Ecotourism Best Practices

Eco lodges. Community-led tours. Flight-free packages. These are experiences that you may want to promote and sell, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁. Not really. Hear me out 👇 Back in the '60s, Harvard Business School professor Theodore Levitt said, "𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘆 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲." The same applies to responsible tourism. Travellers don’t want to book an eco lodge—they want what staying at an eco lodge 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺. 🌿 A nature-based experience? Yes, but that’s not the full story. 🏕️ An escape from city life? Closer, but we need to go deeper. 💭 A way to align their values with their actions? Now we’re getting somewhere. ❤️ 𝗔 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁? Bingo. The decision to book isn’t just about 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 they’ll stay—it’s about 𝘄𝗵𝘆 they’re staying there. They’re not booking a lodge; they’re booking: ✅ 𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—the chance to unplug and reconnect with nature. ✅ 𝗔 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁—knowing their stay contributes to conservation and local communities. ✅ 𝗔 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—a travel experience that leaves them feeling different, even changed. Many responsible tourism brands market 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 (solar panels, certifications, carbon offsets) rather than 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. Don’t get me wrong, those features are still important, but travellers don’t choose a destination based on sustainability checklists alone—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽. So, instead of just saying "We’re an eco-lodge," tell them: 👉 "𝗪𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗶𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀." Instead of "Our tours support local communities," say: 👉 "𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀-𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱." Sustainability is the how—but 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝘆. Sustainable travel brands that connect on this level will attract the right travellers, build loyalty, and inspire word-of-mouth marketing. For more tips, join my mailing list and download 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 here: https://lnkd.in/eWJSXmu2 And, if you need help 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲, book in a friendly chat with me here: https://lnkd.in/efn22GnY #SustainableTourism #TourismMarketing

After two years of engaging deeply with the subject, I'm thrilled to finally publish a study that I hope will make tourism businesses pause and re-evaluate their response to climate change! "Future-Proofing Tourism" - published as a collaboration among Regenerative Travel, Aurora Collective and Climate Conscious Travel - offers actionable insights and strategies on climate adaptation and community resilience for travel businesses, as well as key recommendations for DMOs and policymakers. 👉 It’s abundantly clear by now that the tourism sector is highly vulnerable to climate impacts. This year again, we've seen extreme weather events like floods, cyclones, droughts and heatwaves, and erratic weather patterns, disrupt tourism across the globe. 👉 As natural, cultural and community assets get impacted, tourism destinations become less appealing to travellers. Businesses need to understand the climate risks facing them, and build resilience in their supply chains, itineraries, assets and target markets. This is not just about survival, but also about unlocking new opportunities. 👉 Local communities are essential as guardians of their living culture and natural resources. They’ve contributed the least to planet-warming emissions, yet are the most vulnerable to climate impacts. A climate justice approach can enable businesses to truly centre local communities through more equitable and less extractive tourism models. 👉 Against this background, we analysed 30 case studies of tourism businesses adapting to the impacts of a warming planet. These span 6 destinations (Maldives, Kerala, Peruvian Andes, Swiss Alps, Bangkok and Amsterdam) across coastal, mountainous and urban terrains. 👉 The paper offers a climate adaptation framework and key strategies for tourism businesses of all shapes and sizes - including tour operators, hotels and community-run initiatives. These strategies will enable businesses to secure their revenue models through resilient tourism products, targeted communication approaches, and close partnerships with local communities and the wider industry. Download the report here —> https://lnkd.in/dZg6atV3 I’m deeply grateful to my co-author O'Shannon Burns for helping me turn my academic research into a valuable resource for the industry, and to Amanda Ho and her team for anchoring this white paper. My whole-hearted gratitude also to my research advisors Michaela Thompson and Richard Wetzler, as well as my fellow DCE capstonians at Harvard University for supporting this journey. And to everyone who generously shared their valuable insights and resources for this research. #climateadaptation #climatechangeandtourism #sustainabletourism #tourismadaptation #tourismwhitepaper #tourismresearch #climateresilienceintourism

