Driving Change: AAA's Sustainable Travel Journey with Tourism Cares

In the hustle and bustle of modern travel, it's easy to forget the impact our journeys have on the world around us. Sustainable travel, the commitment to exploring the world while minimizing societal and environmental impact while supporting local cultures and communities, gives vacationers the chance to pause and consider: How can we vacation responsibly?

For almost five years,  AAA Travel and Tourism Cares—a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainability of the travel and tourism industry— have been working together to unite travelers, businesses and destinations, to reshape how travelers explore. 

Sustainable Travel Philosophy

Sustainable travel isn't just a buzzword; it's a philosophy that seeks to harness the power of tourism to benefit destinations and the communities that call them home. It's about more than just minimizing our ecological footprint—it's about maximizing our positive impact.

At its core, sustainable travel is about mindfulness and being conscientious of the resources we consume and the ways in which our behavior can shape the places we visit. With tourism standing as one of the world's largest industries, every choice we make as travelers—whether it's where we stay, what activities we engage in, or what souvenirs we purchase—has ripple effects that reverberate throughout the destinations we explore.

It's about creating lasting bonds with local communities and lending a helping hand to small businesses. Cherishing and preserving what makes each destination unique—its cultural heritage. It’s about choosing accommodations and tour operators that prioritize environmental stewardship and social responsibility and about treading lightly on the earth while leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those we encounter along the way. 

AAA Travel's strategic partnership with Tourism Cares is a testament to this shared vision. Tourism Cares brings people in the travel industry together to focus on making positive impacts on society, nature and local economies. Their mission is clear: to create opportunities, empower communities, amplify culture and protect the environment—all while fostering inclusivity and understanding.

In June, AAA Travel Ambassadors attended the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit in Panama. This summit gathered 50 travel industry leaders to experience and learn about Panama's sustainable travel practices and cultural preservation efforts. Their participation underscored AAA's commitment to promoting responsible tourism and highlighted the importance of collaboration in fostering positive change within the travel industry.

One of the key initiatives driving AAA Travel and Tourism Cares' sustainability efforts is the focus on education and advocacy. By raising awareness about the importance of sustainable travel practices and equipping travelers with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices, they're empowering individuals to become agents of change themselves. This hands-on approach encourages visitors to become part of the destination they visit, not just spectators. Some travelers even arrange to work alongside local community residents to help with restoration or conservation projects in ecologically delicate regions. 

Sustainable travel isn't just about reaching a destination; it's a journey toward a better balance between humanity and our planet. And with AAA Travel and Tourism Cares leading the way, travelers can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing that their adventures are not only enriching their own lives but also contributing to the greater good.

So, the next time you hit the road or take to the skies in search of adventure, remember the power you hold as a traveler. Your choices have the potential to shape the world for generations to come. By embracing the principles of sustainable travel and supporting organizations like AAA Travel and Tourism Cares, you can be a part of a movement that's driving positive change—one mile at a time.