Future travel trends Archives - Solimar International

How Green Finance Can Address the Increasing Demand for Sustainable Tourism

Written by Yaseen Eiweida on August 15, 2024. Posted in Blog.

The world of travel and tourism has helped strengthen both rural and urban communities while also economically empowering local businesses. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in demand within the tourism industry. We are now seeing an increasing preference for more sustainable tourism options, and green finance is proving to be a viable solution. This trend reflects a desire for tourism practices that not only promote sustainability but can also drive the market for sustainable travel forward in the long term.

In 2024, there are many opportunities in the post-pandemic era of tourism to capitalize on. Climate change remains one of the greatest challenges facing our environment, as well as the tourism industry. Both well-established destinations and up-and-coming ones are having to adapt to climate change. It is important that we design and implement certain measures to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change felt by communities trying to promote new tourism opportunities. A crucial step towards this goal is financing the development of these necessary strategies. Green finance offers the necessary funding and incentives for developing sustainable tourism initiatives. It addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly travel options and ensures the preservation of natural and cultural resources.

The Rise of Sustainable Tourism

What is sustainable tourism? Sustainable tourism recognizes the future impacts of tourism initiatives while considering the environmental, social, governance (ESG), and economic consequences. It takes into account the needs and wishes of travelers while placing equal importance on the environment and host communities.

Sustainable Eco Lodge — Sustainable Retreat: Nature Resort in Sapa, Vietnam

With the continuous predicament of climate change, travelers from all over the world have started to take into consideration the sustainability commitments and records of destinations and providers. In fact, many travelers are even ready to pay a premium for more sustainability in their itinerary. Environmentalists and activists aren’t the only ones driving the growing demand for sustainable tourism. Many people are simply seeking to make more responsible travel choices and contribute to a better future. Looking at the numbers, the size of the global sustainable tourism market is currently valued at $2.61 billion in 2024 and is projected to soar to $8.73 billion by 2031. This not only represents an opportunity for tourism providers to accommodate more travelers, but it is also an opportunity for investors. When comparing the demand for more sustainable tourism versus the supply of options, the numbers are shocking but represent an opportunity for growth. Globally, the sustainable tourism industry is estimated to make up just 2–5% of the travel and tourism industry. Yet, around 80% of travelers said that sustainable tourism was important, and they would want to adopt more sustainable travel practices.

What do Responsible Tourists Want?

In order to understand how the world should finance and invest in sustainable and responsible tourism, it is important to understand the requests of travelers. In the context of the demands of many global travelers, they wish to see more sustainability in six key areas. Expedia Group’s sustainable travel study from 2023 indicates that travelers are willing to pay more for:

Transportation
Food
Activities & Experiences
Lodging & Accommodation
Purchases or Gifts
Engaging with Local Cultures

Even though tourists aiming to travel more responsibly might not fully grasp all the nuances involved, the crucial point is that there is a clear demand for this type of travel. People want to lower their carbon emissions when they travel, choose food from sustainable sources and producers, support regional communities, purchase gifts, and engage with local artisans and craftsmen, amongst other sustainable practices. Growing the socioeconomic status of local tourism providers has always been important to the world of international development, as highlighted by many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, now that there exists a market with a genuine demand for more sustainable travel options, and travelers who are even willing to pay more for these options, the time has come to address these demands and fill gaps within the industry.

Thailand’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Provided by Local Artisans and Craftsmen

Recognizing the Importance of Green Finance

In recent years, there have been many green finance success stories that highlight the potential and success of sustainable investing. Globally, the transition to decarbonize the economy requires massive investments. Through green finance, investors in both the public and private sectors can direct their investments towards acts to lower emissions and mitigate climate change. The concept of green finance should not be confused with a risky investment for the sole purpose of helping the environment. Investors involved in green finance are actively reducing their risk. Today, investing in carbon-intensive initiatives has more risks than ever due to the transition to more responsible business practices. Aside from the risks, green financing can also support job growth in new industries and create more business opportunities that do not harm the environment in the way traditional tourism does. Those who embark on these opportunities can help private and public organizations satisfy their climate goals.

