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14 sustainable travel companies you can feel good about booking with

Do some good while seeing the world when you book with these ethical and sustainable travel companies

Photograph: Guaxinim / Shutterstock

While we don’t want to labour on the negatives, you don’t need to be an expert or activist to understand that we are in a climate pinch. It seems a little contradictory to fear for the future while excitedly encouraging international travel, but we humans are an innovative bunch. Exploring the globe doesn’t need to be devastating, and being a responsible traveller doesn’t mean lectures and negativity. Whether you call it eco-travel, sustainable, ethical, regenerative or eco-travel, there is plenty to get excited about.

An increasing number of sustainable travel companies are creating itineraries that allow curious minds to see the world while keeping the impact down. The experiences are awe-inspiring, from hiking remote mountaintops to embracing the world’s most impressive national parks, allowing visitors to engage with destinations in a way that extends far beyond the superficial. If you’re looking for an ethical and environmentally driven travel company for your next adventure, look no further.

RECOMMENDED: 

🍁   Five of the world’s wildest places and the people working to keep them that w 🥾   The 16 best hikes in the world 🌊   The 15 most spectacular places to swim in the world

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Sustainable travel companies

1.  byway travel.

In an ambitious mission statement, UK travel platform Byway declares that its goal is to make flight-free holidays a mainstream holiday choice. Their way of doing so? By helping people discover the beauty of slow, overland travel across the British Isles and Europe . Founder and CEO Cat Jones launched the now B Corporation-certified company during the first Covid lockdown, determined to find a way to reduce flight emissions. Her explanation was simple: If we continue on the current trajectory, emissions from flying are due to triple by 2050. 

2.  Gondwana Ecotours

Named after the ancient supercontinent that gradually split to become the land masses we recognize today, Gondwana Ecotours says its mission is to bring people from different continents closer together, one trip at a time. The New Orleans -based company specializes in small group and private tours that take on exhilarating experiences around the globe, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda and eco-adventures in Patagonia and Mendoza.

A key component of Gondwana is its network of guides who live in the communities visited, adding personal knowledge, depth and authenticity to the experience while providing tourism-generated income. The company is also committed to limiting its carbon footprint through sustainable travel practices and is recognized for offsetting more than 580 tons of carbon emissions. Since 2021, its tours have been 100-percent carbon-neutral, as certified by the Cooler emissions tracking organization.

3.  Intrepid Travel

Australian-owned Intrepid has always been forthright in declaring its commitment to ethical and responsible practices. In 2018, it became one of the first global travel operators to be B Corporation-certified. Since 2010, it has been operating as the world’s largest carbon-neutral company, carefully measuring and offsetting all unavoidable carbon emissions for 13 years. 

Their trips are just as impressive. From 15-day expeditions traversing the extraordinary gorges and remote villages of northern Pakistan’s Hunza Valley to nine-day itineraries centred around baby gorilla naming ceremonies in Rwanda’s spectacular Volcanoes National Park, Intrepid offer true bucket list travel adventures suited to guests of all interests and abilities. In 2020, as a part of the Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency initiative, the company published a seven-point climate commitment plan – revealing its intention to transition to 100% renewable energy use in offices by 2025 and on all trips by 2030.

4.  Experience Travel Group

Operating on the belief that ‘travel should be about reciprocation’, Asia travel specialist Experience Travel Group holds responsible travel at its core, enabling guests to interact with the community and experience real cultural immersion on every trip. Another B Corporation-certified company, the team is dedicated to creating experiences that divert away from trendy hubs and big hotels. Instead, they build personalised itineraries with initiatives to give back to the community included in the package. 

On adventures in Indonesia , Laos, Cambodia , Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam , for example, guests can enjoy delicious local dishes at ‘social enterprise’ restaurants that support vulnerable young people through job training and employment. In Cambodia, a trip to the Phare Circus in Siem Reap sends funds directly to a performing arts school for underprivileged children in nearby Battambang. A three-day hike along sections of Sri Lanka ’s Pekoe Trail follows the old horse and cart routes that carried tea to the ports, bringing vital income to little-visited communities. 

5.  Seacology

In 1990, American ethnobotanist Dr Paul Cox was conducting forest research in Samoa when village leaders told him 30,000 acres of pristine rainforest were about to be logged due to a government decree to fund a school. Cox was horrified and quickly devised a proposal to raise the needed money to conserve the forest in perpetuity. His plan worked and has come to define the Seacology model: Provide material benefits to villages that pledge to protect their natural resources.

Today, Seacology offers unique ecotourism adventures throughout the world’s islands, where travelers visit active projects, interact with local people and are part of the formula that helps conserve both habitats and communities. Seacology guests also explore intriguing island environments, from the coral reefs of  Fiji to the rainforests of Borneo, while staying at well-appointed resorts and visiting important cultural sites. With all this tropical splendour, expect plenty of opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, hike and kayak.

6.  Discover Corps

Discover Corps is the leader in the rapidly growing field of 'volunteer vacations' focusing on children, schools, animals and wildlife conservation. Yes, 'voluntourism' has often become a buzzword to cash in on thinly veiled claims, earning criticism and scrutiny over the years. However, Discover Corps operates with complete transparency and has become something of a gold standard for the model.

Trip itineraries are designed to connect travellers to local communities and provide a deeper understanding of the culture, issues, and ways of life in locations around the world. Many projects are in Africa , Asia , and Latin America and can range from caring for elephants in Thailand to helping to protect the animals in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park region.

7.  ROW Adventures

From its beginnings as a whitewater rafting company in the US's Pacific Northwest, ROW Adventures has evolved into an adventure travel company that advocates the transformative nature of human-powered experiences. According to ROW, connecting people with nature results in positive impacts, and the company adheres to conducting business in an inclusive and sustainable way while promoting social equity, environmental stewardship and accountability. Human-powered activities allow participants to fully observe the surroundings, whether white water rafting in Idaho's Salmon River, sea kayaking the orcas in Canada, or trekking across Machu Picchu.

ROW also recognizes that travel is a large contributor to the world’s carbon footprint and subsequently mitigates the impact by offsetting carbon-producing activities whenever possible. At the same time, trips also educate guests to be advocates for locations visited, with special recognition given to the awareness of Indigenous communities and honouring their legacies, lives and connections to the land.

8.  Natural Habitat Adventures

Conservation through exploration is the credo of Natural Habitat Adventures , the official travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund. Nat Hab, as it’s called, is committed to environmentally friendly nature travel, stressing that its travellers become a force for change in addressing the planet's most pressing conservation challenges. Polar bear tours in the Canadian Arctic , African safaris and South American nature tours are examples of the company’s itineraries where tourism dollars become an influential incentive for communities to protect their natural resources.

Nat Hab also acknowledges that its 8,000 annual travellers on all seven continents expend plenty of CO2. To mitigate travel’s carbon output, the company leans into offsetting measures. From 2007 to 2019, Nat Hab offset 49,418 tons of carbon dioxide and has become the world's first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company. They’ve also provided more than $4.5 million to support WWF’s global conservation efforts and continue to give one-percent of gross sales plus $150,000 annually in support of WWF’s global mission. 

9.  Cheeseman's Ecological Safaris

Ecology safaris catering to wildlife enthusiasts looking for an in-depth nature experience is what husband-and-wife founders Doug and Gail Cheeseman envisioned when they started their namesake company in 1980. Doug, a college zoology and ecology professor, and Gail, a naturalist, turned their passion for nature into a travel company focusing on comprehensive wildlife tours all over the globe. Working with local guides and wildlife researchers, tours are designed for hardcore animal lovers who are obsessed with travel and enjoy learning about the animals they encounter.

For example, Cheeseman’s  Palau National Marine Reserve diving trip in the western Pacific Ocean offers 12 days of snorkelling, paddling, sailing and diving among the awe-inspiring tropical islands in the region.

10.  Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions co-founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell took the first group of commercial travellers to the North Pole in 1991, completing the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage. That inaugural expedition proved a game-changer and positioned the company at the forefront of polar explorations. In the three decades since, its polar travellers have visited remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic. 

With the Earth’s polar regions threatened by climate change, Quark is committed to raising awareness of these delicate ecosystems through environmentally responsible tourism. A facet of that commitment is the company’s Polar Promise to reduce its footprint and work with other industry leaders, as well as guests, to address the complex and challenging issues facing the regions. Coordinating with a global network of scientists, community leaders and sustainability innovators, the company plans to contribute a minimum of $500,000 each year in support of key environmental initiatives and sustainable development projects.

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11 Top Sustainable Travel Companies That Support Eco-Friendly Tourism

These sustainable tourism companies give you endless ethical wanderlust.

Updated by Francesca Brooking

Edited & Fact Checked By Amber McDaniel

Updated September 7, 2023

We independently research all featured brands and products. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here .

We love to travel—but if you’re like us, the conflicting eco-anxieties and GHGs associated with globetrotting can cast a grey cloud over your grand adventure.

For a better way to see the world, discover our favorite sustainable travel companies that enrich not only your life, but the places you visit.

From conservation projects and off-grid lodges to all-inclusive safari tours, boutique hotels and bespoke luxury itineraries that really do help the local communities, the below eco-friendly tourism companies wear their green hearts on their sleeves.

Our Curated List Of The Best Eco Tour Companies For Responsible Roaming

How can the travel industry be sustainable.

It’s no secret that the tourism industry has its fair share of ethical and environmental issues. 

Carbon and fuel-intensive flights, over tourism, exploitation, animal cruelty—the list goes on.

Not to mention tourism leakage, a process in which most of the money generated by tourism goes into the pockets of billion-dollar travel companies rather than into local communities that need it. 

However, you don’t need to hang up your suitcase for good. If done responsibly, tourism can have a profoundly positive impact on both the traveler and the destinations they visit.

With the right planning or travel companies, sustainable travel supports livelihoods and funnels your money directly into the local economy. 

It allows small businesses to flourish, funds community projects, and helps protect the environment by showcasing its economic value if left intact. 

To us, the environment is already priceless, but what we mean here is that sustainable tourism (whether solo or with the assistance of eco travel agents and tour operators) can help conserve the natural world by preventing it from being turned into farmland or apartment buildings! 

While tourism still has a long way to go, sustainable travel companies are pioneering positive change in the industry. 

From employing local guides to offering flight-free holidays and measuring their environmental and cultural impact, these tour operators make sure they benefit every destination they facilitate trips to.

Keep reading to find our top recommended environmentally conscious trips and jump to the bottom to learn what we consider when planning a trip with eco-tourism and sustainable travel in mind.

11 Eco-Friendly Tourism Companies To Book Your Vacation With

1. responsible travel.

The clue is in the name with Responsible Travel . They’ve led the way in eco-friendly vacations and ecotourism tours since the turn of the century.

This eco travel agency has over 5,000 adventures on offer to destinations all over the world.

Choose from hiking, conservation, diving, kayaking, cycling tours or head off to track snow leopards, swim with the whales or cruise Antarctica.

Responsible Travel has a give-back program, which campaigns for positive change with NGOs and activists.

Its eco travel options focus on local culture and local people, making sure your money goes to independent businesses and supports animal conservation.

You won’t find any elephant rides or exploitative practices here. In fact, they’re an excellent resource for learning about the difference between ethical and unethical wildlife experiences. 

2. &Beyond

One of the top eco-friendly travel companies for luxury safaris, &Beyond goes above and beyond investing back into the local environment. They focus on small-group and tailor-made tours in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Indian Ocean.

If you’re keen to tick off the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), you have plenty of ethical choices with their range of responsible luxury safaris in 11 African countries with 29 camps and lodges that all employ local guides.

Search for wildlife on the Serengeti, track the great migration, explore Masai Mara national park or glide in a hot air balloon over the Namib Desert.

One example is their Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana which has a state-of-the-art Tesla solar power plant that gives them 80% of their energy.

They also have a responsible travel policy which looks after the land, people and animals. Environmental projects in Botswana include rhino conservation, supporting local isolated communities and providing them with access to safe drinking water. 

Kynder cuts to the chase.

This eco-travel platform brings together the best hotels, cafés, bars and restaurants in Europe and the USA that are eco-friendly, humane, kind and community loving.

We’re talking kind to the planet, to staff, their locality and kind to you, too. 

Find the off-the-beaten-track places that make your sustainable trip, from coffee shops hiring only refugees to the coolest eco hotels and holistic retreats.

All hotels and hospitality establishments must pass a rigorous set of guidelines to be accepted onto their platform. 

That way, you can be confident that these small businesses are truly genuine. No greenwashing here. 

4. Undiscovered Mountains

Undiscovered Mountains is one of the top travel companies for sustainable tourism in the French Alps.

From skiing and snow-touring to building an igloo in winter to mountain biking, rock climbing and cycling in the summer, it’s all here. 

It’s possible to do horse riding, wildlife holidays, walks, kayaking and fishing holidays. Any active, outdoor adventure holiday you can think of, you will most likely find it. 

It has special packages for families and singles, so you can guarantee you’re always paying a fair price. 

Plus, Undiscovered Mountains only works with local guides, independent accommodation and responsible partners. 

Rest assured, all your hard-earned cash goes to the people who deserve it and those who help protect this stunning European mountain range.

5. Adventure Alternative

Among sustainable travel companies, UK-based Adventure Alternative is calling other mountain enthusiasts with sights set on remote, rugged adventures worldwide.

This responsible travel tour operator is based in Ireland but takes intrepid souls all over the world, from Borneo to East Africa. This is the company for you if you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or making the trek to Everest Base Camp. 

For slightly more laid-back trips, there are also wildlife tours and safaris. 

As well as hiking and trekking, Adventure Alternative is a member of Fair Trade Volunteering. 

The sustainable travel company runs volunteering trips through Moving Mountains in various countries across the globe, which makes sure each project is needed and useful.

They also invest heavily in their whole supply chain, from local guides to community projects, and they works to a framework set by sustainable travel principles.

6. Intrepid Travel

While Intrepid Travel has been around for years, the eco-tourism operator is no slow coach when it comes to slow and sustainable trips. 

They’re not just a Certified B Corp , but the largest travel company in the world to become one.

They pride themselves on incorporating the principles of sustainable development in the way they provide travelers with authentic and real-life experiences.

Simply put, these are small group trips all over the world, from Greenland to Oman that get you up close and personal with wildlife and cultural highlights with local guides and specialist experts.

You can book cycling, sailing or wildlife trips with them, too. There are family-friendly tours, expedition cruises, women’s expeditions, tailor-made itineraries, National Geographic expeditions and budget-conscious tours for those aged 18-29. 

Whatever your travel style, you’ll find your perfect eco travel experience. 

The Intrepid Foundation also supports 50 community and conservation projects all over the world. Plus, they cover all administration costs so 100% of your donation goes directly to the project of your choosing. 

7. Kind Traveler

Kind Traveler is a socially conscious ‘Give + Get’ hotel booking platform that empowers travellers to be a force for good.

$10 goes to a local community or charity close to where you’re staying, and you’ll unlock an exclusive rate at that hotel or destination across the US and beyond.

Kind Traveler is one of a growing number of eco travel companies that want to harness the power of routine bookings we already make and use them to benefit the planet. It’s a simple yet effective way to give back when booking your trip. 

An example of one of the best traveler companies that have implemented sustainable tourism policies, Kind Traveler’s goals are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): preventing poverty and hunger, protecting the planet, and promoting well-being for individuals and animals.

One of the top sustainable travel companies South America -bound travelers have, Aracari organizes eco-luxury holidays and boutique trips around Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador—including the Galapagos Islands.

In recognition of their ethical efforts, sustainable brand consultants Positive Luxury has awarded the tour operator the prestigious Butterfly Mark.

They’re also a favorite with Conde Nast Traveller, and their specialist guides are some of the best in the business.

They infuse all of their tours with environmental and social good, foster long-term relationships with local communities, help you reduce your environmental footprint, and ensure everyone gets paid a living wage.

Really experience Latin American culture with authentic homestays on Lake Titicaca or get access to exclusive local accommodation from Aracari’s black book of contacts that no one else has. 

For a more hands-on experience, spend time with community projects like Tierra de los Yachaqs, a philanthropic organization determined to preserve the history and traditions of local people in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

9. Rickshaw Travel

Rickshaw Travel has a whole host of independent and authentic trips that get under the skin of Southeast Asia.

Explore Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand with their ethical and impactful itineraries.

The global sustainable tour operator also offers trips to India, Japan, China, and Bhutan as well as destinations in Central and South America plus Europe and North America.

This company is all about meaningful travel experiences, meeting people and discovering unique local cultures and customs.

Choose to go trekking, discover landscapes by bike, tuck into amazing street food and meet the people that make an eco-travel trip an unforgettable experience.

Head out on a flight-free holiday with slow travel experts Byway .

This eco-friendly tour company arranges slow travel adventures across the UK and Europe by train, bike, ferry and foot – no planes in sight here. 

Their dynamic trip builder creates personal trips and tours based on your interests, while your virtual guide can assist with your journey via WhatsApp. 

Byway manages all your itinerary and bookings and comes up with the perfect sustainable tours for solo, couple, or family travelers.

We love their commitment to authentic travel without the carbon footprint of flying. 

All your accommodation is locally owned, too. Think: family-owned B&Bs and boutique hotels, all with the utmost comfort—and of course, fabulous breakfasts!

11. Earth Changers

Inspirational, transformative tourism is what’s on offer at Earth Changers , an online travel booking platform which features a list of environmental holidays whether it’s adventure, active breaks, or conservation trips. 

At the moment there are ten destinations which include the first-ever marine conservation reserve in Tanzania to Floreana, which is the smallest of the inhabited islands in the Galapagos archipelago.

You don’t have to book far-flung destinations either. Join an authentic mountain ranch in Croatia or do an adventure trip in Wales much closer to home. 

Earth Changers is a global eco-tourism project that truly has a positive impact, and you’ll get to meet world-changing pioneers along the way. 

How Did We Choose The Top Eco-Tourism Companies?

Eco-tourism and sustainable travel are often used interchangeably. 

So what is an eco-tourism company? And how does it differ from a sustainable travel company?

An eco-tourism operator tends to focus on low-impact, nature-based tours that conserve the environment through culture and education. 

Think gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Intrepid Travel, staying in an eco-lodge with Aracari or booking a conservation holiday with Earth Changers. 

Sustainable tourism is the umbrella term for eco-friendly travel. It’s based on the three pillars of sustainability: economic impact, sociocultural impact and environmental impact.

The idea is that travelers have the option to choose sustainable practices in all aspects of their trip. Kind Traveler’s hotel booking platform and Kynder are perfect examples of this. 

Let’s explore some of our essential criteria for evaluating each sustainable travel company.

Carbon Goals & Achievements: 

A truly eco travel company should prioritize carbon footprint reduction by offering flight-free alternatives, promoting train, bike, and ferry travel over flights.

If flights are part of the experience,they should be utilizing some of the best carbon offset programs to counteract the carbon footprint of those flights.

Sustainable Accommodations:

We want to explore with sustainable travel companies that curate experiences with eco-friendly hotels and restaurants, guaranteeing that your stay supports businesses that are kind to the planet and their communities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

Respect for cultures being visited is an obvious essential, sustainable travel or not, but we also want companies that support local communities with meaningful cultural exchanges, fair employment of local guides, and additional investment in economic development in destination regions.

In other words, your money should be mostly staying in the community you’re visiting.

Pay It Forward:

We love to see charitable initiatives that give back to these communities in additional ways, such as supporting local conservation and social programs.

Closing Thoughts On Sustainable Tourism Companies

As you can see, eco-tourism and sustainable travel work towards creating an industry that gives back, uplifts local communities and protects fragile environments.

 They also provide you with much more authentic and rewarding travel experiences.

Have a green travel lover in your life?

Share this list of the top eco tour companies and spark their eco-friendly wanderlust.

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11 Eco-Tourism Companies To Help You Book Your Next Sustainable Adventure

Francesca Brooking

Traveling the world can be a great way to expand your worldview and experience different cultures.

But unfortunately, travel is simply not an eco-friendly activity, and researching sustainable travel options is time-consuming.

Enter: the best eco-tourism companies . 

Ethical travel companies do the work of finding the best eco-friendly transportation, accommodation, and experiences, so all you have to do is decide on your destination and book the trip.

Eco-friendly travel companies range from fully guided tours to booking sites where you can plan your own trip using a set of pre-vetted companies and activities–so regardless of your travel style, you’re earning a few more sustainable travel miles.

Everything we recommend to you on Sustainable Jungle is independently researched and we ask all brands to confirm their claims. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this  here .

Ready, Set, Jet With The Top Eco-Tour Companies

You’ve heard of AirBnB, but what about Fairbnb.coop ?

If you’re looking for ecotourism companies in Europe , this one is not to be missed. They’re just like their unfair (cough cough gentrifying) namesake, except they pay it back to the communities their hosts are located in by putting 50% of profits toward community projects.

Earth Changers is a planet-minded eco-tourism company committed to aggressively reducing carbon emissions associated with travel, without relying solely on carbon offsets.

Sitting in the slow lounge with your sustainable luggage and waiting to board your flight?Itineraries

Then read up what it means to be among the best eco tour companies by jet-setting to the bottom .

The Full List Of Sustainable Travel Companies

• Rooms for Change | Explore Itineraries
• Book Different | Explore Itineraries
• FairBnB.coop | Explore Itineraries
• Earth Changers | Explore Itineraries
• Earthwatch | Explore Itineraries
• Natural Habitat Adventures | Explore Itineraries
• G Adventures | Explore Itineraries
• Seacology | Explore Itineraries
• Intrepid Travel | Explore Itineraries
• Gondwana Ecotours | Explore Itineraries
• ByWay | Explore Itineraries
• Responsible Travel | Explore Itineraries

1. Rooms for Change

About Rooms for Change 

Rooms for Change isn’t an eco tourism operator , but rather a non-profit accommodation booking site with 100% of proceeds going towards travel scholarships that give disadvantaged youth, senior citizens, and veterans a chance to travel. 

Their third-party accommodation partners range from sustainable hotels to home rentals, so there’s a destination for any length of stay. 

No matter where you’re planning your eco vacations–U.S., Europe, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, the Middle East, Asia, and the South Pacific—there are sustainable hotels everywhere for you to book through Rooms for Change. 

