The travel industry is at a pivotal
crossroads that will define its future. Suppliers, sellers and travelers all have a significant role in making the future of travel a sustainable success. The traveler should be able to enjoy an
authentic experience, with minimal impacts on the natural and cultural
landscape, while maximizing the positive economic benefits for the local
service providers and the host communities. This is the essence of
being a responsible traveler.
Traveling responsibly should be every traveler’s goal, and part of that commitment is purchasing services from travel companies, inbound tour operators, local tour guides, and local service providers that are committed to sustainability. This commitment to sustainability must focus on the 3 pillars: cultural, environmental, and socio-economic.
There is an effort in many parts of the world to assist local
entrepreneurs and organized community groups in planning and developing tourism
services as a means to supplement family incomes. This is especially
important in communities dependent on farming, fishing and other natural
resources, that are being directly influenced and affected by climate change.
After tourism activities are developed, and external support has ended, many
local service providers have difficulty accessing markets, especially
international travelers. The reasons include: limited marketing
expertise, limited internet access, time constraints, language barriers, and
many others.
The mission is to connect responsible-minded travelers, interested in enjoying authentic travel experiences, with local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organized community groups, committed to sustainable tourism and management practices. This model of shared responsibilities and benefits can prove to be a win-win relationship for all parties involved.
