Travel can be more than just leisure; it can also be a way to give back and support communities, the environment, and cultural preservation. Many travel charities and organizations are doing incredible work to make a positive impact across the globe.
The travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries. In 2016, the tourism industry’s global economic contribution was over 7.6 trillion U.S. dollars.
Yet, according to the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), for every $100 spent by a tourist to a developing country, only $5 remain in the host community.
That’s a tourism leakage of 95%! With the new year here and new adventures to plan, consciously considering the social, economic, cultural and environmental impact on destinations visited has never been more important.
From supporting local education and healthcare initiatives to promoting environmental conservation, these inspiring groups are redefining the travel experience.
In this post, we highlight ten remarkable travel charities and organizations that empower travelers to give back and contribute to a more sustainable future while exploring the globe.
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Inspiring Travel Charities and Organizations
Whether it’s through sustainable tourism, empowering local communities, or promoting conservation, these travel charities and organizations are helping shape a better world for travelers and locals alike.
Travel Elevates
Travel Elevates is dedicated to creating transformative travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. By facilitating connections between travelers and meaningful projects, Travel Elevates emphasizes the importance of responsible tourism.
Through their platform, travelers can discover opportunities to support local initiatives, engage in volunteer work, and contribute to sustainable development. With a focus on social impact, Travel Elevates empowers individuals to make a positive difference while exploring the world.
Mission: To enhance the travel experience by connecting travelers with local communities and sustainable projects that promote social good.
The Intrepid Foundation
As the charitable arm of Intrepid Travel, The Intrepid Foundation is dedicated to addressing critical social and environmental challenges in the destinations served by the travel company.
This organization embodies the ethos of responsible tourism, emphasizing the importance of sustainable travel practices that uplift local communities.
By supporting grassroots initiatives, The Intrepid Foundation plays a crucial role in creating a positive impact, helping to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations while ensuring that tourism benefits everyone involved.
- Mission: To improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities through sustainable travel and responsible tourism.
- History: Launched in 2002, The Intrepid Foundation partners with grassroots organizations in more than 25 countries.
- Impact: Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $11 million for projects focused on health, education, human rights, and environmental conservation.
Give a Day Global
Give a Day Global transforms travel into a platform for social change by connecting travelers with local nonprofit organizations. This organization provides travelers with opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer work for a day, enriching their travel experiences while supporting vital community projects.
By facilitating these connections, Give a Day Global fosters cross-cultural understanding and empowers individuals to contribute directly to the communities they visit, making each trip a catalyst for positive change.
- Mission: To create meaningful volunteer experiences for travelers that benefit local communities around the world.
- History: Founded in 2014, Give a Day Global partners with nonprofits in several countries, including South Africa, Peru, and Thailand.
- Impact: Their model has allowed hundreds of travelers to volunteer with local organizations, contributing to projects focused on education, healthcare, and community development.
G Adventures’ Planeterra Foundation
Planeterra, the nonprofit partner of G Adventures, champions community-based tourism initiatives that empower local populations and enrich travelers’ experiences. By focusing on sustainable tourism, Planeterra creates authentic encounters that allow travelers to engage with local cultures while promoting conservation and social equity.
The foundation’s commitment to funding community projects demonstrates how responsible travel can be harnessed as a tool for poverty alleviation and environmental protection, fostering a sense of global citizenship among travelers.
- Mission: To use community tourism as a tool for poverty reduction and environmental conservation.
- History: Founded in 2003, Planeterra has been a key player in promoting sustainable tourism across more than 50 countries.
- Impact: Planeterra has helped fund over 85 community development projects, impacting the lives of thousands of individuals through tourism.
Tourism Cares
Tourism Cares brings together the travel industry to foster positive impacts on the communities and environments they operate in. By facilitating grants, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships, this organization emphasizes the responsibility of travelers and companies to preserve cultural heritage and support local livelihoods.
Through collaborative efforts, Tourism Cares aims to ensure that tourism remains a force for good, benefitting both travelers and the destinations they visit.
- Mission: To mobilize the travel industry to benefit the people and places we visit.
- History: Established in 2005, Tourism Cares has partnered with numerous travel companies and destinations worldwide.
- Impact: The organization has awarded over $3.5 million in grants and engaged thousands of volunteers in projects that protect cultural and natural heritage.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
WWOOF connects travelers with organic farms, offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in sustainable agriculture while gaining hands-on experience. This organization promotes cultural exchange and educational experiences, allowing travelers to support local farmers while learning about eco-friendly practices.
Through this model, WWOOF fosters community engagement and highlights the vital role of sustainable farming in addressing global food security challenges.
- Mission: To promote cultural and educational exchange through sustainable farming practices.
- History: Established in 1971, WWOOF has grown to operate in over 130 countries with thousands of host farms worldwide.
- Impact: WWOOF has fostered sustainable farming and cross-cultural exchange, providing unique learning experiences for travelers and tangible support for small-scale farmers.
The Adventure Project
The Adventure Project is on a mission to lift people out of poverty by supporting job creation in developing countries. By partnering with social enterprises, this organization focuses on sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities.
Through their initiatives, The Adventure Project demonstrates how travel can serve as a catalyst for social change, helping to create opportunities for those in need while enriching the lives of travelers.
• Mission: To add venture and opportunity to the lives of those living in poverty by supporting job creation and social enterprise.
• History: Founded in 2010, The Adventure Project focuses on sustainable solutions to poverty in countries like India, Kenya, and Haiti.
• Impact: Through tourism, they have raised millions to support job creation and have helped over 1 million people gain access to clean water, food, and healthcare.
Travelers Against Plastic (TAP)
Travelers Against Plastic (TAP) is a global initiative dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in popular travel destinations. By educating travelers and businesses about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, TAP encourages sustainable practices such as using refillable water bottles.
The organization partners with hotels, tour operators, and travelers to create awareness campaigns and provide practical solutions to minimize plastic waste. TAP aims to inspire a community of responsible travelers who advocate for a cleaner, healthier planet.
- Mission: To reduce plastic pollution in travel destinations by encouraging responsible tourism practices.
- History: Founded in 2014, TAP collaborates with businesses and travelers to promote the use of refillable water bottles and reduce single-use plastic consumption.
- Impact: TAP has engaged thousands of travelers and businesses worldwide in initiatives that raise awareness about plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International is an organization dedicated to promoting responsible tourism practices worldwide. Established in 2002, its mission is to drive positive change within the travel and tourism industry by providing resources, tools, and support to travelers, businesses, and destinations.
Sustainable Travel International works with various stakeholders to implement sustainable practices that benefit local communities, conserve natural resources, and enhance the overall travel experience. Through its initiatives, the organization advocates for a tourism model that prioritizes environmental and social sustainability.
- Mission: To promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and preserve natural resources.
- History: Established in 2002, this organization works with governments, businesses, and travelers to foster responsible travel behavior and sustainable tourism development.
- Impact: Sustainable Travel International has implemented numerous programs and campaigns that educate travelers and businesses about sustainability in travel.
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible outdoor recreation to protect natural areas. Founded in 1994, the center develops and disseminates a set of principles designed to minimize human impact on the environment.
Through educational programs, training, and advocacy, Leave No Trace empowers outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature while preserving its beauty for future generations. The organization collaborates with federal agencies, outdoor recreation companies, and communities to foster a culture of respect and care for the outdoors.
- Mission: To promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and outreach.
- History: Founded in 1994, Leave No Trace has developed a set of principles aimed at minimizing human impact on natural areas.
- Impact: The organization reaches millions of outdoor enthusiasts each year, providing resources and training to encourage responsible practices that protect the environment.
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