Earth Changers

06/05/2025

✨ Celebrate – Honouring & ! ✨
At one of our outstanding partner ecolodges, in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, education is at the heart of their . 🌱 Since the early 1990s, they have been creating real change:

✅ Built, donated, and maintained a full primary school complex for the local community
✅ Funded supplies, books, & maintenance across regional schools
✅ Promoted environmental education and empowered children in remote areas

When you stay at this incredible , you’re not just surrounded by — you’re part of a movement for a better future:

🌿 Immerse yourself in a 930-acre private rainforest reserve, home to 2.5% of the world's biodiversity
🏝️ and stunning , kayak through mangroves, and spot &
🌳 Take part in sustainability tours, tree planting, beach cleanups, and local guided experiences
📚 Visit the local school and first hand the of education and

💚 with a lasting – where every guest helps nurture , , & !

👉 more about this inspiring ecolodge & their amazing efforts through our website: https://www.earth-changers.com/sustainable-places/costa-rica-lapa-rios-ecolodge/

05/05/2025

: "You cannot leave Africa. It is always with you, there inside your head. Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints; our drumbeats counting out your pulse; our coastline the silhouette of your soul."~ Bridget Dore, poet, from 'Africa Smiled'.

📸 Me. On a riverbank. On a sand island. In the middle of the Zambezi. On a river kayaking trip. (Many years back)

Today, we're celebrating African World Heritage Day 🌍
Honouring the rich cultural and natural heritage of Africa 🦒🏞️
that leaves an indelible mark on those who experience it 🐘🇲🇦 🇰🇪 🇹🇿

As I reflect on the continent's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant traditions, I remember the profound impact Africa has on my life 💥

It's what led me to responsible, sustainable, regenerative tourism 🦁
It's been my awakening. My motivation. My muse for 25 years

🧐 Learn about its places, people and how tourism delivers purpose impacts here:
https://www.earth-changers.com/sustainable-destinations/africa/ 📚

If you'd love to travel there and ensure a positive impact, get in touch with your dream destination - we can help you to make sure your trip preserves Africa's treasures for future generations 🌟

What's your favourite African cultural or natural site and the beauty and resilience of Africa's heritage? Share with us in the comments! 👇

03/05/2025

: 10 highlights this week re. &

1/ : & can teach ! > As the world’s biggest tourism market, can reshape it for the better by building a more model https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/oped-europe-can-reshape-global-tourism-for-the-better

2/ : Nominations open for Tourism 2025 to enhance visibility of Europe's , create a platform for sharing knowledge; promote networking https://www2.fundsforngos.org/latest-funds-for-ngos/nominations-open-for-european-cultural-tourism-awards-2025/

3/ : To the ends of the : The ’s battle for https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/ends-earth-arctics-battle-sustainable-tourism-2025-04-29/

4/ : threatens 's tourism boom https://www.macaubusiness.com/mbtv-climate-change-threatens-albanias-tourism-boom/

5/ / : - is like brochures were vs is status > Sand groomers v : how is falling foul of the demand for -perfect https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/02/sand-groomers-vs-turtles-mediterranean-instagram-overtourism-aoe

***Looking for a trip which has a truly positive impact for communities, culture & conservation? Get in touch & let us consult our little black book from years of sustainable travel specialism www.earth-changers.com***

6/ Commerce/ : Reduce targets to suit market, rather than overdevelop for wrong clients? > 'Extremely Challenged' by Hotel Rooms Shortage, Says Tourism Minister https://skift.com/2025/05/02/egypt-extremely-challenged-by-hotel-rooms-shortage-says-tourism-minister/

7/ Culture/Conservation: Thousands of disappointed to discover the reality behind one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the of https://unionrayo.com/en/egypt-saves-pyramids-tourism-plan/

8/ Community/Culture/Commerce: strengthen sustainable, , & with https://unes.co/572w63

9/ Community/Conservation: has introduced a new booking system for its to manage overcrowding and protect its fragile . This initiative aims to enhance the visitor while ensuring long-term https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/malta-unveils-new-reservation-system-for-blue-lagoon-travel-to-ensure-sustainability-and-limit-overcrowding/

