Why Sustainable Travel Matters
Carol and I have visited hundreds of destinations around the world — from the bustling streets of Venice and Barcelona, where crowds can make it hard to truly experience the culture, to tiny Inuit villages in the Canadian Arctic, where a single cruise visit brings valuable income to the local community. These journeys have taught us that sustainable travel isn’t just about protecting the planet — it’s about preserving the spirit and livelihood of the places we visit.
Both experiences tell an important story. On one hand, over-tourism threatens to overwhelm historic cities and fragile ecosystems. On the other, small and remote communities often depend on tourism to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultural traditions. Somewhere in between lies the balance — a thoughtful, responsible approach known as destination stewardship.
Matthew D. Upchurch – Virtuoso Travel Chairman & CEO
What Is Destination Stewardship?
A recent report titled “Destination Stewardship: A Call to Action” — produced by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in collaboration with the Travel Foundation and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance — urges the global travel industry to rethink what success looks like. Instead of measuring tourism by sheer visitor numbers.
It challenges us to focus on protecting destinations, supporting local communities, and preserving the cultural and natural heritage that make travel so rewarding.
This is also a subject very close to Virtuoso’s heart. Our Chairman, Matthew D. Upchurch, regularly reminds our entire network — from advisors to travel brands — that sustainability and community benefit are not optional ideals, but essential commitments. Matthew has long championed the idea that travel should be a force for good, calling on industry leaders to create actionable plans and measurable outcomes that make a real difference for the destinations we love.
How We Can Travel More Thoughtfully
- Choose responsible travel partners. Many of our Virtuoso-preferred cruise lines and tour companies invest directly in local communities and conservation efforts.
- Consider traveling off-season. Fewer crowds mean a more enjoyable experience for you — and less strain on local resources.
- Support local artisans and guides. Buying locally keeps economic benefits where they belong: in the community.
- Respect the rhythm of the destination. Take time to learn, listen, and travel with humility.
The Future of Meaningful Exploration
At Roaming Boomers Travel Services, we’ve always believed that great travel enriches both the traveler and the destination. The concept of destination stewardship embodies that philosophy perfectly. When done well, tourism doesn’t just create wonderful memories — it strengthens communities, protects the planet, and helps keep the world’s most extraordinary places vibrant for future generations.
As Matthew Upchurch often says, “Travel has the power to transform — but only if we take responsibility for how we do it.” That’s a message we take to heart.
If you’d like to explore a slow-season escape or venture into some of the remote corners of the world where tourism provides vital support to small, isolated communities — give us a call. We’d be delighted to help you plan a journey that makes a meaningful difference.
Why and How to Plan with The Roaming Boomers
As a Virtuoso® luxury travel agency, we believe travel should benefit both the traveler and the destination. Booking through The Roaming Boomers Travel Services means you’ll tap into our firsthand expertise, deep product knowledge, and trusted partnerships committed to responsible, meaningful travel.
Even better, our clients often enjoy exclusive Virtuoso perks and amenities you won’t receive when booking directly. From the moment you start planning until you return home, our role is to ensure your journey is seamless, rewarding, and personalized to your travel style.
For more information or to book your next journey, please call The Roaming Boomens Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request CLICK HERE and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomens Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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