As travelers become increasingly aware of their social and ecological footprints, the tourism industry must step up to the plate and show responsibility to the environments in which they exist. In our 10th issue, we highlighted five hotels and tour companies setting the standard for the future of tourism by putting their communities first.

Skwachàys Lodge

Skwachàys Lodge amplifies the voice of Vancouver’s Indigenous people through their artist residency program. Open to Aboriginal artists of all disciplines, the residencies provide artists with housing and studio space and allow guests to interact directly with the culture of British Columbia’s original inhabitants through artist-led events.

The Rockhouse

Rockhouse in Negril, Jamaica, built its reputation on responsibility. Along with being a vetted, eco-conscious hotel, the resort’s namesake foundation runs several initiatives to support children in the surrounding community, building schools and hosting events to raise students’ environmental awareness.

Kin Travel

Kin Travel partners with established sustainable hotels, giving them the tools they need to continue their own social and environmental-betterment projects. Offering getaways in Kenya, Haiti, Cape Cod, and Jackson Hole, WO, they bring tourists and local leaders together to improve communities—and to have fun while doing it.

Ala Kukui

Perched high on a mountaintop in Hāna, Maui, Ala Kukui hosts peaceful retreats that fund year-round cultural activities for the local community. Helmed by a Hāna-born-and-bred team, the resort bridges the gap between visitors and native Hawaiians through educational workshops on hula, jewelry-making, and tattoo art.

En Vía

Working with six communities around Oaxaca, Mexico, En Vía empowers female entrepreneurship through tourism. The funds generated from their tours—in which visitors have the opportunity to visit the homes of and connect with local Oaxacans—go on to support women-owned businesses throughout the Tlacolula Valley.