“Many stakeholders recognize the need to preserve and evolve, seeing their business as an arm of a community rather than a separate, siloed enterprise.”

If you’ve not already done so, take a moment to read a few thoughts from Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), on trends and transitions in the adventure travel industry. To quote him, sustainability is imperative for the preservation of the adventure tourism industry because “at the most basic level, adventure travel relies on nature and culture as key components of…the experience,” says Stowell.

Though such observations may seem obvious, the travel industry hasn’t always operated under that model of thinking. Fortunately, many stakeholders recognize the need to preserve and evolve, seeing their business as an arm of a community rather than a separate, siloed enterprise. To that end, Azure Road has vetted a list of international tour operators and put together this group of five as shining examples of the future of adventure tourism.

As the first LGBTQ+ founded and led travel company in Morocco, Inclusive Morocco stands as a beacon of progress in the travel industry, not only championing diversity and inclusivity, but also sustainable travel that respects the culture, heritage, and history of Morocco. The organization’s trips typically visit local communities to see the day-to-day workings of women-led co-operatives while learning about heritage properties that fall outside the scope of the traditional Moroccan tourist trail. For example, the Echoes of the Atlas Trip is built around the North Star values of community support and gender equality by visiting Berber communities and learning about the values on which their lifestyle is based. The tour operator heavily promotes Northern Morocco, as it’s a region that remains neglected yet has layered history and ample intrigue.

Statement of Sustainability

Billed as the world’s first 100 percent carbon neutral travel company, Natural Habitat Adventures leads the way in incorporating travel as a solution instead of contributing to climate change. Nat Hab runs trips around the world, from a bear camp in Alaska to the world’s first zero-waste adventure in Yellowstone National Park. In 2023, Nat Hab deployed its first off-the-grid solar-powered electric safari vehicle, a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, on small-group safaris in Botswana’s Gomoti Camp in the Okavango Delta. Since 2019, Nat Hab has offset the carbon emissions of all travelers’ flights, increasing offsetting by 300-400%, while supporting projects like renewable energy and pellet-fueled, solar-powered cookstoves in Rwanda. The company is working on Science Based Targets with the SBTi initiative and World Wildlife Fund to actively decarbonize worldwide operations. The Carbon Clear Vision project calculates and shows travelers the carbon footprint of each itinerary offered, with specific breakdown of vehicles, lodging, and other activities, with the goal of educating travelers.

The team behind Dolomite Mountains creates active outdoor experiences in Northern Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage site, while offering extensions to some of the country’s top outdoorsy and cultural destinations like Lake Garda, Sardinia, and the Prosecco wine region. Whether a hiker, biker, skier, or climber looking for a rustic or luxury experience, Dolomite Mountains books stylish yet low-impact accommodation. Recent itineraries have included a new e-biking program in the gorgeous valleys of Alta Badia and Alpe di Siusi and trekking across Sardinia’s wild mountains. In the mountains, many huts or rifugi, have upgraded their technology and energy-saving capabilities through solar panels, eco-friendly appliances, and locally sourced, organic food, all while preserving the authenticity of the traditional mountain inn experience. As one of the only local Italian tour operators based in the Dolomites, the company has the benefit of relationships with local expert guides. Dolomite Mountains recently partnered with WOWnature to become not only climate neutral, but climate positive by 2030.

Statement of Sustainability

On a mission to conserve Dubai’s natural environment while showcasing the culture of the UAE, Platinum Heritage created the country’s only eco-luxury desert safari. In meticulously restored vintage Land Rovers, guests are picked up in the city for their drive to the desert with a dedicated conservation guide. The company has enacted a strict anti-dune-bashing policy, operating on single tracks in designated areas to protect the unseen wildlife of the desert ecosystem. Platinum Heritage runs its camp solely on solar power, eschews plastic for refillable stainless-steel bottles, and highlights local culture through evening falconry shows and Bedouin-inspired meals. For every booking, the company donates $1 to Dubai Desert Conservation. So far, they’ve donated $1 million dollars to the fund.

Statement of Sustainability

CASTrips focus on community-led service experiences for students in 29 destinations around the world. Helmed by a former ATTA intern, CASTrips’ Program Director Neil Brinckerhoff has experience moving the needle towards sustainable product development. For example, his expertise has been shared on the importance of measuring carbon emissions to reduce company and traveler footprints. CASTrips touches on several North Stars, though its work with communities is a foundational feature. The organization has a well-defined responsible travel policy which includes hiring trip leaders from the destination, generating money for the local economy by booking locally-owned accommodations, buying from local food purveyors, and working with local activity providers to create experiences. In 2023, CASTrips partnered with Tomorrow’s Air to facilitate a carbon removal contribution for each participant after pledging the company to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. They also work with Travelife to report our sustainability criteria to a third-party audit ensuring accuracy in its claims.

Statement of Sustainability