Sustainability

Vestibule (Diocletian’s Palace) in Split, Croatia. Diocletian's Palace is an ancient Roman

In Costa Rica, ‘Pura vida’ (‘pure life’ or ‘simple life’) represents a carefree, positive, and optimistic outlook, embodying a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures and a relaxed way of living. Photography: Fabio Fistarol.

A global call for responsible journeys

By Michael Webster

Briefly …

A new digital series shines a spotlight on sustainable tourism and the communities shaping a future where travel benefits people and our planet.

As global tourism surges back to record-breaking levels, the industry is once again at a crossroads. The return of mass travel has rekindled joy for millions of travellers, but it has also reignited urgent questions about sustainability, cultural preservation, and our collective impact on the planet. Against this backdrop, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), in partnership with content creator Content With Purpose (CWP), has launched ‘Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet’ – an ambitious digital series that positions tourism as a tool for positive change rather than unchecked consumption.

Spanning six continents, the series weaves together 24 cinematic short films, 22 thought leadership videos, 10 expert interviews and three case studies, all filmed by local crews to minimise environmental impact. The result is a collection of stories that demonstrate how communities, operators, and travellers are reimagining tourism for the 21st Century. From biodiversity conservation efforts in The Philippines to responsible waste practices in California, each story reflects a growing global movement – that thoughtful travel can help solve, rather than worsen, the world’s most pressing challenges.

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, constructed in the 15th Century and known for its sophisticated dry-stone walls and panoramic views. Photography: Eddie Kiszka.

Among the organisations spotlighted is Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company. In the episode ‘Intrepid: Purpose Led Travel’, viewers follow local leaders through Peru’s Sacred Valley, exploring how sustainable tourism can sustain cultural traditions, empower communities, and preserve fragile landscapes. The film highlights porters’ cooperatives in Ollantaytambo, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and reveals how Intrepid’s model supports livelihoods and heritage in the region. A companion interview with Intrepid’s CEO James Thornton underscores how global scale can be harnessed for local good, offering insight into how systemic change in tourism is not only possible but already underway.

Ollantaytambo, Peru. Photography: Meg von Haartman.

For Sara King, Intrepid’s General Manager of Purpose, the project is about collaboration over competition. “Sustainability isn’t a competitive advantage, and we know it will take a collective effort for the industry to make progress on our goals,” she explains. “We hope that showcasing the work of our team in Peru inspires other operators to think about how tourism can be done responsibly.” Her words echo the spirit of the series, which aims not to lecture but to spark a shared sense of responsibility and possibility.

The Saguenay River is a major river of Quebec, Canada.jpg

A boathouse on the Saguenay River – a major river of Quebec, Canada. Photography: Ali Kazal.

The GSTC’s CEO Randy Durband calls ‘Travel Redefined’ “… a powerful reminder that every journey holds the potential to leave a positive legacy”. This framing – that travel is not just movement but participation – threads through every film. Rather than presenting sustainability as an abstract ideal, the series grounds it in the real lives of guides, families, and community leaders who depend on tourism while safeguarding their heritage and environment.

By embedding sustainability into both its stories and its production – from the use of local crews to the centring of community voices – the series reflects the very ethos it seeks to champion. As Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director of CWP, puts it: “A flourishing, sustainable industry isn’t a distant vision. It’s happening right now, and we all have a role to play in this transformation.”

For solo travellers, ‘Travel Redefined’ offers not just inspiration but a reminder: the choices we make – from the companies we support to the communities we engage with – ripple outward. Each journey can reinforce a cycle of respect, resilience, and regeneration. And perhaps that is the most compelling invitation this series extends – to travel not just to see the world, but to actively help sustain it.

You can watch ‘Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet’ here and explore Intrepid’s range of solo traveller adventures and destinations here.

Michael Webster is The Solo Traveller’s International Community Development Lead.