Not in the Guidebooks launches Green Horizons

The publication offers travel agents an authentic perspective on sustainable tourism through the voices of local communities worldwide and features compelling stories from global destinations, including a Sri Lankan host discussing initiatives to distribute tourism more evenly across the country, to a Norwegian provider who addresses their mass tourism challenges through diversification of local activities.

Exclusive interviews are covered with tourism pioneers revolutionising sustainable practices in their regions, as well as practical case studies that include Beccy’s sustainable sheep farm in Scotland and Misael’s responsible whale watching initiative in Tenerife.

The publication also highlights the issue of leakage — the phenomenon where tourist dollars flow out of local economies and into the pockets of multinational corporations. Drawing on research from World Bank Tourism Development Report 2023, communities with locally owned tourism businesses retain up to 65% more tourism revenue than those with outside ownership, whilst UNWTO’s Community Tourism Report 2023 reveals that community-based tourism initiatives return up to 95% of expenditures to the local economy, versus 15-20% for traditional all-inclusive resorts.

"What distinguishes Green Horizons is its authenticity," explains Carol Savage, CEO, Not in the Guidebooks. "Rather than prescribing solutions, we amplify the voices of our local hosts who share their experiences, challenges and innovative approaches. Our contributors witness daily how tourism impacts their communities and environments, and they’re actively shaping the future of responsible travel.

"Green Horizons takes a fresh approach to responsible travel," adds Savage. "We inform readers about why responsible tourism matters and how small changes create significant impact. These stories serve as blueprints for better world exploration."

As Not in the Guidebooks continues to position itself as the premier responsible travel provider for UK travel agents, Savage says that the company is committed to regular updates for their agent partner network.

“These updates will include practical, tested approaches to responsible tourism. Strategies to address overtourism and actionable insights for both travellers and industry professionals.  They will also focus on demonstrating how locally retained tourism revenue can transform communities and protect environments,” concluded Savage.