The Future of Tourism
Blending Enhanced Luxury Experiences with Sustainability
Proudly published in Lake Oswego Lifestyle Magazine as part of our ongoing community travel column.
Melinda Wittman participating in a beach cleanup activity on O‘ahu, blending luxury travel with meaningful give-back experiences.
Recently, Melinda from our office traveled on a multi-island trip to Hawaii with Apple Vacations. While staying at the Ritz Carlton Residences on O‘ahu, she participated in a beach cleanup, an activity similar to those available through the Malama Hawaii initiative. Something about this experience and the blending of luxury accommodation with a meaningful give-back opportunity got me thinking about the broader impact of our travel choices and was the catalyst for this article.
As our team members have ventured down this path of what we collectively call positive impact travel, it has become clear that responsible travel does not necessarily mean compromising comfort or breaking the bank. From high-end luxury cruises to more budget-friendly trips, there are countless ways to travel sustainably if you know where to look. In this article, we will share examples of two completely different travel partners and how they work to ensure that tourism can thrive for future generations by making a positive difference today.
Highest Luxury Meets Sustainability
Many of our travel partners have doubled down on their sustainability efforts in recent years. PONANT has been focused on sustainability and environmental awareness since its inception in 1988. They have minimized nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions, reduced CO2 output, and eliminated single-use plastics. Using low-sulfur fuels and advanced navigation technologies, they significantly cut their carbon footprint, demonstrating that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker powered by liquefied natural gas, reflecting PONANT’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
They have implemented innovative solutions like seawater-to-drinking water systems and refillable water bottles. They also support scientific research and conservation, hosting scientific teams on their vessels to study and protect fragile ecosystems.
While PONANT has been an outlier helping drive industry standards, these efforts have actually improved the guest experience onboard. In fact, the feel-good factor of their efforts and the inclusion of science, research and learning onboard has helped them win best-in-category small ship and expedition cruise awards in recent years.
G Adventures travelers engaging in community tourism experiences that support local cultures and responsible travel initiatives.
Sustainable Travel on a Budget
While they have recently launched their “Gluxe” luxury travel collection, which we are very excited about, G Adventures traditionally focuses on community tourism and responsible travel at a great price. Their “G for Good” program emphasizes social, environmental and ethical impacts, protecting animal and child welfare, committing to climate action, and respecting local cultures.
The Trees for Days initiative plants a tree for every travel day, contributing to global reforestation efforts, while their Ripple Score system ensures travelers’ money supports local services. These meaningful relationships with local communities not only directly benefit the people and environment but also help create the very budget-friendly activities and experiences that our clients claim are the most memorable things about their trip.
The Travel & Cruise Desk team at a recent Hawaii event promoting mindful and sustainable travel to the Islands.
A Call to Action for Travelers
Help us embrace and promote sustainable tourism. By booking extraordinary journeys that prioritize environmental stewardship and ethical practices, we can all ensure that travel remains a force for good. When planning your next trip, we encourage you to talk with your travel advisor or take a look at the sustainability section on the hotel, cruise line, or tour operator’s website to learn about the big difference that little decisions can make.
I wholeheartedly believe that positive impact travel and sustainable tourism not only preserve destinations but also enhance the travel experience, making it more meaningful and impactful.
