Tourism Cares, a leading non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability within the tourism industry, announce the launch of its “Get on the Map” campaign, a month-long initiative running from October 1 through October 31, 2024. The campaign is designed to inspire travel professionals to integrate more responsible and impact-driven organizations into their travel itineraries and product lines by sourcing from Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map, a powerful travel trade tool that provides a list of vetted sustainable experiences, tours, accommodations, and organizations worldwide.
As part of the ‘Get on the Map’ campaign, Tourism Cares will provide free virtual sustainability consultations to any travel professional throughout October. Usually only available to Tourism Cares members, these consultations are led by the organization’s team of meaningful travel practitioners who help guide participants on how to integrate sustainable practices into their business operations and tour offerings.
What is Meaningful Travel?
Meaningful travel ensures direct benefits for host communities, protects cultural and environmental assets, and connects guests with destinations in a deeper, more responsible way. To be included on the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map, organizations must prioritize:
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Community Involvement – Ensuring that tourism brings sustainable economic benefits, especially to those not traditionally impacted positively by tourism.
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Diversity and Inclusion – Valuing people from all backgrounds and perspectives, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and woman-owned.
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Cultural Preservation – Protecting and respecting local cultural heritage, including traditions, practices, and historical sites.
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Positive Impact – Including non-profits, social enterprises, B Corps, and other organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in tourism.
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Environmental Responsibility – Aligning with Nature Positive Travel & Tourism principles to conserve the environment, enhance biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions.
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Local Experiences – Creating immersive experiences that allow guests to gain a deeper understanding of the local people and places they visit.
via https://www.tourismcares.org/meaningful-map

