As many of us travel enthusiasts know, trotting the globe is good for the soul — and then some. But how we travel also takes its toll, too, especially concerning the climate. That’s why the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the “nature positive travel” initiative.

It’s easy to check out while traveling. With all the to-dos at home, you just want to live. But WTTC’s new initiative hopes to change how we check out, encouraging tourists to connect with nature in a way we often overlook on our quest to break ties with everyday life. 

Reversing the damaging effects of travel on nature 

According to Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, “Eighty percent of all travel involves the traveler going into some form of nature.” Thus, the committee conjured up a plan that would put nature preservation at the forefront of the travel industry.  

The goal is to expose tourists and locals alike to the urgency of protecting and rebuilding nature, expanding planet-positive economies, and more. In other words, if you’re going to leave a trace, let it be a positive one. 

Along with raising awareness of the impacts traveling has on nature, the committee’s initiative aims to collaborate with members of the travel industry and local communities to find more sustainable ways and use resources to boost species protection and habitat reconstruction. 

Going green at hotels

Among the biggest offenders of nature positive travel, Simpson notes hotels should be working on “green investment.” As part of the initiative, hotels should take action in relocating facilities, growing food onsite, restoring damaged habitats alongside local communities, and more. 

How to take part in “nature positive travel”

Travelers should prioritize staying at hotels that seek to protect and restore. On a granular level, they should also consider their personal practices while traveling.“ At hotels, you don’t need to get your sheets or towels changed every day. If hotels have plastic, ask why,” says Simpson. “In a hotel with small plastic bottles of shampoo, drop an email to the hotelier.”