Rooms for Change’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Because Rooms for Change is a non-profit, 100% of the proceeds and donations they collect through their operations go toward the travel scholarships that form the core mission of their business. 

They sponsor as many trips as they can, based on budget and availability. If there is someone in your life who you think would benefit from a travel scholarship, you can recommend them to Rooms for Change through their website.

2. bookdifferent

About bookdifferent

An eco-friendly accommodation booking site with a heart for sustainability, bookdifferent has a worldwide database of sustainable stays that have passed their robust checks. 

They evaluate management of each listed accommodation for sustainability and legal compliance, equitable employee treatment, respect for local cultures and traditions, and care for the environment. 

Each area is represented by a green heart—the accommodation sites with all four hearts indicate the greenest choice.

bookdifferent has thousands of different accommodation options all over the globe, so the world is your oyster.

bookdifferent’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

bookdifferent has signed the International Tourism Plastic Pledge , which indicates their commitment to reducing plastic pollution from the travel industry. 

They’ve partnered with Clean the World to highlight hotels that minimize plastic pollution, which is a criterion you can filter by when searching for accommodation on the site.

They also provide guidance and resources for sustainable travel destinations, travel tips, and business focused tools for enabling sustainable business travel.

3. Fairbnb.coop

About Fairbnb.coop

A direct play on the AirBnB brand, Fairbnb .coop offers a similar service of connecting guests with hosts, but with an intentional, ethical component. The prices are similar to using AirBnb, but 50% of Fairbnb.coop’s commission goes towards social projects in hosts’ local communities. 

Signing up as a host is free, and the cost is the same for the consumer, but with a fair greater social impact than using a similar rental service. 

Right now Fairbnb.coop accommodation is available in Europe and the UK, but availability depends on the interest and participation of hosts, so new Fairbnbs could be coming to you any time, just like the system is coming to Canada in the near future.

Fairbnb.coop’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Fairbnb.coop has a co-op based business model, with different nodes collecting all stays in one geographic area. Co-op members get to decide how their node is run, and how they can incorporate sustainable tourism into their community. 

Many of the community projects Fairbnb.coop sponsors through their commission fees support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals , addressing issues like sustainable food systems and access, gender equality, clean energy, and sustainable communities.

4. Earth Changers

About Earth Changers

Partnering with eco-friendly tour operators and accommodations around the world, Earth Changers is an eco travel company living by their core values of adventure and connection with integrity.

Earth Changers is primarily a booking site, providing a database of experiences and stays that have been curated and vetted to be the most sustainable options for your trip.

Looking for Galapagos eco tour companies?

That’s just the start of where you can travel to through Earth Changers. 

You can also go to other destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America—or none of the above, by way of a sailing adventure.

Earth Changers’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Earth Changers is fiercely committed to combating climate change , and they are aggressively reducing and minimizing their carbon emissions from the very start. 

Additionally, many of their partners are actively combatting waste and pollution in their communities, and are using innovative waste to reduce consumption and damage to the environment. 

Because of this, you may be asked to comply with certain requirements during your stay, such as using natural, eco-friendly toiletries .

5. Earthwatch

About Earthwatch

If you’re looking for companies specializing in ecotourism and environmental education alike, watch out for Earthwatch .

A nonprofit that supports scientific research, Earthwatch connects travelers with environmental scientists to conduct fieldwork in one of the 40 field research expeditions they have available.

Whether you want to focus on ocean health, wildlife and ecosystems, climate change, or archaeology, there is a science focused adventure available for various interests and activity levels. 

You’ll find adventures from this ecotourism company in Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. 

Earthwatch’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Earthwatch’s scientific research has significantly informed legislation and environmental action in countries around the world, and helps guide organizations in sustainability practices based on their research.

They also work with Girls in Science and other organizations to help give students opportunities to learn STEM subjects hands-on in the field.

6. Natural Habitat Adventures

About Natural Habitat Adventures

Focusing on exciting and sustainable nature adventures, Natural Habitat Adventures ’ mission is conservation through exploration. 

They are also the World Wildlife Fund ’s conservation travel partner, with your tourism dollars going towards environmental protection and development. 

With small groups and unique itineraries, their guided trips take you to spectacular destinations like the U.S. national parks (perfect for eco vacations U.S. residents will find accessible), Antarctica, and more.

Natural Habitat Adventures’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Natural Habitat Adventures makes environmental conservation the core of their business, and whether it’s the pursuit of conservation projects like plastic-free travel or their pioneering eco camping trip in Yellowstone, they’re making concrete steps to be sustainable. 

In addition to their waste reduction efforts on trips, they are also reducing waste in their Colorado office, providing TerraCycle boxes onsite for employees and zero waste products throughout the facilities.

They’ve been carbon-neutral since 2007, mitigating their carbon dioxide output through offsets.

7. G Adventures

About G Adventures

Providing adventure tours led by experienced locals, G Adventures uses community tourism to make an impact.

With a focus on animal welfare, child welfare, and respectively local and indigenous communities, G Adventures believes community tourism is an eco travel methodology that is sustainable for the world and fun for the individual. 

Each local tour operator is rated with a Ripple Score to indicate how much money from the tour stays in the local community. 

G Adventures has tours on every continent, so there’s an eco tourism guide wherever you may desire to go.

G Adventures’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices 

G Adventures partners with Travel Without Plastic to analyze their operations to reduce single use plastic across their tours, offices, and events.

Their non-profit partner, Planeterra , works on empowering local people and harnessing the benefits of tourism for good as a continuation of G Adventures’ focus on community tourism nd eco travels.

8. Seacology

About Seacology

For environmental-focused adventuring, the nonprofit environmental organization Seacology offers expeditions exploring islands throughout the world.

The primary purpose of Seacology is to help protect delicate island ecosystems around the world, working directly with local communities to preserve habitats and strengthen their local culture.

Through their eco-tourism program, they’re both giving people the ability to see remote, hard-to-see island destinations and giving them an up-close look at Seacology’s conservation work and the positive impact it’s having on these destinations.

Each expedition visits different environmental projects of Seacology, and vary depending on availability, so check their website to see if there is an upcoming adventure right for you. 

Seacology’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices 

The focus of Seacology is on island habitats, but also other key eco-systems including mangroves, peatlands, and seagrass. Not only do these ecosystems trap massive amounts of carbon, but they are also threatened and vulnerable to development. 

Part of their environmental initiatives include empowering locals to protect their own ecosystems, and Seacology provides an award every year to an islander noted for their significant contributions to conserving local environments and culture.

9. Intrepid Travel

About Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel can help you get to anywhere in the world—that’s all seven continents, including Antarctica. The purpose driven adventure travel company curates exciting travel experiences to all corners of the globe that are eco-friendly and culturally conscious. 

They also partner with academic researchers to conduct community based tourism research projects in South America and Asia. 

Intrepid travel experiences are designed to fit your needs and interests while supporting communities with initiatives surrounding climate change and social justice. 

Intrepid Travel’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices

If you want tour companies that are certified, ecotourism doesn’t get more legit than Intrepid.

They’re a Certified B Corp and adhere to the UN Global Compact , a framework designed to help companies align with standards in human rights and environmental preservation. 

As one of the best ecotourism companies in Australia , Intrepid has a Reconciliation Action Plan that is committed to reconciling as a business with the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait islanders.

10. Gondwana Ecotours

About Gondwana Ecotours

Specializing in private tours and small group trips, Gondwana Ecotours perpetuates environmentally sustainable travel throughout all their adventures.

Preserving ecosystems for future generations is an important component of eco travel, which is why Gondwana Ecotours hires local guides who know their environment intimately and care about preserving it for the benefit of their community.

This sustainable travel company currently offering trips in Alaska, Argentina, Costa Rica, Rwanda, Louisiana, and Tanzania. 

Gondwana Ecotours Ethical & Sustainability Practices

Every year, Gondwana donates a portion of their profits to local nonprofits based in the locations where they organize tours.

All their tours have been certified carbon-neutral since 2021, and they’re also a member of the International Ecotourism Society .

About Byway

One of the best ecotourism companies UK residents can take advantage of, Byway is a flight-free travel booking company that harnesses the power of trains to get you to oodles of European destinations (and Morocco). No planes necessary.

Byway acts like a travel agent, helping you curate the best sustainable trip for you and your needs. 

You can either build your own trip or select from one of their best-selling trips curated by travel experts. All transportation and accommodations are included as part of your booking, and if you need help while you’re on your trip, you can contact Byway’s eco travel agents anytime.

Byway’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices 

Byway is a Certified B Corp , and they regularly publish an impact report indicating their progress towards their sustainability goals. 

They also help to encourage significant reductions in carbon through their flight-free philosophy, which cuts carbon by up to 90% compared to flying.

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Why Choose Eco Tour operators?

Travel is a polluting industry. There, we said it.

Approximately 8%-11% of the total global carbon footprint is caused by travel and tourism, with 17% of that being contributed to by aviation. 

That’s not even to mention the significant social, economic, and cultural damage that can occur in communities because of careless and profit-centric tourism practices.

But before you decide to never leave the house again, know that there are better ways to travel—for starters, following zero waste travel tips and choosing sustainable brands, whether it be for the eco-friendly travel products you’re packing or the companies you’re booking your trip through.

Eco-friendly tourism companies prioritize environmental conservation, carbon reduction, cultural preservation, and social responsibility. This means that they’re harnessing your tourism dollars to make an environmental impact and cause positive economic and social change in the lives of local people. 

Eco travel companies also prioritize animal welfare, which is another important area to consider when choosing travel experiences involving animals. 

Regardless of whether you want to go explore the great outdoors or are interested in more urban eco luxury holidays, an eco tourism company can help you find the most sustainable options for your journey.

How We Found The Best Eco-Tourism Companies

What is an eco tourism company?

When we were looking for the best eco-friendly travel companies, sustainable tourism was an obvious must have. 

In order to prioritize green travel, we considered the following eco-tourism company criteria:

Obviously, location is the most important part of any trip—otherwise, why would you leave your house?

When it comes to eco-friendly tourism companies, location doesn’t matter as long as traveling there doesn’t harm local ecosystems and cultures.

That being said, we tried to look for companies that had a wide range of destinations to provide the most choices.

Local economy:

Tourism can be a money sucking industry, funneling funds from communities to mega corporations that aren’t even based in the country. 

For this reason, we looked for companies that financially empower communities in which they run tours by keeping as many resources as possible at the local level. 

Animal welfare:

Unfortunately, travel can be a significant contributor to animal cruelty (we’re looking at you, African elephant rides), so eco-tourism companies should have a framework in place that ensures animal welfare. 

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Which is the best example of ecotourism?

All these criteria are important, but this one is especially key to the eco component of ecotourism.

Because the travel industry contributes so much pollution to the environment, a cornerstone of an eco-friendly travel company is a commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of their products and services. 

Being carbon-neutral is a start, but going beyond carbon offset programs , the best eco-tourism companies are making steps to reduce their carbon output in the first place, through eliminating single use plastics, using renewable energy , and minimizing air travel as much as possible.

Cultural respect:

A frequent dark side of mainstream travel is the significant human right violations and cultural disrespect that it perpetuates. 

An ethical travel tour operator will ensure the cultural integrity of the places they visit are preserved, working with community members to better the environment together. 

Charitable giving:

We like to see ecotourism companies giving to local nonprofits in the locations where they operate, as well as partnering with organizations that advocate for conservation and empowering of disadvantaged and marginalized people.

Final Thoughts On Sustainable Tourism Companies

Just because travel is fun doesn’t mean you have to suspend your beliefs surrounding sustainability. 

While the travel industry as a whole has a long way to go, there are many ecotourism companies that are making a difference all over the world, so whether you need a sustainable hotel room or a guided adventure, there’s a sustainable travel option available for you. 

Feeling inspired? 

Share your renewed—or rather renewable (energy)—sense of enthusiasm for ethical and regenerative travel by sharing this article on sustainable tourism companies with your favorite travel buddy, so you can get the creative trip ideas flowing.

Further Reading

9 Sustainable Luggage Brands To Pack For The Planet

11 Eco-Friendly Bikes To Put The Pedal To The Sustainable Metal

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20 Sustainable and Ethical Travel Companies You Should Know About!

If you’re like us, you’re conscious about the footprint you leave as you travel around the world. Over the years, we have come across SO MANY unethical travel companies that exploited people, animals, nature, and culture, and we’ve made it a point to only support companies that leave a positive impact around them.

We’ve taken so many tours with various companies around the world, and we’re happy to reveal 20 sustainable and ethical travel companies you absolutely should know about! We hope that this list helps you on your adventure to become an ethical and conscious traveler.

Before we jump right in , here’s a very fitting quote by David Attenborough that succinctly summarizes why you should travel as sustainably and ethically as possible:

“Since tourists are a source of income, and a very good one, there will always be pressure to increase their numbers. But there comes a point when the wildlife and the environment begin to suffer, and the tourists destroy the very thing that attracted them in the first place.” – David Attenborough.

Table of Contents

1. G Adventures

Of course, the first company that comes to mind when you want to list sustainable and ethical travel companies is G Adventures . G Adventures is one of the biggest travel companies in the world, but they’ve always stayed true to their roots. When crafting their tours, they do so in a manner that directly benefits the locals . They build relationships with the local communities in order to help the Indigenous peoples (instead of exploiting or bypassing them) as travelers pass through. G Adventures organizes amazing tours all over the world in literally every continent (yep – including Antarctica!).

2. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is another one of our favorite sustainable travel companies. Of course, at their core, they create unique tours that really help you to learn more about the world around you. But more than that, Intrepid is aware of the negative impacts tourism can have on the environment and local communities . So, they work hard to offset that. In fact, Intrepid has been carbon-neutral since 2010 ! Furthermore, they joined the B Corp to show their commitment to using their business for good. And finally, they give back to the locals by hiring local guides and supporting Indigenous communities.

It’s no secret that booking Airbnbs can have a negative impact on the locals due to rising rent and cost of living. In order to offset that, the best thing for you to do is to book more ethical forms of accommodation. This is where FairBnB comes in.

FairBnB directly benefits the local community with the help of tourism by donating half of all booking fees to local groups and charities . While FairBnB may not be as widespread as Airbnb at the moment, they have a growing list of destinations in Europe you may want to check out! Plus, FairBnB screens all hosts and has a one host, one house rule . So, you won’t find companies overrunning the entire site like you will on websites like Airbnb.

Click here if you want to check out more ethical alternatives to Airbnb !

4. Responsible Travel

It’s not surprising that a company named Reponsible Travel is all about sustainable and ethical travel! Founded in 2001, Responsible Travel believes that your trip and travel experiences are only enhanced when the trip benefits others , most notably the local communities and surrounding nature. They create holidays that maximize any benefits tourism has while reducing any negative impacts on the communities and our planet. One thing we love about Responsible Travel is that they specifically mention what benefits each holiday has when you click on the Responsible Travel tab underneath the Reviews tab. They have destinations and holidays all around the world!

5. Adventure Alternative

Started by a mountaineer in 1991, Adventure Alternative has been a leading travel company organizing and guiding expeditions on every corner of the earth! This is the sustainable travel company you want to go with if you’re interested in crazy adventures, such as hiking Mount Everest, going on a wildlife safari, and trekking Borneo or the Sahara Desert .

Adventure Alternative understands that tourism can be an exploitative business. So, they work hard to reduce any negative impacts they may have on destinations by benefiting local staff and companies. They also give profits back to the local communities and businesses.

6. Earthwatch Expeditions

Earthwatch is an environmental nonprofit organization that’s been pairing volunteers with researchers all across the world . They offer more than 40 types of expeditions, including those that don’t have any experience in field research expeditions. Earthwatch aims to safeguard critical habitats, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainability. These 40+ research projects produce meaningful research in order to solve the Earth’s environmental issues . So, if you’re passionate about the environment and nature, one of Earthwatch’s expeditions could be a life-changing experience for you.

7. Seacology

If you’re on the lookout for an ecotourism adventure, check out Seacology . Seacology offers expeditions on islands around the world from Fiji to Borneo and beyond. Through their expeditions, you’ll not only travel to these amazing islands but also meet locals and really see the difference Seacology is making in conserving island habitats and helping the local communities as well. Beyond that, you’ll still be able to enjoy yourself immensely on their trips by seeing cultural sites, staying in luxurious resorts, and partaking in various activities like snorkeling and hiking.

8. Lokal Travel

As evidenced by their name, Lokal Travel is all about local tourism. The company is passionate about empowering local communities and leaving as much of a positive impact as possible. They create itineraries that not only make a memorable trip but also a meaningful one by purposefully connecting with local companies and accommodations owned by indigenous communities . They aim for 80% of the dollars you spend to stay local. When you travel with Lokal, you’re guaranteed to stay away from the inauthentic giant hotel chains but instead, help curate an itinerary for you that best supports the local culture and community while also protecting the environment.

9. Operation Groundswell

Operation Groundswell , or OG, is built with ethical tourism in mind. This is a great sustainable travel company if you are on more of a budget but still looking to make a positive impact on the world as you travel. OG partners with local organizations wherever they go and creates trips that are made up of local sleeping arrangements, local food, and local forms of transportation. All of this creates an incredibly meaningful trip you wouldn’t be able to plan on your own! Plus, you’ll really get to know the local and global issues during your trip.

10. Off Season Adventures

Looking for a sustainable safari in Africa ? Off Season Adventures uses many different methods to become a more ethical travel company every day. First of all, the whole crux of their company is that they promote travel in the off-season . This means their trips are often unique, with a better opportunity to directly connect with the locals without the bustling crowds. 

Furthermore, Off Season Adventures understands the local and environmental impact of travel, so the company operates completely paperless and recycles all plastic bottles. They also invest a percentage of your money to invest straight back into the local communities and wildlife.

11. bookdifferent

bookdifferent has a specific mission in mind to transition the world into more sustainable travel. After all, the way that most of the world travels right now is leading to a myriad of issues, including overcrowding and pollution. To help combat this, bookdifferent is all about creating a space where travelers can easily find green accommodations and businesses . This website makes it so much easier to lessen the negative impact you’ll generally leave as you travel. With more than 2 million options on the website , you’ll be spoiled for choice when picking a place to stay with bookdifferent.com.

12. Earth Changers

An easy way to make a positive impact when you travel is to book with a sustainable travel company like Earth Changers . This company focuses on crafting tourism experiences for travelers who want to travel the world but leave a positive impact while doing so. Earth Changes specializes in sustainable tourism, engages with local communities, and educates themselves and others on local and environmental issues .

With this company, you can travel from Costa Rica and the Galapagos to Nepal and even the world’s oceans with their awesome sailing expeditions!

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has been a pretty volatile place. Many travel companies have seen massive ups and downs. And many had to shut their doors after the pandemic, which essentially barred all travel for a couple of years. This not only affected standard tourism but also many sustainability and environmental organizations and Weeva aims to address this. 

Weeva is a sustainability platform for travel businesses that helps track and manage their ecological impacts . The company’s goal is to educate people about the massive amount of emissions created by the tourism industry (around 9% of total emissions!) and provide resources and solutions to lessen this impact. If you run a tourism business and are looking for ways to track and optimize your ecological impact, Weeva is an excellent choice.

14. Regenerative Travel

One of the coolest sustainable travel companies out there, Regenerative Travel is a company that I think we will hear a lot more of as sustainable travel becomes more of a necessity. The company is working to influence and educate both travelers and travel providers to shift to a more environmentally sustainable form of travel . This will not only be healthier for the planet, but it will also be beneficial to the communities in the countries we visit.

Regenerative Travel started out as a booking platform connecting tourists with regenerative hotels around the world. Now, they offer experiences and special memberships for businesses, industry professionals, and travelers. You can sign up for their traveler membership for free, which gives you a $99 credit on all regenerative hotels booked through the Regenerative Travel portal .

15.  Gondwana Ecotours

Gondwana Ecotours is a travel company that offers tours to several destinations around the world, including Patagonia, Alaska, Rwanda, Norway, Costa Rica, and more. The ethos of Gondwana is to provide a travel solution that leaves a smaller carbon footprint and less negative impacts on the local communities . In fact, ALL of Gonwana tours are carbon neutral, even offsetting the emissions from flights Gondwana guests take to get to tour locations. This is not an easy feat! They are one of the few verifiable carbon neutral travel companies, so Gondwana sets an awesome example!

Beyond their environmental efforts, Gondwana Ecotours also supports local businesses and family-owned hotels and lodging . They strive to bring money into the local economy of the countries they operate in rather than supporting large hotel corporations. Gondwana definitely gets a gold star from us!

16. Byway Travel

Thinking about lessening your carbon emissions by going flight-free ? Then, Byway is the travel company you should check out! Byway is the first-ever 100% flight-free travel platform. So, they create travel and accommodation packages that use just trains, buses, and ferries . They hope that travel will eventually become more flight-free as sustainable travel becomes crucial in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges the world is facing.

Byway definitely has the right idea, so we highly recommend checking out their services if heading on a trip to Europe somewhere.

17. Contiki Tours

Contiki Tours is one of the biggest travel companies on this list. It may be a surprise that such a massive name in the tourism industry is also a leader in sustainability and ethical practices. However, for such a huge company, Contiki Tours does a good job of prioritizing sustainability. The company has a climate action plan with hopes to cut its carbon emissions by up to 90% in the next few decades. They also prioritize bus travel over plane travel and use public transportation when possible.

Contiki invests in conservation and nature restoration in an effort to offset their carbon emissions and even urges tour-goers to eat vegetarian meals!

18. Kind Traveler

Something we always preach is to leave a positive impact on the communities you visit . It happens too often that tourists visit a country and harm the communities there more than they benefit them. Kind Traveler is a tourism company with a great cause that supports sustainable and ethical travel practices that we just love to see! 

The company has a Give+Get hotel booking system that supports various charitable causes in the same location as your booking. This system is ingenious, as you can see exactly what your money is supporting when making the booking. For example, if you book a certain hotel in Paris, your donation supports a French animal rescue center.

19. Charitable Travel

As you would expect from the company’s name, Charitable Travel is a travel agency that gives its profits to charity instead of pocketing the extra money . Charitable Travel has partnered with companies all over the world and acts like a third-party search engine of sorts to link travelers with ethical tour companies—all in the name of charity!

