Transforming the tourism industry into a force for GOOD

Transforming the tourism industry into a force for GOOD

The future of the tourism industry is being questioned by a Wellington-based social enterprise, GOOD Travel.

GOOD Travel believes that tourism has the potential to reduce poverty, empower communities and inspire the protection of environments - but that we all need to change the way we travel if we’re going to achieve these goals.

To celebrate the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, GOOD Travel has launched an initiative to bring together travellers who believe in a more sustainable and ethical tourism industry. Their new initiative, 'the GOOD Travel Community’ is about forming a global community of like-minded travellers who are passionate about transforming the tourism industry into a force for GOOD.

“We see the concept of being a GOOD Traveller as an identity that we should all work towards. Being a GOOD Traveller is about being conscious of the way you travel and taking the time to ensure that the way you spend your money and the way you behave is having a positive impact on the places you visit”, says GOOD Travel cofounder Eliza Raymond.

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, employing 1 in 11 people globally. The number of people travelling continues to grow each year with the World Tourism Organisation estimating that there will be 1.8 billion international tourist arrivals by 2030. There’s no doubt that tourism is impacting communities and environments everywhere, but how to do we ensure that this impact is a positive one?

Ms Raymond explains: “Our goal at GOOD Travel not only to inspire travellers to have a positive impact when they travel, but to make it easier for them to achieve this. There’s lots of great research out there on how to be more sustainable when we travel, but it’s not reaching the average traveller. Through our blog, social media and campaigns, we’re working to change this”.

By joining the GOOD Travel Community, travellers have the opportunity to be a part of the GOOD Travel movement as well as receive various perks. There are different tiers to the community with different benefits - by becoming an advocate for example, you can access a discounts at GOOD tourism businesses around the world ranging from carbon neutral lodges in the Amazon jungle to ethical tours in Buenos Aires.

Learn more: http://good-travel.org/community

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