RED Sustainable Travel

The Spanish word “red” means net, as in a fisherman’s net, or network, representing the network of fishing communities where RED got its start. RED Sustainable Travel converts conservation projects such as sea turtle monitoring into Conservation Adventures, creating sustainable employment alternatives and funding for conservation.

RED provides training and small business incubation in communities as well as consulting services to strengthen government institutions and promote a vision and strategy for sustainable tourism in the region.

Outcomes

• Honed skills as a tour operator supplier
• Offering more trips to more niche markets and theme-based travel such as gastronomic, educational, and corporate team building
• Transfers knowledge gained at ATTA of market analysis, strategy and training to other community micro-enterprises
• Working with National Parks Commission to design and implement park level and regional tourism strategies
• Generating sustainable employment, funding vital conservation work, strengthening local operators in NW Mexico

Tangible Results

• Increased from two full time staff in 2009 to six, with dozens trained in rural communities
• Overall sales have grown 20-30% per year
• 60% indirect sales come from ATTA member partnerships
• Funds a globally recognized sea turtle monitoring and conservation program
• Showcased in Travel Weekly webinar for agents and outbound operators in 2012
• Featured in National Geographic Adventure “Adventure Trips that Give Back” 2013
• ATTA Tour Operator Scholarship Awarded 2013
• Hatched idea at the 2011 ATWS to drive sustainable tourism development in Mexico’s National Parks Experienced conservation conservancies and joint-venture models in Namibia 2013

"Building personal relationships at the Summit and local events like ATMEX have been vital to our growth and success, both as a tour operator and community development organization. The insight gained in the talks and forums, backed up by the personal experience of operators around the globe, gives us the confidence to define bold strategies and help lead the industry in our neck of the woods."

Future Vision

• Grow considerably to employ more people and expand social and conservation impact
• Expand throughout Mexico, offering unique conservation adventures that build community and support vital conservation of wildlife and habitat
• Steer Mexican tourism away from all-inclusive model, towards nature and cultural adventure tourism

Tools Used

• Journalist Alerts
• Adventure Travel World Summit
• Access to the ATWS MARKETPLACE
• Annual Industry Snapshot Report
• QuickPolls
• News Published on AdventureTravelNews
• Media Networking
• Member Webinars