The company offers luxury travel, volunteer opportunities, and just about everything in between, so if you want to book a vacation and give a bit of money to a noble cause in the process, we highly recommend checking out Charitable Travel!

20. Food. Stories. Travel.

An Italy-based tour company that focuses on cycling, good food, and unique experiences Food. Stories. Travel. is a company we couldn’t leave off this list. The small tour company offers everything from food tours and cooking classes to cycling tours and cultural experiences .

Italy is an extremely touristy country, so finding a unique tour company that aims to get visitors off the beaten path is very reassuring. The company steers clear of the obvious and over visited sites, instead offering visitors unique experiences in less-trodden areas . Additionally, Food. Stories. Travel is a carbon-neutral company and does its best to minimize the environmental impact of its tours.

Make a Positive Impact on Your Travel Destinations!

The reality is that no matter how physically small your footprint is, you make an impact when you travel. Historically, travel has always been exploitative of the local communities and the nature around us. So, the best thing to do to minimize the negative impacts you have is to book your trips with the help of sustainable and ethical travel companies.

If you’re a digital nomad, you might also want to check out our guide on how to be an ethical digital nomad .

About the Author

I have been traveling the world for the past 8 years and have visited more than 40 countries. Now I prefer to slow travel, and love spending at least a few months in each place I visit so I can really get to know the place. For me, travel is about trying new foods, meeting locals, and having experiences you’d otherwise never have the opportunity to do!

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10 travel companies for eco-conscious travellers

Conscious consumers need quick signposts to more responsible spending. A company displaying its B Corp status is welcome short-hand for telling us that the company has gone through a rigorous assessment of its impact on workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment. 

‘As the travel industry, and all businesses, seek to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the sector is evolving to offer more sustainable ways of exploring the world – and B Corps can play a crucial part in accelerating this trend,’ says Chris Turner, executive director of  B Lab UK , which certifies B Corp businesses. ‘Increasingly, travel ventures are taking important and necessary steps to mitigate their impact on the environment. For B Corps, creating a positive impact means going beyond protecting our planet to empower workers, serve communities and legally embed these principles at the heart of the business.’ 

What’s the big deal about looking out for this marque on a website or products? Any business actively aiming to minimise harm to the environment and maximise human welfare every step of the way is naturally going to be more appealing to those striving to make more responsible purchases and live a more  sustainable  lifestyle. 

B Corporation holiday heroes

Travel companies aiming to be more sustainable are increasingly seeking that B Corp seal of approval and lots more businesses are applying for the accreditation since the first few dozen went live in 2007. To qualify, a minimum of 80 points out of 200 must be scored on the B Impact Score Assessment.

Sawday’s, UK

The first accommodation platform in the  UK  to achieve B Corp accreditation, Bristol-based Sawday’s group (which includes glamping directory  Canopy & Stars  and pet holiday company  Paws & Stay ), was founded on principles of social and environmental responsibility. The company is structured in such a way that it's been majority employee-owned since 2018, with a quarter owned by a charitable trust. It aims to plant a million trees by 2025 as part of a drive towards being a carbon-neutral office, plus it ranks high for staff wellbeing and happiness and for making an impressive contribution to local communities. ‘We are at a critical point for the environment and coming out of the pandemic, we have a once in a lifetime chance to reinvent responsible and ethical holidays – we must encourage everyone to think differently,’ says Mike Bevan. The company is also a member of  Travel by B Corp , a growing collection of UK-based B Corp travel businesses. sawdays.co.uk

A small, bespoke, high-end travel designer set up in 2017, specialising in personalised itineraries. Joro tries to make travelling more sustainable for its clients by communicating the carbon footprint implications of every step, prioritising electric vehicles for transfers, direct flights and the right accommodation choices. It has also founded the  Conscious Travel Foundation  to support conservation and community projects and to drive change. joroexperiences.com

Journeys with Purpose, UK

Score 129.8.

Founded with conservation at its core, Duncan Grossart’s agency plans nature-positive adventures. Each trip is planned around a specific intention, often rewilding . ‘Rewilding is the large-scale, long-term restoration of ecosystems where nature is allowed to take care of itself,’ explains the founder and zoologist. 'Restoring biodiversity is a key pillar in the building back of our planet’s diminishing life systems, and rewilding apex predators and keystone species is a fundamental aspect of this process.

journeyswithpurpose.org  

Intrepid, worldwide

The world’s largest  adventure travel  company, which has its headquarters in  Australia , was the first global travel firm to achieve B Corp status. James Thornton, its CEO, recognises that although there are hundreds of certification schemes in travel, few take a holistic view of impact in the way that B Corp does. ‘It took us three years to become certified, a painstaking process that has fundamentally changed the way we do business,’ he says. ‘But having that certification means that people who travel with us trust that we’re fully committed to benefitting people and the planet.’ intrepidtravel.com

This slow travel holiday operator makes complicated multi-stop journeys by train, bus and boat seem a breeze. By making it easier to eschew air travel, Byway plots flight-free itineraries booking locally-owned accommodation along the way. The British brand born during the pandemic is also introducing carbon labelling on their trips. Founder Cat Jones says, ‘We love that our B Corp status shows we’re up for being entirely transparent about, and accountable for our progress towards, our social and environmental goals. These include reducing the climate impact of leisure travel through our 100 per cent flight-free holidays and taking tourists away from hotpots to wonderful places off from the beaten path.' Byway is also prioritising delightful lesser-known locations over tourist magnets, and choosing lower-carbon routes such as the Scotrail service to cross the Glenfinnan viaduct in Scotland over the famous Jacobite Express steam train that runs on the same route.

byway.travel

Pura Aventura, UK

Spain ,  Portugal  and Latin America await via this  Brighton -based travel operator. It also measures the carbon footprint of your entire foray, which is offset through reforesting in the poorest part of  Nicaragua . 

‘Being B Corp means being one of a diverse group of companies which is greater than the sum of its parts. Large and small, we are all driven by a desire to have a positive impact,’ enthuses founder Thomas Power. ‘When we work together on a problem, narrow self-interest is left at the door and the world gets a turbo-charged collective of change-makers. B Corp gives you hope.’ pura-aventura.com

Amazonas Explorer

‘The concept of putting people and planet before profit is the future of how we should all be doing business,’ says Paul Cripps, managing director of this Peruvian travel company. ‘It is not easy to become a B Corp but so worthwhile. Every year we strive to get better, especially as you need to recertify every three years with a higher score – it’s not a one-off certification, but an evolving one.’ Having arranged Machu Picchu-pegged itineraries for three decades, Amazonas aims to work only with like-minded hotels and suppliers, and it’s taking all its tours carbon neutral by offsetting into a carbon sink in Manú National Park in southern Peru. amazonas-explorer.com

Blue Apple Beach, Colombia

This boutique hotel and beach club on the island of Tierra Bomba near Cartagena is a purpose-driven company from Portia Hart. Born to a Trinidadian mother and a British father and raised in rural England , Hart was instilled from an early age with the importance of social equality, as well as being in balance with nature. With this B-Corp recognition, Blue Apple Beach joins only 73 certified Colombian companies to have achieved the certification. On a greater scale, Blue Apple Beach’s B-Corp status proves that regardless of the size of your business, it is possible to meaningfully implement positive practices and become a changemaker in your industry. It is further evidence of how conscious consumers rely on these certifications as they research businesses, impacting their decisions when spending.

blueapplebeach.com

Bodhi Surf + Yoga, Costa Rica

Score 121.5.

Responsible practices have been woven into every aspect of this lodge in Costa Rica since it opened in 2010. Keen to have this validated by a third party, it’s the only surf camp or yoga retreat with the B Corp seal of approval – and it’s keen for others to catch up. Bodhi's Service and Surf programme in the Ballena Marine National Park shares knowledge and resources with community members, especially the young, in exchange for community service and beach clean-ups. bodhisurfyoga.com

International Volunteer HQ, New Zealand

The first and still the only global volunteer and internship travel specialist to become a certified B Corporation, this New Zealand-based organisation offers volunteering projects and international internships in more than 50 destinations, focusing on delivering impact for local communities, wildlife and the environment. All its projects have been developed to support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and in the last year, it has launched more volunteer projects to support climate action. Its business operations have been carbon neutral since 2019 and its focus on sustainability and regenerative travel has seen the company increase its B Impact Score in each audit undertaken since 2015. volunteerhq.org

Pack more B Corp

Brands reducing the natural and social impact of their products or services

Patagonia is the poster brand for transparency in fashion supply chains, having been working to produce its garments with integrity since 1973. This Californian purveyor of outdoor apparel donates one per cent of sales to environmental charities.

Finisterre ’s padded Biosmock slip-on jacket is winning awards for its circularity and biodegradability. 

Yala Jewellery sells contemporary African designs crafted in Kenya .

Pala Eyewear's stylish sunglasses raise funds to support long-term solutions in Africa , including eye tests, eye care and specs, helping people to access education or employment. Founder John Pritchard features on our Green List .

Veja’s sustainable sneaks have always been a lesson in ethical supply chains and labour practices. The company has just launched a lighter, new-gen running shoe: Condor 2 walks its talk in a new way, thanks to its innovative use of plant-based and recycled materials.

Ace & Tate ’s bio and recycled frames in both bio and recycled acetate mean their specs have been fashioned from off-cuts.

KeepCup has stepped things up with its Thermal range for hot and cold beverages, sparing us the need for disposable drink containers on the go.

Davines is dedicated to supplying sustainable hair and skin products, and this month the Italian family-run company launches Heart of Glass, shampoo and conditioning treatments for blondes.

Bombas  doesn’t simply sell the most comfortable socks and slippers ever, they have a model where for every pair bought they help homeless people. 

BEYOND GREEN TRAVEL

THE TRANSFORMATION OF TRAVEL

We believe in the power of sustainable tourism to make the world better.

At Beyond Green Travel, we work with destinations, hospitality companies, tour operators and non-profit groups to build their brands, craft compelling stories and make travel a force for good. For over 20 years, we have been on the cutting edge of travel innovation and leadership, helping to spearhead the global sustainable tourism movement that supports conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development through business success. We help companies and destinations become sustainability leaders for a new generation of travelers seeking the trip of a lifetime that also gives back to local people and the planet.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

With more places to go and more ways to get there than ever before, we provide innovative solutions that make tourism a positive opportunity for business and the planet alike. From protecting nature to ensuring social and economic benefits for local communities, our expertise is unsurpassed. We build success through sustainable tourism leadership - including product development and assessment, branding, marketing, storytelling, educational training and workshops. Our winning track record includes the world’s top travel companies and destinations.

Sustainable Tourism

Beyond Green Travel has been passionately engaged with steering tourism in the right direction from our beginnings. We have proven that doing well by doing good benefits both the planet and businesses alike, and we help like-minded partners - from companies to countries - develop these strategies through our diverse professional services.

Beyond Green Travel was founded in 2005 by Costas Christ, a global sustainable tourism pioneer and visionary, who together with his wife Sally Christ, grew Beyond Green Travel into one of the world's most respected sustainable travel and destination stewardship consultancy firms. Beyond Green Travel was acquired in 2020 by Preferred Hotel Group and now sells its services through PTG Consulting , the corporate entity’s consulting division.

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• Global Vision Awards

These Travel Companies Created Tools to Help You Travel More Sustainably

The Global Visions Awards honorees in this category can help you build more sustainable travel habits right from the moment you book a trip.

Jeff Chu is an editor-at-large at Travel + Leisure .

The Travel + Leisure Global Vision Awards aim to identify and honor companies, individuals, destinations, and organizations taking strides to develop more sustainable and responsible travel products, practices, and experiences. Not only are they demonstrating thought leadership and creative problem-solving, they are taking actionable, quantifiable steps to protect communities and environments around the world. What's more, they are inspiring their industry colleagues and travelers to do their part.

Adopting more sustainable travel habits is easier than you might think, and it can start with the simple act of booking a trip. It's especially simple if you support one of the Global Vision Awards honorees in this category. The three companies — one online travel agency and two tour operators — give travelers near effortless ways to give back to communities and causes around the world. With a booking platform that incentivizes charitable giving, a subscription model for carbon offsets, and a diagnostic tool that measures the socioeconomic impact of a trip, the honorees on this list nudge travelers — and the industry at large — in a more responsible, conscious direction. — T+L Editors

Kind Traveler

Jessica Blotter and Sean Krejci, the founders of Kind Traveler , have created a travel-booking platform that offers a clever, easy-to-use system for both seeing the world and investing in making that world better. Make a donation to one of their vetted charities, and you unlock special rates for their hundreds of partner hotels. For example, if you're planning a trip to the Maldives and animal welfare is a cause close to your heart, a contribution of as little as $10 to the Manta Trust — which researches and protects threatened manta rays in the region — will discount your booking at Hurawalhi Island Resort by an average of $275 per night. One hundred percent of donations go to the chosen cause.

Intrepid Travel x Offset Earth

Going carbon-neutral may be a present-day preoccupation for many companies — but for the Australian tour operator Intrepid Travel , which takes tens of thousands of travelers on small-group escorted tours annually, it's very last decade. Intrepid achieved carbon-neutral status in 2010. By the end of 2020, it plans to become the world's first "climate positive" travel company through its partnership with carbon offsetting startup Offset Earth . Through this program, Intrepid hopes to remove more carbon dioxide from the environment than it produces.

But Intrepid's responsible-travel roots run even deeper: The company operates as a certified B corporation, which means it measures its success not just by its financial profits but also by social and environmental outcomes and public transparency. In 2014, it became the first tour operator to eliminate all elephant rides on its itineraries; more than 100 other travel companies have since followed suit. It also invests in more than two dozen projects in the locales where it runs tours, including an educational initiative for girls in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, reforestation efforts in Kenya, and kelp-forest conservation in Australia.

The Ripple Score by G Adventures

Done right, tourism "creates financial opportunities for women, youth, and indigenous communities, and empowers local people to protect their environment for future generations," Canadian entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip says. This vision is at the heart of G Adventures , the tour operator Poon Tip founded in 1990, which strives to maximize the positive economic impact of travel on communities around the world. Today, some 200,000 travelers take a G Adventures trip each year; the company organizes itineraries to every continent except Antarctica. Last year, it introduced the Ripple Score , a metric that tells travelers exactly how (and how much of) the money spent on a G Adventures package benefits the people and places they visit. In the cacao-growing Ecuadorian village of Shandia, for instance, local youths lead visitors on cycling tours. On Malaysia's Libaran Island, residents have received training in traditional craft and cookery, skills that enable them to benefit from the steady, lucrative market of visitors drawn by the island's nesting sea turtles. (The trips that feature these excursions earn a 98 and a perfect 100, respectively.) The Ripple Score lets travelers see how their presence in these places affects the people they meet — and thanks to a new program, Project 100 , 2020 will see 100 new tourism-related community initiatives that tour groups can support on the ground. Poon Tip says, "tourism can be a force for good — if we approach it in a responsible and inclusive way."

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Catherine Mack – Content manager, editor, copywriter and travel writer

Top ten sustainable tourism companies for post-pandemic travel

There is a lot of talk of the new normal in travel. How we are all going to be sustainable, savvy and sensitive when we are allowed out of our cages again. I have always believed that sustainability is normal in tourism, and so this isn’t new for me. It isn’t new for the following sustainable tourism companies either, who have been flying the fantastic flag of fair and fun tourism for many years. 

So, if you are revving up to travel again but want to not only keep things responsible but also remote, here are some beauties in my book. These ten sustainable tourism companies are led by pioneering people who will look after you, your loved ones, their own communities and environments. I don’t like top ten type round ups, because ranking leaders like this is just nonsense, so they’re in alphabetical order. 

Inntravel 

My first port of call when it comes to self-guided walking holidays is Inn t ravel . This is one of those outdoor tourism companies that people come back to holiday with again and again. When I went on a walking holiday in Brittany with them, walking down the Pink Granite Coast of Brittany, it was superbly organised, all the accommodation was hand picked and exquisite, the food was locally sourced, and the logistics of luggage being sent on to the next hotel was very smooth.

They just get it. And they certainly get responsible tourism , having been one of the first pioneers of slow, local and ethical travel. I have walked 10K a day for most days of lockdown, so I am definitely ready to walk in a glorious new place again, but away from the crowds. I know that with Inn Travel I shall be in safe hands.

Itinerance Trekking, hiking with a donkey in the French Alps

As people flock back to the French Alps, there is one region of Alpes Maritimes, just an hour’s journey from Nice by train, that is quieter than most: the Mercantour National Park. One of the most exciting ways to explore this region, especially for families, is by trekking across its valleys, inn to inn, with a donkey to carry your bags.

You won’t see a soul for days, except at your accommodation, all of which are superbly managed in terms of responsible tourism by the founders of Itinerance Trekking . Their website does not quite capture their brilliance, but this is one of the best family holidays we have ever had. Read more here .

Magnetic North Travel 

One of the best things about working in the responsible tourism sector of our industry is the people we meet. I first met Laura Greenman when she was a writer, editor and publisher and she commissioned my book Ecoescape Ireland, having just completed her own Ecoescape UK. She has a vast understanding of responsible tourism, is totally ecoaware and now is a leading ecoentreprenuer, running a travel company dedicated to wilderness trips in Scandinavia and Canada.

When international travel starts again, Laura recommends Iceland as a first outing back into the beautiful, wild world, as it’s the only one of her destinations that plans to reopen for international travel in summer 2021. Iceland is also almost coronavirus free. For real remoteness, and breathing Iceland’s invigorating air, check out her trip to Deplar Farm in the north of the country, far away from the traditional tourist trail. See more of Magnetic North Travel’s trips here .

Much Better Adventures

If you are revving up to go a little bit wild when this is all over, but in a responsible and nature-filled way, check out the new portfolio of rewilding holidays just launched by Much Better Adventures. These take you well off the beaten track to remote parts of Europe, including the Tatras Mountains of Romania, Abruzzo National Park in Italy and the boreal forests of central Sweden. All in the footsteps of wolves, moose and bears.

This small, responsible tour operator has been superb during the pandemic, not least by its creation of a Family Relief Fund to support local guides, hosts, porters and their families in remote places who saw their livelihoods obliterated by the pandemic. So this is definitely one of the sustainable tourism companies to support now that we are able to think about travel again. 

Peak Me, Picos de Europa National Park, Spain

This is the antidote to all that home schooling, or perhaps the boost you need if you have been doing Duolingo to death during lockdown. Ana Rodríguez García, a language teacher, mother and outdoors enthusiast is someone wholly committed to sustaining her home village of Panes by running this too cool for school, Peak Me Languages .

Panes is the gateway to the Picos de Europa Mountains and eponymous national park. After learning Spanish in the mornings, you head off into the mountains to climb, hike, do the via ferrata, paddle board or snowboard in season, all in wild and wonderful places. If you don’t feel like flying yet, read a more detailed article about my trip with Peak Me in The Irish Times . I am counting the days until I can return. 

Soomaa National Park, Estonia

Another little known European wilderness, I love Soomaa National Park. It feels a little bit like you are going back in time to a land of foraging, dug out canoes, remote boglands, exquisite wild swimming, saunas and traditional rural lifestyles. This all comes at a fraction of the cost of its Finnish neighbours (although I love Finland, don’t get me wrong). 

Soomaa is a bit more of a secret and there is no better person to organise a trip there for you than Aivar Ruukel , who runs one of the best sustainable tourism companies there, Soomaa . Read more here about my trip there a few years ago – spring, summer, autumn or winter, Soomaa has something for each season. It even has a fifth season , when the snows melt and the forests are flooded – this is canoeing heaven.

Swimming kept me sane in between lockdowns, especially as I am lucky enough to have plenty of lido loveliness in London where I live. When all the pools closed, I drooled and dreamed over all of Swim Quest’s water wanderlust images. The co-owners of this company, John Coningham-Rolls and Alice Todd , and I have chatted at length about sustainable travel, travelling to off the beaten track destinations, and safety of course. Even when pandemics weren’t a thing, you want your swimming holiday to be safe and Swim Quest is one of my top choices (I also highly recommend Wild Water Adventures i n Ireland by the way, but it’s a little bit more niche, and nippy).

As well as having upcoming swimming trips to Greece, Croatia and Cornwall, they are experts in bespoke small group holidays, so you can go bobbing around in your bubbles if you feel safer that way. For more information see Swim Quest’s website . Or you could just keep drooling over their Instagram pics . If I were you though, I would just dive in.

The train brains

If you aren’t ready to fly yet, or are joining the growing number of people who aren’t going to fly much at all anymore, then I have plenty of train tips for you. Before the pandemic I lived and breathed trains as editor for Rail Europe, a train booking website where you can buy a ticket from anywhere in the UK to all over Europe. I wrote a load of useful guides for them including national parks , long coastal journeys , European day trips , French walking trails and UK islands by train .

Since coronavirus killed that role sadly, the silver lining was writing articles for Byway , a new travel start-up that books holidays in the UK and Europe that don’t involve flying. During both these roles, I had the pleasure of also getting to know the editors of Hidden Europe magazine . Published three times a year, they know every train route possible in Europe, and it is a must have for any keen train traveller.

Tourism declares a climate emergency

Tourism Declares for short, this isn’t one company but a network of over two hundred travel organisations, and growing. They have come together to declare a climate emergency and, in so doing, are working together to plan a better future for tourism. Responsible tourism is about collaboration, and this is one of the finest examples of such. These are not token gestures, but serious commitments to adjust their tourism strategies, models and modus operandi in order to cut global emissions by 50% over the next decade. Check out the companies that have ‘declared’ , their reasons for declaring and their plans for creating change. If your favourite company hasn’t done so already, and they claim to be on the carbon case, ask them why not.

Undiscovered Montenegro

While other European countries were open to travellers last summer, Montenegro was given the red light, something local people and tourism operators were stunned about as there were almost no cases there at the time.

Another of my favourite sustainable tourism companies is responsible travel operator and expert Undiscovered Montenegro , run by a British family who created a superb adventure company on the shores of Lake Skadar National Park. Well off the beaten track, they are totally sussed when it comes to slow, sustainable, fun and just a little bit feral holidays. I mean who doesn’t want to go a bit of feral in the sun this year, canoeing on Lake Skadar , hiking in the Bjelasica and Biogradska Gora National Park or just finding sanity again on a yoga retreat ? All based in the safe confines of Villa Miela , the hub of all things responsible and pride and joy of its creators Emma and Ben Heywood.

