BizTechfund Inc’s Post

As we grow our technology-travel nexus we definitely need to think about what we are leaving behind. This article sheds some light on it.

77% of travellers under 30 consider sustainability when making travel decisions… So how do you embed sustainability into your strategy? Firstly, understand it’s not a quick-fix, tick-box exercise. Sustainability is a case of walking the walk, not talking the talk. A few core tenets: 1. Looking local How can your destination or travel company genuinely support the local community? This doesn’t mean simply exploiting any local gems for the fun of your customers… It means creating a win/win… Win for them, win for you. 2. Sustainable choices This seems like an obvious one, but it’s crucial. Where possible, make sustainable choices. Not only that, but talk about those choices publicly. Educate your customers on the way you’re aiming to be sustainable… You never know how that might inspire others to do the same. 3. Think conservation What beautiful aspects of your destination, or the places you take people can be conserved and protected? Don’t wait for others to step in and do the work… If you see opportunities to preserve, conserve and protect, go for it. Of course, there’s lots of great work to be done to truly embody a sustainable organisation… But not only do the customers of tomorrow want us to do so… It’s good for the rest of the world too. Win/Win.

77% of travellers under 30 consider sustainability when making travel decisions… So how do you embed sustainability into your strategy? Firstly, understand it’s not a quick-fix, tick-box exercise. Sustainability is a case of walking the walk, not talking the talk. A few core tenets: 1. Looking local How can your destination or travel company genuinely support the local community? This doesn’t mean simply exploiting any local gems for the fun of your customers… It means creating a win/win… Win for them, win for you. 2. Sustainable choices This seems like an obvious one, but it’s crucial. Where possible, make sustainable choices. Not only that, but talk about those choices publicly. Educate your customers on the way you’re aiming to be sustainable… You never know how that might inspire others to do the same. 3. Think conservation What beautiful aspects of your destination, or the places you take people can be conserved and protected? Don’t wait for others to step in and do the work… If you see opportunities to preserve, conserve and protect, go for it. Of course, there’s lots of great work to be done to truly embody a sustainable organisation… But not only do the customers of tomorrow want us to do so… It’s good for the rest of the world too. Win/Win.

I was recently in conversation with some folks about how "sustainability" in tourism often starts and stops with environmental issues. Yes, environmental considerations are an essential part of any conversation about sustainability, but nothing can be sustainable if we fail to look beyond this. This is a really insightful article -- and report -- from Phocuswright about how travelers are unaware of cultural and economic sustainability as it relates to travel. This is due to a number of reasons beyond the over-association with the environment: > Little awareness about where money goes after it's spent > It's hard to see what economic sustainability looks like > There is a limited impact on the traveler experience (but that doesn't mean it's not important!) Really interesting insight here and worth a read: I'm also wondering if it would be of interest to people if I wrote an article on ideas for communicating about economic sustainability. Let me know!

Step aside, everyone. Dorky eco-observation coming through. I *love* that, when we set Google Maps to a destination when we need to drive, the little green leaf pops up to indicate we're taking the most eco-friendly route. Sometimes it's slower than the faster route by a few minutes, but I really appreciate that we don't need to put a lot of extra effort in to do the "right" thing by the environment. It is frictionless. And when it comes to making sustainable and climate-forward choices, people talk a big game, but they often fall short when taking action. People need frictionless. This is why it is essential that everyone working in the tourism industry — from the smallest niche startup to the most mainstream search engine — operate sustainably and responsibly by default. This Rooted article is from the archives but is still highly relevant -- perhaps more so as we continue racing toward 2030.

Traveling doesn't have to come at the cost of the environment. Eco-friendly travel is about making conscious choices that reduce your carbon footprint while still allowing you to explore the world. From choosing sustainable accommodations to using public transportation, there are numerous ways to travel responsibly. It's about experiencing new cultures and places without leaving a negative impact. Every small action counts. Whether it's packing reusable items or supporting local eco-friendly businesses, you can make a difference. How do you incorporate sustainability into your travel plans?

What does “sustainability” look like? More specifically what does it look like for travelers? 🤔 World traveler and ThatTavel Co-founder Emma Cartwright likes to break it down into four pillars: Environmental Social Economical Ethical Each pillar is just as important, but not every pillar of sustainability is well known. Emma goes into amazing detail, offering expert insight and simple but effective ways we can create a more sustainable world on the TRT site. https://lnkd.in/gA5Exrh8

77% of travellers aged between 18-29 say that sustainability impacts their travel decisions… Compared to only…. 51% of older generation. And what does that mean for travel and tourism businesses? Firstly, in every generation, the majority are looking for sustainable practices to inform their decisions. This will only increase as time passes. But for those destinations targeting younger generations…. If you’re not openly working on… And talking about… Your sustainability policy, you’re losing customers to competitors that are.

The world of sustainable travel is not immune to misleading messages. It's time we address some of them! The Green Mirage As wanderers, we're increasingly drawn to destinations and travel experiences that align with our values. However, the term "sustainable" has become a buzzword, a marketing ploy for some players in the travel industry. Beneath the surface, not all that glitters is truly green. Greenwashing Tactics Enter the world of greenwashing - a practice where travel players project a façade of environmental responsibility without the substance to back it up. From misleading eco-friendly labels to vague claims, some messages are crafted more for marketing appeal than a genuine commitment to sustainability. Misleading Metrics Numbers can be deceiving. Some travel entities boast about reduced carbon footprints or water conservation without providing a clear picture of their entire environmental impact. It's essential to question the metrics and demand transparency in assessing their efforts. Hidden Environmental Costs Dig deeper, and you might discover that the seemingly sustainable practices are accompanied by hidden costs. Are they offsetting their emissions, or are they contributing to other environmental issues? The devil often lurks in the details. And these are just a few examples. What else do you add to these as part of your own experience? #SustainableTravel #TravelResponsibly #PositiveChange #TravelWithPurpose #SustainableChoices ______________________________________________________________ I am Cristina and I believe that there are always sustainable solutions and alternatives, and by traveling consciously, we can transform tourism into one of the most significant vehicles for change. At Off U Go!, we are passionate about creating transformative travel experiences that make a positive impact on both people and the planet. Grab your Slot! DM and ask me how!

Addressing the Environmental Impact of International Travel: Our Commitment to Sustainability International travel, while enriching, comes with significant environmental challenges. At Endeavours Adventures, we are dedicated to mitigating these impacts through sustainable practices and partnerships. 1. Gear Consumption Challenge: The production and shipping of new travel gear generate substantial carbon emissions, with many items ending up in landfills after a single use. Solution: We recommend gear from sustainable companies and encourage the use of second-hand items. 2. Environmental Impact of Travel: Challenge: Flights and the disposable nature of tourism contribute heavily to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Solution: We partner with environmentally conscious companies. For example, our Peru partners, Amazonas Explorer, hold multiple green certifications and actively offset their carbon footprints. 3. Sustainable Business Practices: Challenge: Many travel companies lack self-awareness regarding their environmental impact. Solution: We are working towards obtaining our B Corp certification, which underscores our commitment to prioritizing people and the planet over profit. 4. Single-Use Items and Waste: Challenge: The temporary nature of travel often leads to reliance on single-use plastics, such as water bottles, toiletries, and prepackaged foods. Solution: As members of the Travelers Against Plastic movement, we encourage minimizing plastic usage. Additionally, we are introducing a rubbish collection challenge on our treks, aiming to collect and properly dispose of waste throughout our journeys. By implementing these strategies, Endeavours Adventures is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of international travel and fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of exploring the world.