As the travel industry slowly rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers are increasingly expressing interest in venturing out into the world in a more sustainable manner.
To reflect the evolving desires of the travel community and to rise to today’s particular sustainability challenges, Tourism Cares, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the survival of the travel and tourism industry, has rebranded and is taking a different approach to its membership.
With the goal of creating cross-sector cooperation within the travel industry, Tourism Cares has expanded membership categories to allow individual travel professionals to join by making an annual $99 donation. Previously, the organization only offered membership to travel companies.
By uniting this great industry around sustainability, we deliver on a collective mission for meaningful and responsible action by corporations, foundations, businesses, and individuals.
"It’s a powerful new direction,” said Robin Tauck, chairwoman of Tourism Cares, in a press release. “We know that a large population of travel professionals are fueled by their passion to work in this industry and by the opportunity to use their work to make a positive change in the world. By uniting this great industry around sustainability, we deliver on a collective mission for meaningful and responsible action by corporations, foundations, businesses and individuals. We welcome all to join us.”
Members of Tourism Cares have access to education platforms, professional development, consulting and registration to Tourism Cares signature programs.
The widening of membership categories also comes with an overall expansion of the organization’s vision for combatting issues in sustainability. According to Tourism Cares CEO Greg Takehara, the organization has shifted from focusing on domestic volunteer opportunities to now including models for global involvement and investment in social and environmental-impact organizations.
“As a result, we launch and participate in initiatives that support meaningful and responsible practices while also providing direct economic benefits, through tourism, for local communities around the world,” Takehara said, in a press release. “In addition to fostering collaboration, we provide tools and resources that are creating the foundation for new models of tourism.”
“Our legacy has evolved to create positive social, environmental, and economic impact for the people and places of travel,” he added. “Our updated branding reflects a refreshed vision for the future and a renewed and strengthened commitment to come together as a global community.”
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