Tourism Cares, a non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability within the tourism industry, has partnered with the UnTours Foundation, the impact investment arm of UnTours—the world’s first Certified B Corporation—to launch the Meaningful Travel Fund. This innovative financing opportunity will provide affordable capital to small, purpose-driven tourism businesses worldwide, empowering them to scale their efforts in sustainability, community engagement, and cultural preservation to drive meaningful, lasting change in their communities.
By leveraging the UnTours Foundation’s Reset Tourism Fund, the Meaningful Travel Fund will support businesses featured on Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map or those that meet the same eligibility requirements, in addition to demonstrating a strong financial track record and the capacity to take on investment. The Meaningful Travel Map is an innovative, digital tool that highlights community-led, sustainable tourism enterprises around the world, helping travel professionals build more responsible travel itineraries that drive positive social and environmental impact.
By working together, Tourism Cares and the UnTours Foundation will secure philanthropic contributions to create a sustainable pool of investment capital that will be continuously recycled amongst partners featured on Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map for years to come. Beyond financial support, the organizations will also ensure that these enterprises receive capacity-building resources and mentorship to scale their business and amplify their impact on local communities.
Empowering Small Tourism Enterprises through Investment
“Small tourism businesses are at the heart of responsible travel, but they often struggle to access funding that supports their long-term impact,” shares Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares. “Through the Meaningful Travel Fund, we can ensure that more capital flows directly into the hands of community-driven organizations that are making tourism more sustainable and equitable.”
The Meaningful Travel Fund will provide financing to businesses that:
-
Strengthen local economies by creating jobs and reinvesting in communities
-
Support cultural heritage through storytelling, preservation, and Indigenous tourism initiatives
-
Advance environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprints and protecting ecosystems
-
Enhance guest experiences by fostering meaningful connections between travelers and local communities
Jonathan Coleman, Co-CEO of the UnTours Foundation, adds: “By investing in small tourism businesses committed to having a positive impact on their local communities and the wider world, we hope to inspire the tourism industry to continue aiming higher as we build the future we want to see—one that is sustainable, inclusive of all, and deeply meaningful for everyone involved along the value chain. We’re thrilled to partner with Tourism Cares on this important work, and welcome others to join us!”
Industry Leaders Step Up to Serve as First Funders
MaCher, a Certified B Corporation that designs and manufactures sustainable promotional products, has signed on as an initial donor of the Meaningful Travel Fund, along with The John P. Stachnik Fund, a memorial fund honoring the late John P. Stacknick, former board member of Tourism Cares and co-founder of Mayflower Tours. Mary Stachnik shares, “This joint venture by Tourism Cares and the UnTours Foundation is representative of John’s legacy and his entrepreneurial commitment to building local community engagement and connecting them with our industry.”
Derek Hydon, Founder & Sustainable Growth Advocate at MaCher, adds, “At MaCher, we believe that great business practices should be shared and amplified. UnTours was the world’s first Certified B Corporation and Tourism Cares unites our industry to help communities thrive. What’s better than using some of our profits to help others and regenerate our natural world? Given the strength of the travel and tourism sector, I hope others will join us.”The Meaningful Travel Fund is now accepting applications from eligible tourism businesses looking to expand their impact. Organizations can learn more about the eligibility requirements at: www.tourismcares.org/map-criteria. Individuals and companies interested in supporting the fund can visit, tourismcares.org/meaningful-travel-fund-donate.
