Travel Philanthropy! What a great Concept!

From Sustainable Travel International

Introduction to Travelers' Philanthropy
There are a growing number of conscientious consumers and responsible travel companies who are donating financial resources, time, talent and economic patronage to protect and positively impact the cultures and environments they visit. This voluntary movement is becoming known as Travelers' Philanthropy.

Travelers' or Travel Philanthropy, as it's also commonly known, is helping to support community development, biodiversity conservation, and other environmental, socio-cultural and economic improvements including providing jobs, educational and professional training opportunities, health care and environmental stewardship.

Why Travel Philanthropy?

	Government budgets and international aid is decreasing in some developed and many undeveloped countries, increasing the level of need.
	Protecting the environmental and socio-cultural needs of host countries strengthens relationships and improves business.
	Almost 90% of the U.S. population state that it is important for companies to not just be profitable, but to be mindful of their impact on the environment and society (Source: Corporate Social Responsibility: Consumer Understanding and Influence, Natural Marketing Institute, 2005)
	Industry leaders who have strong environmental and social values and ethics are pioneering the movement.
	Growing movement toward corporate responsibility as it improves market differentiation and increases consumer demand

Attributes of Travel Philanthropy
Though many Travel Philanthropy programs are unrelated, most have similar attributes.

Most Travel Philanthropy programs have a focus on educating travelers about local environmental, socio-cultural and economic issues. They also encourage a constructive interaction between travelers, travel companies and the communities and local people who are being visited. By taking this approach, these programs help to inspire visitors to donate financial resources or time where it's most needed.

Successful projects also determine the needs of local and indigenous people while empowering them to help manage funding resources for community development and conservation initiatives. Often, this means establishing partnerships between travelers and the tourism industry as well as non-governmental organizations and governmental agencies, complimenting their international development and aid programs.

The Importance of Travel Philanthropy
More than 500 million people travel for leisure each year and there is an increasing demand for travel as air travel prices fall and remote corners of the world become increasingly accessible.

Among the most severe environmental effects of travel are pollution, intensified or unsustainable use of land, the depletion of natural resources, and alteration of ecosystems. Host communities can also be adversely affected. Loss of indigenous identity and values, resource use conflicts, cultural deterioration, and land-use disputes are among the many challenges host communities face.

Travel and tourism clearly contribute to globalization. However, if estimates are accurate, charitable giving by Americans alone could exceed $300 billion annually by 2020, providing a real opportunity to reduce the economic inequalities that exist in the world today.

Useful Links and Contacts
Generosity in Action
The International Centre for Responsible Tourism
The Responsible Tourism Partnership
Business Enterprises for Sustainable Travel
Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development