Grounded World on LinkedIn: What are B Corps and can they help us travel more responsibly? (2024)

This is lovely to see being picked up by B Lab UK as it really is a shocking number. The thing to remember is that greater economic nourishment of your host destination means you are going to have a better holiday. Probably. Think about it…imagine you have friends visiting you for the first time from somewhere far away and they want to get to know where you live. Are you going to take them to eat in a chain restaurant or in a place with local flavour? If you take them to a pub will it be the local ‘Spoons or somewhere with a bit more…personality? Take them shopping and will you go to the local craft shops, market or deli rather than a supermarket?I’m not saying there’s no room for ‘Spoons or chain restaurants, or supermarkets. Not at all. I am saying that these tend to be functional and effective places which we can navigate by habit and tend to populate our ‘domestic’ routines. They aren’t places of delight or discovery that we share with others.For me, my holidays are precisely the times when I want to discover the delightful. Even when it goes wrong it’s a story to tell. So eat, shop, drink & stay local wherever you are going, whenever you can and that $5/$100 others are leaving local soon becomes $20…$40…$60 circulating locally. Then that host community soon starts to thrive, which makes it an even cooler place to visit. Rinse & repeat…It’s really just fair exchange.

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The travel and tourism sector has a big impact, but it's not always positive. Many travellers want sustainable options, but there's a gap between intention and action. Confusing sustainability claims make it even harder for travellers to choose responsibly. Certifications aim to help, but it's difficult to know which ones are credible with so many. Even as a trained practitioner, I find the landscape dizzying. So, how does travel become a force for good in a holistic way? This article from National Geographic explores B Corp certification, a growing standard in travel thanks to the work of groups likeB TourismandTravel by B Corp!Want to learn more about becoming a certified B Corp? Swell Impact | Certified B Corporation can guide you through the process. Let's chat!

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“...76% of respondents want to travel sustainably over the next 12 months, while 2021 research by Google found that 71% of people think travel companies should offer more sustainable choices.” While traveling can be a fun and positive experience, the increasing environmental impact is a clear signal that it's time for travelers to reassess their options. 🛫Certified B Lab companies worldwide are helping novice and experienced travelers make responsible tourism choices while appreciating new places. Learn more about B Corporations making a difference in the tourism industry in this National Geographic article below! 👇 #travel #tourism #sustainability #responsibletravel #socialimpact

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According to the United Nations World Tourism Association, US$95 of every US$100 spent on tourism in the developing world leaves host countries. This economic leakage — where money flows from local communities to international businesses — burdens many local economies and accelerates environmental decline. But travel also has incredible potential to do good. When done responsibly, it can boost local economies, fund conservation efforts, and create employment opportunities. What’s more: travellers want to choose more sustainable options, but how can they navigate the myriad of sustainability certifications and claims to ensure their choices truly make a positive impact?In her latest article for National Geographic, Holly Tuppen explores how #BCorpCertified companies are leading the way in responsible tourism. With over 100 certifications in the travel industry, #BCorps stand out by prioritizing their impact on the environment and society, not just their bottom line.“It sounds grandiose, but if we all spend our money with B Corp-type businesses, then our world is likely to be a better place to live.” — Thomas Power, Co-founder & CEO of Pura Aventura. 🗺️🌟Ready to make your wanderlust count? Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/e_NgQ65J#BCorp Intrepid Travel Much Better Adventures Inside Travel Group | B Corp™ Luxury Cottages | B Corp 🌿 Travel Matters | B Corp Steppes Travel B Lab UK

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Looking for sustainable or socially good options when making your travel plans? B Corp certified travel companies could be a good option for you. I thought this article from National Geographic Traveller (UK) did a good job of explaining what a Bcorp was, why it matters to travellers and what other certifications are out there that are trying to make a difference in the travel industry. Thank you Holly TuppenThings like: Hiring practices Social & Environmental risks Environmental StewardshipSupporting dLocal and Regional economy Again, its nice to be able to align your travel purchases with your belief system. Reach out if you'd like to know more about which providers I can help book in for you with regards to social good travel companies. Peter aka The Chief Coffee Drinker ☕ #Travel #SustainableTourism #Sustainability #Travel #TravelPlansforBusyPeople #traveladvisor #trustedadvisor #economicdevelopment #StoptheGreenWashing B Lab B Lab UK B Lab Europe B Lab Africa Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) #BusinesswithPurpose

