Ethical Traveler is a nonprofit organization that strives to harness the power of tourism to bring about positive changes in human rights and environmental protection. It focuses on channelling the economic benefits of the industry to support vulnerable communities and ecosystems. The organization provides resources including a podcast, news dispatches, and announces its annual Ten Best Ethical Destinations Awards.
Ethical Traveler also hosts a photo gallery which showcases the work of various photographers. The photos by Sivani Babu, known for his stunning shots, are prominently featured on the site. The organization also offers unique travel opportunities like Ethical Journeys which are small group tours specifically designed to uphold the highest standards of environmental safety, fair trade, and human rights.
These journeys aim to not merely provide a unique cultural experience to travelers but also to educate them about sustainable and ethical tourism. The trips planned by Ethical Traveler evenly spread throughout the year, in various diverse locales. For example, they have an upcoming writing adventure in Kathmandu, Nepal, scheduled for November 2023. There is also a mention of an interesting past excursion to the Plaza Jazz Festival in Havana, held in January 2023.
The organization is clearly focused on promoting cultural exchange activities that consider the economic, environmental, and societal impacts of tourism practices. Their message appears to be primarily about education: encouraging tourists to use their economic power to make ethical choices, and explaining how small decisions can lead to big changes in the world.
In addition to the tours and events, Ethical Traveler also engages its audience with thought-provoking pieces on matters such as how rural tourism businesses can survive, documented in their posts section. They also host events such as the Burma Film Festival, showcasing their commitment to promoting arts and cultures from around the world.
In conclusion, Ethical Traveler offers a multi-faceted approach to ethical tourism, featuring unique travel journeys, educational resources, and cultural events. For individuals interested in ethical travel and cultural exchange, it seems to be an invaluable resource, facilitating a much-needed conversation on responsible tourism.