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Top 5 Sustainable Travel Companies to Explore in 2023

• Bas Lefeber
• October 26, 2023

Traveling sustainably is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice. As wanderlust grips the globe, it’s essential to tread lightly. Here are some trailblazing sustainable travel companies that ensure your adventures are both breathtaking and eco-friendly.

related reading:  The Ultimate Guide to Ecotourism: Best Examples from Around the World

Sustainable travel companies

1. quark expeditions.

Imagine gliding through icy waters, witnessing the majestic polar bears and shimmering auroras. Polar Expeditions not only offers this dream but does so responsibly. Their Polar Promise is a beacon of hope, aiming to protect the fragile polar ecosystems. With a yearly pledge of $500,000, they’re not just talking the talk but walking the walk.

Quark Expeditions is renowned for its deep commitment to sustainability in one of the world’s most pristine environments. Their ships are designed to have minimal impact on the environment, using advanced technology to reduce emissions and waste. Beyond the icy adventures, Quark Expeditions actively engages in community outreach, ensuring that local communities benefit from their operations.

Insider Tip: Quark Expeditions often hosts onboard scientists and experts, giving travelers an in-depth understanding of polar ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

2. Lindbald Expeditions

Ever dreamt of kayaking beside curious fur seals or being amidst a parade of penguins? Lindbald Expeditions turns these dreams into reality. With 50 years under their belt, they’ve mastered the art of eco-friendly exotic travels. Their belief in sustainable travel ensures that they leave a place better than they found it.

Lindbald’s partnership with National Geographic ensures that travelers get more than just a trip; they get an immersive learning experience. Their onboard naturalists and photographers enhance every journey, ensuring travelers capture the best moments and understand the ecosystems they traverse.

Snapshot: Lindbald Expeditions offers specialized photography expeditions, ensuring travelers capture their adventures in the best light.

Did You Know? Lindbald has funded projects worth $19 million, focusing on renewable energy and reforestation. That’s sustainability in action!

3. National Geographic Expeditions

When the iconic yellow border of National Geographic promises an expedition, you know it’s going to be legendary. From the icy poles to the dense jungles, their trips are a blend of luxury and learning. And the cherry on top? A portion of your trip cost funds critical research projects.

Embracing the ethos of sustainable and ethical tourism, Nat Geo channels its travel proceeds into the Society’s pivotal research endeavors. This includes initiatives like the Pristine Seas Project  and the Great Plains Big Cats Initiative.

National Geographic Expeditions goes beyond just showcasing beautiful destinations. They aim to educate travelers about the importance of these ecosystems. Their onboard experts, from marine biologists to historians, provide insights that transform any trip into a learning expedition.

Traveler’s Tip: On a Nat Geo trip to Rwanda, you can learn about the endangered mountain gorilla’s habitat. It’s travel with a touch of conservation education.

4. Earthwatch Institute

Ever fancied being a scientist? With Earthwatch Institute, you can! Dive deep into the Amazon or tread the African savannahs, all while contributing to vital environmental research. Their citizen science model ensures that you’re not just a tourist; you’re a researcher making a difference.

Earthwatch Institute’s reach is truly global. From coral reefs in Australia to rainforests in Brazil, their projects span diverse ecosystems. They believe in empowering locals, often collaborating with local researchers and communities, ensuring that the benefits of their projects are long-lasting.

Earthwatch’s youth programs: Earthwatch Institute offers programs for young explorers, ensuring the next generation is equipped with the knowledge to make sustainable travel choices.

5. Joro Experiences

Joro Experiences crafts trips that are the stuff of legends. Whether it’s tracing the steps of Antarctic explorers or bird-watching in the Amazon, they ensure carbon neutrality. Their commitment to the environment is so profound that they’ve even published a Carbon Emergency Plan.

Joro Experiences believes in tailor-made journeys. They understand that every traveler is unique, and so are their sustainability preferences. From choosing eco-friendly accommodations to ensuring local experiences, Joro crafts trips that align with travelers’ values.

Green Glimpse: Joro Experiences often collaborates with local NGOs, ensuring that a portion of the trip’s proceeds goes towards community development and conservation.

Travel is the soul’s delight, but sustainable travel is the planet’s lifeline. These companies ensure that your footprints are green, your heart is full, and the Earth is grateful. So, pack your bags, but leave only memories, not carbon footprints.

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Sustainable Travel Companies: Paving the Way for Eco-Friendly Journeys

9 August 2023 | 4 Min Read

Table of Contents

As the world awakens to the importance of environmental conservation and responsible tourism, the travel industry is undergoing a transformation led by sustainable travel companies. These trailblazing companies are redefining the travel landscape, offering eco-friendly travel experiences that align with the principles of eco-consciousness and sustainability. From ecotourism trips to green travel initiatives, this article explores the role of sustainable travel companies in fostering responsible exploration and leaving a positive impact on both travelers and the planet.

The Essence of Sustainable Travel: Traveling with Purpose

Sustainable travel, often referred to as eco travel or green travel, emphasizes the preservation of natural resources, protection of local cultures, and a commitment to minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable travel companies prioritize responsible practices, promote environmental awareness, and provide travelers with the opportunity to experience the world while leaving a positive footprint.

1. Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Staying Responsibly

Sustainable travel companies collaborate with accommodations that implement green practices. These accommodations prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and local community support, creating a holistic and eco-friendly experience for guests.

2. Local Cultural Immersion: Embracing Authenticity

One of the hallmarks of sustainable travel is the focus on authentic cultural experiences. Sustainable travel companies curate tours that enable travelers to engage with local communities, learn about traditional practices, and contribute to local economies.

3. Eco Conscious Activities: Adventure with a Purpose

Sustainable travel companies offer activities that are in harmony with the natural environment. From wildlife viewing to hiking and kayaking, these activities are designed to minimize disturbances and promote environmental education.

4. Responsible Wildlife Encounters: Ethical Interactions

Ethical wildlife encounters are a key component of sustainable travel experiences. Sustainable travel companies prioritize interactions that prioritize animal welfare and adhere to responsible viewing practices.

5. Carbon Offsetting Initiatives: Balancing Impact

Many sustainable travel companies engage in carbon offset programs. Through these initiatives, travelers have the option to compensate for their carbon emissions by supporting projects that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Community-Based Tourism: Supporting Local Economies

Sustainable travel companies collaborate with local communities to develop tourism initiatives that empower local residents and provide economic benefits. These initiatives ensure that tourism contributes positively to the well-being of communities.

7. Sustainable Tours: Guided by Values

Sustainable travel companies design tours that reflect their commitment to environmental and social sustainability. These tours offer enriching experiences while adhering to principles of responsible travel.

8. Green Travel Initiatives: Reducing Environmental Impact

Sustainable travel companies often incorporate green practices into their operations. These include minimizing single-use plastics, reducing waste, supporting sustainable transportation options, and prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations.

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Top 10 Sustainable Travel Companies

The Impact of Sustainable Travel Companies

The rise of sustainable travel companies has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond individual travel experiences. These companies are catalysts for change, driving the entire travel industry toward more responsible and ethical practices.

1. Raising Awareness: Promoting Environmental Education

Sustainable travel companies play a vital role in raising awareness about environmental issues. Through educational initiatives, travelers are informed about conservation efforts and encouraged to make conscious choices.

2. Supporting Conservation Efforts: Preserving Biodiversity

Many sustainable travel companies contribute financially to conservation projects and initiatives that protect fragile ecosystems and endangered species. By supporting these efforts, they contribute directly to preserving biodiversity.

3. Influencing Industry Standards: Setting the Bar Higher

Sustainable travel companies set a precedent for the travel industry by demonstrating that profitability and sustainability can coexist. As leaders in responsible tourism, they encourage other companies to adopt similar practices.

4. Enhancing Local Economies: Empowering Communities

Sustainable travel companies prioritize community-based tourism, ensuring that local economies benefit from tourism revenue. This empowerment leads to improved livelihoods and encourages the preservation of cultural heritage.

5. Fostering Responsible Travelers: Influencing Behavior

Through their initiatives and tours, sustainable travel companies cultivate a community of responsible travelers. These travelers return home with a heightened awareness of their impact on the environment and local cultures.

In Conclusion: Traveling with Purpose and Responsibility

Sustainable travel companies are at the forefront of a movement that prioritizes meaningful travel experiences that benefit both travelers and the destinations they visit. By choosing to travel with these companies, individuals contribute to the conservation of natural resources, the protection of cultural heritage, and the empowerment of local communities. As the world of travel evolves, sustainable travel companies continue to inspire a new generation of conscious travelers who embark on journeys with purpose, leaving behind a legacy of positive impact and responsible exploration.

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12 Sustainable Travel Companies Boosting Eco-Friendly Travel 

In a world where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, sustainable travel has become a crucial aspect of responsible tourism. Traveling sustainably involves conscious choices to minimize environmental impact while exploring the world. 

In this article, we’re diving into sustainable travel by examining what it means and why it matters and exploring the current state of the sustainable travel industry. We’ll also shine a spotlight on 12 sustainable travel companies at the forefront of eco-friendly exploration. These trailblazers are changing the game by offering carbon-neutral tours and community-focused initiatives, ensuring travelers explore the earth while preserving its natural beauty and well-being. 

Moreover, we’ll offer tips to help you embrace sustainable practices to enrich your travel experience and connect you deeply with the places and communities you visit.

Key Takeaways

• Despite the benefits of global travel and tourism, the industry faces the critical challenge of overtourism, which leads to severe consequences such as damage to the local environment and historical sites and diminished quality of life for locals.
• Sustainable travel is seen as one of the most effective solutions for minimizing the impact of tourism by promoting practices focused on reducing carbon emissions, supporting local economies, and respecting indigenous cultures. 
• The sustainable travel sector is experiencing a notable surge in popularity and economic significance fueled by a significant shift in consumer behavior. 
• Travel companies are crucial in promoting sustainable travel by leading by example and inspiring others to follow suit. 
• Sustainable travel companies prioritize environmental conservation and minimize their environmental impact.
• They support local communities and indigenous cultures through responsible tourism and community-based projects.
• They strive to educate travelers about responsible practices and showcase the planet’s beauty.
• They invest in renewable energy projects and work towards reducing carbon footprints to promote sustainability. 
• Some eco-friendly travel options they offer include carbon-neutral tours, locally sourced accommodations, and responsible wildlife encounters.
• Travelers can support sustainable tourism by choosing companies that prioritize ethical and eco-conscious practices.

What is Sustainable Travel, and Why Does It Matter?

Travel and tourism play significant roles in the global economy. They can be a lifeline during economic downturns, help rejuvenate ancient historic sites, and spotlight cultural practices and communities that may have been overlooked. The intention behind promoting such activities is often to share the beauty and heritage of a place with the world.

The growth of global travel and tourism is both staggering and unprecedented. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) there is a leap from 25 million international travelers in 1950 to over 1.3 billion in 2017 . This surge is ongoing, with projections suggesting that by 2030, the world will see 1.8 billion tourists crossing international borders annually , with an expected growth rate of 3.3% each year.

Despite its benefits, travel and tourism face a critical challenge known as ‘ overtourism. ‘ This occurs when an area attracts more visitors than it can sustainably handle. While the influx of tourists brings economic benefits, the scale of visitation can lead to severe consequences, from damage to the local environment and historical sites to diminished quality of life for locals. 

Consequently, while travel and tourism are significant economic engines and vehicles for cultural exchange, responsibly managing them is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of overtourism. Balancing visitors’ desires with the needs of residents and environmental preservation is essential to enrich destinations and those who visit them. This is where sustainable travel can help.

Sustainable travel, also known as eco-friendly or responsible travel, focuses on minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. It involves practices such as reducing carbon emissions, supporting local economies, and respecting indigenous cultures. 

Sustainable travel matters as it significantly benefits local communities and the environment in numerous ways. Here’s how:

Growth of Sustainable Travel 

The sustainable travel sector is experiencing a notable surge in both popularity and economic significance. According to data from Statista , the global ecotourism industry was valued at an impressive $172.4 billion in 2022 . This figure is expected to soar to $374.2 billion by 2028 , showcasing a robust annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9 percent. 

This remarkable expansion reflects a shifting mindset among travelers towards more environmentally friendly and socially responsible travel practices.

Image Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1221034/ecotourism-market-size-global/

The drive towards sustainable tourism is breaking away from the notion that it’s a preference solely among niche groups like eco-warriors. It’s becoming clear that a broader audience is eager to engage in travel, mindful of its impact on the environment and local communities. This shift reflects a general desire to make more responsible choices while exploring new destinations.

A fascinating study by Bain & Company , focusing on travelers interested in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, offers insight into this trend. The research reveals a strong inclination toward sustainability among tourists. 

An impressive two-thirds of those surveyed across selected markets deemed sustainability factors necessary or extremely important for their leisure travel decisions. Furthermore, a significant 73% anticipate that the importance of sustainable travel will grow even further in the next five years.

These findings underscore a keen interest in sustainable tourism options and demonstrate that travelers are more than passively interested. A majority, 64%, claimed that sustainability concerns shape their travel choices. Additionally, 66% expressed willingness to invest more in sustainable travel options, highlighting that people are ready to put their money where their values are.

Perhaps most encouraging is the social ripple effect suggested by the study: 57% of respondents would recommend a holiday destination based on its sustainability credentials. These figures indicate that sustainable travel isn’t just a personal preference but is becoming a part of how people evaluate and share their travel experiences with others.

Image Source: https://www.bain.com/insights/sustainable-tourism-an-untapped-opportunity-for-green-growth/

How can Travel Companies Promote Sustainability?

The broadening appetite for sustainable tourism or green travel indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior. It conveys to the travel industry that integrating responsible practices into their offerings is good for the planet and aligns with evolving traveler priorities.

Travel companies play a crucial role in promoting sustainable travel . By implementing sustainable practices in their operations, they can lead by example and inspire others to follow suit. This includes adopting eco-friendly policies, reducing single-use plastic and waste, and implementing energy-saving measures.

Furthermore, travel companies can support local communities and economies by partnering with local businesses, employing local guides, and promoting authentic local experiences . This benefits the local people and enriches the travel experience for the traveler, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

It is also crucial for travel companies to prioritize sustainable accommodation options. By partnering with eco-friendly hotels, lodges, and resorts, travelers can stay in establishments committed to minimizing their environmental impact. Renewable energy use in travel is another important aspect, as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps to create a more sustainable industry.

10 Sustainable Travel Companies to Check Out

As the call for sustainable travel grows louder, it’s encouraging to see a diverse array of travel companies responding with enthusiasm and innovation. Below, we have listed 12 travel companies leading the way in responsible and sustainable travel . 

1. Intrepid Travel

Since its inception in 1989, Intrepid Travel has grown from a grassroots operation into a leading global tour operator, celebrated for its unwavering dedication to environmentally and socially responsible travel.

At the core of Intrepid’s mission is the belief that travel should be exhilarating, conscientious, and beneficial to local communities. This ethos is evident in their commitment to offering small group trips and adventures, which helps minimize environmental impact and allows for more meaningful interactions with local cultures.

Recognizing the significant carbon footprint associated with travel, Intrepid Travel took a bold step forward by becoming carbon-neutral in 2010. They meticulously calculate the carbon emissions from their trips, including transportation, accommodation, and other activities, and then invest in renewable energy projects and reforestation efforts that offset these emissions. 

But they didn’t stop there. Intrepid Travel solidified its position as a leader in sustainable tourism in 2020 by becoming the first global tour operator to have its emission reduction targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The company was also among the pioneering signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. This declaration, unveiled at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, aims to unite the tourism industry under a common goal: significantly reducing its carbon footprint. By signing this declaration, Intrepid has committed to implementing robust actions outlined in the text, with a key target being the halving of emissions by 2030 and striving to achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2050.

Moreover, Intrepid is deeply involved in wildlife conservation efforts and works ardently to ensure their tours do not contribute to animal exploitation. They’ve set strict animal welfare standards and educational programs about ethical wildlife experiences for travelers.

Intrepid Travel’s leadership in sustainable and responsible tourism has not gone unnoticed. They’ve received numerous awards and recognitions for their pioneering efforts. By continuously pushing boundaries and advocating for a more sustainable travel industry, Intrepid Travel offers adventures and fosters a global community of responsible travelers. 

2. Gondwana Ecotours

Named after the ancient supercontinent that gradually split into today’s recognizable land masses, Gondwana Ecotours is on a mission to connect people across continents, one journey at a time.

Operating from New Orleans, this company specializes in creating intimate adventures through small group and private tours, offering exhilarating experiences worldwide.

From thrilling gorilla treks in Rwanda to eco explorations in Patagonia and Mendoza, Gondwana Ecotours brings unique and sustainable adventures to life.

One standout feature of Gondwana is its network of guides residing in the communities visited. This brings unparalleled personal insight, depth, and authenticity to each experience while contributing to the local economy. Furthermore, the company takes serious steps to minimize its carbon footprint through responsible travel practices.

Gondwana’s commitment to sustainability is evident in offsetting over 580 tons of carbon emissions and achieving 100 percent carbon neutrality for its tours since 2021, a distinction verified by the Cooler emissions tracking organization.

3. GreenGetaways 

Green Getaways offers a unique collection of sustainable accommodations in Australia, ranging from glamping to eco resorts, tiny houses, cottages, treehouses, yurts, and 5-star hotels. As a hub for responsible travelers, the platform gathers individuals who are passionate about exploring conscientiously.

The accommodations featured on Green Getaways Australia prioritize sustainability by conserving water, energy, and resources and promoting recycling . These efforts benefit the environment and result in cost savings passed on to travelers.

Green Getaways focuses on delicate environments and supports properties’ commitment to environmental management and rehabilitation.

Committed to responsible tourism, Green Getaways highlights accommodations that encourage energy efficiency , water conservation, recycling, and waste management.

The platform also advocates for fairness and dignity, promoting equal treatment for all guests and staff and championing fair wages and workers’ rights. 

Encouraging transparency, Green Getaways requires listed businesses to share their environmental practices openly, ensuring travelers can make informed choices. 

4. Byway 

Byway is a champion of slow, immersive travel experiences that prioritize connections with local environments and cultures over the speed and convenience of traditional tourism. This innovative company is dedicated to providing travelers with customizable journeys that are 100% flight-free, distinguishing itself as a pioneer in sustainable travel options.

The foundational idea behind Byway’s offerings is simple yet revolutionary—to offer an alternative to modern air travel’s high-speed, high-impact nature. By focusing on ground transportation options like trains, buses, bikes, and boats, Byway enables travelers to take the scenic route, experiencing the landscapes and communities they pass through in a way that flying doesn’t allow. This approach reduces carbon emissions associated with travel and enriches the journey itself, transforming travel time into an integral part of the vacation experience.

The company caters to diverse interests and preferences, from vineyard tours in vintage locomotives to leisurely bike tours through idyllic countryside. Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase the destination’s natural beauty, culture, and heritage without the rush, offering a more meaningful and satisfying way to explore.

Moreover, Byway places a strong emphasis on supporting local economies. By partnering with small-scale accommodations and recommending locally-owned restaurants and attractions, they ensure their travel packages benefit the communities they touch. This focus on local experiences maximizes the positive impacts of tourism dollars and offers travelers authentic insights into the places they visit.

Furthermore, Byway promotes the concept of “traveling without leaving a trace,” reinforcing the sustainability ethos throughout its operations. From selecting eco-friendly accommodations that practice waste reduction and energy conservation to recommending experiences that promote conservation efforts, Byway embeds environmental consciousness into every aspect of its trips.

5. Responsible Travel

Since its establishment in 2001, Responsible Travel has remained a pioneering force for positive change. What sets it apart is its candid acknowledgment of the challenges within the travel industry, including its journey towards sustainability. This honesty and a proactive stance on initiating change positions the company as a leader and catalyst for transformation.

Choosing to travel with Responsible Travel means more than just booking a holiday. It signifies an active decision to support and participate in a model of tourism that prioritizes the well-being of environments, cultures, and communities worldwide. Each trip designed by Responsible Travel is meticulously crafted to ensure that it aligns with the principles of responsible tourism, offering travelers authentic experiences that are enriching and mindful of their impacts.

One of Responsible Travel’s most heartening aspects is its commitment to social responsibility. The company has implemented an inspiring initiative where every booking contributes to giving a child from an underprivileged background a day out—an experience they might otherwise never have had.

In response to the urgent climate change crisis, Responsible Travel actively advocates for reducing air travel—an industry-wide challenge due to its significant carbon emissions. While recognizing that avoiding flights altogether may not be feasible for all travelers, they encourage choices that reduce flight frequency and highlight destinations accessible via more sustainable modes of transport.

Furthermore, Responsible Travel leads by example in striving to diminish its carbon footprint. It invests in projects and practices that combat global warming, from supporting reforestation efforts to promoting eco-friendly accommodations and activities. By doing so, the company works towards neutralizing its environmental impact and inspires travelers and other businesses within the industry to follow suit. 

6. Seacology

Seacology is a nonprofit organization focused on conserving island ecosystems around the globe. It plays an essential role in protecting these unique and vital habitats. The urgency of their mission cannot be overstated, as island environments face various threats, from climate change to deforestation, which in turn endanger the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage they harbor. 

Seacology’s dedication to preserving terrestrial and marine ecosystems on islands has made significant environmental impacts and brought them into the spotlight of international acclaim. Their impressive accolades include being named a finalist for the ORG Impact Awards in Overcoming Climate Change (2021), winning the Energy Globe National Award in Sri Lanka (2020), receiving a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize (2020), and earning the United Nations Momentum for Change climate action award (2018).

The organization’s unique approach is compelling; Seacology launches expeditions that offer direct conservation outcomes by working closely with local communities. These expeditions are carefully designed to support conservation efforts that benefit the environment and the people living there. 

By engaging in projects ranging from establishing marine protected areas to restoring critical habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs, Seacology ensures that their actions lead to sustainable outcomes. Their comprehensive strategy underscores a commitment to tackling environmental challenges while recognizing the inseparable link between thriving ecosystems and the well-being of indigenous peoples and local communities.

