Center for Responsible Travel

Center for Responsible Travel Transforming the way the world travels.

The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is an effective nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC dedicated to increasing the positive global impact of responsible tourism. CREST provides evidence-based research and analysis to governments, policymakers, tourism businesses, nonprofit organizations, and international agencies to solve the most pressing problems confronting tourism, the world

’s largest� service industry. Founded in 2003 in the wake of the UN’s International Year of Ecotourism, CREST initially focused on the role of small-scale ecotourism in empowering communities and conserving precious resources. Over time, our work has evolved to consider how all tourism can be more responsibility planned, developed, and managed across all sectors and geographies. Through innovative field projects, research, consultancies, and advocacy, CREST is taking action to address our world’s key threats to securing a sustainable future. CREST's Mission:
To promote responsible tourism policies and practices so that local communities may thrive and steward their cultural resources and biodiversity.

Day 1 Speaker Lineup of the World Tourism Forum on Cape Cod November 4-6. From cultural heritage and housing equity to A...
10/29/2025

Day 1 Speaker Lineup of the World Tourism Forum on Cape Cod November 4-6.

From cultural heritage and housing equity to AI’s impact on tourism and CREST’s legacy, the conversations on November 4 will challenge, inspire, and connect.

Scroll to meet some of the incredible voices taking the stage - leaders driving transformation across destinations, policy, innovation, and community.

We’re just 6 days away from gathering on Cape Cod for CREST’s final World Tourism Forum. Don’t miss your chance to be in the room.

🎟 Get your ticket → https://worldtourismdayforum.sched.com/registration

Our lineup is stacked.As we count down to CREST’s final World Tourism Forum (Nov 4–6, Cape Cod), meet the speakers who w...
10/17/2025

Our lineup is stacked.

As we count down to CREST’s final World Tourism Forum (Nov 4–6, Cape Cod), meet the speakers who will define three days of conversation, collaboration, and action — all centered on one theme: Sustainable Transformation.

🌿 Featured Speakers
From CREST’s Co-Founder Dr. Martha Honey, to Wampanoag leader and MIT Visiting Scholar Leslie Jonas, to conservation pioneer Mark Robinson, these voices will ground the Forum in legacy, community, and the Cape’s natural and cultural heritage.

🌍 Destination Stewardship, Shared Governance & Inclusion
Who tells the story — and who holds the power?
Julie Regan (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency), Michael J. Bobbitt (Mass Cultural Council), and Jonathan Tourtellot (Destination Stewardship Center) bring perspectives on collaboration, culture, and governance that are reshaping destinations from Massachusetts to Lake Tahoe to the world.

✈️ Sustainable Aviation: Turbulence Ahead
Can air travel ever be truly sustainable?
Dan Wolf (Cape Air), Katie Servis (Hoyle Tanner & Associates), and Kelsey Frenkiel (GBTA Foundation) will explore the realities of sustainable aviation fuels, the paradox of growth, and where regional innovation can lead global change.

These are the conversations that make the Forum different — grounded in practice, driven by people, and designed to move the tourism industry forward.

🎟 Tickets on sale for only a few more days!
Join us November 4–6 on Cape Cod for CREST’s final World Tourism Forum on Sustainable Transformation.

👉 Register now → https://www.responsibletravel.org/2025-world-tourism-day-forum/2025forumregistration/

09/23/2025

📣 Day 2 Session Reveal Vid & Workshop Format. What makes the Forum different?

It’s not just panels and keynotes (though we have those too, obvs). The heart of the Forum is our workshop format → designed for collaboration, not just conversation.

✨ After every two sessions, you’ll join a pre-assigned, cross-sector team - mixing voices from industry, government, civil society, academia, and local communities.
✨ With guided facilitation, your team will reflect on lessons learned and tackle questions through two lenses: policies (what needs to change) and practices (what we can actually do).
✨ On Day 3, teams will share their contributions to a Sustainable Transformation Charter - a flexible framework destinations everywhere can adapt.

It’s tourism’s toughest questions, answered together. 🌍

🎟 Tickets are moving fast → https://www.responsibletravel.org/2025-world-tourism-day-forum/2025forumregistration/
📍 Cape Cod | Nov 4–6 | Pelham House Resort

30% Off World Tourism Forum Standard Tickets 🫨 August Only!This November, join local and global changemakers on Cape Cod...
08/20/2025

30% Off World Tourism Forum Standard Tickets 🫨 August Only!

This November, join local and global changemakers on Cape Cod for 3 days of bold ideas, action-oriented workshops, and hands-on collaboration aimed at transforming travel practices & policies to sustain the destinations we love.

🎟️ Right now, tickets are just $349 (normally $499). Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and transform tourism with leaders from across the world.

💡 Bold Topics: Coastal Resilience & the Blue Economy, Environmental Stewardship & Visitor Behavior, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Inclusive Travel Marketing, Climate Preparedness, AI in the tourism workforce, and so much more!

👉 Get your discount tix before the August 31st deadline --> https://www.responsibletravel.org/2025-world-tourism-day-forum/2025forumregistration/

If your work explores how tourism can evolve to sustain the places we love - then this is the session for you!The Ideas ...
08/04/2025

If your work explores how tourism can evolve to sustain the places we love - then this is the session for you!

The Ideas Exchange at CREST’s 2025 World Tourism Forum is now accepting submissions from across the sector: academics, students, nonprofits, think tanks, and tourism professionals alike.

This is more than a research symposium - it’s a collaborative session where ideas are shared, challenged, and brought to life. Submit a paper for peer-review or a poster that speaks to our Forum theme of sustainable transformation, and present it to a truly interdisciplinary audience.

