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Sustainable Tourism: A Global Movement with Local Impact

How tourism can be a force for good, providing a positive legacy.

Sustainable Tourism

As an association of the world’s most Inspirational DMC’s, Sustainable Tourism in the Incentive Travel space plays a vital role.

Sustainable Tourism: Turning Impact Into Inspiration

Sustainable tourism is a term which many countries, operators, DMCs and corporate planners are becoming more focused on than ever. It’s no longer a niched buzzword bandied about – it’s a necessity benchmark. Yes, travel connects people, but it also carries a deep responsibility to be able to protect the environments we explore and uplift the communities that make each journey possible. The reality is that without a conscious change in the mindset surrounding sustainable tourism, our future generations to come, may never have the opportunity to experience this.

The shift is clear: tourism can be a force for good, providing a positive legacy.

Find Your Sustainable DMC Here

But what does sustainable tourism really mean?

It’s about more than reusable water bottles, providing grass fed, free range meats, water preservations and linen reuse programs. True sustainability in travel touches every layer of the experience:

** Environmental stewardship: reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity and conserving natural resources.

** Community engagement: creating jobs, supporting education and sourcing locally.

** Cultural respect: honoring traditions, preserving heritage and promoting authentic exchange.

Across continents (and specifically within the incentive and events industry), we’re seeing inspiring examples – from regenerative farms in Costa Rica (where they regenerate damaged soils and at the same time provide a long-term and local source of food) like Finca Las Hormigas and Aquiares Estate to solar-powered lodges in the Himalayas.

But few regions embody the spirit of sustainable tourism quite like Africa’s iconic safari conservation sector.

euromic has taken this pledge to heart and we are on track to become the first global Destination Management Company network with 100% of our members having a sustainable certification

Find Your Sustainable DMC Here

Spotlight: Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana

 

One of the continent’s pioneers in sustainable safari innovation is Chobe Game Lodge, our euromic member in South Africa – Walthers DMC favorite nestled along the Chobe River in northern Botswana.

 

Here’s what sets it apart:

** Africa’s first electric safari fleet: Since 2014, Chobe has operated electric safari vehicles and river boats – charged entirely by an on-site solar farm.

** Renewable energy leadership: A biogas plant complements the solar system, powering most of the lodge’s operations.

** Waste and water management: 95% of waste is recycled and grey water is repurposed for irrigation.

** Empowering women: 65% of staff are female and 100% of the safari guides are women—an industry first!

** Shared success: Every employee receives a profit share, reinforcing a culture of ownership and pride – something rarely seen in the industry.

Chobe Game Lodge proves that luxury and sustainability can work hand-in-hand and that meaningful impact starts with thoughtful, focused design and inclusive leadership.

 

đŸŽ„ Watch the Chobe sustainability story

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Tourism

For euromic, the Biosphere Certification is more than just a badge or a certificate. It’s a promise to clients and communities: that our Inspirational DMCs are leading the sustainable transformation of tourism, creating incentive experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful, and leaving a positive footprint for the future.

 

Did you know?


euromic was the first to receive the Biosphere Ambassador of the Year Award. And we’re on track to become the first global DMC network with 100% certified members.

Let’s continue to lead with purpose, inspire change, and shape the future of sustainable Destination Management.

 

  euromic supports the Sustainable Development Goals

 

Together our euromic DMCs are making travel better – for people, communities and the planet!

Find out more about BIOSPHERE here

Why It Matters

Choosing a sustainable safari—or any responsible travel experience—isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about doing good. Your visit helps fund conservation, support local livelihoods, and preserve the magic of wild places for future generations.

euromic member in South Africa – Walthers DMC, have proudly earned three SITE Crystal Awards for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. They believe travel should leave a positive legacy!

And across the euromic network, our DMCs continue to lead with innovation: introducing electric transfers, reducing single-use plastics, measuring impact and building meaningful local collaborations.

Sustainability isn’t a finish line. It’s a mindset, one that keeps us learning, improving and inspiring.

Ready to go green? Let’s create something extraordinary—together.

 

 

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