INTRODUCING TRIP MATE
Your Partner in Sustainable Travel
Trip Mate is proud to lead the travel insurance industry in support of sustainability programs and organizations, including USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association) and Tourism Cares. These organizations provide helpful resources for travel professionals, host sustainability-centered events, and recognize outstanding individuals in the industry for their achievements and leadership in making travel more sustainable and equitable for all.
Learn more about these organizations and how to get involved:
USTOA
USTOA’s motto is “Integrity in Tourism” and this long-standing trade association advocates for travelers, represents tour operators, and connects travel advisors with industry education and resources. In 2022, the USTOA introduced their Future Lights program which honors and acknowledges sustainability and DEI leaders within the travel industry.
The USTOA Future Lights program invited tour operator members to nominate coworkers who have made a difference in helping their companies and the communities they touch embrace and address critical sustainability and DEI issues.
The 2022 USTOA Future Lights are:
- Ana Esteves, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Lindblad Expeditions
- Dennis Nyambworo, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy Coordinator, Uganda
- Nadine Pinto, Global Sustainability Manager for The Travel Corporation (TTC) & TreadRight
“USTOA deeply appreciates the support of Trip Mate as the visionary marquee sponsor of the USTOA Future Lights of the Tour Industry program. It has allowed us to focus on the rising generation of leaders who are making change within their organizations to propel them on their sustainability journey. We are grateful to partner with Trip Mate as USTOA looks 50 years forward to a sustainable future.”
Terry Dale, President & CEO United States Tour Operators Association
“It’s about getting started, committing to the journey, and growing together as an organization. We need to get people onboard, engaged, and having shared ownership of the process. Even the little things can make a difference – unplug your electronics when not in use, travel with a refillable water bottle, and recycle at home. My team fondly refers to me as “Captain Planet” and I take pride in being a leader in this space.
Kelly Sahner, Chief Commercial Officer, Trip Mate
Get Involved with USTOA
Tourism Cares
The mission of Tourism Cares is, “We believe we can change the world through travel” and the organization’s programs center around creating meaningful travel experiences. This nonprofit provides travel companies with a variety of resources and opportunities to enhance sustainability practices and connect with like-minded suppliers. What started as U.S.-based volunteering events, the organization’s Meaningful Travel Summits have been hosted at over 25 different locations around the world for nearly 20 years.
The Meaningful Travel Summits connect industry professionals with local changemakers. By coming together in-destination, participants action and actualize the power of travel. The goal is to learn from one another, infuse more sustainability into their businesses with the knowledge gained, and rollup sleeves to volunteer in and with the local community.
“I encourage every organization that is a part of the travel industry to join Tourism Cares. Attend a Meaningful Travel Summit to experience volunteerism, catch educational sessions (Sustainability Help Desk, Meaningful Travel Map), and learn about land acknowledgment from indigenous stewards of the land. It was an honor to participate in both Meaningful Travel Summits this year. I cannot say enough about what these experiences will bring to you and your organization.”
Renee Couey, Vice President Client Experience, Trip Mate
Developed in conjunction with the Meaningful Travel Summits, Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Maps help tour operators and travel advisors find vetted and authentic products. Check out the maps to learn more and connect with sustainability-focused businesses and organizations in your region: Meaningful Travel Maps
Get Involved with Tourism Cares
Great Perk! Tourism Cares Members have access to the SheD (Sustainability Help Desk). You can talk through your personal and professional sustainability journey and how to align best practices with your business goals: Sustainability Help Desk Consulting