Over the past two years, when the travel industry skidded to almost a complete stop, companies had an unexpected opportunity to take a few moments to breath. After the initial shock started to wear off, people got to work figuring out how they were going to fill their time – and a lot of companies chose to rework business plans and update goals, many having to do with sustainability. It’s no easy feat figuring out where to incorporate sustainability initiatives though, and that’s where Tourism Cares comes in.
According to Tourism Cares CEO Greg Takehara, the company often describes itself by saying, “We are the people and places of travel, dedicated to the people and places of travel.” The company allows like-minded people and places to work together through uniting, inspiring and amplifying.
“We bring together the travel and tourism community, use their collective, social, environmental, economic impact to really improve the lives of the people and places of travel, and we do that through our programmatic work. We do that through grant work. We also like to say that we help to really connect the dots within the industry,” Takehara explained. “We’re really fortunate to have over 160 member companies that really span the full range of the travel and tourism industry.”
This includes all types of companies from tour operators and airlines to hoteliers and tech companies – and everything in between. Travel advisors can also join Tourism Cares on their own by making a $99 donation each year. Once they join, agents have access to education, consulting and professional development opportunities.
Having a wide range of travel companies onboard “really allows us to create greater connectivity within the industry and help everybody along on their sustainability journey, no matter where they’re at,” Takehara said. For example, when a company is first starting out on its sustainability journey, it’s helpful to have others who have already paved the way to assist them. That company can then turn around and help others.
What’s New With Tourism Cares?
Similar to other companies, Tourism Cares saw a silver lining to the pandemic, as they were able to take a step back and put time and effort into rebranding. The organization recently revealed a new logo and a new marketing plan. Along with these two updates, the website also received a complete refresh.
With the revival, the website is now more comprehensive and clearly tells the company’s story. It’s also where travel advisors will find useful resources like the Meaningful Travel Platform, which includes various chapters on responsible and meaningful travel. Advisors can soak up the information and incorporate this way of thinking when they are advising clients.
Why Is It Important To Be Part of This Community?
Being part of Tourism Cares means being part of a collective group that is doing good work within the industry, helping those in need and focusing on important issues that require attention. The company not only promotes the good work its member companies are doing but also provides them with continued resources and best practices to advance their efforts.
“We’re really fortunate to be that one collective within the industry that kind of brings the whole industry together to really help to do good within the industry,” Takehara shared, adding that a lot of it has a focus around sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.
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What’s in Store for Tourism Cares?
Tourism Cares is pushing to make a more positive impact on people and places globally, and though the organization is primarily known in the United States, Takehara said they are excited to host the Meaningful Travel Summit in Victoria, British Columbia this fall.
“This is going to only be the second time in almost 20 years that we’re visiting Canada, so we’re excited to engage with the Canadian community,” said Takehara. He also added that the organization is looking forward to entering into its 20th year in 2023.
To learn more about Tourism Cares or to become a member, visit www.tourismcares.org.
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