Leading the way: 10 remarkable Sustainable Tourism businesses that are making a difference

We are living in an era in which sustainable and eco-friendly choices are no longer an option, but rather the duty of each one of us to reduce the damage already caused to the environment and society. It’s an era where travelers increasingly seek ethical and eco-conscious options and sustainable tourism businesses are gaining prominence. These enterprises not only offer unique and enriching experiences but also prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

Therefore, it is important to know who we are consuming from and how much damage our actions will have, thus opting for sustainable companies. Let's explore 10 outstanding sustainable tourism businesses that are setting the standard for responsible travel.

First, let's talk about EcoCamp Patagonia. This hotel is nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and is a pioneer in sustainable luxury opening their business in 2001. Their geodesic domes blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, and they are committed to minimizing their environmental footprint through renewable energy use and eco-friendly practices.

The second one that we bring out today is The Long Run, which is a global network of sustainable tourism businesses committed to achieving a balance between conservation, community, culture, and commerce. Members undergo a rigorous selection process, ensuring a commitment to the highest standards of sustainability. Through The Long Run, sustainable tourism businesses are connected to a global community of exceptional destinations that support and inspire each other to expand their positive impact and excel in meeting the highest standards of sustainability, encompassing Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Sounds pretty cool, right?

The third sustainable business we will present is Soneva which contains sustainable luxury resorts in the Maldives and Thailand. Soneva resorts redefine luxury with a focus on environmental stewardship and incorporate renewable energy, zero-waste policies and carbon offsetting initiatives. Furthermore, Soneva is dedicated to protecting marine life and supporting local communities.

And you may be thinking now, is being sustainable about being luxurious? And the answer is no! See our fourth example, G Adventures, which promotes trips with small groups in a sustainable and financially accessible way! G Adventures is a pioneer in sustainable small group travel. They prioritize community engagement, local experiences and responsible tourism practices. Through the Planeterra Foundation, they invest in community development projects around the world.

Continuing with our list, we head to Central America, where Lapa Rios Lodge is located, which is situated in the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, which is dedicated to conservation and community empowerment. The lodge actively participates in reforestation projects, wildlife monitoring and supports local education initiatives. In other words, it is an excellent option for those who want to have fun, relax and be in contact with the wonders of nature without causing harm to it.

Now think with me, how fun is it to travel, enjoy and also help communities and our flora and fauna? If you think that it sounds interesting, you should definitely learn more about Basecamp Explorer who are committed to creating positive impact tourism. With lodges in Africa and Svalbard, they prioritize community involvement, wildlife conservation and minimizing their ecological footprint. Its projects include community tourism initiatives and wildlife research. Furthermore, with their funding, they also help combat climate change and erosion through planting trees, and in 20 years they have already planted 178 thousand trees! I mean… that’s what I call making a difference!

Do you know about Lush Experiences? Lush Experiences is a collection of independent hotels and accommodations committed to sustainable and experiential travel. Its properties prioritize environmental conservation, support local communities and offer authentic cultural experiences in several different countries, including Barbados, Morocco and England! Furthermore, its hotels were nominated for a 2023 World Travel Award! So cool, right?

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn is a coffee plantation and eco-lodge in Costa Rica that goes beyond sustainable practices. They are dedicated to agroforestry and organic agriculture and have a strong commitment to social responsibility, including supporting education and health in the local community, all at affordable prices, after all, being sustainable can also be economical!

The ninth company we present here is Intrepid Travel, which is a leading adventure travel company that prioritizes responsible and sustainable tourism. They focus on small group experiences, supporting local businesses and minimizing environmental impact. Offering bike and walking tours in different parts of the world, Intrepid has committed to becoming climate positive by 2025.

Finally, you must be curious to know how to find these sustainable tourism businesses and be a more conscious traveler or even form partnerships with these businesses, well, that's what we show you through the tenth sustainable company.

Kind Traveler is an innovative platform that connects travelers to hotels committed to social and environmental responsibility. Travelers unlock exclusive rates by donating to a local charity while booking, promoting community support and sustainable practices.The coolest thing about this? 100% of funds go to charity!

Phew! We have reached the end of the 10 sustainable tourism business companies that inspired Sustain & Impact Tourism this year!

But hey, these are just 10, and there are many others around our world, and you could be one of them! 

Do you want to know more about how to become more sustainable and boost your business? Book a free 30-min discovery session with us!

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