism principles to conserve the environment, enhance biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions.
Cultural Preservation:
Protecting and respecting local cultural heritage, including traditions, practices, and historical sites.
Local Experiences:
Creating immersive experiences that allow guests to gain a deeper understanding of the local people and places they visit.
Free Sustainability Consultations in October
As part of the 'Get on the Map' campaign, Tourism Cares will provide free virtual sustainability consultations to any travel professional throughout October.
Typically only available to Tourism Cares members, these complimentary consultations are led by the organization’s team of meaningful travel experts who help guide participants on how to integrate sustainable practices into their business operations and tour offerings.
By providing all travel professionals with the opportunity to participate in our virtual sustainability consultations, we hope it creates a space to collaborate, share knowledge, and build sustainable tourism strategies together. During this month and beyond, we encourage everyone to ‘Get on the Map’ so that we can create a model of tourism that gives more than it takes.
Get on the Map Sweepstakes
Fill out the entry form below to enter the Tourism Cares ‘Get on the Map’ Sweepstakes for a chance to win a free registration to the 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand!
Sweepstakes Details
Sweepstakes Period: October 1 – 31, 2024.
How to Enter: Participants must complete and submit the official Sweepstakes entry form above with a valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person during the Sweepstakes Period.
Read the official sweepstakes rules & regulations here.
How Do I Get on the Map?
Whether you are a destination, travel professional, or individual business, there are many ways to participate in our Meaningful Travel Map.
Discover a wealth of authentic and sustainable tourism options that can enrich your clients’ itineraries while supporting the future of our industry. In an ever-changing world with high competition, don’t get left behind…Get on the Map!
Showcase your destination's commitment to your community while improving the traveler experience by connecting them to local, authentic, and impactful organizations on the Meaningful Travel Map.
Further your business by leveraging the power of tourism through the Meaningful Travel Map. Gain free exposure and support from the travel industry and connect with travelers who value your mission.
Share, Post, Like!
We encourage our community to take to social to share their experience with the Map and spread the word about meaningful travel.
Visit our social media toolkit for ideas on how to share, post, and spread the word!
#GetOnTheMap @TourismCares
SPOTLIGHT: MEANINGFUL TRAVEL WITH THAILAND
Learn how ‘The Land of Smiles’ is working to amplify their country’s rich culture while positively impacting its local people, communities and environment. Plus, checking out Thailand’s Meaningful Travel Map - full of local Thai partners who are making a difference in their areas.