7. Gondwana Tours 

Gondwana Tours beckons adventurers seeking a deeper connection with the natural world and aiming to contribute positively to the communities they visit. This isn’t your ordinary travel experience; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Africa. 

The company’s tours cover a breathtaking array of destinations, from the lush deltas of Botswana to the majestic peaks of Rwanda and the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa to the pristine beaches of Mauritius. Each location offers a unique window into the diverse ecologies and cultures that make Africa a continent of wonders. 

Apart from traditional safari drives, Gondwana Tours understands the yearning for adventure diversity and responds with many activity-based experiences. Whether gliding through waterways in a kayak, galloping alongside wildlife on horseback, quietly stalking birdlife, trekking across vast landscapes, or casting lines into abundant waters, there’s something for every active traveler. 

Gondwana Tours goes beyond the conventional travel experience, emphasizing smaller, more intimate settings outside the well-trodden paths of “mainstream tourism.” This deliberate choice promises adventurers a more personal and enriching journey and aligns with a more profound commitment to sustainability and meaningful community engagement. By focusing on these less-visited destinations, the company fosters local employment opportunities. It ensures that the benefits of tourism directly support community development and contribute positively to the country’s economy and wildlife conservation efforts. 

8. ROW Adventures

ROW Adventures is deeply committed to leading adventures into the heart of the wilderness and engaging in meaningful dialogue about the environment, climate change, and preserving natural resources. This commitment goes beyond mere words to tangible actions, actively collaborating with conservation groups and local communities to bolster efforts in protecting the environments it explores. 

Understanding the significant carbon footprint associated with travel, particularly air travel, ROW Adventures strives to balance this by making conscientious choices in conducting tours and seeking ways to mitigate its environmental impact. This acknowledgment of the broader implications of travel reflects a responsible approach that values sustainability alongside exploration.

Bringing people into untouched or wild areas does come with its footprint; however, ROW Adventures sees this as an opportunity to transform travelers into passionate advocates for these natural places. Through immersive experiences in pristine wilderness settings, visitors develop a deep appreciation for these landscapes, becoming invested in their protection. This direct engagement offered by the company provides a powerful counterbalance to threats such as unchecked development, mining, or the construction of dams that endanger these habitats. 

Contiki is a global travel company known for its vibrant selection of over 350 journeys worldwide, catering to young travelers aged 18 to 35. 

The company has outlined comprehensive plans to offset carbon emissions for its trips in a bold move towards sustainability. 

This ambitious initiative aims to cover every aspect of the travel experience, from the meals served to the choice of accommodation and modes of transport used. By integrating these changes, Contiki aspires to reduce its ecological footprint and enhance the travel experience in alignment with the values of environmentally conscious consumers.

The steps taken by Contiki include significant investments in environmental conservation and clean energy projects. Proceeds are allocated towards supporting crucial forest conservation programs in Australia, which are pivotal in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Similarly, contributions are directed towards fostering renewable energy developments in the USA, marking a clear commitment to combating global warming. 

Moreover, Contiki’s operations are evolving, with the introduction of biofuel-powered coaches and an expanded range of vegan-friendly dining options, reflecting a deeper understanding of the impact of sustainable practices. The company also achieved carbon neutrality in January 2022, setting a precedent in the travel industry and demonstrating that memorable travel experiences can be exhilarating and ecologically responsible.

10. Sawday’s 

Sawday’s , a distinguished accommodation provider renowned for its curated collection of unique places to stay across the UK and Europe, is proactively addressing the challenge of overtourism. By deliberately capping the number of properties they include in specific locales known to suffer from the adverse effects of excessive tourism, Sawday’s adopts a conscious approach to tourism management. 

This strategy, which applies across its brands — Sawday’s, Canopy & Stars, and Paws & Stay — targets 13 destinations grappling with overtourism pressures. The company’s commitment to not increasing its portfolio in these regions is aimed at mitigating further impact on already strained local infrastructure, curbing the rise of properties turned second homes, easing housing affordability, reducing overcrowding, and safeguarding the environment from tourism-related damage. By refraining from adding new properties in these areas, Sawday’s sets an example of sustainable operation within the hospitality sector.

The intention behind such a considered move is twofold. While acknowledging that this initiative may have a modest direct impact, Sawday’s envisions it as a catalyst for change within the broader travel industry, hoping to inspire other companies in the travel and hospitality sectors to reevaluate their approaches to expansion in tourist-heavy areas. 

Sawday’s champions the cause of sustainable growth and emphasizes the importance of achieving an equilibrium between welcoming tourists and preserving the quality of life for residents, as well as protecting natural and built environments. 

11. Rickshaw Travel

Rickshaw Travel is a UK-based independent travel company providing tailor-made holidays that embrace and promote sustainable tourism practices. For over 15 years, the company has worked closely with local partners, ensuring that each travel experience is authentic and contributes positively to preserving the environment and local cultures. 

Such an approach allows travelers to immerse themselves in genuinely enriching experiences, such as staying in family-run accommodations, participating in tours with knowledgeable local guides, and engaging in activities that directly benefit the community. Rickshaw Travel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every trip it curates, highlighting that travel is a force for good, fostering environmental stewardship and encouraging cultural exchange and appreciation.

Rickshaw Travel’s concept of responsible travel extends beyond just minimizing negative impacts; it seeks to create benefits for travelers and host communities. By integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of their holidays—from selecting transport methods that reduce carbon footprint to supporting initiatives aimed at conserving wildlife and natural habitats—Rickshaw Travel demonstrates that thoughtful travel can contribute to a healthier planet. 

Furthermore, the company’s dedication to cultural preservation ensures that local traditions and lifestyles are respected and sustained. Through Rickshaw Travel’s tailored journeys, travelers get more than a holiday; they gain insights into the importance of maintaining the world’s diverse ecosystems and cultures for future generations to explore and cherish.

12. Aracari

Aracari is a luxury travel agency offering sustainable travel experiences in Peru, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands.

With an emphasis on conservation initiatives and cultural exchange programs, Aracari crafts exclusive journeys that offer travelers unique insights into local traditions, lifestyles, and efforts to protect endangered ecosystems. The company meticulously selects accommodations that share its sustainability ethos, promotes eco-friendly activities, and works closely with communities to ensure tourism benefits are felt locally.

Aracari’s dedication to creating tailor-made travel experiences also involves active participation in projects to preserve the environment and support indigenous cultures. By choosing Aracari, discerning travelers embark on unforgettable adventures and contribute to meaningful efforts that encourage ecological conservation and cultural preservation. 

The compelling blend of luxury travel with a conscience empowers guests to explore breathtaking landscapes and ancient civilizations while fostering a positive impact.

Ways to Travel More Sustainably

Now that you’re equipped with a list of responsible companies for your upcoming travel plans, let’s explore additional strategies to ensure your future journeys are even more sustainable.

• Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation : Opt for trains, buses, or bicycles whenever possible. These options reduce your carbon footprint and offer a deeper connection with your surroundings.
• Support Local Economies : Make an effort to support local economies by dining at family-owned restaurants, staying in locally-owned accommodations, and purchasing gifts and souvenirs from local artisans. This enriches your travel experience and helps distribute tourism dollars more equitably. 
• Reduce Environmental Pollution : Play your part in reducing environmental pollution by carrying and using reusable water bottles and shopping bags, thus minimizing reliance on single-use plastics. 
• Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Do so respectfully and ethically when engaging with nature or wildlife. Adhering to guidelines that ensure you don’t disturb natural habitats or wildlife behaviors is crucial. 
• Offset Your Carbon Footprint : This is an impactful way to counterbalance the ecological impact of your travels. Offset your carbon footprint by investing in carbon offset programs that fund renewable energy, forest conservation, or other sustainability projects, and choosing to travel with companies committed to achieving carbon neutrality. 
• Rethink Your Approach to Travel : Avoid viewing travel merely as a leisure activity. Instead, use it as a chance for meaningful exchange with host communities by learning and sharing. More importantly, reflect on the impact of your stay on the destination and its residents, aiming to leave a positive legacy.

Check out The Lonely Planet’s video below for more strategies to becoming an environmentally responsible traveler: 

The Future of Sustainable Travel

Looking ahead to the future, the travel industry has set ambitious goals for the coming years. Many travel companies have committed to becoming carbon neutral or even carbon negative by investing in renewable energy, offsetting carbon emissions, and implementing sustainable travel practices.

Likewise, numerous ethical travel companies are developing climate action plans to address the environmental impact of the travel industry and ensure a greener future for all. However, the future of sustainable travel relies not only on the efforts of travel companies but also on the actions of individual travelers.

Travelers can play a vital role in boosting sustainable travel by making conscious choices, such as opting for slow travel and eco-friendly trips, reducing waste, and supporting local communities. 

The future of eco-friendly travel looks promising with the emergence of sustainable travel companies. They strongly emphasize reducing their carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Likewise, they set a new standard for sustainable tourism by consciously using renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, and supporting local communities.

With the growing awareness and demand for eco-friendly travel options, these sustainable travel companies will likely continue to thrive and inspire others in the industry to adopt more sustainable practices.

As a traveler, you have the power to make a positive impact on the world through your choices. By supporting the sustainable travel companies above and adopting eco-friendly practices, you can contribute to preserving the planet’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Travel responsibly. Leave behind only footprints and memories while inspiring others to follow in your footsteps towards a more sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the concept of sustainable travel.

Sustainable travel, also known as responsible or eco-friendly travel, refers to the practice of minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage while maximizing the benefits for all involved.

How can sustainable travel companies help reduce their carbon footprint?

Sustainable travel companies strive to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing various initiatives. They may use sustainable materials , support local projects worldwide, promote conscious travel, and encourage eco-friendly transportation options like trains instead of cars.

What is the significance of sustainable travel policies in businesses?

Sustainable travel policies in businesses play a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly practices among employees and creating a positive impact on the environment. These policies encourage employees to choose sustainable transportation, reduce waste, and support responsible travel choices.

How do sustainable travel companies contribute to local communities?

Sustainable travel companies often collaborate with local communities to ensure the tourism industry benefits everyone involved. They may support local businesses, contribute to community development projects, and promote cultural exchange between travelers and locals.

What is the goal of sustainable travel companies?

Sustainable travel companies aim to enhance further their efforts in promoting responsible and regenerative tourism. They aim to reduce environmental impact, protect the planet’s natural resources, and ensure the well-being of local communities.

How can travelers contribute to sustainable travel?

Travelers can contribute to sustainable travel by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, engaging in environmentally sustainable travel activities, respecting local cultures and traditions, supporting local businesses, minimizing waste generation, and opting for sustainable transportation options.

What is the difference between sustainable and regenerative travel?

While sustainable travel focuses on minimizing negative impacts, the regenerative expedition aims to improve and actively restore the environment and communities. It goes beyond sustainability and focuses on leaving a positive, lasting impact on the places visited.

Are there any other sustainable travel companies that travelers may also like?

Yes, apart from the mentioned companies, travelers may also like to explore B Corp-certified sustainable travel companies, which meet rigorous sustainability standards to ensure a positive impact on the planet and communities.

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Best Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Tour Companies

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Travel with a conscience? Here are 14 of the most eco-friendly travel companies

Looking to book a trip that won’t cost the Earth? We’ve got you covered for the travel companies who are dedicated to reducing the impact of your holiday.

With summer upon us and lockdowns slowly lifting, we’re all starting to dream about getting away on holiday. But it’s an inescapable fact that the travel industry is one of the most polluting on Earth. If things are not managed properly, our getaways can be extremely damaging to local environments and habitats.

With that in mind, we’ve found seven of the most eco-friendly travel companies. By choosing to travel with an organisation on this list, you’ll be helping to offset emissions, support local wildlife and cut down on plastic and food waste.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing cruise you can travel with a clear conscience after seeing these businesses’ green credentials.

Contiki arranges more than 350 trips all over the world and specialise in trips for 18-35 year olds, Contiki are paying to offset all carbon on their future trips. This includes meals, accommodation and transport. Their efforts will fund forest conservation in Australia and renewable energy in the USA. The travel company is also into biofuel coaches and offers vegan friendly menus for tourists. They are hoping to be carbon neutral by January 2022.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Contiki (@contiki)

2. Better Places Travel

Better Places Travel is a female-run group of travel experts who connect you to specialists all over the world who will create a tailor made experience just for you. Better Places signed up to Tourism Declares Climate Emergency in 2020 with a pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 55 per cent by 2030. They impose a voluntary flight tax on themselves which goes to fund sustainable energy projects and give free water bottles to customers who promise not to buy a water bottle on their trip.

3. Black Tomato

Luxury travel experts Black Tomato have established their green credentials by calculating their quarterly carbon emissions and then investing in environmental projects such as wind farms and forest conservation in Panama and wind energy in India, on top of that they also partner with groups who protect Rhinos in Kenya.

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4. Intrepid

Specialising in adventure and group travel, Intrepid has been carbon neutral since 2010. After declaring a climate emergency in 2020 they now offset 125 per cent of their carbon emissions and aim to use only renewable energy by 2030. Intrepid are also committed to the global empowerment of women and invest heavily in the Eden Reforestation project in Kenya.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Intrepid Travel (@intrepidtravel)

5. Much Better Adventures

This adventure holiday company which offers kayaking and ‘aurora chasing’ also has a climate plan which focuses on carbon mitigation, conservation work and benefiting local communities. Much Better Adventures uses 5 per cent of their revenues to fund conservation and reforestation and are working to stop the damming of the Vjosa , Europe’s last free-flowing river.

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6. Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland

Wilderness Scotland are committed to sustainability through restoration projects all over Scotland. They have also installed a ‘Seabin’ off Scotland’s west coast which captures plastic waste and are contribute to native habitat restoration.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wilderness Scotland (@wilderness_scotland)

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7. Green Traveller

Originally a travel blog, Green Traveller launched as a fully fledged website in 2009. They offer tips on how to have a low carbon holiday including no-flight destinations and vacations where people can positively contribute to biodiversity.

8. Exodus Travels

Focused on people, places and planet Exodus Travels declared a climate emergency in 2020. As part of their efforts the company have eliminated plastic bottles from 99 per cent of their trips and are engaged in rewilding projects in Italy and tiger conservation in India.

9. The Inside Trek

This Northern Ireland-based hiking tours company is looking to invest in an electric vehicle in the coming year and has adjusted their routes to involve less car travel in an effort to bring down their CO2 emissions.

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10. Red Carnation Hotels

Red Carnation Hotels have properties in the UK, USA, Botswana and South Africa and always engage with local communities. This results in caring for bee populations, protecting Red Cape Zebras and investing in one of London’s largest ‘living walls’, made up of 10,000 herbaceous plants.

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11. Uniworld Cruises

Providing cruises around Europe and South America, Uniworld committed a decade ago to a clean water program to preserve waterways and rivers for future generations. Since then the cruise company has pledged to eliminate 66 types of single-use plastic from their boats by 2022.

12. The Long Run

Working to the four Cs - conservation, community, culture and commerce - The Long Run has developed sustainable eco destinations for their customers to visit. They are part of Preferred by Nature and support land management and business practices that benefit people, nature and the climate in countries around the globe.

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13. Steppes Travel

Luxury tailormade travel can be found at Steppes , who are passionate about sustainability. For every person that books with them Steppes pledge £50 that goes to fund conservation projects around the world and a further £50 that funds tree planting in the UK.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steppes Travel (@steppes_travel)

14. Trafalgar

Trafalgar has 11 climate-related goals including completing 30,000 volunteer hours before 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. They aim to reduce food waste in their hotels and ships by 50 per cent by 2025 and are committed to increasing their use of local produce in the same time frame.

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Travel booking companies

Finding an ethical and sustainable travel booking company.

Full rankings for 29 travel companies. We look at the carbon impact of flying and alternatives, accommodation eco-labels, the impact of holiday homes (including Airbnb), alternative sustainable holiday options, shine a spotlight on TUI and make Best Buy recommendations.

About Ethical Consumer

This is a shopping guide from Ethical Consumer, the UK's leading alternative consumer organisation. Since 1989 we've been researching and recording the social and environmental records of companies, and making the results available to you in a simple format.

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What to buy

What to look for when choosing an ethical travel booking company:

Do you want to travel with less climate impact? Choose destinations you can get to by train, coach, and ferry rather than flying.

Could your accommodation use less energy? Consider hostels, camping, glamping or other venues with high sustainability criteria, as an alternative to mainstream hotels and resorts. See our suggestions in the guide.

Are you looking to cut the impacts of the food you eat while away? Find vegan and vegetarian accommodation and restaurants on www.happycow.net

Focusing on UK accommodation bookings, our Best Buys are Canopy & Stars, Independent Hostels UK and the YHA which offer glamping and hostel accommodation (with many including private rooms). Canopy & Stars, and Fairbnb also have options in Europe.

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Recommended buys

For travelling abroad we recommend avoiding flying whenever possible by choosing destinations you can reach by train.

For accommodation, if you can’t find availability through our Best Buys above, try Homestay , or search for a place you can reach without flying, preferably with high sustainability criteria, and book direct.

What not to buy

What to avoid when choosing an ethical travel booking company:

Is your accommodation adding to the housing crisis? If you do use online platforms to find a room, watch out for hosts that have more than one listing or are renting out entire apartments that they don’t live in. Check out the non-profit alternatives to Airbnb below.

Is it a large chain? Try to find locally owned accommodation, shops and restaurants, where more of the money will stay in the local economy.

Is it a flight you don’t need to take? If you plan things differently, there are usually many other options to discover.

Companies to avoid

The lowest scoring company was TUI. We’d recommend avoiding all the companies that lost marks for tax conduct, but TUI lost extra marks in relation to deportation flights, modern slavery, and animal rights.

Score table

Updated live from our research database, our analysis, finding an ethical and sustainable travel company.

If you’re taking a trip, it is still possible to visit a travel agent or ticket office, but these days you’re much more likely to be looking up options online yourself.

Huge tech companies have evolved into the travel space, known in the industry as OTAs (Online Travel Agencies). Their goal is to display options in a way that will seamlessly convert you from browser to buyer.

This guide exposes the poor environmental and financial behaviour of some of the biggest online travel booking companies used in the UK. It also looks at several other key issues in the world of travel booking: ever expanding aviation; the highs and lows of tourism; holiday homes vs housing and accommodation eco-labels.

We have also rated some smaller and more mission-driven operations, and highlight some non-profit home-sharing sites, tips to help you travel flight-free, environmental package holiday operators, and a range of working holiday websites.

All the companies on our score table are in the business of offering options for travel booking, be it a flight, hotel or other type of accommodation such as hostels, glamping and spare rooms.

The only companies in this guide that own any of the accommodation or means of travel they are offering are the YHA and TUI. But through the sheer volume of commissions, advertising and merchant fees – not to mention tax avoidance – many of the others have got to the point where their highest-paid directors are creaming off literally millions in compensation each year.

The ethics of flying

Although it’s still the case that half the UK population is not taking an international flight in a typical year, it wasn’t that long ago that a holiday abroad was an even rarer thing. Back in 1997, protestors against a second runway at our own local Manchester Airport hung a banner that read ‘Global Warning, Final Warning’. It was known that aviation was expanding, but perhaps none of us realised quite how much.

It was only from the early 2000s that cheap flights really took off. The second runway built over the Bollin Valley at Manchester opened in 2001, and the budget airlines moved in. The British actually fly abroad more than any other nation .

And passenger numbers worldwide are expected to double in the next 15 years.

France, Holland and Austria took the opportunity, while bailing out airlines failing due to the pandemic, to attach conditions expecting them to meet certain climate targets. But the UK government went the other way. In the week before hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021, it chose to cut the Air Passenger Duty tax on domestic flights. Aviation is hardly taxed anyway. There is no VAT on tickets, and no tax on jet fuel.

A flight from London to Edinburgh can be five times cheaper than travelling by train. And yet it can release more than five times the amount of greenhouse gases.

According to one study, a trip from London to Edinburgh emits 128 kg CO2eq by plane , and only 21 kg CO2eq by train. Any talk of airlines getting more sustainable is not keeping up with the expansion . Perhaps the ease of online flight booking is not helping.

Who's offering lower-carbon flight options?

For companies selling flights, we expected them to be helping customers make lower-carbon choices. We looked at what they said in their reports, and then used the websites of their biggest brands to look for a return flight from London to Edinburgh, to see what options they’d give. (NB driving distance is 414 miles, or 666 km.)

Kayak and Skyscanner were the only companies found to include any information on the carbon emissions of different options, although for Kayak this feature was not available when we searched its website using a mobile phone. None was found on Booking.com , Expedia , Lastminute.com or TUI , although they talked in their reports about the need for reducing flight emissions. Love Holidays and TripAdvisor did not even seem to acknowledge it was an issue.

Kayak's Least CO2 filter

Kayak had an image showing the five most important factors in its CO2 calculation: Flying direct, Aircraft type, Airline rating, Passenger load and Cabin class.

It stated that flying also creates non-CO2 pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ozone, soot particles, condensation trails and ice clouds that it takes into account when the plane is flying over 9000 metres where they have a more significant effect. Not all airline carbon calculators will include these additional warming effects , which can more than double the impacts.

Kayak work with Atmosfair , a climate consultation organisation, who also suggest ways to avoid the emissions in the first place. For example, have ‘a video conference instead of a business trip’, or ‘a longer vacation can take the place of two shorter ones’.

For the London to Edinburgh journey search, it suggested bus and train as the most eco-friendly options. If a trip cannot be replaced with a much lower-carbon alternative, Kayak’s FAQs say it is still worth searching for genuinely lower-carbon flights. For example, a 375 kg of difference in CO2 is the equivalent of driving a passenger car 1,500 km.

Skyscanner's Greener Choices

Skyscanner had some 6% less CO2 ‘Greener Choices’ but was a lot less convincing. “It’s our mission to lead the global transformation to modern and sustainable travel”, said the flight-search website, “we believe that travel has the power to change us. And we have the power to change travel.”

Ok, it had become a founding member of the industry-led sustainable tourism campaign “Travalyst”, along with Booking.com , Trip.com , TripAdvisor and Expedia , as well as Google and Visa. The Travalyst website stated: “Our shared goal is to make sustainability reporting – and eventually supply scoring/indexing – a core part of the consumer experience; where consistent information is published globally across all travel platforms.” It said it wanted to build on the success of Skyscanner’s Greener Choices index. But how good is Greener Choices?

