Tourism Cares

Once again, our hearts are heavy as we reach out in the wake of another devastating weather event—this time across the Southeast, including parts of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and the entire Western North Carolina region, including Tourism Cares Member Explore Asheville. Sadly, these messages have become all too frequent, reminding us of the urgency of our work in sustainable tourism and climate action. The travel and tourism industry has always been a close-knit, supportive community, and we know that many of you are eager to help. In times like these, our collective strength and compassion truly shine. We are asking our community to support these areas by donating to the following organizations who are working tirelessly to provide immediate assistance where it is most needed. Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a difference. 💛Asheville & Western North Carolina: North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund; World Central Kitchen, MANNA FoodBank - Asheville NC and Samaritan's Purse. 💛Florida: Florida Disaster Fund 💛Georgia: United Way of the CSRA and Camp Rock of Georgia 💛Tennessee: Eastern Tennessee Foundation 💛South Carolina: United Way of Greenville County Please visit these organizations to make a donation, or reach out to Destinations International who is also assisting partners through their foundation work. Your generosity will support those most impacted as they begin the long journey from relief to recovery. We will remain in close contact with our partners in North Carolina and keep you updated on additional ways we can come together to aid in their long-term recovery. Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support and compassion. Photo Credit: Fiasco Media / Stephan Pruitt Photography #hurricanehelene #helene #whentourismcares

🌍 For travel professionals, staying ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of tourism is a constant challenge. With the rising demand for authentic, immersive travel, it's more important than ever to ensure our industry supports—not harms—local communities and the environment. Help protect the future of travel by choosing more meaningful experiences that are beneficial for host communities, the environment, and your clients. Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map is your one-stop source for sustainable and community-led organizations, products, accommodations, and tours, empowering travel professionals to offer meaningful experiences while sustaining the industry's future. In an ever-changing world with high competition, don’t get left behind…#GetOnTheMap! #SustainableTourism #MeaningfulTravel #GetOnTheMap #WhenTourismCares

Are you ready to make travel more meaningful? This October, Tourism Cares invites all travel professionals to #GetOnTheMap and discover sustainable experiences that drive positive impact for communities around the globe! The Meaningful Travel Map is a tool that connects travel professionals with vetted, locally-led organizations that help promote social change, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. > As part of the campaign, Tourism Cares will provide FREE virtual sustainability consultations to any travel professional throughout October. Usually only available to Tourism Cares members, these consultations will help guide participants on how to integrate sustainable practices into their business operations and tour offerings. > Travel professionals can participate in a special sweepstakes as part of the ‘Get on the Map’ campaign, offering one lucky winner a complimentary registration for its 2025 Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand. > Check out our new social media toolkit to help us spread the word and demonstrate your commitment to a more sustainable and responsible future for travel. Let's create meaningful connections for travelers and communities. Find all details at https://hubs.ly/Q02RT4xr0. #SustainableTourism #MeaningfulTravel #GetOnTheMap

Today, September 30, the Tourism Cares team is wearing orange in honor of Truth and Reconciliation Day, which remembers Indigenous children sent to residential and boarding schools during forced assimilation efforts. Although Orange Shirt Day began in Canada, its message of healing resonates across North America, recognizing the shared trauma faced by Indigenous communities. This day encourages us to reflect on the past and commit to supporting Indigenous voices in the journey toward reconciliation. To learn more about how the travel industry can play a role in fostering respect and understanding for Indigenous cultures, visit Destinations International's blog: https://hubs.ly/Q02RcXC-0. Discover more at https://hubs.ly/Q02RcX4k0.

