New tool shows positive impact of eco-travel
Conservation tourism coalition The Long Run has launched Impact Statements, a new initiative to show guests how the cost of their stay at an eco-lodge benefits people and the environment.
The 4C Impact Statements are intended to help clients identify genuinely green certifications and assist them in making more conscious choices when travelling. They focus on conservation, community, culture and commerce.
Each report highlights how a guest’s stay contributes to the local economy, the wellbeing of people, protecting nature, and celebrating culture. All figures are expressed in percentages, based on annual forecast or quarterly actuals, depending on the property.
The statements are available to all Long Run members on a voluntary basis, breaking down how guests’ money is spent at each location using graphics and percentages, and detailing how much money stays in the destination.
The initiative has launched with statements from members including Borana Ranch in Kenya, Tswalu Kalahari in South Africa, Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, Cottar’s Safaris in Kenya, Kasiiya Papagayo in Costa Rica and Basecamp Explorer in Kenya. Other members are in the process of creating their statements.
Executive director Delphine Malleret-King said: “The rising urgency of the climate crisis and proliferation of sustainability marketing claims makes accountability and transparency critical, both to help travellers make informed choices as well as to help inform properties’ actions to strengthen impacts. We hope this is not only a step forward for our members, but will inspire the whole travel industry.”
The Long Run describes the Impact Statements as “a fantastic resource for tour operators and travel designers”.
Jarrod Kyte, product and sales director at Long Run partner member and operator Steppes Travel, said: “With a growing number of clients eager to enhance the positive impact of their travels, it is essential for tour operators to substantiate their claims that travel can be a force for good. The Long Run’s Impact Statement provides a platform from which to quantify where clients’ money goes and where the benefits of travel are most palpable.
“This level of transparency is key to helping the whole value chain measure and improve the positive impact of its operations and in doing so, instil confidence in the market that travelling sustainably is both imperative and credible.”
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