Partnership Spotlight: Q&A with Travel Local
12th August 2024
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August 12th marks Thoughtful Traveller Day, an annual awareness day highlighting the vital need for travel that is mindful, responsible, and that respects cultures, communities and the planet.
One of our amazing corporate partners, TravelLocal does just this, by offering their customers the chance to travel sustainably, connecting them directly with travel experts from local communities in over 80 countries, including Ghana and Ethiopia - two of the countries in which we work! Our Corporate Fundraising Manager, Beth Healy, sat down for a quick Q&A with Huw Owens, Co-Founder of TravelLocal to hear all about their business, what it means to be a #ThoughtfulTraveller and why they chose to support Tree Aid.
Q&A
Beth: Just in case the name hasn’t given it away, what does TravelLocal do?
Huw: As our tagline “Global travel, local experts” says, TravelLocal is a travel company that connects travelers directly with local travel experts to create tailor-made vacations, ensuring an authentic and immersive travel experience. Our vision is to reimagine travel to make it better for everyone involved, fairer and more sustainable. And we do that by putting travellers directly in touch with carefully selected trusted local travel experts in each of our 90+ destinations.
We recently obtained B Corp certification, and we couldn’t be happier about it. It’s a positive step in the right direction. One that proves our commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Beth: Congratulations on becoming a B Corp – that's amazing! What does that mean for your business and customers?
Huw: Thank you! When, earlier this year, we became a certified B Corp, this was a team effort, the culmination of a year of forensic scrutiny of our business to ensure we live up to our values. B Corp certification, verified by B Lab, is the gold standard for companies committed to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The process involves an extensive B Impact Assessment (BIA) that evaluates governance, workers, environment, community, and customer relations.
Being a B Corp shows our dedication to making a positive impact, and it's another great step in a longer journey to be a force for good in travel. We want it to signal to our customers, team, and local travel experts that together we can "reimagine travel." The certification lasts for three years, after which we must recertify, aiming to continuously improve, especially in our social impact on destinations.
To maximise the good we do, we donate a portion of every TravelLocal booking to four hand-picked charities through our Fund for Good, aligned with our pillars of People & Society, Environmental Protection, Animal Welfare, and Business as a Force for Good. Tree Aid is one of our chosen partners, precisely because it aligns with our emphasis on local impact. Tree Aid's projects, led by local people in the drylands of Africa, resonate with our commitment to supporting local experts and communities.
Beth: We really appreciate your donations and on-going support of our work through your Fund for Good. I’d love to know what inspired you to support Tree Aid as one of your charity partners?
Huw: We share a common emphasis on 'local'. Tree Aid's projects are led by local people, aligning perfectly with our approach of employing local experts to plan trips and guide travelers. More precisely, our partnership supports Tree Aid's initiatives in Ghana and Ethiopia – two countries where we work with fantastic local experts, reflecting our mutual commitment to empowering local communities and fostering sustainable development.
Beth: We might be biased, but Ethiopia and Ghana are two truly amazing countries to visit. What are TravelLocal’s trip suggestions for people looking to travel to these countries?
Huw: You’re right. Ethiopia and Ghana are wonderful destinations for a perfect holiday. There are so many beautiful things to see and do that it’s quite difficult to summarise them in a few lines. But, for Ethiopia, we recommend exploring the historical treasures of Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, and the vibrant culture of Addis Ababa. While, in Ghana, our trips often highlight the rich heritage of Accra, and doing a food tour there, the scenic beauty of Cape Coast, visiting the Volta region and the culture of Wa, also discovering the Hidden beaches of Ada Foah and the wildlife of Mole National Park. Our local experts ensure that travelers experience the authentic culture and natural beauty of these destinations.
Beth: And lastly, we love that your company highlights the crucial need for sustainable and ethical travel. What are your top tips for traveling in ways that help people and the planet?
Huw: Some of our top tips for traveling in a way that’s good for people and the planet are:
- Always buying local and making sure you’re working with a local expert to craft your perfect holiday.
- Choosing locally-owned accommodations and services to support the local economy.
- Reducing plastic use by carrying reusable water bottles and bags, for example.
- Respecting local cultures and traditions to ensure authentic and meaningful interactions.
- When possible, opting for eco-friendly transportation options.
- Engaging in activities that prioritize wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Beth: Some really great tips there – thanks so much for answering our questions!
If you’d like to know more about TravelLocal and how they support our work, follow this link.