Visit California & Kind Traveler Launch Regenerative Tourism Program: 38 New Opportunities for Positive Impact

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National Plan for Vacation Day marks the end of wasted vacation days and the beginning of regenerative travel to California


Dreaming about a sustainable vacation that gives back to the local community and environment? Just in time for National Plan for Vacation Day on Jan. 31, the first statewide regenerative travel program launches with Visit California & Kind Traveler, sharing a wave of new opportunities for travelers to make a positive impact in the communities they visit while unlocking exclusive offers from more than 58 iconic hotels across 12 stunning destinations in the Golden State – with 38 brand-new hotels and impact opportunities for 2023. 

With more than 97% of travelers revealing it’s important for their vacation dollars to positively impact the communities they visit (Kind Traveler 2022 Impact Tourism Report), and 55% of Americans forfeiting vacation days each year, it has never been easier to dream big and plan a vacation that creates not only meaningful memories, necessary relaxation and mental health benefits but also a lasting community impact. Through the simple act of booking a hotel with Kind Traveler, travelers can now travel kindly and support more than 25 California-based, vetted charities advancing both community well-being and environmental sustainability.

The way it works is simple: Through Kind Traveler’s Give + Get hotel booking and education platform, travelers unlock exclusive offers from participating Kind Hotels with a $10 or more donation to a local charity that positively impacts the community they are visiting, or to another charity of choice on the platform. 100% of donations are given to the selected charity. 

Travelers receive positive impact metrics with every booking to learn exactly how their travel dollars are supporting the local community along with local neighborhood guides to inspire conscious travel and tree planting opportunities. As an example, a $10 donation to Farm to Pantry in Sonoma County will provide 23 servings of produce for those facing food insecurity. In Monterey County, a $10 donation to Rancho Cielo Youth Campus will support 1/3 of the cost per day for a young person’s education.


Discover the NEW opportunities for 2023 to plan your vacation and travel kindly in the Golden State:


 


Impact Partner: Rancho Cielo Youth Campus


 


 


Impact Partner: Santa MoniCARES

Sonoma County Tourism:

Hotels: Top (R): The Lodge at Bodega Bay, Top (Center): Wildhaven Sonoma, Top (L): The Stavrand; Additionally, The Stavrand, The Gables Wine Country Inn, and Wildhaven Sonoma are amongst the first hotels in California to enroll in Kind Traveler’s new community impact certification, Every Stay Gives Back (launching Feb 2023). 


 

Visit Greater Palm Springs

Hotels: Top (L): The Good House, Top (R): Miramonte Resort & Spa, Botom (L): Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Bottom (R): Azure Sky Hotel


 


Impact Partner: Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation

 

Additional hotels and charities throughout California:

Hotels: Top (L): Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Top (R): Brannan Cottage Inn, 2nd Row (L): Carneros Resort and Spa, 2nd Row (R): Holbrooke Hotel, 3rd Row (L): Hotel San Luis Obispo, 3rd Row (R): North Block Hotel, Last Row: The National Exchange

"We are delighted to mobilize the first statewide regenerative travel program in partnership with Visit California, creating 38 new opportunities for travelers to give back and make a positive impact in communities across the state,” said Jessica Blotter, Co-Founder & CEO of Kind Traveler. “While giving back to charities connected to destination wellbeing helps California create a sustainable future, studies share that it’s also related to higher levels of trip satisfaction."


A Kind Destination: California

Infusing tourism with stewardship principles is the key to the longevity of travel in California. Innovative by nature, Visit California is the first state DMO to mobilize Kind Traveler’s Kind Destination Program in advancing destination stewardship and sustainable & regenerative travel. Through Visit California’s seven guiding principles for tourism sustainability and a responsible travel code for visitors, Visit California recognizes the importance of encouraging destination stewardship efforts to preserve its iconic beauty and communities. Set across 12 distinct regions, California proudly boasts nine National Parks (the most of any state), 30 National Forests, 840 miles of diverse coastline, 37 natural landmarks, 147 National Historical Landmarks, 280+ State Park units, 3 World Heritage Sites, and 49.2 million acres of protected lands.


Start here to begin planning your California vacation, find inspiration, exclusive offers from Kind Hotels, and unique opportunities to give back and make a positive impact in the Golden State. #TravelKindly