LOS ANGELES—Just in time for National Plan for Vacation Day on January 31, the first statewide regenerative travel program launched with Visit California & Kind Traveler, sharing a wave of new opportunities for travelers to make a positive impact in the communities they visit while unlocking exclusive offers from more than 58 iconic hotels across 12 destinations in the Golden State—with 38 brand-new hotels and impact opportunities for 2023.
With more than 97 percent of travelers revealing it’s important for their vacation dollars to positively impact the communities they visit (Kind Traveler 2022 Impact Tourism Report), and 55 percent of Americans forfeiting vacation days each year, it has never been easier to dream big and plan a vacation that not only creates meaningful memories, necessary relaxation and mental health benefits, but also a lasting community impact. Through the simple act of booking a hotel with Kind Traveler, travelers can now travel kindly and support more than 25 California-based, vetted charities advancing both community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
“As the first state to partner with Kind Traveler on a statewide regenerative travel program, we are thrilled to kick off 2023 by encouraging travelers to not only plan a trip to California, but to plan one that gives back to our communities,” said Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California. “Responsible and sustainable tourism is about ensuring that travel benefits both the visitors and the communities they are visiting. With every booking, travelers will provide a direct benefit to communities across California.”
How the Program Works
The way it works is simple: Through Kind Traveler’s Give + Get hotel booking and education platform, travelers unlock exclusive offers from participating Kind Hotels with a $10 or more donation to a local charity that positively impacts the community they are visiting, or to another charity of choice on the platform. All donations are given to the selected charity.
Travelers receive positive impact metrics with every booking to learn exactly how their travel dollars are supporting the local community along with local neighborhood guides to inspire conscious travel and tree planting opportunities. As an example, a $10 donation to Farm to Pantry in Sonoma County will provide 23 servings of produce for those facing food insecurity. In Monterey County, a $10 donation to Rancho Cielo Youth Campus will support one-third of the cost per day for a young person’s education.
“We are delighted to mobilize the first statewide regenerative travel program in partnership with Visit California, creating 38 new opportunities for travelers to give back and make a positive impact in communities across the state,” said Jessica Blotter, Co-Founder & CEO of Kind Traveler. “While giving back to charities connected to destination wellbeing helps California create a sustainable future, studies share that it’s also related to higher levels of trip satisfaction.”
A Kind Destination: California
Infusing tourism with the principles of stewardship is the key to the longevity of travel in California. Innovative by nature, Visit California is the first state DMO to mobilize Kind Traveler’s Kind Destination Program in advancing destination stewardship and sustainable & regenerative travel. Through Visit California’s seven guiding principles for tourism sustainability and a responsible travel code for visitors, Visit California recognizes the importance of encouraging destination stewardship efforts to preserve its iconic beauty and communities. Set across 12 distinct regions, California proudly boasts nine National Parks (the most of any state), 30 National Forests, 840 miles of diverse coastline, 37 natural landmarks, 147 National Historical Landmarks, 280+ State Park units, three World Heritage Sites, and 49.2 million acres of protected lands.
