How to Use the Meaningful Travel Map

Meaningful travel isn’t a passing trend — it’s the future of how travel is designed, experienced, and shared. Travelers today are looking for deeper connections, and the travel industry is rethinking how tourism can better support communities, cultures, and the places we love. The Meaningful Travel Map exists to meet that moment. It’s a tool for everyone, travelers and travel professionals alike, offering a more thoughtful way to explore the world and ensure tourism creates lasting benefits wherever it touches.

Here’s how you can use the Meaningful Travel Map:

An orange circle with a white graphic of a world and a location pin overlayed on top.

Destinations

Your communities, stories, and landscapes are what give a place its soul. The Meaningful Travel Map helps showcase the experiences that make your destination truly special beyond the well-traveled hotspots. By highlighting community-led businesses and initiatives, the Map helps spread visitation more thoughtfully, put tourism dollars directly into local hands, and ensure tourism works for both visitors and residents.

>> Build your Map and help your destination thrive.

Icon of a person speaking into a megaphone with three people listening, representing a speaker or instructor.

Tour Operators, Travel Advisors, & DMCs

Your clients are seeking authentic, meaningful experiences, and we know they’re not always easy to find. The Meaningful Travel Map makes it simple. Each featured organization has been vetted by Tourism Cares and includes direct contact information, so you can confidently build itineraries, source new partners, and start real conversations. Less searching, more meaningful connections.

>> Start connecting with partners today.

Icon of a flashing emergency siren or warning light

Hotels & Accommodations

Today’s guests want to experience destinations like locals — and your front desk and concierge teams are often their first guides. The Map helps you connect guests with trusted, community-based businesses that deepen their stay and create positive local impact. Know a great partner in your destination? Invite them to apply and help strengthen the local visitor experience.

>> Refer a partner or explore the Map.

A yellow circle with a white graphic of a map with a fork/spoon overlayed on top.

Suppliers & Tourism Businesses

If your work meets the Meaningful Travel Map criteria, we’d love to feature your organization! There’s no cost to apply — just opportunities for greater visibility, connections with the travel trade, and access to learning and resources through Tourism Cares. Not quite a fit yet? Meaningful travel starts with collaboration. Partner with other local businesses, artists, and producers to create experiences that go further together.

>> View criteria and apply.

An orange circle with a white graphic of two people talking at a table overlayed on top.

Meetings + Event Planners

Enhance your meetings and events by creating a sense of place for your clients. The days of beige conference rooms and “same old, same old “activities are over. Your attendees want to see and experience a place like a local, and know that their meeting or event is creating a positive impact for the community. Make your meeting go further by supporting and working with sustainable partners.

>> Find partners to enhance your meeting.

A navy circle with a white graphic image of a person carrying a suitcase behind them overlayed on top.

Responsible Travelers

Planning your own trip can be exciting and overwhelming. The Meaningful Travel Map helps you discover experiences that let you explore with care, curiosity, and intention. Traveling thoughtfully means giving as much as you take, supporting local communities, and leaving places better than you found them. The Map makes it easier to pair purpose with adventure — one trip at a time.

>> Start planning your trip.

The Tourism Cares team is here and available to help you make the most out of the Meaningful Travel Map. Have questions on how it can enhance your business or upcoming trip? Reach out directly to community@tourismcares.org.