Skyscanner states: “ we know plane travel puts a significant strain on the environment. It's time to reconsider the choices we make when we want to fly .” But it did not offer any non-flight options even for a domestic trip from London to Edinburgh.

It stated: “ We analyse the aircraft model flying the route, checking for fuel efficient engines and other modifications. We calculate emissions based on factors like distance, capacity and cruise time. Since most emissions come from take-off and landing, direct flights are often the greenest .” But it did not mention the significant additional impacts of non-CO2 emissions.

All of the options it labelled as lower carbon for our search were from EasyJet. We took a look at EasyJet’s Sustainability pages. It stated, “ Since 2000, over a 20-year period, we reduced our carbon emissions per passenger, per kilometre by over one-third, and our aim is to bring this down further. ”

It did list ways it had become more efficient, “ having modern and fuel-efficient planes, flying them in ways which avoid noise and an unnecessary use of fuel, and flying them full of passengers. ”

However, we should perhaps be wary of reductions per passenger, from a company whose turnover more than doubled in the 10 years between 2009-2019, and which has been a key player in the promotion of air travel through cheap flights.

Flying, fairness and justice

One interesting perspective, held by the ‘A Free Ride’ campaign, is to focus on fairness in relation to flying. It points out that, in Britain, 70% of flights are taken by just 15% of the population. The annual tax subsidy to air travel is estimated to be more than £11 billion and flying is the fastest growing cause of climate change. A Frequent Flyer Levy would allow everyone one tax-free return flight a year but charge a bit more tax for each extra flight.

There is also a campaign led by aviation workers, called ‘ Safe Landing ’, which calls for a just transition. Safe Landing states simply, “The projected growth of aviation is incompatible with safe levels of global warming” but rejects the argument that we need that growth for jobs. A transition could increase jobs by transferring passengers to lower emission travel and tourism, but it needs to include retraining so that existing workers don’t lose out in the process.

The joy of slow travel: flight-free tips

Travelling longer distances by train opens up a whole new world of experiences, but it can be a bit more complicated than just getting a flight. Luckily, you can learn from an expert at the Man in Seat 61 website , packed full of detail about the easiest routes, cheapest tickets, and which websites to book through.

For many countries, you can use the UK Trainline.com website. But sometimes there are advantages to using others – the German Deutsche Bahn website , for example, allows you to schedule in a couple of stopovers, so you can spend a few hours somewhere on the way to break up your journey.

The journey itself can become an exciting part of a holiday, instead of something to get out of the way. Seat 61 also includes information on the Eurostar, night-train options (which are making a comeback ), and ferries to Europe. For multi-trip adventures you should also check out Interrail tickets , which give you several travel days over 1 or 2 months, or 1-3 months continuous travel, throughout 33 countries of Europe.

The first part of this year has also seen the release of a new Lonely Planet guide to train travel in Europe , with some breathtaking photos of trains emerging from, gliding along beside, between, or looking out onto mountains. For cheaper options there are coaches too. For local bus journeys, Rome2Rio seems to include options that even Google Maps doesn’t know about.

If you’re just travelling within the UK, you might be delighted to find out about the possibilities at www.splityourticket.co.uk: this website takes advantage of the crazy pricing systems we have in the UK by finding the best places to split the ticket for the cheapest fares.

It’s also worth looking into any discount railcards available, such as regional Rover tickets , Family Railcards, or the Two Together card in the UK which costs £30 for you and a companion.

"Most people on holiday wish to relax, slow down, have fun and find spiritual balance. It is possible to meet these needs without travelling great distances. Even a walk or a bike ride starting at your own front door can be a memorable experience." Atmosfair

If you need to travel for work, you could ask your workplace about taking the train. It may be more expensive, but many workplaces are trying hard to cut their carbon emissions so may well keen to look at this. Many trains in Europe also have good Wi-Fi, meaning you can work on the train if needed. You could ask your employer to look into joining Climate Perks which supports employers to offer paid ‘journey days’ to staff who travel on holiday by train, coach or boat instead of flying, as one London museum has done.

Atmosfair's tips for climate-friendly travel

• Travel to nearby destinations.
• Make the trip by bus or train.
• Explore your travel destination by bike or on foot.
• Visit places with good public transportation systems or car-sharing offers.
• Choose accommodation with energy-saving measures, eco-labels, etc.

Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency

The UK's Green Tourism Label is one of the signatories of the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative , which was initiated in 2020, led by responsible tour operators including Much Better Adventures. Signatories sign up to a commitment to deliver a climate action plan within 12 months , and then to report annually on targets.

This created the framework for the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, launched at the COP26 climate conference in November 2021. Signatories include big names such as Deutsche Bahn and Skyscanner, and any who fail to submit an action plan within a year will be removed. We await the results. Let’s hope the direction of travel is a good one.

Carbon footprint of travel and accommodation

The graphic below highlights the carbon impact of flying compared with the accommodation associated with travelling.

Average emissions of a return flight London to Marseille (south of France) is 762 kg carbon. The average carbon footprint per guest per night is 14.99 kg carbon. This flight emits 25 times more greenhouse emissions than an average 2-night stay. With lower-carbon accommodation, the difference is even more extreme.

Tourism and sustainable holidays

This guide is focused on websites for booking your own accommodation and transport, which could be for a holiday or not, but it seems only right to devote some space to the wider phenomenon of tourism. As an almost $9 trillion economy worldwide in 2018, it is obviously an important vehicle in the distribution of wealth, and many many jobs are attached to it.

However, as travel journalist Helen Coffey discusses in Zero Altitude , there is a huge issue with ‘economic leakage’. Instead of the money spent by tourists flowing into local economies, much of it can be captured by multinational companies either running hotels and resorts or providing imported products to meet tourists’ demands.

Zero Altitude is primarily a book about learning to travel without flying, but Helen also discovers lots of other different approaches to travel along the way. For example, the company Much Better Adventures formed to address this problem of wealth extraction. Instead of as little as 5% of tourist spend staying in the destination’s local economy, they make sure, for their customers, it’s 80%.

Other companies like Intrepid, commit to staffing their teams with local people and using local suppliers. They are also partnering with the MEET programme which works with communities affected by over-tourism, to train local guides to deliver eco-tourism.

Helen also mentions Greendestinations.org , a list of 100 places working to balance local needs with tourism so everyone benefits. A particularly inspiring example is New Zealand, now looking at the ‘four capitals’ – redesigning tourism so it will contribute positively in a social, cultural and environmental way as well as financially. They are also now focusing on the domestic market, so that tourism doesn’t involve such high emissions per visitor.

“The response”, says Helen, “has blown me away. The first time I asked for tips and trip ideas on social media, I was inundated with wonderful replies - I was immediately struck by the passion and enthusiasm people had when sharing their favourite journeys by train and boat, in stark contrast to the lacklustre way passengers usually talk about air travel. It quickly brought home the fact that flying less comes with benefits far beyond the climate impact; slow travel adds a whole other dimension of excitement and adventure”.

Airbnb and holiday homes

In 2021, we co-published a report with Manchester University on how Airbnb trains selected landlords to lobby for favourable regulations.

The report summary states: “ Since 2008, numbers of short-term lettings, many of which might otherwise house permanent residents, have expanded dramatically. The associated problems, around housing shortages, tourism, taxation and urban conviviality, have led to social movement opposition and local attempts to regulate .”

In October 2018, Airbnb’s Dublin offices were occupied in protest at its impact on the housing crisis. Take Back the City who organised the protest stated that there were three times more properties available on Airbnb in Dublin than were being advertised for long-term rent.

This is just one chapter of an international story. Barcelona has been fairly prominent in its response, including local protests against the impacts of over-tourism . These impacts include crowding, noise, rising rents and house prices, and the disappearance of corner stores as tourist shops spring up instead. We also found stories of fake listings in London , homelessness in Cornwall , a crackdown in Biarritz , and much more. 22 cities in Europe are calling for new laws for a ‘digital single market’ to tackle the growth of short-term rentals facilitated by online platforms, which include Expedia and Booking.com .

While Airbnb at first seemed to be an exciting new way to make a bit of extra money from a spare room, and for some hosts it still is this, less than 10% of listings are actually of this type.

Most are from people who own more than one property, and may even be managed by a specialised company. You can go some way towards seeking out the ‘genuine’ hosts by taking a closer look at their profile to see if they have other listings; by checking reviews to work out if they are living in the home; or even by asking directly.

We have included two alternatives to Airbnb on our table. Homestay states on its website in the FAQs for potential hosts: “A host lives in every homestay listed on Homestay.com. We don't list entire homes.” Fairbnb is a collectively owned project that splits its 15% commission fees 50/50 with local community projects.

A previously free alternative which is seen to have betrayed its roots is Couchsurfing. While sleeping on a sofa wouldn’t work for everyone, it has been described as “the internet’s biggest hospitality exchange and one of the largest gift-economy experiments ever”. It launched in 2004, several years prior to Airbnb, and for the first five years was run by volunteers. The ethos was that it would always be free, but in 2011 it became a for-profit corporation, raised venture capital, ditched the volunteers and introduced ads and fees. 

Below we list some other non-profit and free alternatives that are available as more ethical options for travel and tourism.

Sustainable travel and holiday options

Below we list some non-profit and free home-sharing alternatives to Airbnb, as well as more sustainable accommodation options which includes brands in the score table.

Alternatives to Airbnb

BeWelcome is run by a non-profit organisation registered in France and calls itself an international hospitality exchange network. Members may offer a place to stay, or provide dinner, a guided tour, local information, or just meet up for a coffee or a beer. It also has online groups based on locations or interests.

Trustroots.org is run by a non-profit foundation registered in UK and lists almost 50 ‘circles’, including Hitchhikers, Vegans & Vegetarians, Musicians and Climbers, so you can find likeminded members to meet while travelling, host each other and make friends. It is “being built by a small team of activists who felt that the world of sharing is being taken over by corporations trying to monetize people's willingness to help each other.”

Warmshowers is run by a non-profit in Colorado, USA, and is a network for reciprocal hospitality specifically for touring cyclists, complete with podcast. It now has a joining fee of $30 but is mostly supported by donations from users.

Alternative accommodation options on the score table

Canopy & Stars is a B Corporation, which includes assessment of its environmental standards, and takes into account that it is half employee-owned and treats its workers well. It has also been part of launching travelbybcorp.co.uk, a collection of B Corporation-certified travel companies.

Fairbnb.coop started in 2016 in Italy and Amsterdam, ‘to create a just alternative to existing home-sharing platforms’. It is democratically governed and is looking for more Ambassadors if you are interested in bringing Fairbnb to your region. It is only just beginning in the UK and Ireland, with upcoming destinations in London and Galway.

Independent Hostels is the UK’s network of independently owned bunkhouses and hostels. The website includes maps of regions all over the UK, details of walking groups and festivals, as well as maps of accommodation along long-distance trails from the Coast-to-Coast walk to Offa’s Dyke.

YHA (England and Wales), originally the Youth Hostel Association, calls itself a 90-year-old movement, whose charitable object is “To help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities”. However, it is open to all ages without needing membership, and has over 150 hostels as well as lots of cabin and camping options. Scotland (Hostelling Scotland) and Northern Ireland have separate associations.

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Sustainable accommodation and eco-labels

There are now a plethora of eco-labels for travel and holiday destinations. Remember though, if you separate the destination (e.g. certified eco-yurt) from the mode of travel to get there (e.g. private helicopter), you’re not getting a fair assessment of the trip as a whole.

Some labels do look at the travel to get there but then use carbon offsetting (which we have criticised in our review of corporate net zero schemes ) to give higher scores. Having said that, paying attention to the impacts of the destination does have some value.

Richard Hammond of the Green Traveller website lists some of the most well-established schemes you’re likely to come across.

UK eco-labels

• BREEAM – for buildings
• David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge for Nature – UK holiday parks
• Greener Camping Club – campsites in Wales and England
• Green Tourism, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Eco-labels in Europe and international schemes

The lists include: Alpine Pearls, Bio Hotels, Blue Swallow EU Ecolabel, and Tourcert.

There are also country- or region-specific labels such as Ecogîte, and Gîtes Panda in France, Fattorie del Panda, and Legambiente Turismo in Italy, and Sustainable Travel Ireland (previously Ecotourism Ireland).

Worldwide schemes include B Corp, Earth Check, Green Globe, Green Key, Travelife, and Blue Flag (for beaches and boat operators).

There is a Dutch social enterprise called bookdifferent that uses the same database of hotels as Booking.com, but gives all accommodations a ‘stay green check’. If a place is certified by a reputable eco-label, it will receive one to four green hearts, representing how well that certification covers four different ‘pillars’. These are: effective sustainable management, fair and equal treatment for employees and destinations, respect for local traditions, and environmental initiatives to minimise impact.

Bookdifferent only recognises eco-labels that meet the following criteria:

• Publicly available standard
• Third party audit
• Onsite assessment

It lists 30 eco-labels, including the UK’s Green Tourism label and GSTC. For small-scale accommodations that might not be certified, you can look for the green footprint symbol instead, although avoiding flying will always save more carbon!

How do travel booking companies rate on key ethical issues?

Our rating system looks at a number of issues when reviewing how ethical a company is. Here we highlight three issues and note how well the brands scored.

Travel booking companies and tax avoidance

Unfortunately, global online travel agencies have ideal structures to avoid tax. One approach can involve routing the sales of bookings made around the world through a chosen part of their family tree that is located in a low-tax jurisdiction. This way they can avoid paying tax to the countries where the actual accommodation is based.

This can represent a huge loss to countries which previously would have collected contributions from each individual hotel or campsite. And a huge gain for the online agencies, their shareholders and high-paid directors.

With the exception of Love Holidays , all other large companies on our table scored our worst rating for likely use of tax avoidance strategies, due to having operations based in tax havens . For Airbnb , Booking.com , Expedia and TripAdvisor , we also found recent criticisms in the press, relating to tax avoidance in the UK, US, Italy, and Australia.

Excessive pay and travel booking companies

Another way to pay less tax, as well as to take advantage of the tax you’ve already avoided paying, is to award huge sums to your executives. Other than Lastminute , all of the large companies on our table were marked down for paying salaries of over £250k.

Airbnb, Booking Holdings, Expedia, TripAdvisor and Trip.com (Skyscanner) lost whole marks for remuneration over £1million.

Airbnb was the worst, with an executive remuneration package for its CEO of $120 million, albeit $119 million being stock awards. This may be the highest we’ve ever seen.

Travel booking companies and climate change

Only three companies on our table, Independent Hostels , Fairbnb and Canopy & Stars , all small companies offering environmental alternatives, scored our best rating for carbon management. All were tackling their own operational impacts and working with their accommodation providers to reduce their emissions too.

All the others scored worst.

In an industry that is based on people wanting to see and enjoy the world, its surprising that some had no information at all on their websites about reducing their climate impacts. These were Awaze , Homestay , Love Holidays , and TripAdvisor .

Airbnb , Expedia , Lastminute , Skyscanner and TUI did acknowledge that they had climate impacts but were not yet annually reporting on their emissions. YHA reported its emissions but was not forthcoming about how it would be reducing its own impacts, although it had been in the past.

Booking Holdings was the only large company on the table that was publishing its carbon emissions as we would expect, but still scored worst as it did not show plausible ways it had cut them in the past. It claimed to have reduced them, but this was based on the purchase of “unbundled energy attribute certificates” (EACs), which are an offset certificate scheme like REGOs (which you can read more about in our Energy Suppliers guide EC189 ), rather than actually reducing its own energy use.

Alternatives for more sustainable holidays, tourism and travel

While researching this guide we found a number of companies offering interesting package holidays in the UK or Europe which, although we haven’t formally rated on the score table, we’d like to mention.

There are also a range of options for working holidays, which provide accommodation and usually also food in exchange for perhaps a few hours work a day. Click on each link provided for more detail on what they offer.

Alternative package holidays

Private packages

Rewilding Europe : “We offer unique experiences that directly support wild nature and wildlife comeback in some of Europe’s most special places.”

Byway Travel : “Joyful journeys by train and boat. 100% flight free.”

Inn Travel : “each carefully crafted Inntravel Slow holiday or short break ... has been created in accordance with the principles of Sustainable Tourism.”

Group packages

muchbetteradventures.com : “supporting a global community of independent, locally owned businesses, and helping protect the planet's most inspiring natural environments, just by being there ”

largeoutdoors.com : “sociable, fun and relaxed weekends away, adventure holidays and day experiences"

Either private or group packages

activeenglandtours.com : “Action-packed days outdoors glide into relaxed evenings, with like-minded people”

wildernessscotland.com (or Ireland or England) “Our vision for 21st century tourism is one in which the industry can play a major role in helping people to enjoy, experience and connect with the amazing natural environments in which we live.

Working holidays

For volunteer / working holidays, we have focused mainly on UK projects, or platforms for hosts and volunteers to find each other, and working holidays which provide accommodation and usually also food in exchange for perhaps a few hours work a day e.g WWOOF.

helpx.net : “HelpX enables working holiday makers to stay with local people around the world and gain practical experience.”

hippohelp.com : “Work, travel and live with the locals”

treesforlife.org.uk/support/volunteer : “Be part of something incredible... Our vision is of a revitalised wild forest in the Highlands of Scotland”.

trustedhousesitters.com : “Stay in wonderful places by house sitting and caring for cute pets.”

volunteersbase.com : “Volunteers Base (VB) is a moneyless help exchange network.”

waterways.org.uk : “volunteer working holidays to help waterway restoration".

workaway.info : “A Workawayer is: a traveller who wants to give back to the communities and places they visit."

worldpackers.com : “Safely travel as a volunteer, have lifechanging experiences, and make a positive impact on the world."

wwoof.net : “Sustainable living on local organic farms & family homes worldwide!”

Companies behind the brand

TUI scored lowest on our ranking system partly because it is so big. It is currently a FTSE 100 company, which are those companies listed on the London Stock Exchange with the highest value of publicly traded shares. Therefore it appears in reports such as the Business & Human Rights FTSE 100 & the UK Modern Slavery Act report, published annually for three years after the Act was introduced in 2015. By 2018 TUI was still only scoring 39% in this assessment and failing to show the leadership necessary to help lift standards at an industry level. The highest scoring company achieved 78%.

It also lost marks due to continuing to sell trips to animal parks where orcas are kept in captivity, despite years of campaigns against this . Other companies including Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor and Airbnb have stopped supporting SeaWorld.

In March 2022, campaigners announced victory after a year of organising to stop TUI’s involvement in deportation flights from the UK. It is still marked down for this in our database, as it has failed to make a public statement to explain why it has stopped but, by February 2022, it had not run a deportation flight for six months. The StopTUI campaign began online in April 2021, which lead to 13 local groups forming around the UK, who held demonstrations outside TUI shops and put on marches, building towards a national day of action on 28 August 2021. The campaign circulated testimonials online by people harmed by the hostile environment and read them out at protests across the UK .

Want more information?

See detailed company information, ethical ratings and issues for all companies mentioned in this guide, by clicking on a brand name in the Score table.  

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Related links

• How to use Ethical Consumer
• Shopping guide to outdoor clothing
• Shopping guide to outdoor clothing shops
• Shopping guide to sportswear
• Shopping guide to bikes
• Shopping guide to travel insurance
• What makes banks unethical? (234894)

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Epicure & Culture

Food, wine & culture for the ethical traveler

Sustainable Travel Companies Helping Your Explore Responsibly

Wondering how to travel responsibly, without having to rough it or settle for less of an incredible experience?

Then you’re in the right place!

We’ve rounded up our favorite sustainable travel companies helping travelers pack, sleep, eat, and play with conscious.

*Note that some of the sustainable tourism companies below feature affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if a purchase is made, at no extra cost to you. We’ve only recommended sustainable travel brands we truly think you’ll love!

Sustainable Travel Companies

Travel insurance.

World Nomads “Footprints Network”

Booking through the World Nomads “Footprints Network” allows you to put a donation toward a cause you care about (while protecting your trip against unforeseen circumstances).

Just a few ways this program has left a positive impact on communities in need, at the time of writing, include:

• Raising almost $29,000 AUD toward educating disadvantaged youth in Australia
• Raising almost $28,000 AUD toward cleaning up litter in Nepal
• Raising almost $20,000 AUD toward protecting sharks and rays in Belize

Day Tour Operators

NYC Photo Journeys

This New York photo tour company is owned by Epicure & Culture editor, Jessica Festa.

On their Private Photo Journey , which is part tour / part photoshoot, you’ll explore the city with a local and will leave with a folder of print-ready shots from the day to keep.

Along with supporting local businesses, they donate $3 per TripAdvisor review left to the charity of the moment.

Moreover, 1% of profits get donated to 100 Cameras , who have “developed a custom curriculum that teaches kids both storytelling and technical photography skills in a way that impacts how they view themselves and their role in their community.”

Lokal Travel

Lokal Travel — a platform for booking sustainable tours, hotels, and experiences — believes tourism has the power to transform travelers as well as the places they visit.

They thoroughly vet their partners to ensure every booking adds dollars to local economies, protects the environment and upholds local heritage.

Some of the incredible experiences you can book through Lokal Travel include:

• Sleep in a gorgeous Peruvian eco-lodge within a 200-hectare private reserve
• Spend the day with Guatemalan coffee farmers
• Take part in a Rio de Janeiro community visit (to the Favela Organica project) and cooking class

These are just a few of many unforgettable options!

Note that Lokal Travel offers day  and  multi-day tours.

Backstreet Academy

Backstreet Academy offers conscious local tours and experiences in Asia.

Their goal:

To introduce visitors to local culture while helping to improve local communities at the “Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP).”

You can pick a “backstreet” from 10+ countries and 40+ cities. From there, choose your activity and leave a deposit.

What’s great is that most of their hosts are found through NGO’s and handicraft organizations, giving priority to artisans and craftsmen who are underprivileged and struggling.

Some experiences you can book include:

• Cooking Momos in a local home in Kathmandu, Nepal
• Taking part in a batik and shibori design workshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Appreciating the Angkor Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cotopaxi Questival

Not your usual tour, these fun 24-hour adventure races take place all over the USA (and a few cities in Canada).

Twenty-four hours before the start of the race, you’ll learn what your challenges are, which can be quirky, daring, cultural, community-focused or something else.

