CEO of  Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Shannon Stowell, recently spoke on the benefits of world travel in the ever-growing tourism industry during his informative “Change the World … Take a Vacation” TEDxBend talk, highlighting how adventure travel can positively impact local cultures and the environment.

“Adventure travel has forever changed my assumptions about other people and about the world,” Stowell said. “We really can change ourselves and the world by going on vacation.”

In 1960 roughly 22 million trips were taken globally. This number has since increased to 1.3 billion trips in 2017. With such an explosive growth the term  “overtourism” has been coined to describe some of the negative impacts travel has had on cultures, the environment, and the economy.

Though the increase of tourism has redefined a transformative experience into more of an indulgent one, Stowell told the TEDx audience that, not only can people travel in a responsible manner but that they should because it can have a very real and tangible positive impact.

“You can travel in a way that protects wildlife. You can travel in a way that honors and supports people. You can travel in a way that furthers economic prosperity and peace and can be a mind-blowing experience all at the same time.”

So, how can someone change the world by taking a vacation? Stowell offers three specific questions people can ask when choosing a travel outfitter;

• What investments have you made to be environmentally responsible?
• What programs do you have in place to benefit and involve local people?
• What professional certifications does your company have?

Yampu Tours is proud to be at the forefront of responsible travel through many of our initiatives including working with dedicated, local guides to offer our travelers an in-depth and unique experience while providing to the local communities of our destinations.

Learn From Local Perspectives and Give Something in Return

We could surmise that all travel is edifying and personally fulfilling, but Yampu Tours can help you take this to the next level. We can transport you as far off the beaten path of traditional tourism as your heart desires—and make the world a better place at the same time with education, cultural immersion, and volunteering opportunities.

Looking to travel more responsibly? Stay in touch with our monthly newsletter for insider tips and tricks!

As seen originally seen on “Adventure Travel News”

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