Guest Blog: Tourism Cares Turns Twenty
Board Member Reflection: Shayna Zand, Vice Chair I | Head of Partnerships - We Travel
As a board member and Vice-Chair, I have had the pleasure of having many personal and professional experiences with Tourism Cares.
Personally, being involved with Tourism Cares has given me a sense of fulfillment and purpose by contributing to the betterment of tourism destinations and communities and more specifically, the industry I call home in my professional career. I have participated in summits, witnessed the positive impact of the organization's initiatives on local communities, and developed meaningful connections with fellow board members and stakeholders.
Professionally, my involvement with Tourism Cares has allowed me to expand my network, gain insights into sustainable tourism practices, and contribute my expertise and skills to advance the organization's mission. It has also provided me with opportunities to engage with other professionals in the travel and tourism industry and stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
In September of 2022, I was fortunate enough to attend the Meaningful Travel Summit in Victoria, Canada. Having been born and raised in Canada, I felt that many of the sessions involving information about Canada, both around our sustainability practices and the local communities would be repetitive, but it really opened my eyes to how much I still have to learn about and from the people of Canada. While we are one very large country, we are so diverse in land, culture, community, and so many other factors. This made me think beyond Canada and how every country around the world, no matter how large or small, has so much diversity to it in so many different ways. I still have so much more to learn and am excited about what Tourism Cares will offer both the industry and the general public on this.
Looking to the future, I see Tourism Cares continuing to make a positive impact on tourism destinations and communities around the world. I envision the organization growing in terms of its reach, resources, and influence. With increased awareness and emphasis on sustainability in the travel and tourism industry, Tourism Cares will continue to play a crucial role in advocating for responsible tourism practices, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
In 20 years, I see Tourism Cares as a globally recognized organization with a strong presence in various regions, collaborating with more of the tourism industry, NGOs, and businesses to drive sustainable tourism development. I believe they will continue to grow their robust portfolio of projects, partnerships, and initiatives that promote responsible tourism, empower local communities, and protect the environment. Additionally, Tourism Cares will continue to build and develop a diverse and engaged community of stakeholders, including board members, supporters, and the industry who share a common vision for sustainable tourism and responsible travel and work together to achieve it.
Overall, I see Tourism Cares continuing to make a positive difference in the travel and tourism industry and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.
To learn more about Tourism Cares and its long history, visit our Mission page. #GoSomewhereGood
