By Bella Oberlatz
In a world where the allure of far-off destinations often overshadows the impact of our travels, I’ve discovered a nonprofit that resonates deeply with my love for exploration and my commitment to traveling in the most sustainable way possible– the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). As someone with the desire to travel the globe, I understand the importance of doing so with a mindful approach. CREST is a nonprofit actively working towards transforming travel into a force that benefits both communities and the planet.
Since 2003, CREST has been on a dedicated mission to reshape the landscape of tourism. In 2022 it was time for CREST to check back in with their company and reshape their mission through the creation of a new comprehensive strategic plan.
This strategic plan is very telling towards CREST’s dedication to mitigate the environmental impact of travel. What stood out to me most about CREST was the introspective approach the organization took as they identified and addressed the key threats posed to the environment through travel. At the core of their approach lies the “Four Pillars of CREST,” a thoughtful framework that encapsulates their strategic vision for making a tangible difference.
Crest was Founded by Dr. William (Bill) Durham and Dr. Martha Honey. Dr. Durham, a distinguished Stanford Professor of Anthropology and recipient of the prestigious MacArthur “genius” fellowship, partnered with Dr. Honey, internationally recognized as an authority on responsible travel. Notably, Dr. Honey has earned one of the world’s top 10 eco-travel “watchdogs” by Conde Nast Traveler.
While I was looking for a nonprofit to highlight, I wanted to make sure to find one that not aligned with values that matter to me, but that I felt was genuine. CREST was the clear frontrunner among nonprofits. Their comprehensive and personal approach, coupled with concrete initiatives, reassured me that we can indeed make impactful changes in reshaping the environmental and communal footprint of travel.
CREST’s commitment is further shown through the transparency from their impact reports, prominently displayed on their website. These reports offer a detailed account of outreach statistics, frameworks, and values, providing insights into new strategies and offering valuable comparisons with previous years. This commitment to accountability and continuous improvement positions CREST as a frontrunner in the pursuit of sustainable and responsible tourism – a cause that I am proud to support wholeheartedly.
Bella Oberlatz 