Bee + Hive, a not-for-profit association that unites hotels and partners committed to sustainable tourism experiences, launched a booking platform that features a search focused on sustainable experiences.
The service will give travelers the ability to plan a vacation based on sustainable experiences, and the chance to support global sustainable tourism. Booking revenues generated by users of the site will be reinvested in furthering the organization’s mission.
Travelers who visit the website will be given the option to search for sustainable experiences to start planning their trip. For example, a traveler who wants to swim with sharks will search for the experience and be offered location and hotel options accordingly. The site confirms availability on the selected dates before inviting the user to reserve.
According to a recent study conducted by the World Tourism Organization, on average, for every 100 dollars spent by a tourist on a holiday in a developing country, only 5 dollars remain in the host community.
“This figure represents the potential benefit tourism can have on local communities if we turn around the role of the hotel within this social environment,” Correa said. “A responsible hotel cares about developing the local ecosystem and its community. And the best way to do this is by offering authentic activities that reflect the destination. As a not-for-profit, all of Bee+Hive’s revenues will be reinvested on promotional efforts for legitimate and inspiring sustainable hotels and experiences, in a virtuous circle where more hotels join our movement."
Bee + Hive only promotes hotels and experiences that give back to the local environment. The association works closely with its members to develop unique travel experiences with sustainability at their core, including preserving and rehabilitating wildlife and ecology, ensuring viable socioeconomic projects for the local community and protecting cultural expression.