About Sustainable Travel International

Humans are a nomadic species. Driven by our need for recreation, contemplation, connection and reflection, we are on the go. Besides being the world’s largest industry travel and tourism has enormous and unsustainable impact on energy, water, land and food use.

At Sustainable Travel International, we believe that people’s inherent wanderlust, their desire for new experiences and concern for the places they care for most can inspire the protection of the world’s natural and cultural bounty and generate economic opportunity in tourism destinations.

Since 2002, we have been charting a new course for travel and tourism — one that leads to a healthier environment, greater economic opportunity, social justice and the protection of natural and cultural resources.

Our Mission:

To protect and conserve our planet’s most vulnerable destinations by transforming tourism’s impact on nature and people.

Our Vision:

A world where tourism actively contributes to environmental and community well-being.

Why Tourism?

We believe tourism can protect the world’s natural and cultural riches and create economic opportunity.

Our world faces a wide range of threats, from climate change and resource depletion to extreme poverty. Travel can contribute to these problems through the degradation of precious ecosystems, economic leakage, and loss of cultural traditions. As the world’s largest and most diverse global industry, tourism can also be a powerful tool to confront these very threats and stimulate sustainable development. Because tourism relies on the well-being of natural and cultural assets, it is in its best interest protect them. At its best, tourism alleviates poverty and inequalities, instills cultural appreciation, and incentivizes environmental protection. But, that takes vision and collaboration so that all the relevant players have a clear path toward change.

Our Priorities

We’re addressing crucial issues and threats within the following areas. Select a topic to learn more.

Our Approach

We’re dedicated to minimizing the negative impacts of tourism and maximizing its positive benefits for people, cultures, nature, and wildlife around the globe.

We collaborate with local communities, companies, governments, and travelers to achieve the right balance and create a better path forward for some of the most vulnerable destinations around the world. We’re working towards a more sustainable future – one characterized by clean beaches, protected parks, climate stability, economic justice, and heritage preservation. Our inclusive and innovative methodologies build knowledge, inspire action, and enable choices that help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

How Do we Create a Better Path Forward?

In Partnership

We bring the right people to the table—companies, communities, governments, and travelers with an interest and stake in protecting destinations.

Through Facilitation

First, we help the group figure out what good looks like—for them. Each story is unique; there are no one-size-fits-all solutions.

Using Tools

We have been developing, testing, and sharing cutting-edge methodologies and tools that tourism stakeholders can use to achieve the right balance between economic development, green growth, and protection of tourism assets.

Without Fuzzy Math

It’s one thing to say you’re making the world a better place. But we’ve got the systems in place to prove it—to measure, track and report on progress over time.

With a Megaphone

Though marketing and storytelling in destinations around the globe, we help spread the word and share lessons learned.

Over Time

Sustainability is journey—a work in continual progress. We’re here to set our partners on the right path and provide support over the long haul.

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a difference!