Sustainable Tourism Eco Lodge — Undisturbed Accommodation: Thai Eco Lodge using vernacular architecture and a circular water system

Understanding Green Financing

Green financing refers to the economic activity aimed at maximizing environmental benefits and/or reducing risks associated with climate change. For example, a company that secures a loan to upgrade its portfolio of houses with more energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels, contributes to green finance. In turn, those living in the house also are lowering energy consumption and utility expenses. This reinforces the idea that green finance is a win-win for everyone. In the long term, the goal of green finance is to establish a flow of financial resources toward investments that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy. In the tourism industry, this includes addressing climate change and other environmental challenges.

Promoting Sustainable Business Practices in Tourism

Contributing to sustainable development requires a change in the way businesses think. Businesses not only need to address the environment when making decisions, but they need to instigate changes in their consumer’s behaviors. If tourists wish to travel more sustainably, there needs to be sufficient opportunities for them to do so. In order to accomplish this, there are several different financial instruments and initiatives in green finance:

Green Bonds: a debt security issued to finance projects that positively address environmental change.
Green Loans: loans granted to projects or businesses that contribute to environmental sustainability (green loans typically come with favorable terms and conditions).
Green Equities: when shares of equities/stocks are re-invested in companies that promote positive environmental results.
Crowdfunding: obtaining funding from a large pool of interested backers to make an impact through sustainable initiatives.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs): collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and private companies to fund and implement sustainable projects.

While each instrument is a great contributor to sustainable development, businesses in tourism need to identify their green goals. The first obvious step would be to assess the potential of the project: What are the potential outcomes or challenges? Businesses should consider the needs and wants of stakeholders. What are the regulators looking for? Investors? Employees? Customers? And so on. While there is a demand for more sustainability in tourism, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The following step is to choose which finance option is best suited. Each has different advantages and disadvantages depending on the context, so it is important to choose wisely to attract investment. Although investors want to participate in socially responsible investing, they also will look to minimize risks.

South Korea: A Model for Integrating Green Finance with Tourism

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is emerging as a leader on the path towards financing green growth opportunities. To meet the country’s ambitious climate goals, financial institutions have announced a $313 billion green financing plan to be implemented across many sectors of the economy, including travel and tourism. Dating back to 2008, stakeholders in Korea’s tourism sector have been identifying countermeasures against climate change. Several years later in 2016, the heritage sectors of the tourism sector began implementing measures to protect the country’s most vulnerable cultural heritage assets. The national government has also played a key role in addressing climate change in tourism as they have focused efforts towards adaptation and mitigation. For the government, the key to adaptation is minimizing the effects of climate change on tourism and cultural heritage. In contrast, mitigation efforts involve leveraging these sectors as a source of education and knowledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

South Korea stood as one of the countries that positioned climate change as a national priority and prepared both the legal groundwork and heavy investment to support this priority. The national government has been involved with monitoring and conducting follow-up measures to adaptation policies and investment schemes. They also spearhead the campaigns to raise awareness of the need to deal with climate change responsibly and immediately. The government also actively promotes low-carbon tourism services using low-carbon transportation, local food, and locally crafted goods, alongside the green transformation of infrastructure. South Korea stands out as a leader and exemplary model in financing and taking initiative against climate change in the tourism sector.

Investment Opportunities to Support Sustainable Growth in Tourism

Many of the key components of sustainable development and environmental management are being overlooked in tourism. Some of these include energy efficiency, waste management, water management, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. By incorporating these components, tourism operators and investors can contribute to the SDGs and be innovative. The key to unlocking this growth is to encourage responsible investing and introducing new opportunities. When aspects of sustainability such as cultural heritage and biodiversity are being funded, the tourism operators can leverage them to promote their destination.

Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure — Coastal Protection: Mangroves help to bind and build soils, reduce erosion, and act as wave breakers to offer protection from rising sea levels

Solimar’s Investment Promotion strategies have successfully secured more than $8 million in debt and equity commitments for ecolodges within or on the borders of national parks. Further, Solimar’s principals have successfully promoted tourism-related investments totaling more than $350 million. At Solimar, we acknowledge that demand from and within new markets will continue to rise in importance. In response, we are keen to assist these destinations by attracting investments to meet demand and achieve the existing growth potential. Solimar provides the unique prospect of offering end-to-end investment promotion solutions. This includes prospectus development and production, investor recruiting, and sourcing debt and equity financing for a wide range of project types across the globe.