Ecuador protects a corridor that links the Andes to the Amazon 🌈 Ecuador has created a new biological corridor linking the eastern slopes of the Andes with the Amazon rainforest, part of a broader effort to maintain ecological connections across landscapes under growing pressure from development and climate change, reports Max Radwin. The Llanganates–Yasuní Connectivity Corridor spans about 2,159 square kilometers across Napo and Pastaza provinces. It connects Llanganates National Park in the high Andes with the vast Yasuní Biosphere Reserve in the Amazon lowlands. On a map the two protected areas appear close, though in reality they are separated by steep elevation gradients. Llanganates reaches roughly 4,000 meters above sea level, while Yasuní lies deep in tropical forest. The corridor is intended to preserve what conservationists call altitudinal connectivity. As temperatures rise and habitats shift, some species must move between elevations to survive. Others may need access to a broader range of environments to adapt. The black-and-chestnut eagle, a threatened raptor of Andean forests, is one example of a species that could benefit. The initiative builds on a 2020 policy that allows Ecuador to designate “Special Areas for the Conservation of Biodiversity” to link protected regions. Government agencies worked with local municipalities, civil-society groups and international donors to secure the corridor. Support came from several philanthropic funds and conservation organizations. For communities in the region, the project also emphasizes sustainable livelihoods, water protection and long-term stewardship of the forests that sustain them. 🦥 Full story: https://lnkd.in/gE6jj4qq

Tourism plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity Biocentrism views all life as inherently valuable, placing humans and nature on equal footing. And regenerative tourism responds to biodiversity loss by actively enhancing ecosystems, underscoring the vital link between human health and environmental vitality. → What role can tourism play in enhancing biodiversity, especially through the lens of keystone species whose health is critical to ecosystem balance? Why it matters: - Regenerative tourism can reverse the negative impacts of conventional travel, turning it into a powerful tool for ecological restoration and biodiversity enhancement. - Keystone species like orcas and wolves are crucial for ecosystem balance, significantly affecting other species' diversity and abundance. - Regenerative tourism practices can help build ecosystems that are more adaptable and resilient, securing a healthier planet for future generations. Where to start: Restorative Experiences 1. Create tourist activities like coral planting and reforestation hikes to restore habitats and engage tourists in protecting keystone species such as the Azores' sperm whales and Yellowstone's wolves. 2. Local Conservation Partnerships Partner with conservation groups to aid keystone species recovery projects and protected areas, like sea turtle or bee protection, enabling tourists to boost biodiversity through donations or active participation. 3. Eco-conscious Accommodations Create accommodations using permaculture and native plants to support local wildlife, boosting ecosystem resilience and diversity. 4. Sustainable Supply Chains Sourcing from local, sustainable farms boosts land regeneration and biodiversity, aiding in soil health and the return of native species. 5. Community-led Tourism Incorporate local communities in tourism development to boost ecosystem health and preserve biodiversity through traditional practices like indigenous land management. 6. Policy and Education Advocacy Collaborate with policymakers to encourage regenerative tourism and educate tourists about keystone species, fostering support for conservation efforts. - → Adopting regenerative tourism can shift the industry from harming biodiversity to actively restoring and enhancing ecosystems. → Active participation in regenerative practices fosters a deeper bond with nature, nudging tourists towards more sustainable and conservation-focused behaviors. #RegenerativeTourism #Biocentrism #Biodiversity #EcosystemRestoration #SustainableTourism

We often describe Britain as a green and pleasant land, but much of that green comes from intensively farmed fields, not wild landscapes. In fact, the UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with less than half of its biodiversity remaining compared to historic levels. Centuries of drainage, deforestation and agricultural expansion have reshaped our countryside. Over 70% of UK land is used for farming, much of it managed in ways that leave little room for wildlife. Hedgerows have been removed, peatlands drained, and wetlands converted, all of which reduces the land’s ability to store carbon, hold water, and support diverse species. That’s why so many organisations are now focused on rebuilding wild areas, not just protecting what’s left. Projects across the country are restoring peatlands, rewetting soils, reconnecting rivers and creating corridors for wildlife to move freely again. All of these efforts help to: 🍃Capture and store carbon – healthy soils and wetlands are vital carbon sinks. 💧 Reduce flooding – natural landscapes slow and absorb water far better than bare fields. 🦋 Boost biodiversity – restoring habitats gives struggling species space to return. 🌱 Support sustainable farming – by improving soil health and resilience for future crops. Britain can be truly wild and thriving again, but it will take collaboration, investment, and a shift in how we value the land beneath our feet.

