Why Travel With ECPC

ECPC Criteria: Setting our Standard for Responsible Travel

The conventional tourism industry is linked to a wide range of environmental and socio-economic challenges, affecting life in water and on land. Not only does it contribute billions of dollars in damages to ecosystems worldwide, but it also deepens inequalities, often prioritizing foreign tourism developers over locals.

At ECPC Travel, we've developed a set of transparent and straightforward criteria to spotlight businesses and communities committed to more sustainable tourism practices. Tourism is an industry where greenwashing, or the use of green language or imagery to appear more sustainable, is prevalent. Our goal is to empower travelers to make informed, responsible choices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

New studies that focus on the social and environmental landscape are published frequently. In this rapidly evolving landscape, our team is doing the best we can to stay up to date on best practices and current knowledge. We strive to update our criteria and qualifications as new information comes to light.

Our Key Areas of Focus

Environmental Impact

Our criteria evaluates the direct and indirect actions of businesses that affect the health and resilience of natural environments. This includes how operations protect biodiversity, minimize resource consumption, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

Socio-Economic Health

We evaluate the contribution of businesses to social development and equitable distribution of tourism benefits within destination communities. We highlight operations that prioritize local ownership, fair wages, and community empowerment, ensuring that tourism supports rather than exploits locals.

Education and Outreach

We recognize businesses that foster greater environmental awareness and a deeper traveler connection to the destination’s community. Through education and outreach initiatives, these businesses enable tourists to understand their potential impacts and inspire them to engage in more responsible and sustainable behaviors.

What We Do

Empower Local Communities

Our core belief is that the people who call a destination home should be the ones who benefit most from tourism. We partner with community-owned or operated businesses, ensuring that profits stay within the local economy and decision-making power remains in the hands of those who live there. From the accommodations you stay in to the activities you participate in, each experience is designed and operated by locals, creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Restore and Protect the Environment

Travel shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet. That’s why we work with partners who prioritize environmental protection and regeneration. Whether it’s eco-lodges built with sustainable materials or wildlife tours that promote conservation efforts, our trips are crafted to minimize harm and actively contribute to the health of local ecosystems.

Decolonize the Travel Industry

We recognize that the travel industry, historically and today, often perpetuates colonialist practices that exploit local cultures and resources. At ECPC Travel, we’re committed to changing that. We collaborate with local communities to ensure they have full autonomy over how their culture, land, and traditions are shared with travelers. Our approach ensures that local voices are heard, respected, and centered in every travel experience.

Build a Future Where Travel Leaves a Positive Legacy

We envision a world where tourism is a tool for positive change — where every trip taken helps regenerate ecosystems, sustains local cultures, and brings economic benefits directly to the people who need them most. We’re working to create a travel industry that’s driven by equity, not exploitation; by connection, not consumption.

At ECPC Travel, we invite you to join us in rethinking what travel can be. Together, we can protect the natural world, uplift communities, and reshape tourism into an industry that works for everyone.