The Spirit of Hospitality Award is the highest recognition presented annually by the Destinations International Foundation to individuals and organizations that show exceptional dedication and commitment to the travel and tourism industry. This award is exemplary of Tourism Cares’ bold commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“We are honored to be recognized with the Spirit of Hospitality Award. For nearly 20 years, Tourism Cares has united hundreds of travel and tourism companies around global challenges we can address, creating opportunities and connections between the greater industry and local community-led sustainable tourism opportunities,” said Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares. “Now more than ever, it’s critical that we work with leaders across the tourism industry so that communities, travelers, and businesses can all prosper in an equitable and sustainable way.”
The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination marketers globally by providing education, research, advocacy, and leadership development. The Spirit of Hospitality Award helps raise critical funds for the Destinations International Foundation which empowers destinations globally through innovative solutions to our industry’s challenges and opportunities and honors excellence.
“Based on Tourism Cares’ bold commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion, we are pleased to honor them with the Spirit of Hospitality Award,” said John Percy, President and CEO of Destination Niagara USA and Chair of the Destinations International Foundation.
Tourism Cares continues to empower companies with tools, resources, and opportunities to address global challenges and empower sustainable travel around the world. One of the ways in which it does so is through its Meaningful Travel Summits.
The next Meaningful Travel Summit, which is still open for registration, is Tourism Cares with Victoria, British Colombia, taking place September 28 – 30, 2022. As part of this Summit, the Tourism Cares team will focus on nature-based experiences, which are some of the fastest-growing elements in tourism, and one the travel industry can play a direct role in helping to responsibly manage. Wilderness areas across Canada share a symbiotic relationship with Indigenous communities, a heritage teeming with stories that define Canada’s culture today. Conservation of natural resources, therefore, is critical for travel products, destination communities, and the travel experience. Through facilitated education sessions, visits to meaningful travel experiences and volunteering, attendees will learn from environmental and Indigenous groups on how we can be better destination stewards for all to thrive.
Another one of the organization’s most widely used resources, the Meaningful Travel Map is made to help tour operators and travel advisors incorporate sustainable businesses and services into their itineraries. The maps, custom-made for each destination that hosts a Meaningful Travel Summit, link trade organizations and travelers to nonprofits and social enterprises, expanding the audience from those attending the Summit to a global audience of buyers. Maps provide more pathways to economic development for the featured experiences and greater opportunities to meet growing consumer demand for authentic travel moments.
