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Visit California and Kind Traveler launch regenerative tourism program

  • Fleener Creek Beach in the Lost Coast Headlands near Ferndale, California, September 30, 2017.

National Plan for Vacation Day marks the end of wasted vacation days and the beginning of regenerative travel to California.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — Dreaming about a sustainable vacation that also gives back to the local community and environment? Just in time for National Plan for Vacation Day on Jan. 31, the first statewide regenerative travel program launches with Visit California and 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 stunning destinations in the Golden State – with 38 brand-new hotels and impact opportunities for 2023.

With more than 97% 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% 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.”

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. 100% of 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 1/3 of the cost per day for a young person’s education.

Discover the new opportunities for 2023 to plan your vacation and travel kindly in the Golden State:

Los Angeles Travel & Convention Board
Hotels: Hotel Erwin, Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Hotel Per La, Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX, The Garland; Impact Partners: Marine Mammal Care Center LA, Midnight Mission, spcaLA, Venice Family Clinic.

Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hotels: Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Post Ranch Inn, The Sanctuary Beach Resort; Impact Partner: Rancho Cielo Youth Campus

North Lake Tahoe & Visit Lake Tahoe
Hotels: PlumpJack Inn, The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa; Impact Partners: Take Care Tahoe & UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Hotels: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Hotel Casa Del Mar, Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites, Le Merigot Santa Monica Hotel, Pierside Hotel, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Shutters on the Beach, The Ambrose Hotel Santa Monica, The Shore Hotel Santa Monica, Viceroy Santa Monica; Impact Partner: Santa MoniCARES

Sonoma County Tourism:
Hotels: The Lodge at Bodega Bay, The Stavrand; Additionally, The Stavrand, The Gables Wine Country Inn, Wildhaven Sonoma and are amongst the first hotels in California to enroll in Kind Traveler’s new community impact certification, Every Stay Gives Back (launching Feb 2023). Impact Partners: Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary, Farm to Pantry, Pepperwood Preserve.

Visit Greater Palm Springs
Hotels: Azure Sky Hotel, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, Miramonte Resort & Spa, The Good House. Impact Partner: Friends of the Desert Mountains, The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert

Visit Oakland
Hotels: Kissel Uptown Oakland – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Moxy Oakland Downtown, Oakland Marriott City Center; Impact Partner: Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation

Additional hotels and charities throughout California:
Hotels: Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Brannan Cottage Inn, Carneros Resort and Spa, Holbrooke Hotel, Hotel San Luis Obispo, North Block Hotel, The National Exchange; Impact Partners: Bear Yuba Land Trust, Napa Land Trust, Surfrider Foundation SLO Chapter.

“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, 3 World Heritage Sites, and 49.2 million acres of protected lands.

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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