No one buys a sustainable sleep. No one books a trip because of solar panels, rainwater collection, carbon offsets, towel reuse programs, eliminating plastic straws, or refillable soap dispensers. They book because of how they want to feel. They want the escape, the silence when the only sound is the wind through the trees. They want the connection, the deep inhale of crisp mountain air, the warmth of a fire under an open sky. They want the story, the one they’ll tell when they return, about the time they stayed in a cabin on the edge of the world, where nature was untouched and time stood still. And yet, so many sustainable travel brands market the features, as if guests choose based on a checklist of eco-certifications. Is this the truth? I beg to differ. Sustainability isn’t what you sell. It isn’t what you communicate. It’s what you build into the experience. You don’t need to convince travelers to care about sustainability. You need to remove the friction so that choosing the right option feels effortless. Don’t ask them to be mindful of waste. Just design a system where waste doesn’t happen. Don’t guilt them into bringing a reusable bottle. Just make it the default. Don’t list your sustainability efforts like a brochure. Show them the impact through experience. The most effective sustainable tourism educates travelers, not through lectures or checklists, but by making sustainability effortless and intuitive. It immerses them in a world where sustainability is second nature, where every choice feels natural rather than forced. Because at the end of the day, sustainability isn’t the story. It’s the setting. The transformation, that’s what they remember.  #tourism #tourismindustry #Travelindustry #sustainabledevelopment

I've reviewed many tourism strategies, and most have one thing in common: While culture and people often are mentioned, they rarely take center stage. Marketing usually focuses on places and experiences. It's a missed opportunity, since you're skipping the essence and what makes your place really unique and memorable ✨ Instead of just showing attractions and activities, dive into the stories behind. Who are the people maintaining these? What traditions make these unique? In Medellin, a local señor is voluntarily taking care of one of the popular hiking trails. He's there from the early morning making sure it's all set. Most who are not from here don't know, but details like that make it extra special 🤗 How can you introduce people more to traditions and lifestyles? We often remember better when we participate. Not in that awkward, superficial staged way, but in collaboration with locals who also enjoy and benefit from it. It could be having breakfast at the local bakery while chatting with people (very common here in Colombia), watching a game, dancing, sports, joining a festival. Homestays. For those who prefer private accommodation, a dinner together with locals can be a great way to bond. Show why traditions matter. Local guides, interactive tours, and your personal stories can be a great way to share how traditions were shaped. That they often are about so much more than what they first appear (like fika in Sweden ☕). Set expectations from the beginning. Create and promote guidelines that talk about do's and don'ts, how to be respectful, as we are fortunate enough to step into someone else's home. Highlight diversity and challenge stereotypes. After having traveled full-time for 7+ years and been based longer in many countries - one of the main conclusions is that most cultures are misunderstood. Show how locals might have unique approaches to life. How gastronomy, priorities, and values might vary. How it's more about being curious while not assuming… When you focus more on culture, people, and genuine connection, suddenly every place has something to offer 😉 ➡ What would you add? How do you emphasize this in your strategies/travels? ➡ Any place that stands out to you for its culture and people? 📷 A mix from Latin America (Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Costa Rica, Bolivia). While you'll be spoiled by options for places to visit, the people and the vibe are what will make you want to come back again and again #cultures #sustainabletravel #travelandtourism