The Role of the Public Sector

Although private contributions are effective in tourism and economic development, the public sector has a significant role. In tourism projects, there are typically many parties involved with many goals. These may include tour operators, local governments, and destination management organizations (DMOs), all of whom have expected outcomes for projects. Therefore, public-private partnerships are a great strategy to represent the interests of all stakeholders involved and meet expected outcomes. PPPs offer a greater variety of sources of investment, technology, knowledge, and management expertise. The model is a great method to enhance the supply of resources for development and to help steer demand towards sustainable tourism. In addition, PPPs can extend the cost of a project over a longer period, allowing public funds to be allocated to areas where private investment is either unfeasible or unsuitable. However, PPPs should not be viewed as a solution to public-sector budget constraints or funding shortages; instead, they should be utilized as a means to execute projects and services efficiently and cost-effectively.

PPP for Sustainable Development — Public-Private Partnership: Building Spain’s Modern Train Stations

Not only is public sector involvement helpful, it’s vital. Unlike the private sector, governments usually have to cater to the whole population rather than certain stakeholders. They must be impartial and not have hidden agendas to protect. The public sector can also drive change within the private sector. Through incentives and mandates, governments can enhance private sector sustainable tourism efforts. Given the value each sector adds to the industry, partnerships are at the core of sustainable tourism. By spreading out the risk, and reducing the upfront costs imposed on public budgets, it’s vital for governments to consider partnering with private sector stakeholders.

The Path Ahead and Progressive Strategies

With the emergence of a new travel pattern amongst tourists, we must offer new opportunities. We must steer consumers to more sustainable travel and make responsible decisions. Although there is a segment of travelers who desire to experience greener, more sustainable travel, there are also those who are not yet inspired by sustainability but who could be influenced. Celebrating the transition to an eco-friendly brand of travel should become a key component of the journey towards a sustainable future. To promote these changes, it’s key we broaden the dialogue to appeal to different segments of travelers.

Cities with the potential and resources to spark change should take the lead and set the example. Cities should embrace policies that facilitate the relationship between financial markets and opportunities for green finance. This relationship is key to attracting the assets and capital required to deliver successful sustainable projects for travelers. The diversification of financing opportunities is also an important avenue for growth. No two projects are alike, and no two projects face the same challenges. This means that in order to accomplish goals, there must be ample opportunities to finance these endeavors.

From an internal perspective, to obtain the means of investment, projects must have significant profit potential. Projects must be highly marketable to entice investors. Business plans and prospectus development strategies must be thorough and feasible. Additionally, effective risk management strategies should be in place to address potential challenges and uncertainties, giving investors confidence in the project’s stability. Highlighting the long-term sustainability potential can also attract socially responsible investors who are seeking opportunities to expand their portfolios. By combining these elements, projects can become more attractive to investors, ensuring a higher likelihood of securing the necessary funding.

Interested in our services for Investment Promotion? Contact us to learn more.

How to Eat Sustainably While Traveling

Written by Megan O'Beirne on October 19, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Fall intern Megan O’Beirne has worked as a sustainability professional in the luxury hospitality industry, first in Laamu Atoll, Maldives and then in Cartagena, Colombia. Given her vast international experience and passion for the environment, she has adopted what she calls her “food philosophy” in regards to food on the road. Read on to find out her thoughts on how to eat sustainably while traveling:

We all grapple with the question of what to eat while traveling. Do you maintain a healthy diet or indulge? Do you try unfamiliar flavors or crave comfort food? Is my next destination vegan/vegetarian friendly? Throughout my time living, working, and traveling abroad, I have developed what I have come to call my food philosophy. It guides my efforts to make sustainable choices when it comes to dining on vacation.

Fisherman shucking oysters and urchins by hand on the beach — *Eating fresh oysters and urchins on the beach in Cartagena, Colombia can support local, artisanal fishermen.*

Putting my Vegetarian Diet on Hold

When I first started studying environmental science, I decided that if I was going to practice what I preach as an environmentalist, I was going to eat a vegetarian diet. Upon further realization that animals still need to be raised to produce their byproducts, and therefore still have the same environmental impact, I thought I had to become vegan. This lasted about six months until I left the United States for the first time and studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. With my first solo steps into the world came the desire to experience every part of the new culture I was immersed in, and a huge part of that is food. I put my veganism on hold while I lived in the land of smoked herring, crispy pork, and Danish street hotdogs.