Today on the last day of Climate Week 2024, we want to recognize that climate justice goes beyond the technical aspects of reducing carbon emissions – it focuses on the human side of the climate crisis, recognizing that those who have contributed the least to the crisis to are often the most affected by its consequences. For the travel industry, embracing climate justice means acknowledging these disparities and taking steps to ensure that our actions support, rather than harm, the communities that rely on tourism. Travelers are increasingly looking to support companies that align with their values, and climate justice is at the heart of this shift. By prioritizing marginalized communities in sustainable tourism efforts, businesses can foster stronger, more meaningful relationships with the destinations they serve, while also enhancing the quality of their offerings Learn more by checking out our new blog, Why Climate Action Means Climate Justice in Tourism, here: https://hubs.ly/Q02Rdcgw0 #ClimateWeek2024 #ClimateWeekNYC #ClimateJustice #WhenTourismCares

The Tourism Cares North American Meaningful Travel Summit with the Willamette Valley kicks off next week, and we are excited to announce that our event is SOLD OUT! We are excited to welcome over 150 professionals from across the travel industry to explore how meaningful travel can drive local impact and enhance the visitor experience. The Summit will be hosted by Willamette Valley Visitors Association and its partner Travel Lane Countyand sponsored by: ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors, Expedia Group, Experience Kissimmee, Destination Greater Victoria, International Inbound Travel Association (IITA), Rocky Moutaineer, MMGY Global, Simpleview, Western Leisure, Inc., 4VI Group, Travel Oregon, Brand USA, and Trip Mate. #MeaningfulWillamette #WhenTourismCares #MeaningfulTravel

🌍 This World Tourism Day, we're reminded of the power tourism holds to foster peace and connection across the globe. From promoting cultural exchange to supporting post-conflict recovery, sustainable tourism can help build a more peaceful, just world. Read more in this insightful blog by Sustainable Travel International on 10 ways tourism advances peace, and share your commitment to promoting peace through tourism: https://hubs.ly/Q02RhSqT0 #WorldTourismDay #TourismForPeace #SustainableTourism #TourismCares #SustainableTravel

In a recent interview with Authority Magazine, Tourism Cares CEO Greg Takehara explores the evolving role of sustainability in the travel and tourism industry. In the article, "Journey to Sustainability: Greg Takehara Of Tourism Cares On How Their Company is Revolutionizing Sustainable Travel and Tourism," Greg discusses the challenges the industry faces and highlights the importance of collaboration and education in driving meaningful change. He also delves into innovative initiatives, such as Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map, designed to promote responsible travel practices worldwide. Read the full interview to learn more about the growing movement towards sustainable travel and how everyone can play a role in making a positive impact. https://hubs.ly/Q02R9MFJ0

Are you headed to #Eugene #Oregon this weekend? I’m thrilled to be invited as the keynote speaker for Tourism Cares North American Meaningful Travel Summit! Representing Coraggio Group, I will be leading a discussion where I'll be diving deep into how our perspectives shape not only our personal journeys but the world around us. 🌍 In this session, we’ll unpack how privilege, self-awareness, and authenticity influence our understanding of the world and how they can ripple out to create meaningful change in our communities. By embracing our unique perspectives, we challenge norms and open doors for broader conversations that foster empathy, connection, and growth. We'll explore thought-provoking questions like:   "How would you use your time and position if your location could shape who you are? Or if your unique perspective could change the world around you?" I’m excited to bring these important discussions forward and hope to inspire others to reflect on their own roles in shaping society. Looking forward to engaging with everyone at this incredible event! #KeynoteSpeaker #WelcomeToTheWorld #Perspective #Privilege #SelfAwareness #Authenticity #CommunityEngagement #Leadership #InclusiveGrowth #CoraggioGroup #TourismCares #MeaningfulTravelSummit

🌍 New Course: Introduction to Climate Justice Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the travel industry today, with intensifying hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts affecting destinations worldwide. However, the negative impacts aren’t felt equally—vulnerable communities, who contribute the least to the problem, often suffer the most. Click below to learn more about climate justice and why it matters to the travel industry. Then join us in our new course, Introduction to Climate Justice, to dive deeper and explore how the travel industry can adopt equitable climate solutions: https://lnkd.in/dZ3etUTQ. Together, we can transform travel into a force for good. #WhenTourismCares #ClimateJustice