We close 2023 with a strong sense of a global journey. COP28 was a roller-coaster of emotion. While the outcome is not enough, it is progress, and the message is more unified than ever — the world must move away from oil, gas, and coal.

Similar messages are being crystalised across all sectors, and travel is no exception. The combination of strict new greenwashing laws and increasing evidence of poly-crisis means that transparency and accountability are critical. Words are no longer enough. Action has never been so urgent.

It’s with this in mind that we celebrate 2023’s progress and move boldly into 2024 to double down our efforts to build a tourism industry that’s a force for good.

A warm welcome to the eight members and partners who joined The Long Run in 2023.

1. Sirikoi Lodge (Kenya). An exclusive and intimate camp set in the Lewa Conservancy on the banks of the Sirikoi River.
2. Castle Leslie Estate (Ireland). Occupying 1,000 acres of undulating countryside, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family.
3. Thornybush (South Africa). A family-owned, world-renowned safari site in the Greater Kruger Park area of South Africa. Its unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allows wildlife to roam freely and gives access to 15000 hectares of biodiversity.
4. Ibiti (Brazil). Set in the Minas mountains, Ibiti is a socio-environmental focused on living beings and their home, the planet.
5. Journey’s Intent (Denmark). A travel company curating unique journeys rooted in local experiences with strong values about why travel matters.
6. Enigma (Peru). A highly reputable luxury trekking operator for highly prestigious travel agents and professionals.
7. Singular Places (Germany). The ultimate feel-good & impact-driven travel booking site.
8. Alchemist Travel (Singapore). Unmatched tailor-made experiences, going above and beyond to create memories that will last a lifetime.

In 2023, The Long Run supported over 40 members with over 300 hours of online and onsite support to embed holistic sustainability in their business, vision, and mission.

We hosted 14 expert-led webinars on current issues and topics including Pitching Positive Impact Stories, Understanding Indigenous Tourism, and Measuring Carbon.

The Long Run team supported members with over 250 hours of onsite and online technical support, to support the holistic application of the 4Cs, strategic plans, and progress towards the Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification.

The team’s technical onsite visits included Pousada Trijunção (Brazil), Sala’s Camp (Kenya), Batu Batu (Malaysia), and Sirikoi Lodge (Kenya). The team revisited Tswalu Kalahari Reserve (South Africa), Cempedak Island (Indonesia), Six Senses Laamu (Maldives), and Kualoa Ranch (Hawaii) for further technical visits and Borana Lodge (Kenya) and Sinal Do Vale (Brazil) had their Global Ecosphere Retreat® midterm (3 years) evaluations.

Over 200 participants completed The Long Run’s Strategic Planning training and Resource Efficiency training in the last year.

Inspiring regional and annual meetings brought together over 100 leaders in conservation, sustainable tourism, climate solutions, and green finance.

1. A Southern African Regional Hub Meeting at Wolwedans, Namibia.
2. An East African Regional Hub Meeting at Sasaab, Kenya.
3. A Green Finance event in Singapore. Read more HERE.
4. The Long Run’s Annual Meeting at Global Ecosphere Retreat®, Nikoi Island, Indonesia. Watch the video HERE.

Our best practice case studies and stories for positive impact reached an audience of over 200,000 people.

The Long Run members launched Impact Statements demonstrating how much each guest night invests in Conservation, Community, and Culture and what percentage of overall income stays in the destination. Read more HERE.

The Long Run spoke at leading industry events, submitted case studies and gained press mentions including Latin American Travel Association, TTG Media, UNWTO, Glasgow Declaration, World Travel and Tourism Council, World Bank, AFAR, and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda Kenya.

Our social media reach exceeded 100,000 people across Linked In and Instagram.

In 2024 we look forward to:

• Lots of new members in the pipeline, some real trailblazers!

• A revision of our Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification — one of the travel industry’s most rigorous, involving onsite, external assessment and aligned with GSTC.

• Launching our new Travel Partner journey, proving the vital role agents, operators, and DMCs play in making tourism a force for good.

• Regional events in Brazil, Ireland, South Africa, Kenya, and The Philippines.

• The Long Run’s Annual Meeting 2024 will this coming year be held at the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa from the 27^th of October to the 1^st of November.

• Launch of a ground-breaking Impact Report and the travel industry’s first Impact Show.

• Welcoming a new Latin America Regional Hub Representative to our team.

• Hiring a new Communications and Marketing Support, Member Recruitment Lead, and Asia Regional Hub Representative. Please share the job specifications far and wide.

Thank you to all our supporters and members for their continued passion, participation, and commitment. The Long Run team would like to wish everyone a happy and restful end to 2023 and look forward to continuing the journey in 2024.