Various foods and breads on a board — *Denmark is one of the world’s largest pork producers, accounting for half of the country’s agricultural exports.*

Shifting from Vegetarian to Locavore

When I started working as the Sustainability Manager at Six Senses Laamu, a luxury eco-resort in the Maldives, I was once again faced with a vegetarian’s dilemma. Maldives is a low-lying nation in the Indian Ocean whose 1,200 islands make up only 1% of the country’s territory, while the other 99% is sea. Staples include tuna, chili, and coconut in various forms for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here is where I came to terms with two important distinctions between cooking for myself at home and eating out in the world. The first is that Maldives has limited land area for crop production. The vegetables that are imported by ship or plane from abroad are not nearly as environmentally friendly as the tuna that was caught yesterday by pole-and-line fisherman with one of the most sustainable fishing methods in the world.

Secondly, when someone invites me into their home for a meal, I find it difficult to ask for something special to be prepared for me if meat is being served. Sharing food is a universal language that connects people from different cultures, and I revel in trying new cuisines if that means sitting down at the table with someone new. With these sentiments in mind, I began shifting from vegetarian to locavore, or someone who eats locally and seasonally whenever possible.

Do Your Research on What is Locally Sustainable

A few years later, I visited my brother in New Zealand and learned that deer were introduced for sport hunting. The population of the invasive species grew out of control, eventually contributing to deforestation. The deer would eat the pine tree saplings before they had a chance to grow into full-size trees. Hunters were given the task of culling the population, while some were captured for deer farming. Thus, venison chops, sliders, and pies popped up on menus across the country.

I would never order a deer burger anywhere else in the world, but in New Zealand it made sense because of two more realizations that now contribute to my philosophy. Eating based on where you are is the way to eat fresh ingredients, with a low carbon footprint, that are culturally appropriate, and made by people who have practiced the preparation methods for generations. That deer burger also helped combat deforestation, which seemed like a worthy cause for me to break the environmentalists’ code of conduct and eat meat. There are endless examples of other ways our food systems can be climate positive through reforestation, restoration, and regeneration. Finding these is the key to how to eat sustainably while traveling.

Deer in a field with telephone poles and wires — *Deer farming began in New Zealand and the country remains the world’s largest producer and exporter.*

The Most Sustainable Diet is the One that is Right for You

Venison in New Zealand, tuna in Maldives, and pork in Denmark made their way into my diet during my travels, but did not reserve a permanent place in my home kitchen. These foods brought me authentic experiences that were closer to the people, religions, economies, and social structures of the communities I visited than if I had stuck to my principles as a strict vegetarian. I now avoid the vegetarian label, even though I cook plant-based meals for myself at home. Instead, I eat based on what is local, fresh, seasonal, culturally appropriate, and on special occasions — whatever the chef or grandmother in the kitchen says is the house specialty. How to eat sustainably while traveling is what works best for you.

We all know we should be eating less meat, buying less junk food, and using less plastic. But at the end of the day, we should all make decisions around what goes on our plate based on what makes the most sense for our own bodies, minds, and hearts. You can learn more about how to travel sustainably from these useful links, or by following Solimar International on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Bon appétit, buen provecho, and itadakimasu!

Two female chefs serving a bowl of soup and smiling — *Words of wisdom: always make friends with the cooks and say yes to the chef’s special.*

Can Tourism Support Conservation?

Written by Abby Aasen on July 13, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized.

A question we always get in our line of work is can tourism really support conservation efforts? Yes, conservation and tourism are interconnected in many ways! Tourism involves visiting places of interest, and conservation involves protecting places of interest. Tourists can combine the two by visiting and supporting areas that actively practice conservation. In some cases, a tourist can actually decide where they would like to visit based on conservation efforts in the area. The increasing popularity of visiting destinations with that in mind is seen with more people visiting national parks in the US or the Galapagos Islands.

Types of conservation to support through tourism

Wildlife conservation

This most popular type of conservation is normally based around a specific animal or animals. Tourists chose destinations for wildlife conservation to see or interact with their favorite animals.

