As another year passes, many of us pause to reflect on the big picture of our lives. In the travel world, there is a growing desire to do better, to reduce our environmental impact and engage more deeply with local communities. Tourism Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainability in travel, has launched Meaningful Maps, a digital tool that connects travel professionals and conscious travelers with vetted, sustainable experiences around the world. Join us as we explore how Meaningful Maps is empowering the travel industry to create positive environmental and social impacts for communities globally.
What is Meaningful Maps?
Meaningful Maps is a digital tool launched by Tourism Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainability in travel. It provides travel professionals and conscious travelers with a curated list of vetted, sustainable experiences, tours, restaurants, businesses, and accommodations around the world.
By incorporating Meaningful Maps into their itineraries, travelers can support community-led organizations that offer authentic and unique experiences while leaving a positive impact on the places they visit.
Addressing Challenges in the Tourism Industry
The tourism industry has the power to address some of the world’s greatest challenges, such as promoting gender parity, conserving resources, and preserving local cultures. However, it can also contribute to negative externalities like climate risks and exploitation of communities.
Meaningful Maps aims to address these challenges by featuring organizations that create positive environmental and social impacts. By choosing sustainable travel experiences from the map, travelers can contribute to the well-being of local communities and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
Curated by Experts, Chosen with Care
Meaningful Maps only includes organizations that meet Tourism Cares’ criteria for sustainability and positive impact. These organizations can apply to be part of the map, and there is no cost for their participation.
Tourism Cares also collaborates with its member destinations to identify local impact partners. The evaluation process is consistent across all destinations, ensuring that the featured vendors and businesses uphold high standards of sustainability and community engagement.
Continuously Growing and Evolving
Since its launch in June 2023, Meaningful Maps has already included over 200 vetted partners across 14 countries. However, the map is constantly evolving and growing.
Tourism Cares expects to onboard more destination members in the coming years, expanding the map’s global reach. The goal is to create a comprehensive resource that promotes meaningful and impactful travel experiences in every country.
Empowering Travelers to Make a Difference
Travelers have the power to make a difference by supporting tour operators and accommodations that prioritize sustainability and community engagement.
By asking for impactful and meaningful inclusions when planning their trips, travelers can encourage tour operators to incorporate organizations featured on Meaningful Maps. This virtuous cycle promotes responsible and sustainable travel, benefiting both the destinations and the travelers themselves.