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A lot of individuals are trying to find out more about the sustainability policies of travel agencies. In my opinion as a tourist, businesses should go above and beyond by improving the accessibility, clarity, and use of their products. They may accomplish this by utilizing the vast, easily accessible data that shows tourists are drawn to eco-friendly tourism. Even while a lot of people claim that they value sustainable travel, a lot of those same people do not give sustainable travel options top priority. Research on environmentally conscious traveler behavior has recognized the "say-do" gap—that is, the discrepancy between purpose and behavior.The latest article from Accenture’s Jesko Neuenburg addresses the disparity between the intentions and actions of travelers. #Travel companies are urged to address the "say-do” gap by developing eco-friendly products and making them accessible and affordable. They should also consider the "relevancy gap" and connect with travelers on a more human level. 🌱💼#travelindustry, #travelers, #traveltheworld Read the full article: https://accntu.re/3QHz6NY #SustainableTravel #TravelIndustry #EnvironmentalImpact

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I really admire the women leaders in our Women’s Travel Directory, who are not only talk about creating more diverse, sustainable and meaningful travel experiences but SHOW how they are making this happen in their own businesses. Our latest partner survey results show that women-led travel businesses support other women-owned businesses, hire women in their own companies, choose female guides or porters and donate funds to causes that support women. When it comes to sustainability, our partners reported they choose locally owned hotels and small, local businesses. The majority of respondents (84%) offer vegetarian meal choices, 58% have removed plastic bags or bottles, and 53% support environmental NGOs. Other activities to improve sustainability include incorporating longer stays, reducing buffets and branded swag, and changing itineraries to include train and public transit. Whew! #leadership “It’s critical to us to have the local communities tell their own stories, and in their voices, from their perspective, because learning about new cultures is what makes travel so special. This helps make travel more sustainable.” — Melissa DaSilva, President, North America, TTC Tours“Systemic change in our industry must be intentional and consistent in order to level the playing field and create access to equitable opportunities for small-scale businesses from underserved communities to actively participate and thrive in travel and tourism.” — Stephanie M. Jones, MBA, CEO, Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism“When we prioritize diversity, we enhance the richness of those experiences and broaden our world views.” — Paige Davis, President, AdventureWomen“It’s heartwarming to see women viewing travel not just as a leisure activity but as a wellness tool, seeking to rejuvenate their minds and bodies through intentional, conscious, and purposeful exploration. This shift aligns with the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to tourism, which is a growing and positive trend worldwide.”— Gina Cambridge, CEO, Wanderlust Solo Women Tours“The transformative power of travel should mean that if you have curated your journey well the new discoveries that you have made about yourself will be a part of the new you that returns home,”” she says. “Gone are the days were just looking at something is enough. Now we use travel to build community and connection with others and within ourselves.”— Tania Carriere BA, MPA, PCC Carriere, CEO, Advivum JourneysWant to be a part of this incredible group of leaders and connect with women over 50? Start here: https://lnkd.in/dXRPxqsK#womenowned #womensupportingwomen #womenintravel #womenover50 #solotravelhttps://lnkd.in/dFxpfU6R

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The Latest Trends in Adventure TravelAs per a January 2024 poll conducted by theAdventure Travel Trade Association)sustainability and over-tourism remain the buzziest words of the moment, while global war and climate change are top concerns among tourism stakeholders.When asked about the top trends ATTA members reveal that sustainability takes the lead, with 59% of respondents citing it as the top trend. Following closely are concerns about overtourism (56%), preferences for off-season travel and off-the-beaten-track destinations (53%), and the appeal of specialized/niche travel (43%). Despite the widespread coverage of artificial intelligence in recent months, only 36% of members recognize it as a significant trend. Additionally, wellness/slow travel (35%) and accessibility (5%) find themselves at the lower end of the rankings. https://lnkd.in/gHkA4juP#adventuretravel

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Sustainable travel might seem like an oxymoron. But there's plenty the travel industry can do to push the needle in the right direction.I share some of my thoughts with Travel Weekly on why travel and sustainability do not have to be at odds with one another. #travel #sustainabletravel #greentravel

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It's fascinating to see how sustainability has become a top priority for many. Looking ahead, the travel landscape is evolving with exciting trends that redefine traditional perspectives.Backyard exploration is on the rise, encouraging us to discover the wonders closer to home. Transformative adventure travel is gaining popularity, offering journeys that not only enrich our lives but also give back to the local communities we visit. And let's not forget about low-budget sustainable travel, making eco-friendly adventures accessible to all.These trends remind us that travel is not just about the destination; it's about the impact we make along the way, exploring mindfully, and leaving a positive footprint wherever we go.#sustainabletravel #traveltrends

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