Destinations to best participation in wildlife conservation tourism include La Jolla, California to see the sea lions or whale watching in Hawaii. Participating in activities that involve learning about wildlife or seeing wildlife supports organizations working to help protect the wildlife. The more popular wildlife tourism is, the more support different organizations get from the public, and in turn, they are better able to protect wildlife.

Sea lions on the beach at La Jolla Cove in Southern California, with sea lions playing in the surf. Tourism helps support the conservation of this colony of sea lions. — Sea Lions in La Jolla Cove, California

2. Cultural Conservation

Cultural conservation is crucial when working in destinations. It is important that tourism does not erode the traditions and customs of a place. Cultural conservation can include shopping at local markets to support communities. UNESCO’s heritage sites are locations that hold cultural and historical significance to a region or area. These locations are great examples of where tourism and cultural conservation come together.

3. Environmental Conservation

The third type of conservation is environmental conservation, where the efforts go beyond a single animal and focus on an environment. The national parks are a great example of how tourists can visit an area that specifically uses their profits to protect and conserve the land and create a unique opportunity where tourists can experience the environment first hand in different ways, such as camping.

How does tourism support conservation?

Tourism is important for conservation for multiple reasons. One reason is because it can financially support conservation efforts. Tourists can eat locally to support a community, or they can choose to participate in a tour where a portion of the cost goes directly to conservation efforts. Most conservation efforts actively teach people the importance of protecting different environments and inspire them to care about the new places they have seen. You’re more likely to want to save the turtles if you’ve actually seen them!

Financial support is very important when considering conservation efforts, but knowledge and the spread of knowledge is just as important. Tourism provides the opportunity for travelers to learn more about both wildlife and the environment they are visiting, but it also gives them the opportunity to relay what they learned to friends, family, blogs or other social media.

What is a real life example of tourists supporting wildlife conservation?

One great example of tourism supporting wildlife conservation is Camp Jabulani in South Africa. This is a luxury safari camp that provides a 5-star safari experience with game drives, spas, and hot air balloon rides, but they are also famous for their elephant preservation efforts. When tourists visit this camp, they are directly supporting the conservation of the elephants on the camp’s reserve and any future wildlife rehabilitation and habitat restoration efforts the camp carries out.

Camp Jabulani has rescued orphaned or displaced elephants and has introduced them into the herd that is living on the camp’s reserve. The camp cares for the elephants and has created a sanctuary where the elephants live freely with the help of the camp staff. Tourists are able to visit the camp and learn about the importance of elephants in an ecosystem, the efforts to create a wild experience for the elephants, and the rehabilitation care given to the rescued elephants. This is a great example of how tourism supports conservation, because without tourists, this camp would not be able to care for these elephants that don’t have a chance of survival in the wild.

An elephant with its trunk in the air during the elephant experience at Camp Jabulani in South Africa. This experience contributes to the conservation of African wildlife. — An Elephant at Camp Jabulani

How can I, as a tourist, help support conservation?

There are many different ways a tourist can purposefully support conservation efforts during their trip. A great way is to do research before your trip to see if there are any related projects currently being managed by the hotel or location you are staying at. Some hotels offer tours that teach tourists about the surrounding environment, and in turn, profits from the tour go to conservation efforts.

Another easy way a tourist can support conservation is by respecting outdoor areas. This includes picking up trash after a beach trip, staying on a path during a forest walk, and not feeding or touching the nearby wildlife. These efforts help keep the environment healthy and prosperous.

It’s also important to research before you buy. Make sure the hotel, tour, or restaurant that claims to be conserving isn’t actually exploiting. Look for companies or organizations who focus on education and don’t allow the tourists to disrespect their surroundings. This means the organizations don’t disrupt the natural life cycle by feeding animals, waking up animals, picking flowers, and more. This is exploitation of the natural environment and can be very harmful. EcoClub has an extensive list that provides great examples of tours with a positive impact.

An elephant at Camp Jabulani being led back to their sleeping area at sunset. There is a lake in front of the elephant with the elephant's reflection on the water and a sunset behind it. The program at Camp Jabulani helps conserve these animals and their habitat. — An Elephant Wanders at Sunset Near Camp Jabulani

Where should I visit next to support conservation efforts?

