What makes Ethical Traveler unique?
The concept of creating an alliance of tourists and travelers, and focusing its social and economic power as a force of social change, is unique. Numerous eco-tourism projects (e.g., in Nepal and the Amazon) and well-publicized travel boycotts (Colorado, ’93; Myanmar since ’96) provide impressive examples of what travelers can accomplish when they band together. Yet no one has attempted to form a broad-based coalition which, like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) or Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen, harnesses this power on a global scale in service of the world community. Another unique aspect of Ethical Traveler is our intention to network and share human resources with like-minded organizations. We plan to partner and consult with dozens of other groups whose projects overlap with, and are affected by, the economics of the travel industry. This synergy has never been skillfully utilized, which is surprising — because it is crucial that travelers understand the impact of
