GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA – World Tourism Day (September 27, 2024) marks the launch of 100 Travel Innovations (https://innovate.destinationthink.com), a collection of stories from 100 places around the world about the programs and activities happening right now to improve our lives – environmentally, economically and socially. As a sponsor of 100 Travel Innovations, Visit Greater Palm Springs underscores its commitment to sustainable tourism by highlighting the Torrez Martinez Youth Environmental Ambassador Program, supported by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Sustainable travel experiences offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, culture, and local communities. The Torres Martinez Youth Environmental Ambassador Program in Greater Palm Springs exemplifies this by reconnecting Native American youth with their ancestral lands and empowering them with conservation skills. The program not only preserves traditional ecological knowledge but also inspires a new generation of responsible travelers. This innovative initiative fosters cultural understanding and creates a positive impact on both local communities and our natural environment.
Today’s launch includes the first 100 innovations addressing key global challenges such as biodiversity, climate resilience, cultural preservation, community prosperity, equality, modernization, responsible tourism and job creation. The collection will grow with more ideas to inform and inspire everyone who travels or wants to make meaningful changes at home.
“We're thrilled to celebrate the launch of 100 Travel Innovations on this World Tourism Day”, said Lauren Bruggemans, Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement. “This global initiative showcases destinations like ours that are committed to positive change. By highlighting the Torres Martinez Youth Environmental Ambassador Program, supported by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, we can showcase our destination’s commitment to the values of sustainability and conservation. We're proud to be a sponsor of 100 Travel Innovations and believe responsible, sustainable tourism can create a lasting positive impact."
Destination Think is proud to produce 100 Travel Innovations with support from Visit Greater Palm Springs and all other sponsors. This collection was carefully evaluated and selected by Destination Think's editorial team in collaboration with Todd Montgomery, professor at Oregon State University and director of the Sustainable Tourism Lab.
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About Visit Greater Palm Springs
Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) is the official destination marketing organization for the nine-city Southern California oasis of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Founded in 1989 with a mission to positively affect the destination’s $7.5 billion tourism economy and quality of life for its residents, VGPS provides sales, marketing and PR, and destination development activities to grow visitation from potential leisure travelers and event, meeting and convention group markets.