10/ Conservation/Community/Commerce: The Future of : How is Leading the Way https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2025/04/194810/the-future-of-sustainable-travel-how-iceland-is-leading-the-w77ay/

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Egypt wants the world to keep marvelling at the pyramids for many more generations, but it knows that the tourist overcrowding they are experiencing puts

01/05/2025

This , we’re spotlighting what sustainability really means — & it’s not just about the planet 🌍

It’s about people ‍🙋

At , we believe all work should be fair, safe, and empowering — no forced labour, no unsafe conditions, no compromises.

We're committed to inclusive, equitable and equal opportunities, to treat all with respect and without discrimination, and to meet working conditions' legal requirements and/or industry standards.

We expect our partners to share this commitment. By aligning with partners who uphold these standards, we foster a network that prioritises the well-being and dignity of all workers.

Because sustainable tourism isn’t only about preserving the environment — it’s about uplifting the communities that make travel meaningful 🌟

👉 Learn more about how we put this into action in our sustainability policy:
https://www.earth-changers.com/sustainability/ -policy

28/04/2025

:“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”⛵🌊 ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr., American author best known for the inspirational 'Life's Little Instruction Book'.

Ah, these words remind us of the magic of adventure ✨🌍 - but also the importance of preparation.

On this , we’re committed to ensuring every journey is as safe as it is inspiring.

🧭 From our moral compass values of adventure, connection and integrity, we're dedicated to vetting our partners' sustainability - and part of that is health and safety practices. Exploring the world responsibly starts with due diligence! 🌟🛡️

Because when you can sail away from the safe harbour knowing every detail has been cared for, the real adventure begins. 🌊⛵

📸Fancy a zero-carbon ocean expedition like this?
https://www.earth-changers.com/sustainable-destinations/oceans/

26/04/2025

: 10 highlights this week re. &

1/ : [video] Tracing the worst event in recorded history. More than two years later, 80% of the 's have been affected https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2025/apr/23/tracing-the-worst-coral-bleaching-event-in-recorded-history-video

2/ Climate/ : Abandons Zero- Project https://eturbonews.com/airbus-abandons-zero-emission-green-aircraft-project/

3/ : & the World Tourism Alliance ( ) new report highlights that targeted policies, regulatory frameworks & governance models are crucial to ensuring tourism benefits are shared by all, promoting & https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-and-world-tourism-alliance-identify-ways-to-make-sector-key-driver-of-inclusive-development

4/ Commerce/Community: Gov intends to approve the decree on tourism containment measures including ban of new apartments & curbing illegal rentals, but not the Tax ( ) increase https://www.idealista.com/en/news/property-for-rent-in-spain/2025/04/21/840571-the-balearic-islands-are-finalizing-a-decree-to-ban-new-tourist-apartments-and

5/ Commerce/Community: to be used to create job security including training & quality - inc. move from permanent discontinuous workers into permanent contracts https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2025/04/21/132701/mallorca-holiday-tax-balearics-tourist-tax-used-create-job-security-funds-will-used-for-raft-important-projects.html

***Looking for a trip which has a truly positive impact for communities, culture & conservation? Get in touch & let us consult our little black book from years of sustainable travel specialism www.earth-changers.com***

6/ Commerce: Ministry of & placed at the core of 2022's 5-year plan. By late 2024, over 1,000 facilities had been certified under the National Program, to align to standards by #2030 https://english.news.cn/20250426/69ded5f3045e4ea7a014e1c89bdd0838/c.html

7/ : : New program funded by the is working to ease the pressure on by promoting the adoption of practices in 14 countries whose attract multitudes of visitors each year https://www.thegef.org/newsroom/feature-stories/icoast-boost-nature-through-sustainable-tourism

8/ Climate: Will in help or harm the ? are being cleared for mega-event – but state governor says a ‘new history’ is under way https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/25/brazil-host-cop30-climate-talks-amazon

9/ Conservation: Is Transforming Its Coastline - aims to reduce reliance on & boost the production of non-oil income, with tourism is the leading driver, embracing sustainability as a foundation https://www.tycoonstory.com/how-saudi-arabia-is-transforming-its-coastline-for-tourism-sustainability/

10/ Conservation: One to watch? Escape from " " review - 'an upbeat but naive documentary about the need for investment in & managed protected areas' - the case for & https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/21/escape-from-extinction-rewilding-review-eco-tourism?CMP=share_btn_url

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22/04/2025

🌍💚 This Day, choose to travel with impact. 💚🌍
Helping you find and book trips that truly change the world.