Finding your next destination to support conservation can be overwhelming. Our website lists many projects we’ve undertaken in incredible destinations around the world. You can read more about the work Solimar has done with the Choco community in Colombia, the efforts to conserve Bengal tiger habitats in the Sundarban region, and many others! Read more here about why Southern Tanzania is a great destination whose wildlife depends on tourists like you. The locals and safari camp sites here (along with many other places in southern and Eastern Africa) focus on anti-poaching and conservation efforts.

about 100 penguins at Boulder Beach in South Africa. This area is know for its array of wildlife, making conservation extremely important here. — Penguins at Boulder Beach, South Africa

Keep up with Solimar and our conservation projects here – don’t forget to like us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

Why Yakima Valley Should be at the Top of Your Summer Bucket List

Written by Emma Barfus on June 23, 2022. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Tourism can be a transformative experience, both for destinations and the travelers who visit. While famous bucket list destinations are always fun to visit, under-the-radar destinations offer travelers the unique opportunity to see the authentic heart and soul of a place that can’t be found anywhere else (and hey, it doesn’t hurt to avoid the crowds either).

Yakima Valley: The Palm Springs of Washington State

When most people hear Washington State, the first thing they might think of is Seattle. Expansive rainforests made green from plentiful rainfall, bustling food markets like Pikes Place filled with mouth-watering aromas, and colorful street art are classic characteristics of Washington State.

But on the other side of the towering Cascade mountains is a lesser known side of Washington, a hidden gem, with 300 days of sunshine a year where life moves a little slower. Located in Eastern Washington, the Yakima Valley is famous for many things– world-class breweries & vineyards that rival famous destinations like Napa Valley, California or Portland, Oregon, hundreds of outdoor adventures and mouth-watering farm-to-table cuisine. Dubbed the “Palm Springs of Washington” by locals, here’s why Yakima Valley, Washington should be at the top of your bucket list this summer.

Washington Wine (and Beer) Country:

With five American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), over 120 wineries, and dozens of breweries, Yakima prides themselves on having something for everyone when it comes to quality beers and wines. Yakima Valley has remained more of a hidden gem when compared to more famous destinations, which means visitors to the valley can enjoy top-notch drinks and a fun atmosphere without all the crowds.

1. Wine Country

Seeing as the Yakima Valley produces over half of Washington’s wine grapes, Visit Yakima Valley DMO has winery tourism down to a science. Potential visitors to Yakima Valley can visit the dedicated Yakima Valley Wine Country website to learn about everything the valley has to offer from wine festivals to lodging near the best wineries.

While the wineries of Yakima Valley do not have the storied history or prestige of more famous wine-growing areas, there is still so much beauty to explore in the valley. Yakima Valley wineries pride themselves on offering their guests an intimate and laid back tasting experience where wines are produced for quality over quantity. The Yakima Visitor’s Center understands the unique culture the valley has and has created the Yakima Wine Pass where tourists can benefit from discounts for the best wineries in town while at the same time keeping the vibrant local economy alive.

Picture this: A beautiful sunny day, relaxing in a ridgetop winery, holding a glass of the best Bordeaux-style red wine you’ve ever tasted. There are no crowds, you’ve made friends with the family that owns the winery, life is good. This is summer- Yakima style.

2. Exploring Beer

If there’s one thing Yakima is known for, it’s hops. Summer is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit as hills and fields across the valley are blanketed with dark green vines heavy with the cone-shaped hop flowers. Under the warm summer sun, the hops bake, filling the valley with the scent of hops – lemon, floral, pine.

The Yakima Valley grows 77% of hops in the United States and ⅓ of hops worldwide, even out producing Germany, and these hops are shipped all over the world, meaning craft beer truly couldn’t exist without Yakima.

Hop growing is truly a family affair in the Yakima Valley, as most hop farms are third or fourth generation family owned farms. No one understands hops better than these farmers, who are practically hop royalty, so there was no one better to kickstart the brewery scene in Yakima than these families. Meghann Smith, the founder of Bale Breaker Brewing Company in Yakima puts it this way: “Who can you trust more to brew your beer than those who live and breathe hops in their everyday lives?””

In the past decade, breweries and cideries have popped up all over the Yakima Valley, pioneered by these hop-growing experts who really understand how to make beer an experience, not just a drink. Seeing a growing scene for beer in the valley, Visit Yakima created a dedicated beer section where tourists can discover the best breweries, tours and festivals to truly experience the Hop Capital of the World.

