Transforming tourism so it works for people and place
Travel Forward is an independent, global non-profit, working to ensure that tourism delivers positive outcomes for destinations and communities.
We stand for collective responsibility and for a tourism model that works in the long term interests of people and place. We challenge where progress falls short and support practical change at scale.
From the Travel Foundation to Travel Forward
Travel Forward builds on more than twenty years as the Travel Foundation, created by the industry to improve tourism’s impact. Over that time, we became a respected global voice, known for rigorous research, practical action, and long-term partnerships built on trust. We have worked with destinations worldwide and helped shape major international initiatives, including the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
Today, we are building on that strong foundation to move the sector forward, creating practical solutions with the power to transform tourism together.
Our role
We work across the tourism sector, with destinations, businesses, governments and international organisations, to change the way that tourism is planned and managed and to support practical responses to climate risk and inequality.
As climate risks grow and pressure on destinations increases worldwide, our role is to help tourism respond faster and more effectively to protect the places it depends on.
We believe:
- Tourism must reduce risk within destinations, not increase it.
- Communities must share fairly in benefits.
- Climate action is urgent and essential.
- Collaboration is key. The challenges facing tourism destinations can only be solved together.
These principles guide how we work with destinations and partners to create a more resilient and fairer tourism system.
Our approach
We focus on collaborative, practical action that supports long-term change in destinations. We focus on the bigger picture, helping to shift how tourism works and tackling the underlying issues.
As an independent, mission-led charity, our work is guided by:
- Destination-first thinking – prioritising the needs of communities and places
- Evidence-led insight – grounded in research and real-world experience
- Collaboration – working with partners across the tourism system
- Action and impact – supporting practical steps, not just strategy
Together, this approach helps us support destinations and partners to respond to climate risk and growing pressures on places while shaping a more resilient future for tourism.
Find out more about the people and partners behind Travel Forward:
