where are you going?

We’ve developed a strong relationship with our online streaming services lately. While there’s nothing wrong with diving into a little Tiger King and Ozark (guilty as charged), it’s worth noting that these platforms are full of knowledgeable, eye-opening, and inspiring sustainability content as well. We asked a few of our travel-industry friends to recommend their favorite sustainability documentaries  – here’s what they love about each, how they relate to sustainable tourism, and where you can stream them. Into the Okavango Stream It: Disney Plus “ Into the Okavango puts front and center what goes into real-deal conservation,” says Virtuoso agency executive Lila Fox . The National Geographic-produced documentary follows a group of conservationists and scientists on a four-month expedition across Africa as they learn how to save the river system that feeds the Okavango Delta – a once unspoiled water source that has become limited over time. “When a hotel or lodge shares their su...

Costas Christ, scouting new ecotourism locations in the Arctic. As one of the largest travel networks in the world, Virtuoso is guided by a philosophy of enriching lives through human connection, and the power of travel and tourism as a force for good. We believe that travel is a powerful catalyst to educate and protect natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The United Nations has declared 2017 the Year of Sustainable Tourism, which inspired Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch and his family to rethink their vacation strategy. “We decided to focus our family vacations around destinations, hotels, and tour companies known for enlightened environmental practices and cultural preservation,” says Upchurch. Read more about the Upchurch family’s first trip to The Brando resort. Costas Christ, an award-winning travel writer and pioneer of sustainable travel practices, serves as Virtuoso’s director of sustainability. Here, he shares six easy tips to travel sustainably –...

By Mary Kaye Zanatta Senior Account Manager, On-Sites Virtuoso Namibia had been on my bucket list for years, ever since relatives raved about their trip there. My week-long visit to this unique country exceeded my high expectations. It was so different from other African destinations I’ve traveled to. Namibia’s combination of dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife and local culture makes it a unique up-and-coming destination. Considering a trip to Africa? Here are 7 reasons to visit Namibia over more celebrated destinations.

Today’s travelers are increasingly savvy about their environmental impact on destinations.  In fact, according to the Center for Responsible Travel, green travel is expected to rise to 25% of the world’s travel market. “Consumers are demanding higher environmental standards in all parts of their lives, including travel,” says Emily Deemer, marketing and sustainability manager at Virtuoso tour operator Natural Habitat Adventures in Boulder, Colorado.  “Ecotourism makes business sense because it helps to preserve a travel company’s greatest assets: the environment, the culture, and the livelihood of host communities.”