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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