Yakima’s Outdoor Adventures

With 3 major rivers, 109 sparkling blue lakes, 165 campgrounds tucked in the Cascade Mountain Range, and over 300 miles of mountain trails, the Yakima Valley is heaven on earth for adventure lovers. Locals claim that the hardest part about living here is deciding what adventure to go on first.

After you’ve had your fill sipping in wineries (is that even a thing?) it’s time to enjoy all the outdoor beauty that the Yakima Valley has to offer. There are activities for every type of person, from your mom who loves to sunbathe to your adrenaline-junkie brother who loves dirt biking.

Paddle boarding at Rimrock Lake in Yakima

The nearby Rimrock Lake is the favorite summer getaway of Washingtonians in the Yakima Valley. This beautiful blue glacier fed lake surrounded by the Wenatchee National Forest has no shortage of fun activities. A personal favorite for many locals is renting a paddleboard for a sunrise paddle across the still-as-glass lake and relaxing on the shore feasting on juicy, freshly harvested Yakima cherries. At certain times in the summer, the lake gets low enough that you can dry off from a swim in the lake by dirt biking across the lake bed. Once you’ve had your fill of the lake, visitors can head over to the Tieton River for some adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting and world class fly fishing.

Can’t make it to the Yakima Valley this summer? That’s okay! The Yakima Valley has also been blessed with an abundance of thrilling winter activities. Locals love to retreat to the mountains for a day of skiing in the Cascade Mountains, a cozy stay in a nearby log cabin and a snowmobile adventure in the Ahtanum State Forest. There is truly never a dull time to visit the Valley.

Food in the Yakima Valley

Hops and wine grapes are not the only agricultural product that the valley is famous for– in fact far from it. Yakima Valley has long been crowned the leading producer of apples in Washington State. Seriously, Yakima practically invented the concept of farm-to-table and you do not need to leave the valley to find the very best food, wine and produce!

The City of Yakima draws visitors from all over the country with its many festivals celebrating the abundance of the Yakima Valley and the hard-working people that live there. The Taco Fest each May is one of the most popular festivals. Yakima Valley has a vibrant Hispanic community and some of the best tacos in the world that are perfect served with freshly brewed Yakima craft beer. Other festivals include Bottles, Burgers and Barbecue and the Fresh Hop Ale Festival.

The Yakima Valley makes some of the best tacos in the world.

A favorite childhood memory of many natives to the Yakima Valley is spending summer afternoons picking fresh produce grown in the valley. Freshly grown strawberries are generally the first pick of the summer, followed by juicy cherries in all varieties, blueberries, blackberries, peaches and apples. Not only is fruit picking a delicious and fun summer activity, it’s also a great way to support the community and farmers of the valley.

Here at Solimar International, we truly believe in the power sustainable tourism has in making the world a better place. Yakima Valley is just one spot along the 6000+ mile trail that connects amazing towns across the United States. Learn more about other destinations along the trail and create your next dream road trip!

Montana Sustainable Tourism – the Case Study of Livingston, Montana

Written by Kylie Blank on April 11, 2022. Posted in Blog.

What exactly is Sustainable Tourism, and why should I care?

According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, sustainable tourism is the practice of acknowledging the impacts of tourism, both good and bad, to minimize environmental and economic damage while spurring job creation along with cultural and wildlife preservation. Here at Solimar International, we help destinations create a culture of sustainable economic growth, social inclusiveness, and the preservation of environmental, cultural and natural heritage. When discussing culture, it’s important to emphasize the roots of a destination, both big and small. Small towns in the United States are the backbone of American culture, and often have so much more to offer than meets the eye. Supporting the local economy of these areas allows for their cultures to be sustained and brought to light in a new way. As a traveler, you have so much power to effect positive change through the destinations you choose. One example is Livingston, Montana. In this blog, we’ll tell you why supporting towns like Livingston, Montana is the future of sustainable tourism.

