About the Good Travel Experience Guides

The Good Travel Experience Guides are designed to help travelers explore destinations in a more meaningful and responsible way. These guides bring together curated and verified Good Travel Experiences that reflect the living culture of each place. All Good Travel Experiences featured in the guides are designed to generate measurable social and economic benefits for local communities while reducing or avoiding negative environmental, climate, and cultural impacts.

Building on the Standard and Expanded formats, the Premium Guide combines two complementary approaches: carefully selected Good Travel Experiences, led by certified local operators, and self-guided recommendations that encourage independent exploration. Together, they offer a more complete way to experience a destination, connecting visitors with local communities, traditions, and everyday life.

Please see the table below for more information on each type of Good Travel Experience Guide developed by the Good Travel Alliance.

Feature	Standard (formerly Basic)	Extended	Premium
TIER	LEVEL 1	LEVEL 2	LEVEL 3
TEMPLATE	Standard	Standard	High-end editorial
VERIFICATION METHOD	Remote / Desk Assessment	Remote / Desk Assessment	Partly On-site Product Development Audit
NARRATIVE APPROACH	Automated / Template	Automated / Template	Bespoke Storytelling & Copywriting
MAPPING & NAVIGATION	❌	Standard Static Map	Visual Mapping with GTE Iconography
EXPERIENCE DESIGN	Individual Listings	Individual Listings + Day Tour Highlights	Curated Routes & Thematic Journeys
DMO STRATEGY SUPPORT	❌	✅ General Orientation	✅ Zoning & Visitor Flow Management
SELF-GUIDED CONTENT	❌	✅ Limited Self-Guided Content	✅ Integrated Neighborhood Routes
DESTINATION CONTENT	❌	✅ Introduction to the Destination	✅ Custom Editorial Sections
SCORECARD IMPACT	General Data Entry	General Data Entry	✅ 1% Score Increase per 10 GTEs
REGULATORY ALIGNMENT	EU 2024/825 "Green Claim" Ready	EU 2024/825 "Green Claim" Ready	EU 2024/825 "Green Claim" Ready
PLATFORM VISIBILITY	Standard Listing	Extra Promotion	Priority Promotion (GTG + Alliance)
ECOSYSTEM INTEGRATION	Limited	Limited	Multi-channel API Integration
MARKETING ASSETS	Digital Link Only	Digital Link Only	Full B2B Kit (Hotels, Social Media)
STRATEGIC VALUE	Content Compilation	Informational	Practical, Market-Driven & ROI-Focused

The Good Travel Experience Guides are part of an evolving series, continuously updated and expanded to include new destinations and experiences around the world.

FORCE FOR GOOD

The Good Travel Alliance is a collective of destinations, tourism boards, tour operators, and travel agents working together to develop experiences with local impact: activities, attractions, events and trails. We recognize them as Good Travel Experiences if they generate local benefits for local people (like jobs and social empowerment), whilst minimizing negative impacts on climate, environment, nature and culture.

The Good Travel Experience initiative was established in 2023 by Albert Salman (founder of Green Destinations, the Good Travel Alliance, and the Good Travel Institute), and has since evolved through the active involvement of the Good Travel Institute team and founding Alliance Partners such as Riviera Maya Sostenible, Tourism Impact, and others. The Good Travel Institute (GTI) serves as the independent expert pillar of this community, providing the professional verification and training framework that underpins these guides.

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

Respect Local Cultures and Customs

Learn about the local culture, traditions, and customs of the destinations you visit. Respect cultural norms, dress codes, and etiquette to show appreciation for the local community.

Support Local Businesses

Choose locally-owned accommodations, restaurants, shops, and tour operators to support the local economy. Purchase locally-made souvenirs and products to contribute to the livelihood of local artisans and communities. Consider responsible tour operators like Hike’n Sail Türkiye.

Reduce Plastic Waste

Minimize plastic waste by bringing reusable water bottles, shopping bags, utensils, and containers. Refill your water bottle from safe sources instead of buying bottled water.

Conserve Water and Energy

Practice water and energy conservation by taking shorter showers and turning off lights and air conditioning when not in use. Please don’t change your towels in hotels if your stay is 3 nights or shorter.

Use Public Transportation and Walk

Get around by public transportation, bike, or on foot whenever possible. Explore destinations on foot to immerse yourself in local life.

Minimize Food Waste

Be mindful of food waste by ordering only what you can eat, sharing meals, and supporting restaurants that prioritize local ingredients.

Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid activities that harm animals.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Dispose of waste responsibly by using recycling and trash bins when available. Avoid littering and leave places cleaner than you found them.

Practice Responsible Photography

Respect the privacy and consent of local people when taking photos. Avoid disturbing wildlife or surroundings.

Educate Yourself and Others

Stay informed about responsible travel practices and share your knowledge with others.

By incorporating these practices into your journey, you not only reduce your impact but also become part of a more balanced and respectful way of traveling, benefiting both the destination and your own experience.