Some past sample challenges have included:

• Taking a dip in the ocean
• Petting animals in an animal shelter
• Snapping photos of specific local landmarks
• Telling a complete stranger why you’re thankful for them
• Sampling the food from a local street vendor
• Mailing a letter to a veteran
• Giving a pillow to a homeless person

You have 24 hours to complete the challenges, each of which earns your team points.

And when you need a break, there’s live music and food to enjoy.

By the end of the event, massive amounts of trees have been planted, litter picked up, donations made and more.

Every participant gets a free backpack!

Multi-Day Tours

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is dedicated to offering conscious, small-group tours all over the world with social responsibility in mind.

In fact, they’ve been huge in helping to change the corrupt elephant tourism industry, are passionate about gender equality and choosing local guides when it comes to hiring, and run 1400+ carbon-offset cycling trips , just to name a few sustainable tourism strides.

Through their non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, they’ve invested over $3.5 million USD into education, community development, healthcare, and wildlife.

Just a few incredible responsible travel experiences you can book through Intrepid include:

• A two-week off-the-beaten path biking trip through Tanzania
• A 10-day Patagonia trekking expedition
• A 15-day Balkan adventure

Note that Intrepid Travel is the parent company of Urban Adventures, listed above in the Day Tours section.

BookYogaRetreats

Looking to combine yoga with travel?

This platform showcases yoga retreats from all over the world, allowing you to stay in some really top-notch sustainable accommodations while deepening your practice.

Maybe you want to try a yoga & meditation retreat in Costa Rica , or possibly a shamanic healing retreat .

You can search the site by yoga style, destination, fusion experience or an array of other filters to find your perfect yoga trip.

Along with selling high-quality travel and adventure gear , they have an incredible lineup of green travel trips for active and adventurous nomads wanting to immerse themselves in the outdoors.

You’ll enjoy traveling with a local guide who will lead you on a unique itinerary that keeps sustainable tourism in mind.

A few of their many noteworthy small group tour experiences around the world include:

• Hiking, rafting, and ziplining the USA’s Great Smoky Mountains
• Having a multi-sport Peruvian adventure from Machi Picchu to Rainbow Mountain in South America
• Ireland coast-to-coast hiking
• South Africa Ultimate Adventure & Safari

Accommodation

Homestay.com

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local community and culture:

A homestay.

This involves staying in a local home and becoming an active participant in local life.

You’ll see the way people live, how they cook, what they do for fun, and will truly experience a place as a local (vs a tourist).

Homestay.com is a great website for connecting you with these opportunities.

Their website showcases over 33,000 homestays in 160+ countries, too.

CouchSurfing

Now, if you’d like to do a complimentary homestay, CouchSurfing is a great resource.

Creating an account is free, and you’ll be able to sleep on local couches — and sometimes even have your own bed — in cities all over the world.

CouchSurfing features a passionate community of over 14 million travelers and locals and offers more than just a place to sleep.

In fact, you can also make use of the local city forums for meeting up with locals.

Travel Gear

Their tagline is “gear for good”.

This makes sense, as this adventure gear company has “giving back” woven into their mission, specifically alleviating poverty.

Cotopaxi writes grants that help fund education, health and livelihood projects.

Moreover, they host service-focused Questival Races (mentioned above) that are not only fun but lead to trees being planted, clothing and food being donated, and more.

Impressive mention:

They’re B-Corp Certified, meaning they meet the highest criteria for being a company truly making a difference when it comes to balancing “profit and purpose”.

The mission of NOVICA — in association with National Geographic — is to empower artisans and put dollars into their pockets.

And the way they do this is by offering a gorgeous platform showcasing hand-made clothing, accessories, housewares, and art for sale, made by locals from around the world.

Our personal favorites are the alpaca shawls and sweaters — so comfortable for cool weather trips!

At the time of writing, NOVICA has put almost $90 million in the pockets of artisans around the world.

Speakeasy Travel Supply Co

These handmade scarves are not only stylish, but practical, featuring hidden pockets to keep valuables safe.

They’re made for travelers by travelers, using only the most high-quality fabrics.

Moreover, they come in an array of styles meant for all different climates and travel destinations; so whether you’re going to Antarctica or Thailand, there’s a scarf for you.

Oomo Sound 3D 5.1 Surround Sound Earbuds

Looking for quality earbuds that also give back?

Oomo Sound 3D 5.1 Surround Sound Earbuds offer sound so crystal clear it feels like you can see it, as it comes at you from five different directions.

Yes, you read that right. 

The best part?

A portion of each purchase goes toward providing hearing aids or surgery for the hearing impaired.

Empower women with your purchase!

ABLE is an online shop selling apparel and accessories for women.

In fact, this ethical company is also about female empowerment, with a focus on training, educating and investing in women.

Moreover, 96% of their employees are women, and they share their company wages right on their homepage for transparency.

You’ll find a ton of beautiful pieces for travelers in their collection, too, from bags to practical clothing to trip-inspired jewelry.

Their online store showcases lifestyle goods by female-founded brands.

Along with an entire section of the website devoted to travel, you’ll find items related to wellness, self-care, sex, feminine-care, style, and more.

Don’t miss their travel-inspired jewelry selection, full of classic and statement pieces for those with wanderlust in their hearts.

Rheos Sunglasses

There are many reasons why we love Rheos sunglasses:

• They’re extremely lightweight and don’t give you a headache
• They float — perfect for water activities
• They come in a variety of styles (we love the aviators!)
• Their polarized lenses offer 100% UV protection
• The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• The brand was founded by two passionate travelers, husband-and-wife team Jake and Becca

And if that’s not impressive enough, 1% from each purchase goes to environmental nonprofits protecting the globe’s waterways.

Cool-jams Performance Sleepwear

If you’re the type of traveler that has trouble falling asleep — and staying asleep — because of fluctuating body temperature, here is your solution.

The Cool-jams technology was originally developed for the Canadian armed forces, designed to wick away moisture and keep you temperature and comfortable.

Additionally, the pajamas come in a variety of styles, whether you love sets, nightgowns, loungewear, robes, maternity pajamas — they even have an entire collection of travel sleepwear.

Feel-good bonus:

A portion of each purchase gets donated to charities focused on important causes like education, family services, and medical research and disease prevention.

Celestial Silk Pillowcases

Once you sleep on Celestial Silk’s 100% pure Mulberry Silk pillowcase, you’ll never go back.

Along with being uber comfortable, it’s healthier, helping the skin to retain moisture and regulating body temperature.

It’s also non-irritating to hair and skin.

Furthermore, the brand donates 10% of proceeds each month to charities like the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Justice and KARM. Additionally, they gift pillowcases to chemotherapy patients as part of the HairToStay program.

Wowe Lifestyle

Wowe Lifestyle is on a mission to help people, including travelers, go plastic-free.

They sell everyday products that are natural and made with recyclable materials, from bamboo toothbrushes to reuseable straws to stainless steel water bottles and beyond.

Well Earth Goods

This US-based family-owned business is passionate about sustainable products that minimize waste.

On their site, you’ll find a wide range of zero-waste goods related to beauty, self-care, cleaning, cooking, family, and more.

They even have a section dedicated to low-waste travel !

Life Without Plastic

Can you imagine a life without plastic — or plastic-free travel ?

This brand can!

And they’re helping to make it happen by selling high-quality plastic-free products for people at home as well as on the go.

They also have a sustainable travel section on their site !

Additionally, you can peruse their official Plastic Pollution Coalition Store .

Shop sustainably and limit your waste by shopping EarthHero’s wide range of goods related to the outdoors, pets, tech, beauty, clothing, home, and more.

And, yes, they also have a travel section and a zero-waste section.

Love discounts?

Snag 10% off most items with code “JESSIE10”.

Wolven Threads

Made up of a team of artists and activists, this activewear and swimwear brand is all about making high-quality garments featuring bold and beautiful prints — that are also sustainable.

Not only are their products climate neutral, but they’re made with recycled PET plastics and feature minimal packaging.

Additionally, Wolven Threads is a member of 1% For The Planet, meaning that they donate at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes.

Get 20% off with code “EPICUREANDCULTURE” (cannot be combined with another sale or discount).

Sustainable Travel Brands: You?

Is your travel brand (or a travel brand you love) high quality, as well as committed to social responsibility, the environment and having a positive impact on the world?

Please fill out this application form and we will get back to you.

Note that we vet all partners listed on this page.

What sustainable travel companies would you add to this list?

10 Eco-Friendly Tour Companies You Should Know About 

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7 National Parks With Scenic Loop Hikes

This cute colorado town is the perfect alternative to telluride, 7 underrated mountain towns in oregon.

• Using eco-friendly, green tour companies is an excellent way to enjoy world travel while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and supporting local communities.
• G Adventures, Undiscovered Mountains, Byway Travel, Gondwana Ecotours, Experience Travel Group, Natural Habitat Adventures, Responsible Travel, AndBeyond, Seacology, and Intrepid Travel are some of the best sustainable tour operators available.
• These environmentally focused, green tour operators prioritize eco-friendly measures such as hiring local guides, tracking community profits, promoting flight-free travel, investing in clean drinking water systems, reducing carbon emissions, and partnering with conservation organizations.

Arguably, the greatest joy of travel is the opportunity to experience new sights, cultures, histories, and landscapes. Visitors will often spend months planning, booking tours, scouting restaurants, and scheduling in some needed downtime.

Not all travel is created equal, however. In fact, many of the most common travel practices today have a number of negative side effects on both the destination and the planet as a whole. So, how can travelers still enjoy the wonders of the world without harming it in the process? One of the best tips for environmentally friendly world travel is to use an eco-friendly tour company.

Many of the best eco friendly tour companies in the world offer all the same advantages as traditional tour groups but have also taken extra steps to ensure they hire locally and watch their product consumption, giving back to the community they draw their profits from. The tour companies below are some of the top-rated eco-friendly tour companies in the world, ensuring that responsible and sustainable travel is available for every adventurer.

Related: What Is Eco-Travel? Here's Every Type Of Eco-Tourism You Should Know About

10 G Adventures

When it comes to ecotourism, there are a variety of factors to consider, from wildlife welfare to carbon emissions. G Adventures believes that the key to addressing these issues and everything in between is community tourism. Whether leading guests as they watch penguins in Antarctica or exploring the most beautiful hiking trails through California’s Redwood National Park , the key to sustainable travel is leaving a positive impact on the community.

G Adventures achieves this by hiring only local guides and tracking how much of the money spent on a tour goes back into the communities visited. This dedication to ethical tourism, paired with the hundreds of tours available, makes G Adventures not just an exceptional eco-friendly tour company but one of the best tour countries available for world travel.

About G Adventures

• Tour Locations: 100+ Countries
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Partnered with nonprofit Planeterra , Locally Hired Guides, Track Community Profits from Tours, Partnered with Travel Without Plastic

Popular G Adventures Tour

• Tour: Las Vegas to San Francisco - Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
• Price: from $1,849/person
• Duration: 8 days
• Inclusions: Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Entrance Fees, Camping Fees

Regardless of how visitors are exploring outdoor spaces, one of the best ways to promote eco-friendly travel is to follow the “Pack it in, pack it out” policy, also referred to as the “Leave No Trace” approach. This means that whatever comes into the park for an outing leaves with the individual who brought it, keeping parks free of trash and wildlife safe.

Related: Road Trip Worthy: Exploring The Most Scenic Drives Across The Southwest U.S.

9 Undiscovered Mountains

The French Alps are one of the most unique mountain destinations in the world and, like many mountain destinations, are often the victim of predatory tourism practices. Undiscovered Mountains , which specializes in the French Alps, has a variety of eco-friendly options for individuals and families looking to enjoy the mountain snow.

Undiscovered Mountains offers a variety of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain tour experiences, all with local guides and sources from local businesses. Paired with locally owned accommodation partnerships, Undiscovered Mountains is the eco-friendly key to touring the French Alps.

About Undiscovered Mountains

• Tour Locations: French Alps
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Locally Hired Guides, Partnerships with Local Restaurants and Hotels, Trees Planted for Each Guest

Popular Undiscovered Mountains Tour

• Tour: Ski Adventure Holiday - Orcières in the Alps
• Price: from $780/adult
• Inclusions: 7 nights in accommodation, 6-day ski pass, Leisure Pass, and Tree Planted to help offset the trip’s carbon footprint

8 Byway Travel

One of the most environmentally damaging aspects of travel is the process of arriving at a destination. Traveling by plane can leave a large carbon footprint before visitors ever arrive. For companies like Byway Travel in the UK, creating an unforgettable sustainable travel experience starts with eliminating this problem.

Byway Travel is among the best environmentally friendly tour companies in the world; it promotes 100% flight-free travel, also called overland travel, by offering some of the best tours in Europe, all organized without ever stepping foot on an airplane. By avoiding damaging plane rides, Byway Travel not only promotes low-impact travel but emphasizes the beauty of travel itself by incorporating transportation into the trip.

About Byway Travel

• Tour Locations: Europe (including Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, France, Scotland, The UK, etc.)
• Eco-Friendly Measures: 100% Flight-Free Itineraries, Certified B-Corp

Popular Byway Travel Tour

• Tour: Avignon to the Rivieras
• Price: from $2,150/person
• Duration: 16 days
• Inclusions: London, Paris, Avignon, Marseille, Cassis, Nice, Menton, Alassio, Genoa, Turin

Planning a flight-free vacation? Keep the responsible travel going by booking through a sustainable platform like Fairbnb.coop . Fairbnb reinvests in the host’s communities by donating half of their commission to a social project close to the booking location.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Eco-Tourism Destinations To Visit In The U.S. (& What To Do There)

7 Gondwana Ecotours

One of the most important things to be aware of when traveling sustainably is using tour companies that work with the local community. That principle is at the heart of Gondwana Ecotours ’ approach to tourism.

Based in New Orleans, Gondwana Ecotours is one of the best eco-friendly tour operators in the world, thanks to its widespread network of local partnerships. Whether travelers choose a local tour right in Louisiana or head to Rwanda on the other side of the globe, Gondwana Ecotours ensures local experts will be ready to assist.

If that weren’t enough, all of Gondwana Ecotours’ tours are 100% carbon neutral as of 2021 , a distinction established by Cooler, an emissions tracking organization.

About Gondwana Ecotours

• Tour Locations: Louisiana, Alaska, Argentina, Costa Rica, Norway, Rwanda, Tanzania
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Locally-Hired Guides, Carbon-Neutral Tours, Donations to Local Nonprofits

Popular Gondwana Ecotours Tour

• Tour: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure
• Price: from $1,500/person
• Duration: 5 days
• Inclusions: Lodging, All Meals, National Park Admission, Audio Tour of Kigali's Genocide Museum, Cultural Activities, Donation to Aspire Rwanda

The word “Gondwana” refers to a part of the ancient supercontinent Pangea . This one-ness represents Gondwana Ecotours’ goal to unify the planet through sustainable travel and bucket-list-worthy tours.

6 Experience Travel Group

While there are a variety of eco-friendly destinations all around the world , these locations will quickly disappear if travelers and tour companies alike aren’t willing to give back to the places they explore. For the last 20 years, Experience Travel Group has offered tours throughout Asia, emphasizing exactly that principle.

Guides who work for Experience Travel Group don’t earn a commission, keeping the focus purely on an immersive experience. What makes Experience Travel Group one of the best tour companies in Asia, and certainly among the best sustainable travel companies in the world, is its focus on less-traveled areas.

Experience Travel Group makes a conscious effort to avoid areas suffering from over-tourism and instead takes visitors through the undiscovered corners of Asia, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

About Experience Travel Group

• Tour Locations: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oman
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Avoid Over-Touristed Locations, Promote Local Businesses, Pledge to Cut Carbon Emissions By 50% by 2050, Investing in Clean Drinking Water Systems

Popular Experience Travel Group Tour

• Tour: Hidden Gems of Southern Thailand
• Price: from $5,700/person
• Duration: 15 days
• Inclusions: Round-Trip Flight from the UK, Bangkok, Chumphon, Hidden Island Tour, Khao Sok

5 Natural Habitat Adventures

The official tour company partner of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) , there is perhaps no better way to travel while supporting wildlife conservation than by booking a tour with Natural Habitat Adventures , another one of the best ecotourism companies in the world.

Wildlife enthusiasts can choose from tours across nearly every corner of the globe with Natural Habitat Adventures. From US National Park Tours to Adventure Cruises and Photography Tours, there are a variety of ways to enjoy animals in their natural habitats.

Natural Habitat Adventures promotes responsible small-group tours that get visitors up close to their favorite wildlife, all while donating over $10 million to WWF to conserve natural habitats and protect endangered animals for future generations.

About Natural Habitat Adventures

• Eco-Friendly Measure: Partnership with WWF, Carbon Neutral Travel Company, Green Office Policies, Zero-Waste Tour Options

Popular Natural Habitat Adventures Tour

• Tour: Bears of Brooks Falls: A Photo Pro Expedition
• Price: from $10,395/person
• Duration: 6 days
• Inclusions: Anchorage, Brooks Falls, King Salmon Run Viewing, Katmai National Park

This Bears of Brooks Falls Tour is available only from September through October each year. Since the areas are closed to tourists for the season, this exclusive tour gives its 8-person group private access to this remote part of Alaska.

4 Responsible Travel

An activist company that has been promoting sustainable travel practices since 2001, Responsible Travel believes in unique holidays that benefit not just the traveler but the destination as well.

All of the tours offered by Responsible Travel have been carefully reviewed to ensure that profits will be reinvested into the community and that locals will benefit from the visitors. They have also taken measures to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, including carbon-countering practices and a variety of walking tour options .

With so many ways to do good and promote green travel, it’s no wonder Responsible Travel is widely considered one of the most eco-friendly travel companies operating today.

About Responsible Travel

• Tour Locations: 100+ countries
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Carbon Offset Practices, Individually Screening Holiday Packages, Trip-for-a-Trip Initiative , Accessible Travel Options

Popular Responsible Travel Tour

• Tour: National Parks Hiking Holiday in America (Walking Tour)
• Price: from $4,400/person
• Duration: 14 days
• Inclusions: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado Mesa Verde National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Descent trail into Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas

Related: U.S. National Parks: 14 Road Trips To Explore The Best Of America's Natural Beauty

3 AndBeyond

An African Safari is a bucket list item for many travelers around the world, and for good reason. The wildlife here is some of the most recognizable in the world, and there are a variety of wildlife hotspots across Africa for visitors to enjoy.

Travelers looking for the best African Safari will likely find their perfect match with the eco-friendly AndBeyond . With luxury tours across 11 African countries, as well as sustainable lodges in Africa, Asia, and South America, sustainable world travel is anything but ordinary.

Operating for over 30 years, AndBeyond prides itself on its sustainable practices, which range from investing in the local community to decreasing its tour and lodging footprint by building sustainable energy and water structures.

About AndBeyond

• Tour Locations: Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean Islands, South America
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Investing Back into Local Government, Sustainable Electrical Micro-Grids, Employs Locally

Popular AndBeyond Tour

• Tour: Safari Game Drive in Western Serengeti
• Price: Varies (see offers page for current packages and discounts)
• Inclusions: Local Tour Guides, Private Cars, Remote Serengeti Viewing Area Access, Personalized Experience Options

Related: Namibia's National Parks: 10 Best Places For A Safari In Africa

2 Seacology

There is no denying that islands and their surrounding ocean waters are some of the most delicate ecosystems in the world. The nonprofit Seacology not only works to preserve these one-of-a-kind destinations but also offers exceptional ecotourism adventures so that travelers can enjoy these natural wonders responsibly.

This doesn’t mean that tourists will have to rough it on a Seacology tour. As one of the best sustainable tour companies in the world, Seacology has partnerships with green luxury resorts. During the day, tour group members will enjoy cultural sites, coral reefs, and lush rainforests, all without worrying about their impact on the environment.

About Seacology

• Tour Locations: Fiji, Borneo, Southeast Asia, Chile, Madagascar
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Grant Programs for Island Protection Projects, Island Ecosystem Conservation Projects

Popular Seacology Tour

• Tour: Seacology Expedition to Fiji
• Price: $2,310-$6,361/person
• Inclusions: Visit to Nukubalavu Village, Seacology Presentations, Snorkeling at Namena Marine Reserve and Somosomo Straits, Stay at Koro Sun Resort, Rainforest Hikes, Coastal Biking

Expeditions change regularly. To see upcoming expeditions, check the Travel page of Seacology’s website.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Ecotourism Destinations To Visit In Europe (& What To Do There)

1 Intrepid Travel

Eco-friendly travel doesn’t have to be limiting, particularly for those booking a tour through Intrepid Travel . With tours on all seven continents (yes, even Antarctica!), there is no limit to where travelers can responsibly go.

Specializing in small group tours, Intrepid Travel has over 1,000 different tours available in over 100 countries around the world.

Whether taking guests island hopping through the Galapagos or on an epic journey around the Arctic Circle, sustainability is at the heart of Intrepid Travel. Carbon-neutral since 2010, this B-Corp-certified tour company is one of the best and most eco-friendly in the world.

About Intrepid Travel

• Eco-Friendly Measures: Carbon-Neutral Tours, B-Corp Certification, Community-Based Tourism, Intrepid Foundation Non-Profit

Popular Intrepid Travel Tour

• Tour: Western USA National Parks Loop
• Price: from $1,824/person
• Inclusions: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Navajo Guides, Grand Canyon National Park, Kayaking at Lake Powell

Hiking through Southern Utah’s national parks is a strenuous activity. Pack appropriate hiking gear and read up on the hikes available in each national park to ensure a safe trip.

• Sustainability

7 Easy Tips for Traveling More Sustainably

Here's how to make a big impact with just a few small changes..

In recent years, you may have seen photos of smog-free skies over Los Angeles , clear(ish) water flowing through the historically toxic Venice canals, and wildlife reclaiming cities all over the world amid coronavirus lockdowns—all proof that nature indeed fares better when we keep our fossil fuel-guzzling butts at home instead of traipsing around spewing carbon. One could say Mother Nature was enjoying some much needed R&R.

