Travel Industry Called to Prioritize Community Welfare by the Duke of Sussex
The travel industry is facing a pivotal challenge and opportunity to revolutionize its approach towards the communities that serve as the backbone of tourist destinations. This sentiment was strongly voiced by the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, during a compelling address at the annual general meeting of Travalyst. Travalyst, a visionary initiative led by Prince Harry, is dedicated to fostering sustainability within the tourism sector and simplifying eco-friendly choices for travellers.
In a virtual dialogue that brought together key stakeholders, Prince Harry emphasized, “Travel and tourism relies on destinations, held together by communities, without which we have nowhere to travel to.” Highlighting the integral role of local communities in the tourism ecosystem, he continued, “Communities are the beating heart of travel and we must do better by the people who are the custodians of the places we visit.”
The duke spotlighted exemplary organizations like Invisible Cities, which empowers individuals affected by homelessness to become tour guides in their own cities, and Global Himalayan Expedition, known for its transformative work in electrifying remote Himalayan villages, thereby enhancing the lives of over 60,000 individuals. These examples underscore the positive impact of integrating community welfare into tourism models.
The increasing consumer desire for responsible travel options is driving the industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Travalyst, through its collaborative efforts with giants such as Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, Trip.com, Visa, Google, and Expedia Group, is leading the charge in making thoughtful travel choices accessible on a grand scale. With a collective market value nearing three trillion dollars, the potential for meaningful change is immense.
The focus of the gathering, held over two days in southern France, was on nurturing sustainable and regenerative tourism practices. Industry leaders and experts convened to share insights and forge pathways towards a tourism sector that honors and uplifts the communities it depends upon.
A noteworthy stride in Travalyst’s journey was the launch of a new initiative aimed at evaluating tourism certification bodies dedicated to sustainability. This project seeks to ensure these bodies meet a stringent set of criteria before being endorsed by Travalyst’s partner platforms, marking a significant step forward in transparent and responsible travel.
Sally Davey, the CEO of Travalyst, reflected on the importance of such discussions, noting, “I think having Prince Harry involved in these sorts of discussions is vital. It demonstrates how critical it is to have community voices at the heart of everything that we’re doing.” This collaborative spirit was evident throughout the meeting, with a shared commitment to listen, learn, and ultimately, enact change that benefits both people and the planet.
As Travalyst continues to pave the way for a more sustainable tourism industry, the message is clear: the path forward must be carved in partnership with the communities that make travel so enriching. By placing these custodians at the center of tourism’s future, the industry can not only ensure its own sustainability but also foster a world in which travel is a force for good.