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 How many tourism strategies have you seen that aim for "authenticity" but lead to generic, one-size-fits-all campaigns? We all want to attract travelers who connect deeply with our destination. But passion can feel elusive, hard to pin down and even harder to build a strategy around. After more than 25 years helping destinations shift from chasing volume to creating lasting value, I've learned one thing: the most powerful strategies aren't born from guesswork. They're engineered. This is the 'how' behind interest-based tourism. It starts with a shift in perspective, using a framework I’ve adapted for our industry: SOAR. It's a practical playbook to systematically map, find, and cultivate your most valuable small niches. 💡 Here’s how we turn passion from a buzzword into a blueprint: 𝗦 - 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀: 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 → Look beyond the monuments. What are the unique human experiences your destination offers? Think of the master artisan with a generational skill, the specific trail only known to local hikers, or the unique culinary heritage. These are your anchors. 𝗢 - 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗜 → This is where technology becomes our magnifying glass. Use AI tools not for broad trends, but to listen to niche conversations on forums, Reddit, and social media. Find the digital campfires of kayakers planning expeditions, or historical fiction fans tracing ancient routes. AI can reveal these high-potential, underserved groups. 𝗔 - 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗟𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 → Who do you want to attract? Which communities align with your vision for balanced, sustainable growth? This is about making conscious choices to cultivate the 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 kind of tourism - attracting travelers who spend more and enrich, rather than extract. 𝗥 - 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 → Move past arrival numbers. Track the metrics that signal true connection: dispersal into less-visited regions, spend with local businesses, and repeat visits from your passion-driven segments. This is the ROI of authenticity. 👉 The goal is to stop chasing passion and start building pathways for it. This framework provides the structure to do just that. This is the second post in my series on the Interest-Based Tourism Economy. If you missed my deep dive on the adapted SOAR framework, you can read it here: https://lnkd.in/gwN-essk #PassionTourism #TourismStrategy #SOARframework #DestinationMarketing #MicroNiche #FutureOfTourism #HighYieldTourism

Animals bring us so much joy and purpose in ways we cannot even begin to quantify. If they were to ask us for anything in return, it is just respect for their spaces and habitats, through conscious choices in how we live our daily lives. Here are some things we can do to avoid hurting their homes and spaces: 💧Understanding Wildlife Habitats: Just like we expect our homes to be respected, many human activities can harm the habitats of wild animals. We must understand where our actions may intersect with the natural world. 💧Thoughtful Construction and Development: If we engage in construction projects, let’s consider the impact on nearby ecosystems. Building designs that minimize environmental disruption will go a long way. 💧Sustainable Agriculture and Pest Control: If we engage in agriculture, we must adopt sustainable practices that reduce harm to surrounding ecosystems. This can include natural pest control methods that avoid toxic chemicals, such as encouraging beneficial insects and using organic repellents and fertilizers. 💧Water and Energy Conservation: Every action we take can impact our resources and related wildlife. We should adopt water conservation techniques, and if convenient, use solar or renewable energy sources to power our homes and businesses. 💧Utilizing Alternatives to Plastics: Switching from plastic materials to more sustainable options helps mitigate the pollution that often harms aquatic life and the environments in which animals live. These actions reflect our gratitude for the joy animals and nature authentically bring into our lives, allowing the planet to thrive. We have only borrowed this Earth from future generations, and we must pass it on to them in better condition than we received it. #sustainability #impact #animals #nature #love

✨ Sustainability Isn’t Enough Anymore. Regeneration Is the New Luxury. Guests came. Took pictures. Left nothing but footprints—yet the destination still suffered. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: 🔹 Sustainability alone can’t reverse decades of damage. 🔹 Simply "doing less harm" won't win guest loyalty or rebuild ecosystems. 🔹 Today’s travelers crave deeper meaning and authentic impact—something sustainability alone can't deliver. The next frontier for hospitality leaders is Regenerative Tourism: 🌱 Going beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystems. 🤝 Empowering local communities economically and socially. 🌏 Offering guests transformative experiences that heal both the land and its people. Visionary brands like Iberostar, Boca de Agua, and Heckfield Place are already moving in this direction—restoring coral reefs, regenerating local ecosystems, and embedding regenerative practices at their operational core. But what if you don’t adapt? 📉 Your property risks becoming irrelevant, losing high-value travelers who now prioritize genuine, measurable impact. 📉 You'll continue contributing to destination degradation—damaging your long-term reputation. 📉 Your competitors will secure market leadership by authentically aligning with this new traveler ethos. ✅ Start your Regenerative Tourism journey now: ·   Audit your current impacts beyond carbon and waste. ·   Partner deeply with local communities—not just superficially. ·   Design guest experiences around regeneration, education, and meaningful interaction. This isn’t just tourism. It’s stewardship. Are you ready to turn your hotel into a beacon of regeneration, not just sustainability? #RegenerativeTourism #HospitalityLeadership #SustainableTravel #TourismInnovation #ZenithHospitality