Shout out from our friends at the UN Foundation!

“There are currently 890 World Heritage sites in 148 countries around the world. Some have existed since before time itself. Some represent the greatest achievements of civilizations gone by. All represent the precious times that humankind, or Mother Nature, got it right. Expedia’s sustainable tourism consultancy projects are a fantastic example of how members of the tourism industry are working with local stakeholders to protect our planet’s natural and cultural treasures while promoting sustainable tourism and empowering communities. In June 2006, Expedia employees went to Sian Ka’an – one of three natural World Heritage sites in Mexico. There, Expedia employees partnered with Community Tours Sian Ka'an (CTSK)—a local, predominantly Mayan-owned tourism cooperative that works to protect the delicate mix of coral reefs, mangroves, clear deep water pools, and forests. After the Expedia project, CTSK experienced revenue growth of more than 125 percent, and was recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Equator Prize, given biannually to the world’s most innovative community sustainable development project initiatives.

As a founding member of the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (WHA) – a global community committed to the conservation of World Heritage sites and the well being of local people – Expedia understands the importance of sustainable tourism and is committed to World Heritage conservation. Like us, these volunteer employee teams believe that everyone has a part to play in the conservation of our global heritage. Want to help? Learn more at www.worldheritagealliance.org.”