In today’s interconnected world, travel offers not only the opportunity for personal enrichment and exploration but also the potential for significant positive impact on the communities we visit.
As travelers become more conscious of their footprint, it is crucial to recognize the importance of sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of local populations and the preservation of cultural and environmental resources.
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%!
As travel becomes increasingly accessible and new adventures await, it is essential to consider the social, economic, cultural, and environmental impacts on the destinations we visit.
Enhance the value of your travels by selecting unique, community-focused tourism experiences that promote sustainable development.
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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.
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
G Adventures’ Planeterra Foundation is the nonprofit partner of G Adventures, a global leader in adventure travel. Established to create positive change in the communities where G Adventures operates, Planeterra focuses on empowering local people through sustainable tourism initiatives.
By fostering community-based projects, the foundation provides travelers with authentic experiences that benefit both the visitor and the host community. Planeterra believes in the transformative power of travel to uplift communities, promote cultural exchange, and protect the environment.
- 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.
Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park, located in Northern Thailand, serves as a sanctuary and rescue center for elephants, providing a safe haven for these majestic animals while advocating for ethical tourism.
Visitors to the sanctuary have the unique opportunity to interact with elephants in a responsible manner, learning about their stories and the challenges they face in captivity.
The park also educates the public about the importance of protecting wildlife and promotes practices that contribute to the well-being of both animals and the environment.
- Mission: To protect endangered animals, conserve natural resources, and promote ethical tourism practices.
- History: Founded by Lek Chailert in 1996, Elephant Nature Park has become a leading example of ethical animal tourism.
- Impact: The sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of elephants, while promoting responsible tourism practices.
Tourism Cares
Tourism Cares is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of the travel industry to support and enhance the destinations travelers explore. Through a combination of grants, volunteering initiatives, and scholarships, the organization focuses on preserving cultural heritage, improving local livelihoods, and fostering sustainable tourism practices.
By engaging travel companies, industry professionals, and travelers, Tourism Cares works to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on communities and environments worldwide.
Their initiatives include community service projects, funding for local cultural programs, and educational opportunities that promote responsible travel.
- 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.
Global Vision International (GVI)
Global Vision International (GVI) is a leading organization that offers meaningful volunteer programs focused on conservation, education, and community development. GVI connects travelers with impactful projects, allowing them to engage in hands-on work that benefits local communities and ecosystems.
With programs spanning wildlife conservation, marine research, and community empowerment, GVI enables volunteers to make a significant difference while gaining valuable skills and experiences.
The organization is committed to promoting sustainable practices and fostering global citizenship among participants.
- Mission: To provide impactful, sustainable volunteer opportunities around the world.
- History: Since its founding in 1998, GVI has developed projects in over 20 countries, partnering with local communities and governments.
- Impact: GVI volunteers have contributed to long-term conservation efforts, from protecting endangered species to empowering local communities through education.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a global network that connects travelers with organic farms, offering a unique opportunity to experience sustainable agriculture while contributing to local farming communities.
Through this platform, travelers, often referred to as “WWOOFers,” can work on farms in exchange for food, accommodation, and the chance to learn about organic farming practices.
The initiative fosters cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and hands-on education, allowing participants to gain practical skills while supporting small-scale farmers around the world.
- 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 a nonprofit organization that partners with social enterprises in developing countries to create jobs and promote sustainable livelihoods. By focusing on critical sectors such as agriculture, water, and healthcare, The Adventure Project aims to lift individuals and communities out of poverty.
The organization utilizes the power of travel to engage supporters and raise awareness, encouraging them to contribute to impactful projects that foster economic development and empower local entrepreneurs.
Through its innovative approach, The Adventure Project not only creates jobs but also builds sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges.
- 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.
Blue Ventures
Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organization that focuses on rebuilding tropical fisheries while empowering coastal communities through sustainable tourism and conservation practices. By engaging travelers and local communities in hands-on marine research and conservation efforts, Blue Ventures promotes the sustainable use of marine resources.
The organization emphasizes the importance of protecting marine ecosystems for the benefit of both local livelihoods and global biodiversity, providing unique opportunities for travelers to contribute to meaningful conservation initiatives while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful coastal areas.
- Mission: To restore ocean ecosystems by supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
- History: Founded in 2003, Blue Ventures works across several countries, primarily focusing on Madagascar.
- Impact: Blue Ventures has helped establish marine protected areas, restore fish populations, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
