Advancing Sustainable Tourism for the Industry
Sustainable Tourism: Making a Positive Impact
At Tourism Cares, we believe in the transformative power of meaningful travel and sustainable tourism. While our paths to sustainability may vary, our end goal is the same: protecting the future for travel.
Changing the world can feel overwhelming, and engaging in more sustainable practices is not always as easy as we wish. Once we start making more responsible travel choices within our businesses, the learning, growing, and evolving never ends.
We believe that the best way to learn is by engaging with those who are already driving change. This is the strength of our community. Together, let’s go somewhere good.
Understanding Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity for the future of travel. It involves making mindful decisions that ensure the long-term health of tourism destinations, local communities, and the natural environment. This approach integrates economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being, providing a holistic framework for tourism development.
Supporting Local Communities
Sustainable tourism has the power to uplift local communities, providing them with economic opportunities and preserving their cultural heritage. We prioritize initiatives that involve local people in decision-making processes, ensuring that tourism benefits are equitably distributed. By engaging with host communities, we help protect their cultural identity and enhance their quality of life.
Addressing Environmental Impacts
Sustainable tourism requires proactive management of environmental impacts to ensure long-term viability. This involves responsible management of natural resources, waste reduction strategies, and biodiversity conservation efforts. At Tourism Cares, we advocate for eco-friendly practices that minimize our industry's environmental footprint.
Promoting Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability in tourism involves supporting local economies through job creation, promoting fair wages, and investing in community development. By empowering local businesses and communities, tourism becomes a driver of economic growth that benefits everyone involved.
Preserving Social and Cultural Heritage
Social and cultural sustainability is integral to sustainable tourism. It encompasses preserving local cultures and traditions and engaging communities in tourism planning. By respecting and enhancing local cultures, tourism can foster mutual understanding and celebrate diversity.
Enhancing Visitor Experience and Education
A sustainable tourism experience should educate visitors about local environments, cultures, and sustainable practices. It aims to provide meaningful experiences that leave a positive impact on both travelers and host communities.
Join Our Community of Sustainable Travel Professionals
Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or leading the way, Tourism Cares is here to support you. We offer the resources, connections, and support you need to make travel a force for good. Together, we can positively impact the tourism industry and beyond.
Commitments and Policies
Tourism Cares is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and implementing policies that support environmental, social, and economic well-being into all of our programs. Our initiatives are designed to inspire and educate our members, helping them adopt sustainable practices in their operations. By aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we aim to create a positive impact on local communities, ecosystems, and the global tourism sector.
Caption: A man and woman harvest a yuca plant together in Panama
Programs and Events
We welcome everyone in the travel space, regardless of where you are on your sustainability journey. Our programs and events provide valuable resources and connections to help you navigate and advance your efforts. From webinars to sustainability workshops, our educational offerings are tailored to support sustainable tourism development.
We welcome everyone in the travel space, no matter where you are on your journey.
Are You New to Sustainable Tourism?
You are not alone. It can feel overwhelming to create change. But really, it's just the first step. It's not that your organization needs to catch up; it's that the world is unfolding and accelerating faster than ever before. That's why from here out, you are surrounded by like-minded organizations. Explore our resources below to learn the basics of responsible tourism and start implementing sustainable practices into your organization.
You might enjoy starting with our friendly 101 blog posts.
Is Your Journey Evolving?
By doing the work, you are part of a movement, and Tourism Cares is a resource for education, inspiration, and networking with like-minded individuals and companies. Let’s Go Somewhere Good and keep your work moving forward — helping you grow your team and organization.
We think you will love our Meaningful Travel Platform.
Leading The Way? Let’s Amplify Your Work!
If you are already a leader in sustainable tourism, we want to help you amplify your impact. Tourism Cares provides education, connections, and resources to make responsible business practices attainable. Our partners and members, who are already setting examples, collaborate and mentor each other to become a formidable force in sustainable tourism.
Your voice is needed! Join us at an upcoming Meaningful Travel Summit.
Some days, you may feel that you are a little of each. And that’s okay, too - sustainability is an evolving journey!
SPOTLIGHT: THE PEOPLE + PLACES OF TOURISM CARES
Seeing Hands Nepal | Destination Disaster Recovery Grantee
When the devastation of the April 25, 2015 earthquake in Nepal struck, Tourism Cares urged the industry to fund immediate relief efforts – and to reserve some giving specifically for Nepal’s tourism industry and its long-term recovery. Together, we've raised more than $90,000 from more than 220 companies and individuals for recovery. One grantee was Seeing Hands Nepal, a social enterprise with three clinics serving locals, expats and tourists—giving those who cannot see the opportunity for one of the best professions in Nepal.