📍 Cape Cod, MA
📅 Forum Dates: November 4–6
📝 Submission Deadline: August 20

✔️ Papers for peer review
✔️ Posters of research completed and research-in-progress
✔️ Posters of sase studies, insights, and innovative projects

Don't just participate, share your ideas and insights at our 2025 World Tourism Forum.

Link to Submi ----> https://www.responsibletravel.org/2025-world-tourism-day-forum/peer-reviewed-ideas-exchange/

12/03/2024

What is CREST? What's our strategic direction? What are our values? And why should you give to us on ?

📽️ We made a video!

In the video, I try to answer all of the above. If you support CREST, would love for you to share why you value our work!

Remember to double your impact here https://lnkd.in/e4_Z_cY5 where the Intrepid Foundation has generously offered to match all donations up to $15,000!

🌍 Double Your Impact This Giving Tuesday with CREST! 🌍This holiday season, let’s come together to make tourism a force f...
12/03/2024

🌍 Double Your Impact This Giving Tuesday with CREST! 🌍

This holiday season, let’s come together to make tourism a force for good. At the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), we’re working tirelessly to promote responsible tourism that uplifts communities, protects the environment, and preserves cultural heritage.

Here’s how YOU can help:
This Giving Tuesday, The Intrepid Foundation is matching donations to CREST up to $15,000 USD! With your support, we can raise $30,000 to empower local leadership, advance research, and foster collaboration for a more sustainable future in tourism.

Your contribution will:
📣 Support community leadership in destination governance
🖨️ Advance research on tourism’s critical challenges
🤝 Create spaces for bold, innovative dialogue in the tourism sector

Together, we can ensure tourism benefits both people and the planet. Donate today and double your impact: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/crest

Thank you for making a difference this Giving Tuesday and beyond! ❤️

🎉 The CREST Holiday Travel Auction is LIVE! 🎉👉 Bid here: https://www.charitybuzz.com/support/655?sort_direction=desc&sor...
11/22/2024

🎉 The CREST Holiday Travel Auction is LIVE! 🎉

👉 Bid here: https://www.charitybuzz.com/support/655?sort_direction=desc&sort_by=open_date&buying_format=&lr=&ur=1000000

This holiday season, gift yourself or someone special the adventure of a lifetime while supporting responsible tourism! 🌍

✨ Bid on exclusive packages to stunning destinations:
🏝️ Costa Rica – Luxurious rainforest villa stays
🏔️ Nepal – Serenity in the Himalayas
🏰 Michigan – Historic charm at Grand Hotel Mackinac Island
☀️ Los Cabos – Artistic escapes at Hotel El Ganzo
🌱 Peru – Wellness retreats in Cusco
🚤 India – Luxury Ganges River cruise
👣 Spain – Guided walking tours through the Balearic Islands
🌆 NYC – Penthouse adventures in the Big Apple
🌊 Samana – Beachfront bliss in the Dominican Republic
🌟 Global – Dream getaways with Loews Hotels & Virgin Voyages

🌱 Every bid supports CREST's mission to empower communities, protect cultural heritage, and advocate for responsible tourism worldwide.

🗓️ Hurry! Auction ends December 6.
📲 Click this link and bid now! https://www.charitybuzz.com/support/655?sort_direction=desc&sort_by=open_date&buying_format=&lr=&ur=1000000

💡 Know someone who loves to travel? Tag them and share the excitement!

Such an impactful and amazing Forum this year!
10/11/2024

Such an impactful and amazing Forum this year!

Join us in saying "obrigado" to Organização Turismo de Trancoso for serving as a community sponsor in this year's Forum!...
09/23/2024

Join us in saying "obrigado" to Organização Turismo de Trancoso for serving as a community sponsor in this year's Forum! 🌱✨

OTT is deeply committed to protecting the natural and historic heritage of their destination in a way that harmoniously benefits both Trancoso's tourism industry and its local community. Their manifesto, which we encourage you to read (https://loom.ly/B3avRb8), puts the wellbeing of people and nature at the center of their mission, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.

See you tomorrow at the Forum to learn more about using tourism as a force for good and OTT’s inspiring work!

We are excited to announce Interamerican Network as a community sponsor for this year’s World Tourism Day Forum! As a le...
09/23/2024

We are excited to announce Interamerican Network as a community sponsor for this year’s World Tourism Day Forum!

As a leading tourism and marketing agency in Latin America, Interamerican works some of the world's most innovative destinations to engage global audiences in ways that protect the environment, empower local communities, and celebrate cultural heritage.Their expertise in fostering meaningful connections between tourism businesses, destinations, and travelers makes them an invaluable partner in elevating and advancing the Forum's mission of using tourism as a force for good. 🤝 🌎

We thank Interamerican for helping us spread the voices of our Forum across the Americas!

What happens when 130 stakeholders get together under a shared vision? Innovation, collective action, and progress is bo...
09/20/2024

What happens when 130 stakeholders get together under a shared vision? Innovation, collective action, and progress is born! 🫶🏽 🇧🇷

We are so excited for Futuri to support us as a community sponsor for the 2024 World Tourism Day Forum! Now with over 200 local allies, Futuri is dedicated to promoting sustainable, inclusive tourism in Bahia, Brazil, that enhances local communities while fostering innovative practices that benefit the environment and society. Their mission is to engage diverse stakeholders—ranging from local communities to industry leaders and governmental bodies— to the design and ex*****on of actions in favor of more sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Futuri’s collaborative approach highlights the power of partnerships and alliance-building to drive lasting, positive change.

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1225 I Street NW, Suite 600
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20005

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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