The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has called on the travel industry to prioritize the well-being of communities that serve as custodians of tourist destinations. In an online address to the annual general meeting of his Travalyst organization, Prince Harry emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices and making eco-friendly choices easier for travelers.
During a video call with delegates, Prince Harry highlighted the crucial role that communities play in the travel sector, stating, “Communities are the beating heart of travel and we must do better by the people who are the custodians of the places we visit.” He praised organizations like Invisible Cities and Global Himalayan Expedition for their efforts in empowering local communities and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Travalyst, a non-profit organization founded by Prince Harry in 2019, has partnered with leading brands such as Booking.com, Skyscanner, and Tripadvisor to promote responsible tourism. The two-day meeting held in southern France brought together industry experts to discuss sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.
In February, Travalyst launched an initiative to review tourism certification bodies focusing on sustainability to ensure they meet specific criteria for display on partner platforms. Sally Davey, Travalyst’s CEO, emphasized the importance of community voices in shaping the organization’s initiatives, stating, “Having Prince Harry involved in these discussions is vital. It demonstrates the importance of prioritizing community voices in our efforts to promote sustainable tourism.”
Prince Harry’s advocacy for sustainable tourism practices underscores the need for the travel industry to prioritize the well-being of communities and the environment in order to create a more responsible and ethical tourism sector.