Tourism Cares

08/09/2026

On International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we recognize the cultures, histories, knowledge, and stewardship that Indigenous communities continue to share around the world.

By supporting Indigenous-owned and led experiences, travelers can help preserve cultural traditions, strengthen local economies, and deepen their understanding of a destination.

We're proud to feature Indigenous organizations and experiences across the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map, including:

🪶 Indigenous-led cultural tours and storytelling experiences that share traditions through the voices of their communities.

🌿 Community-based enterprises that preserve traditional knowledge while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

🌎 Experiences that highlight Indigenous stewardship of lands and waters, reminding us that caring for place has been practiced for generations.

Today, and every day, we encourage travelers to seek out experiences that foster learning, respect, and meaningful connections with Indigenous communities.

Explore these experiences and more on the Meaningful Travel Map.

07/29/2026

What does a career in sustainable tourism actually look like?

It could mean helping destinations reduce their environmental impact as a Sustainable Tourism Consultant. Protecting local traditions as a Cultural Heritage Preservation Specialist. Making travel more inclusive as an Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist. Measuring tourism emissions as a Climate Impact Analyst. Or developing volunteer travel programs that deliver meaningful benefits for communities.

new Travel Career Explorer Guide introduces 75 careers across travel and tourism—including a growing number of roles focused on sustainability, stewardship, accessibility, community impact, and responsible travel.

Tourism Cares is pleased to be recognized in the guide among organizations helping to advance purpose-driven careers and a more sustainable tourism industry.

Explore the guide and discover where a career in travel might lead: https://hubs.ly/Q04qV87C0

Sustainability ResourcesIn sustainability, there is no competition. We need full collaboration across the industry in order to truly make tourism the force for good we know it can be.The following links below will bring you to resources, sample plans, and other tools to help guide you through your s...

07/03/2026

As America marks its 250th anniversary, it's an opportunity to celebrate not only where we've been, but to reflect on the many stories that have shaped who we are today.

Travel has a unique ability to connect us with the people, places, and experiences that bring history to life. The stories of innovation and resilience. The stories of joy and celebration. The stories of struggle, injustice, and progress. Together, they create a richer understanding of our shared past and help shape a stronger future.

We created the Meaningful Travel Map to connect the industry with the people telling those stories. You'll find organizations preserving Indigenous heritage, interpreting the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, sharing Black history, protecting immigrant stories, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities, honoring veterans, conserving historic places, and ensuring local voices remain at the center of the visitor experience.

We believe meaningful travel isn't about seeing only the highlights. It's about understanding the people and places that make every destination what it is.

As we commemorate 250 years of American history, we encourage travelers to seek experiences that inspire curiosity, invite reflection, and deepen our appreciation for the many communities and cultures that continue to shape this country.

Because understanding our history, ALL of it, is one of the most meaningful journeys we can take.

06/17/2026

Two months later, and we're still thinking about Asheville.

We're grateful to everyone who joined us for the Meaningful Travel Summit and helped make it such a powerful few days of learning, connection, and inspiration. Together, we explored how tourism can support community resilience, celebrate local culture, and create positive impact for the people and places that make travel possible.

Here's a look back at the conversations, experiences, and partnerships that continue to inspire our work today. 🎥

https://hubs.ly/Q04lsnzG0

Thank you to Asheville and the many local organizations who welcomed us into their community.

06/16/2026

When we talk about sustainable travel, we often focus on transportation, accommodations, and visitor experiences. But what about the food on our plates?

In our latest blog written by friends at The Good Food Institute, we explore how protein choices are becoming part of the sustainability conversation, and why food systems deserve a seat at the table when we think about the future of travel.

From climate impacts to community resilience, the choices destinations, hotels, restaurants, and travelers make around food can have far-reaching effects.

Read more https://hubs.ly/Q04lrYNx0

06/09/2026

✨ Introducing ✨ The Meaningful Travel Map of Colombia.

From vibrant cities and breathtaking biodiversity to community-led conservation and cultural experiences, Colombia is creating travel opportunities that empower local communities, protect natural ecosystems, and foster deeper connections between travelers and place.

🌎 Explore meaningful experiences across Colombia, including Afro-Colombian and Indigenous-led tourism along the Pacific Coast to wildlife, birdwatching, and nature experiences that directly support local livelihoods and conservation efforts.

➡️ Discover the newly expanded Meaningful Travel Map of Colombia and start planning journeys with greater purpose and impact. https://hubs.ly/Q04kzzVK0

📸: Hotel Waya Guajira
📸: Explore Nuquí
📸: Reserva Natural El Encanto de Guanapalo

05/28/2026

Hey Tourism Cares Community!

Are you a social entrepreneur in tourism? Apply for the 2026 SET Competition before June 30!

💻 Fully Online
🌎 Open Worldwide
🏆 Expert mentorship, global exposure, investor access, coaching & an international entrepreneurship network

Choose the track that fits your journey:
💡 Launch Track – For innovative ideas
🚀 Growth Track – For existing businesses

Apply now:

The first worldwide competition focusing on social innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism – 2025 applications are now open.

05/17/2026

It's our final day of the Meaningful Travel Advisor Challenge 🎉🙌

Meaningful travel doesn’t start at arrival. It begins before the trip even begins. Helping clients travel thoughtfully through simple preparation and expectation-setting can lead to better experiences, deeper connections, and stronger loyalty to your business.

Small guidance can make a lasting impact.

Here's your final action: Share one meaningful travel tip or checklist item with a client for their upcoming trip.

You can use our free Meaningful Travel Checklist template to start:
https://hubs.ly/Q04g0tL20

05/16/2026

Today’s travelers are paying closer attention to where their travel dollars go and who benefits.

Choosing suppliers that value community partnership, cultural respect, and local impact can help you build stronger recommendations and greater client trust.

Meaningful travel starts with informed decisions.

We're on Day 6️⃣ of the Meaningful Travel Advisor Challenge! ✔️

Today's Action: Use one sustainability or community-impact criterion to evaluate a supplier you’re considering this week.

Use our Sustainable Suppliers Evaluation Guide to get started:
https://hubs.ly/Q04g0pDX0

05/15/2026

Finding meaningful experiences doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch.

The Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map helps travel advisors and tour operators discover vetted organizations, experiences, and businesses that create positive impact for local communities while offering travelers something more authentic and memorable.

➡️ Here's Day 5's action: Search the Meaningful Travel Map for one experience you can add to a current itinerary.

Get started here: https://hubs.ly/Q04g07G00