We believe travel can be a powerful force for good — but only if we choose it consciously.

✨ Most people want to travel more sustainably but don’t know where to start.
That’s where we come in. We curate positive impact tourism experiences — ones that you'll likely miss with big generalist online travel agents, because the specialism doesn’t fit the mass model.

At Earth Changers, your booking doesn’t just create memories —
💸 It sends 100% of your payment directly to the destination organisations.
🌱 It supports local people, places, and purpose.
♻️ It reduces economic leakage and increases positive impact.

🛤️ The power is in your hands to choose sustainability, equity, and change — one trip at a time.

👉 Discover destinations that make a difference:
https://www.earth-changers.com/sustainable-places/

21/04/2025

: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine, theologian and philosopher of Berber origin and a bishop in Roman North Africa.

Seeing the world in an enriching experience, expanding one's perspective.🗺️

Whether it’s chasing sunsets on tropical beaches 🏝️, hiking to breathtaking views 🌄, or watching the wildlife on safari 🦁🐘🦒🦓, there’s so much of this beautiful “book” to explore! 📖

Travel opens new chapters, but let’s ensure they are written responsibly 💚.

Embrace sustainable tourism by choosing eco-friendly stays 🏡🌱, supporting local communities 🤝🛍️, and protecting the planet for future generations 🌎.

Want to ensure your travels have a positive impact but not sure where to start? 🤔 Ask us! We're here to guide you towards places to stay and experiences that make a proven difference 💫

So pack your bags 🎒, grab your passport 🛂, let the world surprise you 🤩
and help us turn travel into a force for good 🌟.

For World Book & on Wednesday, and World Creativity and today, where do you want your next chapter to take you? ✨
Fancy Nicaragua here? https://www.earth-changers.com/sustainable-destinations/nicaragua/

📍 Drop your dream destination in the comments! 👇

19/04/2025

: 10 highlights this week re. &

1/ : How Sustainable is ’s New Shepard ? Thx for question vs that asked by of all- crew: 'Who designed the flight suits , , , etc. are wearing'? 🙄https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/diversity-circularity-blue-origins-all-women-crew

2/ Climate: is warming twice as fast as the global average but has cut -heating faster than other big economies. targets by #2050, & expected to announce a net 90% reduction target for 2040 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/15/europe-storms-floods-and-wildfires-in-2024-affected-more-than-400000

3/ Climate: The has tripled the length of heatwaves, supercharging deadly storms & destroying critical such as & , impacting , aquaculture & tourism $ millions https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/14/climate-crisis-has-tripled-length-of-deadly-ocean-heatwaves-study-finds

4/ /Conservation/ /Climate: This cross- campaign to engage in + is a great idea > Launches - a for the https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/tourism-fiji-launches-loloma-hour-a-happy-hour-for-the-environment/

5/ /Community: Pleasure to visit last week: Didn't witness this, but presented at @ Visit 's 'towards tourism'= awareness > labelled a ‘disgrace’ as crowding engulfs park https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2041466/tourists-labelled-disgrace-popular-tenerife

***Looking for a trip which has a truly positive impact for communities, culture & conservation? Get in touch & let us consult our little black book from years of sustainable travel specialism www.earth-changers.com***

6/ Conservation/Community: ’s tourism boost risks ‘ruining country’s beaches forever’: on the , a pristine faces potential development within a , one of its last untouched sanctuaries https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/ras-hankorab-egypt-beach-tourism-b2733548.html