The Last Best Place, and Why it Deserves the Nickname

Montana is the Future of Sustainable Tourism — Tourists skiing in Montana

Big Sky County with Big Opportunity

The state of Montana, often referred to as “The Last Best Place”, can be categorized this way for a few key reasons. One, the state is home to 10 national parks, most notably Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Montana is known for its vast landscapes and serene atmosphere that create a sense of tranquility that is hard to emulate. Montana is the perfect year round destination with fantastic winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding, as well as summer activities such as hiking, fly-fishing, and horseback riding. Fly-fishing in Montana is world renowned for its top quality outfitters and Trout specimens along the Yellowstone River, while Big Sky is home to the biggest skiing runs in America. Out-of-state tourism generated $2.60 billion to the Montana economy in the year 2020, with the in-state revenue bringing the total to a combined $4.4 billion. Since tourism is one of the largest economic sectors in the state, it is vital to use this momentum to propel counties forward that otherwise may not see an equal share of tourists to their neighbors.

Benefiting the Small Town

The town of Livingston has a poverty rate of 14.5%, compared to the national average of 11.4%. Many factors have led to this statistic, including seasonal occupations, lack of job creation, and marketing short comings. Small towns like this could benefit greatly from economic growth through tourism, and Montana already has the infrastructure set up. At Solimar International, we recognize the gap between what these areas can offer, and what is being projected to the general public. We work to close that gap by offering an extensive marketing plan to highlight what makes a destination unique. We work closely with the local job force to create a DMO (destination management organization), which aligns with the cultural and historical values of the area.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience in Montana

Solimar’s involvement with the Lewis and Clark Trail

At Solimar International, we are currently working to promote the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail through the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience. In partnership with the National Park Service, this website promotes sustainable tourism and cultural education through 16 different states. The website offers an interactive map highlighting different places to stay, historical sights, and activities along the trail. The site aims to educate travelers about the cultural heritage of the land, while also highlighting areas that may otherwise not get the same level of visibility. In Montana, for example, there are seven tribal territories, with the Lewis and Clark trail going through many of them. The website offers a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about Indian reservations, while also directly supporting their economy. Overall, in Montana there are 40 counties located on the Lewis and Clark Trail. All 40 counties offer unique experiences, but one in particular that stands out is Park County, home of Livingston.

Why Livingston, Montana Should be Your Next Stop

Outdoor Activities in the Wild, Wild West

Livingston is a small town located within scenic Park County. The town is along many visitors’ paths to Yellowstone National Park, making it a convenient destination. Tourism has been a tremendous driver recently in their economic growth, and they continue to capitalize on this momentum. Livingston is home to world-class fly-fishing as it runs adjacent to the Yellowstone River. The river is world-famous for its fly-fishing, and is a tourism driver within itself. The Yellowstone River runs for 103 miles, all being designated blue ribbon fishing, meaning it qualifies as an extremely high-quality fishery. Fishing in Montana can often be described as “therapeutic”, as many who try it are hooked for life. Another outdoor activity common to the area is white water rafting. With many top-rated outfitters, rafting guarantees a thrilling experience for the whole family. Lastly, Montana is known for its “cowboy culture”, which certainly is in abundance in Livingston. Horseback riding adventures are offered daily, providing a unique experience to all riding levels.

Entertainment and Museums in the Wild Wild West

classic small town settings in Montana — An image of town life in Montana from the 20th century

Livingston has so much more to offer than just outdoor activities. From museums to shopping and everything in between, there is something for everyone. The Livingston Depot Center, now a museum, was initially the first railroad launch point for Yellowstone National Park. It is now used as a cultural landmark to educate visitors about the history of the Yellowstone region and the animals that reside in it. Another museum is the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, commemorated as a part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This museum houses geological and historical artifacts. Famous local eateries include Mark’s In & Out, a 1950’s burger joint, and Yellowstone Valley Grill, an upscale farm to table restaurant. The most notable place to stay in town is the Murray Hotel. The hotel is the oldest in town, built in 1904 as accommodation for railway passengers. Some of the more notable visitors have included Whoopi Goldberg, The Queen of Denmark, and Will Rogers.

We constantly want to create connections between travelers and the path to making an impact. If you want to learn more about sustainable tourism, and how it directly impacts the communities around you, visit our Institute for Sustainable Destinations website today. We’re also always happy to have a personalized conversation to discuss strategic planning. Contact us to learn more.

WE DEVELOP, MANAGE, AND MARKET SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DESTINATIONS

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