Well, global travel has since resumed, and experts are biting their nails about whether pandemic-era environmental advances will be continued or simply pushed aside to continue business as usual. Given that the planet just experienced its hottest year on record , it feels like a timely concern. "It would be hard to not say that the mass industry is all about getting the business back to what it was before, and that concerns me," says one such expert. As  Planeterra's president and  G Adventures' vice president for social enterprise and responsible travel, Jamie Sweeting has occupied the front lines of eco-tourism for 25-plus years. He says that now, more than ever in his career, travelers hold the power.

"You have to really ask yourself, 'What within sustainability is most important to me?'"

Jessica Blotter, CEO and cofounder of  Kind Traveler , seconds Sweeting's sentiment: "The 1.4 billion travelers who took trips pre-COVID have an enormous potential to help or harm the planet, depending on how their travel dollars are harnessed." Of course, there are plenty of realistic ways to reduce your environmental impact while traveling, from dropping single-use plastics and choosing local businesses over chains to "voluntouring" and opting to get around on public transportation. With everything that falls under the ever-growing "how to be sustainable" umbrella these days, Sweeting says, "You have to really ask yourself, 'What within sustainability is most important to me?'"

So when you travel, consider which sustainable goals you care about—and can truly apply. Factors that drive you to book community-based experiences instead of the cheapest flight to over-touristed Cabo, perhaps? And while you’re making that list, here are a few eco-friendly travel tips to help you put your money where your well-intentioned mouth is.

Get familiar with ground transportation

Every time you get on a plane, ride in a taxi, or use electricity or heat, carbon dioxide is emitted. Obviously we can’t all be Greta Thunberg and give up flying completely—but for short domestic trips, consider a  road trip or taking the train instead. In the US, Amtrak not only provides a scenic experience and an automatically interesting travel yarn, but the company pledges to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the network by 2045.

Outside of the US and Europe (home to the iconic Eurail and Interrail ), train travel is often cheaper, allows you to see more rural areas , and bridges the gap between tourists and locals. Best of all, medium-length trips by rail emit up to 80% less greenhouse gas than the same trip by air. Book yourself in first class if your idea of coach is more like a sardine in a tin can.

Purchase tickets on low-emission airlines

For long flights you can’t avoid, choose an airline that uses sustainable aviation fuel. As Sweeting says, "It's not hard to put 'award-winning environmental airlines' into Google." JetBlue, for example, was the first airline to achieve carbon neutrality for all domestic flights. In 2021, United Airlines was the first in the world to operate a passenger flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel . Last year the company announced a $15 million investment in carbon capture technology. Even by expressing our desires, we’re sending a message to the all-powerful about what consumers want.

Booking sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights are making it easier to shop by carbon footprint, too. The former offers a "Greener Choices" filter; the latter highlights low-carbon options in green. Try to book direct flights on newer aircrafts like the A320neo or Boeing 787 Dreamliner, says Alix Collins, director of marketing and communications at the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). "Travelers should first make every effort to reduce their emissions while traveling before making an offset," she says, referencing the ( decidedly polarizing ) carbon offsetting trend.

Essentially, carbon offsetting is a way to counteract the carbon emissions you generate while flying. The idea is to put money toward a project that funds renewable energy and combats climate change. Booking sites often present the option to carbon offset at checkout, making it an easy way to give back on top of emissions reduction.

Book LEED-certified hotels

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s a universal set of guidelines that rates buildings by how sustainable they are. Buildings earn points by meeting certain qualifications, like reducing pollution, improving air quality, and limiting guest and staff exposure to chemicals. Based on the number of total points it gets, a building can earn one of four LEED certifications: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Certified.

Along with prioritizing sustainability from a development, design, and operations standpoint, some hotels have also created executive-level leadership positions to oversee all aspects of sustainability—like Montage Laguna Beach , Southern California’s first luxury Gold-certified LEED hotel, and brands like Marriott International, which has a published list of LEED-certified hotels in their portfolio.

Or, consider more independent properties that are pushing boundaries, like Norway's energy-positive Svart , or Jordan's solar-powered Feynan Ecolodge . You probably already have a modest roster of travel apps , but here’s one more: Glooby , an aggregator that not only finds you low-cost flights and hotel rooms, but sustainable ones. That can mean a flight that’s more fuel-efficient than a comparable one, or a hotel that’s earned an eco-friendly label. You can also search through their featured cities just to see what options are out there.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

You already know to reuse your towels—a win for both your hotel and the planet—and you probably know to avoid  all those little hotel soaps , too. In the US, almost a million bars a day end up in le garbage. Although some hotels like Marriott International and Hilton Hotels & Resorts donate to  Clean the World , one of the largest organizations to recycle, sanitize, and distribute leftover hotel soap to developing countries, it’s still better if we all just stop popping one open for only a couple washes. Instead, bring that mini bottle you stole from your last hotel and refill it at home whenever it runs out.

On the subject of plastic, there's really  no excuse for buying disposable water bottles either. Unless otherwise noted, you can drink the water straight from the tap in most places—filter it with a charcoal stick if it makes you feel better. If visiting a destination where the tap water isn't safe to drink, there are more sophisticated purification systems specially designed for travel . Some bottles pump water through a carbon filter; others use the power of UV light to kill even the gnarliest bugs and bacteria.

Ultimately, you should be using all the same low-waste methods you would use at home: Take a tote bag shopping, say no to straws in your drinks, have your coffee sitting down to avoid the paper cup, and carry bamboo cutlery that you can compost or reuse. If you're serious about the issue—and you should be, with eight million new pieces of plastic being funneled into the ocean daily—contact your airline and ask what it's doing to reduce its plastic usage. Sometimes demand equals change.

Plan trips and excursions with ethical, eco-conscious companies

Heaps of travel companies make it their business to help you plan a planet-friendly trip. The problem is that they all claim to be the most sustainable, ethical, and eco-conscious in the business, even when they're far from it. So how does one know whether a company is taking its environmental impact seriously, not just spouting off buzzwords?

"Does it pass the sniff test?" asks Sweeting, meaning: Is there more to a company's claims than a press release and a few bullet points on conservation? Are its sustainability initiatives clearly stated on its website? Is it backed by certifications and/or awards?

"Companies making an honest effort to be more sustainable will be doing more than simple, energy-saving efforts like asking guests to reuse their towels," Collins says. "In addition to those energy-saving efforts, sustainable companies will also be partnering with and giving back to the community and operating in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, wildlife included."

Wildlife encounters are rarely ethical . Sweeting points out that even refuges that claim to rescue animals actually fuel poaching by paying locals to bring them a sloth, say, or a toucan. The animals aren't always orphaned or hit by cars as alleged. The benefit of booking a trip with a sustainable tour operator like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures is that the excursions have already been vetted. These companies go the extra mile to keep the overall footprint to a minimum. Otherwise, you can use resources like EarthCheck , Rainforest Alliance , and Green Globe to find and hire tour groups certified in sustainable practices all over the world.

Or you can book with a hotel group that prioritizes conservation. Volcanoes Safaris , pioneers of chimpanzee and gorilla ecotourism in Rwanda and Uganda,  created a trust that funds projects to both promote local communities and the conservation of the great apes, with the additional goal of reducing human-wildlife conflict. Book with them and you automatically make a donation. This May they are also  opening a new lodge in Uganda offering walking safaris for chimpanzee enthusiasts, which will develop projects in conjunction with the Jane Goodall Institute .

Take time to volunteer

"Regenerative travel” is the buzzword du jour. It’s the notion that tourists should go beyond leaving no trace to, in fact, leave a place better than how it was found. A lot of times, the concept involves voluntourism—staying at an agriturismo in Italy, teaching English to kids at a Kenyan village, or building a church in Haiti. But the truth is, these volunteer opportunities can get a little murky.

"If you really want to build a church in Haiti, invest in a good charity that will hire Haitians to do that," Sweeting says. "You don't need to take jobs away from local people to make yourself feel better." He recommends visiting a social enterprise cafe whose profits benefit the community instead. A good voluntourism opportunity is one that doesn't take away from locals or create dependency on Western organizations.

If you're wondering how to ethically visit Hawaii, consider Malama Hawaii ( malama meaning “to respect and care for” in Hawaiian), a program that invites travelers to join beach cleanups, tree planting, quilt-making for elders, and ocean reef preservation. The  Four Seasons Maui will reward guests who volunteer with Pacific Whale Foundation or Lahaina Restoration Foundation with a $250 resort credit.

Another recommended by Blotter is Charlie's Acres , a farm that rescues slaughterhouse-bound farm animals in Sonoma, California. Here, you can learn about livestock welfare and, on the side, indulge in sheep meditation or goat yoga if morning vinyasa with horned animals is your thing.

Stay, shop, play, eat, and drink local

When asked about the one thing that makes the biggest positive impact while traveling, experts agree that it's localizing your experiences. "This could mean traveling closer to home, but it could also mean more intentionally and actively participating in the local supply chain," Collins says.

Supporting local businesses stimulates economic growth wherever you land, ultimately leading to financial independence and better living conditions for its residents. It goes all the way from the top, like choosing an independent hotel instead of an international chain, down to shopping at an artisan market, or deciding where to dine.

When visiting a food-forward destination, this might look like doing your research and making a reservation at a local spot that's actively invested in giving back to the community. A great example? La Gruta , located in an atmospheric, naturally cooled grotto about 25 miles outside of Mexico City near the famous Teotihuacan archaeological site . Earlier this year, the restaurant’s sustainability program was recognized and awarded twice by Guía México Gastronómico, an organization that distinguishes the 250 best restaurants in the Mexican Republic.

At La Gruta, third-generation chef-owner Carlos Cedillo not only oversees the lush organic gardens that provide the bulk of the kitchen's ingredients, but has also implemented a variety of social, economic, and ecological sustainability measures. There’s a composting system that turns leftovers and unused produce into nutrient-rich soil, and the restaurant works with area farms to establish fair trade practices for anything they need to outsource, like heirloom corn , certain cactus fruits, beans, and livestock. They also reuse wherever possible, even requiring their ice cream vendor to wash, sanitize, and refill the same tubs for every delivery. All that plus community outreach programs and an emphasis on gender equity and fair pay within the business, and you’ve got what Cedillo calls “sustainability at the table.” Oh, and did we mention the inventive, Pre-Hispanic-inspired food is amazing, too?

That's all to say, do your Googles in the planning stage to make sure your all your hard-earned vacation cash stays in the community. If you don't know where a souvenir comes from or whether your driver has been hired by a foreign company, the best you can do is ask and hope for an honest answer. You’ll find most people are pretty proud to tell you when something is homegrown.

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Net Zero Training for Barbados Tourism Businesses

This training program for Barbados’s tourism industry focused on reducing tourism’s carbon footprint on the island and building capacity to adapt to climate change.

Barbados is a small island in the Caribbean that relies on tourism for a large portion of its income . Many Bajans own their own tourism companies, and countless others work for larger hospitality corporations. Tourism supports 33% of the country’s jobs, making it a vital source of income for many residents. 

The island relies on its pristine beaches, sprawling coral reefs, and natural beauty to attract visitors. Protecting these areas is essential to the country’s social and economic well-being. Climate change brings a new set of challenges and threats that make the need for sustainable tourism more present than ever. 

As climate change accelerates, small islands like Barbados are extremely vulnerable to its effects, such as rising sea levels and intense tropical storms. Worsening storms cause destruction and make it difficult to transport goods, jeopardizing food security during hurricane season due to the island’s reliance on imported foods. The changing climate exacerbates the influx of sargassum, a seaweed that washes up on beaches in large quantities and negatively impacts the tourist experience. Warmer temperatures also contribute to more frequent droughts, making freshwater a precious resource in Barbados.  

Natural ecosystems are crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change, but these resources have been severely depleted in Barbados. Many of the mangroves that once protected the island’s coastline from storm surges and flooding were removed for tourism development, unintentionally diminishing nature’s power to reduce damage. Likewise, nearly all of the island’s tropical forests were cut down in the 15th century to make way for sugar plantations. The loss of these ecosystems leaves the island susceptible and reduces its capacity to absorb climate-warming emissions from the atmosphere. 

As global carbon emissions continue to rise, Barbados is not standing idly by. In 2019, Prime Minister Mottley declared that Barbados would implement a national strategy to become carbon neutral by 2030. This includes planting 1 million trees and implementing a plan to foster food security and climate change resilience.  

Since tourism is a vital economic driver in Barbados, enhancing the industry’s sustainability is essential to country-wide climate action. The tourism industry must lower its carbon footprint and support initiatives like agroforestry that increase climate resilience. This begins with providing local tourism professionals with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to reduce their environmental impact.

In 2022, we partnered with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI) to offer a Net Zero Training for the local tourism industry. Attendees included a range of tourism professionals from hoteliers to transportation providers to attractions. This full-day workshop educated participants about the importance of climate-conscious travel and how they can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation in the tourism sector. 

Through a combination of informational presentations, group discussions, interactive exercises, and a field trip, participants learned about:

• The impacts of climate change on small island destinations, including real-life examples from Barbados
• The growing demand for climate-friendly travel experiences
• How travel contributes to climate change and an overview of Sustainable Travel International’s proprietary carbon measurement tools for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators
• Steps on how to reduce the carbon footprint of their business and incorporate adaptation measures to minimize the risks of climate change
• The importance of climate financing, including what carbon offsets are

During the workshop, guest speakers shared some of the climate initiatives taking place on the island. For instance, participants learned about a local agrotourism project that is restoring Barbados’s forest cover, increasing its carbon sinks, and boosting local food production. They also heard how sargassum is being safely removed from coastlines and repurposed into plastic alternatives and biofuels, and about a local company that produces drinking water from the air using solar energy.

Participants embarked on field trips to a tourism adventure park, an electric vehicle supplier facility, and an agrotourism project. During these outings, participants witnessed some of Barbados’s climate-friendly practices in person. At the adventure park, participants saw the attraction’s fleet of electric vehicles, water harvesting practices, composting facility, and native plant greenhouse. At the EV facility, participants learned about electric vehicle infrastructure in Barbados. These field trips allowed participants to connect with some of Barbados’s most innovative initiatives and see how they can get involved. 

This training was just the beginning of Barbados’s climate journey. Watch the video below from our Sustainable Travel: Where Next? docu-series to learn more about Barbados’s sustainable travel efforts.

Destination: Barbados

Region: Caribbean Islands

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Seattle, 13 March 2024

Responding to growing travel demand, Expedia Group unveils today new partnerships fuelling further personalized travel experiences, with supply and tech.

SEATTLE, March 13, 2024  — Expedia Group continues to power travel for everyone, everywhere by broadening its global reach through a series of new and expanded partnerships underpinned by one of the world’s best in travel technology and supply.

“Our purpose-built technology is transforming the travel industry, and we continue to invest in this space to bring new capabilities to our partners and expand their opportunities to reach travelers within our global ecosystem” said Alfonso Paredes, President of Private Label Solutions. “This translates to unparalleled travel options, competitive pricing, and unique experiences for travelers, while simultaneously unlocking growth for all.”

“We’re constantly deepening relationships with established global travel brands and providing startups and entrepreneurs the scale needed to propel their growth,” said Greg Schulze, President of Travel Partners and Media. “Combined with Expedia Group’s transformative technology, our valuable media network inspires travelers across our global brands, while creating significant value for our partners.”

Partners   in Asia Pacific explore new opportunities with Expedia Group as travel peaks in best post-pandemic year:

• Uncover more down under:  Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Northern Territory, and Brisbane Economic Development Agency entered strategic partnerships with Expedia Group Media Solutions to enhance travelers’ experiences, help improve sustainable tourism, and  showcase Australia’s unique culture, landmarks, and millennia-old history . Together, these organizations are elevating the region’s market share by capturing more interest with Expedia Group advertising solutions such as native, PassportAds and YouTube video.
• A world of luxury for Japan:  Ikyu, a Japanese online booking service specializing in luxury hotels and restaurants, implements Expedia Group’s Rapid API solution, unlocking access to lodging supply and providing more than 20,000 additional properties worldwide to guests on a newly revamped international site, along with the ability to earn points to apply toward future bookings.
• Expanded horizons:  Established in 2000, Top Town Travel, an IATA member, provides professional travel services for inbound and outbound travelers in China. Top Town Travel will now use Expedia Group’s quality hotel supply via Rapid API to offer an extensive array of hotel room types to travelers.

North American travel providers work with Expedia Group to capitalize on rising demand via brand, tech, and advertising partnerships:

• More rewarding memories:  Alaska Airlines launched a one-stop travel portal called “Alaska Vacations,” powered by Expedia Group’s cutting-edge White Label Template. This platform seamlessly integrates flights, car rentals, and access to thousands of properties worldwide into customizable packages, so travelers can book their entire journey with ease. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Members will earn miles for every package booked via Alaska Vacations, on top of the normal flight miles earned. In addition, Alaska Airlines Visa® cardholders earn 3 miles per $1 spent on their eligible Alaska Vacations packages when using their card to book 1 .
• Upgraded experiences:  Following successful launches in Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, and Mexico in December 2023, United Airlines is upgrading their United Hotels platform, harnessing the power of Expedia Group’s White Label Template technology. MileagePlus members have the flexibility to earn miles or use miles on nearly 700,000 hotels and vacation rentals. Eligible MileagePlus Premier members and Chase Cardmembers will receive exceptional service and perks when staying at select VIP Access properties.
• Access to quality demand:  New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival named Expedia Group as the Official Travel Partner for the 2024 festival , which includes an Expedia Live Jazz Fest Travel Hub that showcases partners of our Travel Partner Program in front of a valuable demand channel.
• Business travelers hit the road:  Stockotels, now offering an enhanced experience through Expedia Group’s Rapid API, provides professional clients with a curated selection of luxurious to budget-friendly accommodations across 130 countries and 800,000 hotels.
• Fostering an entrepreneurial spirit:  Through a new partnership with Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), independent travel agents in the TRAVELSAVERS network can now offer Expedia Group’s extensive supply and competitive rates to their clients.
• Local expertise with global reach:  One of Brazil’s largest host agencies, Uniao Nacional das Agencias de Viagens (UNAV), is partnering with Expedia TAAP to provide their members with access to Expedia Group’s global travel offerings, streamlining the booking process for agents.
• Enhanced corporate travel:  Paytrack is a complete solution for expense and corporate travel management based in Brazil. Using Expedia Group’s Rapid API solution, Paytrack is now able to offer its business travel customers access to the company’s lodging supply, including special amenities, discounts and more.

As unprecedented demand awaits Europe and the Middle East, Expedia Group’s partners focus on ensuring travelers’ experiences are worthy of gold medals:

• Unlocking wider travels:  IAG Loyalty signed a new long-term agreement with Expedia Group to unlock the power of its Rapid API technology solution. The partnership will bolster the expansion of British Airways Executive Club and other loyalty programs in the International Airlines Group portfolio. Travelers using IAG Loyalty’s Avios currency will have access to competitive rates and supply in 25,000 destinations and at 700,000 properties worldwide.
• Capturing “footy” demand:   Radisson Hotels and Expedia Group have teamed up to offer unparalleled benefits to fans of Liverpool Football Club  Reds supporters who book one of the nine participating Radisson Hotels properties through the Expedia Live microsite will receive unique perks and better availability. The collaboration helps make matchday better at home and away, underscoring Expedia Group’s unwavering commitment to Liverpool FC as their Official Travel Partner.
• The perks of luxury:  Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, an architectural marvel that has put Dubai on the global map, is now part of Expedia Group’s VIP Access program. This alliance elevates the guest experience for travelers with perks such as room upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, and enticing offerings at food and beverage outlets. Hotels enrolled in the VIP Access program tend to attract travelers who stay longer and spend more compared to non-participating properties. 2
• More hotel options:  Hirondelle, an Italy-based travel company that offers tours, business travel trips, and travel agency services to their global client base, launched Book For Work, a rapidly growing B2B hotel booking website that transforms accommodation booking into a strategic advantage for both corporate travel and travel agencies. Book For Work is now offering an extensive array of global hotel options to their customers using Expedia Group’s Rapid API solution.
• A rising travel destination:   Visit Qatar is working with Expedia Group  to drive interest and demand to Qatar as a tourism destination on a global scale, including building creative campaigns with the company’s in-house creative team, Media Studio, to showcase the wonders of Qatar and creating a tailor-built data dashboard to share insights. Visit Qatar will also leverage travel agent support through the Expedia TAAP agency and extend its reach to additional global travelers through Expedia Group’s B2B partnership network.

For more information about how Expedia Group is empowering partners to succeed in the evolving world of travel, please click  here .

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Our organization is made up of three pillars: Expedia Brands, housing all our consumer brands; Expedia Product Technology, focused on the group’s product and technical strategy and offerings; and Expedia for Business, consisting of business-to-business solutions and relationships throughout the travel ecosystem.

Expedia Group’s three flagship consumer brands includes: Expedia®, Hotels.com®, and Vrbo®. One Key™ is our comprehensive loyalty program that unifies Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo into one simple, flexible travel rewards experience. To enroll in One Key, download Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo mobile apps for free on iOS and Android devices. One Key is currently available in the U.S. and will become available globally soon.

For more information, visit  www.expediagroup.com . Follow us on Twitter  @expediagroup  and check out our LinkedIn  www.linkedin.com/company/expedia .

1  Information checked on March 12 th, 2024. See the Alaska Airline Mileage Plan Terms and Conditions for more information.

2  Expedia Group data, approximate incrementality for VIP Access vs. non-VIP Access properties, 2022

© 2024 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. CST: 2029030-50

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JustWravel Shines Bright with Double Honor at MSME Business Awards 2024

Justwravel, india's premier social travel community, has received two prestigious awards at the msme business awards 2024: best startup of the year (travel & tourism) and enterprise of the year (travel & tourism). this recognition validates the company's commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable tourism practices..

In a landmark achievement, JustWravel, India's leading social travel community, has secured two top honors at the MSME Business Awards 2024. The company was recognized as the Best Startup of the Year and Enterprise of The Year within the Travel & Tourism sector.

This accolade marks a significant milestone in JustWravel's ongoing journey, reflecting its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in travel. The awards ceremony, held on June 29, 2024, at Leela Ambience Delhi, was graced by numerous distinguished figures from the business world.

Expressing gratitude, CEO Rohan Verma emphasized that the dual awards are a testament to the collective effort of the dedicated JustWravel team, adventurous travelers, and devoted trip leaders. The company's focus on sustainability continues to make a positive impact while redefining travel experiences for its community.

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