At TravelDragon we believe that where we travel, why we travel, how we travel, and what we do during our trip and when we return all have the ability to effect positive change in the world.

TravelDragon strives to encourage responsible tourism by selecting and featuring providers and partners throughout the world who have made conscious commitments on integrating sustainable travel practices throughout their businesses.

From supporting locally owned tour operators, properties, guides and restaurants to offsetting the carbon footprint of travel; You’ll not only find companies to travel with but also volunteer tours you can be part of and sustainable products to complement your travel needs. Learn about local products and foods as well as find suggestions on organizations and projects to connect with to after your return.

This process can be overwhelming and challenging particularly in terms of the many touch points of travel. We will make every effort to ensure featured companies follow guidelines established by industry leaders in the field…these leaders may focus on tour operations, LEED certification, fair-trade products, or company business practices. We do not claim or wish to be a certifier but hopefully can offer a filter.

Our green lens will combine partners we trust, our travelers, and our own personal experiences on the ground creating and escorting tours for over 20 years. There are many aspects to consider in terms of responsible travel. Ultimately it is up to the traveler to choose which of these resonate with them.

Let’s begin…

The Green Leaf: Throughout the site you will find a “green leaf” highlighting tour providers, properties, destinations, partners and products with a commitment to sustainable practices.

Education: We will also create an area of the site to educate travelers on how to travel more responsibly; what terms and labels they may see including Sustainable Travel/Green Travel/Eco Travel/GeoTourism; what the many issues under debate are around certifying or qualifying tour operators and properties; and highlight industry innovators. We also believe that travelers’ feedback on our site is imperative in auditing providers’ commitment.

We hope to offer you a resource to enhance your travels and have a positive impact through your travels.

TravelDragon gives back 5% of all net profit to local, national and global programs committed to sustainable tourism related practices. We will highlight a portfolio of non-profits our members and we recommend.

Our Qualifying Partners:
Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a 501©(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible tourism, supporting sustainable development, and helping travelers and travel providers protect the environments and cultures they visit.
STI, founded in 2002 during the International Year of Ecotourism, has been operating in a transparent manner since its inception.

STI is dedicated to providing education and outreach services that will lessen the toll that travel and tourism takes on the environment and local cultures. By providing tangible, solutions-oriented programs, STI is taking a holistic approach to addressing global sustainable development within the travel and tourism industry.

STI has addressed specific aspects of responsible tourism as based the following categories.
STI membership parameter

• Ecological/Environmental Impact

• Social/Cultural Impact

• Economic Impact

• Innovative Best Practices

• Climate Management (carbon calculator to carbon neutral commitment)

• Certification Levels

• Altruistic Travel

You can find out more information on Sustainable Travel International on their partner page

Since you're new to TravelDragon, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thank you for visiting!