7/ Conservation: Greece reveals latest initiatives https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/greece-reveals-latest-sustainable-tourism-initiatives-amidst-return-as-ttgs-destination-partner-51382

8/ Community: 's €5 day- fee doubles for last-minute: Not until unexpectedly making €2.4m last year did it know how many came > "from now on the city will be able to rely on objective data...to understand the phenomenon of " https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/17/venice-tourist-fee-returns-and-will-double-for-last-minute-daytrippers?CMP=share_btn_url

9/ Community: Kicking up a stink: row over sewage blighting ’s : Campaigners say authorities should be doing more to clean up https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/17/kicking-up-a-stink-row-over-sewage-pollution-blighting-cape-towns-beaches

10/ Conservation: What happens when move into town? Unintended consequences in , . "It is a we need to protect... This is the land of , with human beings in. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/16/conservation-success-rhinos-nepal-human-conflict-towns-chitwan-national-park-aoe?

+1/ That's us! > 's delves into The Next Wave of : [video] How Travel Can Be Both Sustainable & https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/the-next-wave-of-eco-tourism-how-travel-can-be-both-sustainable-and-life-changing/vi-AA1CXDL5?ocid=socialshare

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18/04/2025

🌍✨ World Heritage Day meets Easter! ✨🌍

This Easter 🐣, as we celebrate renewal and rebirth, let’s also take a moment to honor the roots that connect us all — our shared global heritage 🏚

Today is International Day for Monuments and Sites, reminding us of the power of World Heritage Sites to unite cultures, inspire understanding, and spark action for a better future 🌟

At Earth Changers, we believe that heritage isn’t just about the past — it’s about purpose. It’s about protecting the places that tell humanity’s story 📖, and ensuring they remain for generations to come. 💚

👉 Discover more: https://www.earth-changers.com/purpose/world-heritage-tourism/

So this Easter, are you exploring any World Heritage destinations?😉
📸 Share your stories, inspire others, and travel with purpose.

15/04/2025

🎨 World Art Day x Nature’s Masterpiece 🌿✨
This World Art Day —step into living art at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Here, nature paints in florals, and humans craft purpose-driven beauty.

🌸 Don’t miss the Florilegium Art Gallery—where botanical brilliance is captured by artists celebrating the rich fynbos kingdom 🌿🖌️
🛖 Stay in eco-luxury suites designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape
🐝 Go on floral safaris, horse rides, or even collect bugs for microscope art 🐞
🌊 All this while supporting community-led conservation 💚

Art isn’t just seen here. It’s lived.
Read details and enquire to stay: https://www.earth-changers.com/sustainable-places/grootbos-private-nature-reserve/

14/04/2025

: "Art isn't a result; it's a journey"~ Seth Godin, author, marketing expert, entrepreneur.

🎨 It's World Art Day tomorrow! While destinations often inspire beautiful imagery, what's sustainability got to do with it?

🥤Art can serve as a medium to address environmental issues, such as climate change, through visually impactful messages that inspire action - we might see public art projects repurposing waste materials into sculptures advocating environmental stewardship.

👨🏾‍🎨👩🏽‍🎨 Art can supports local economies by encouraging travellers to purchase directly from local artists and artisans, boosting employment and the local economic environment.

🎭Art is also culture, one of the core pillars of more socially sustainable travel.

Art can bridge gaps between communities and sustainable development by fostering dialogue on important social issues.

🏰You might participate in workshops that teach traditional arts and crafts to help sustain local traditions, connect with a community and provide insight into heritage.

🖼 Art fosters the preservation of cultural heritage by attracting visitors to historical sites, museums, and galleries. These initiatives often fund restoration projects for neglected cultural spaces or landmarks, ensuring their longevity.

🌸🌿🌷And even for conservation, like here in our partner's lodge in South Africa, where a rebirth of a traditional 'florilegium' has beautifully documented the botanicals and biodiversity of the region's fynbos for which they are known:
https://www.earth-changers.com/purpose/florilegium-celebrating-heritage-and-beauty-of-botanicals/

What's your experience of art and sustainable travel?