As travellers become more aware of the impact their international holidays have on the world around them, there has been a rise in responsible travel and more meaningful experiences. Today’s visitors want to engage with local communities, support businesses that share their values and ensure their trips have a positive impact on the places they visit.
This growing demand is influencing how travel agents and tour operators build and recommend experiences. Travellers can look out for B Corp certification for companies that commit to these principles. The B Corp certification is an internationally recognised label for companies that fulfil high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. But what does it actually mean, and what does it mean for the future of sustainable tourism?
What Is B Corp Certification?
B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Certified companies must pass a rigorous assessment that measures their impact on employees, customers, communities and the environment.
B Corp certification is awarded to companies that are evaluated across a range of key areas, reflecting a more holistic approach to business performance than has traditionally been considered:
• Environmental footprint
• Well-being of employees
• Engagement with the community
• Governance and accountability
• Customer liability
• Ethics in business
B Corp certification is about organisations trying to do business differently – from reducing their environmental impact and supporting local communities to fair working practices and ethical decision making.
The Connection Between B Corp and Responsible Travel
The travel industry has changed a lot in recent years. Iconic attractions and landmarks continue to be popular, but travellers are increasingly looking for more than sightseeing.
Responsible travel is about visitors thinking about the effect their trips have on destinations, local communities and the environment. People want to engage with a place in a meaningful way, rather than just passing through it.
This is one of the areas where many of the B Corp travel companies really shine. Today’s traveller expects a commitment to responsible tourism, and this is often something they deliver.
Many B Corp travel companies support responsible tourism by:
- Supporting local communities and independent businesses
- Encouraging visitors to explore beyond traditional tourist hotspots
- Promoting authentic cultural experiences
- Creating long-term economic benefits for destinations
- Reducing environmental impacts where possible
- Investing in employee wellbeing and fair working conditions
- Championing ethical tourism principles
By choosing suppliers that share these values, travellers can enjoy memorable experiences while contributing to a more sustainable tourism industry.
Why Travellers Are Choosing More Responsible Experiences
Today’s visitors are increasingly looking for holidays that align with their personal values. Many travellers are seeking:
- Authentic local experiences
- Smaller group tours
- Sustainable accommodation options
- Opportunities to support local businesses
- Environmentally conscious activities
- Meaningful cultural connections
As a result, responsible travel, eco friendly travel and sustainable tourism have become key considerations when planning trips.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism Through Our Supplier Network
At Best of Scotland Holidays, sustainability is an important consideration when creating tailor-made itineraries across Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Our commitment to responsible tourism is supported through our Green Tourism accreditation and by working with suppliers who actively demonstrate their dedication to sustainable practices.
When developing itineraries, we look for partners that:
- Support local economies
- Demonstrate strong sustainability credentials
- Offer authentic visitor experiences
- Prioritise community engagement
- Share our commitment to responsible tourism
By partnering with businesses that share our values, we can help create journeys that support local communities, celebrate regional culture and encourage responsible travel throughout the UK and Ireland.
As more visitors seek eco-friendly travel experiences, we continue to look for opportunities to collaborate with suppliers who are making a positive difference within the tourism sector.
B Corp Travel Companies We Include in Our Itineraries
Credit: Mercat Tours
Mercat Tours
We are delighted to work with Mercat Tours, one of our valued partners in Edinburgh, a family-owned business that earned B Corp certification in 2024.
Mercat Tours is famous for bringing the fascinating history of Edinburgh to life through expert storytelling, but it also has a strong focus on community engagement. The company shows how tourism can be a force for good in society through initiatives to reconnect local people with their city’s heritage and, at the same time, deliver amazing experiences to visitors.
Mercat Tours offers experiences that are rooted in authenticity, education and responsible tourism practices for those seeking to uncover the hidden corners of Edinburgh, go below the streets of the city or hear tales from centuries gone by.
Credit: Rabbies
Rabbie’s
Another fantastic example of a B Corp travel company is Rabbie’s.
Specialising in small-group tours throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland, Rabbie’s has long championed a more thoughtful approach to travel. Their focus on smaller vehicles and lesser-visited destinations helps disperse tourism benefits across a wider range of communities while offering visitors more immersive experiences.
By encouraging guests to discover hidden gems beyond the most heavily visited locations, Rabbie’s demonstrates how responsible travel can support local economies while creating richer and more memorable journeys.
Credit: Ocean Vertical
Ocean Vertical
A fantastic example of a business combining adventure experiences with a strong commitment to sustainability is Ocean Vertical, an outdoor adventure company based in East Lothian that recently achieved B Corp certification.
Founded in 2019, Ocean Vertical was created with the vision of going beyond the traditional outdoor adventure company model. Their focus has always been on creating experiences that benefit people, communities and the natural environment, with ethical practices at the heart of their decision-making.
Their journey to becoming a Certified B Corporation involved a rigorous assessment of their social and environmental impact, recognising their commitment to responsible business practices, community engagement and protecting the landscapes that inspire their adventures.
For Ocean Vertical, the coastline, sea and hills surrounding them are more than just a backdrop, they are central to everything they do. Their experiences encourage visitors to connect with Scotland’s natural environment while promoting a deeper appreciation for the places they explore.
As part of our commitment to responsible travel and sustainable tourism, Ocean Vertical offers an excellent example of how adventure experiences can be created with purpose. Whether guests are looking to explore Scotland’s coastline, experience the outdoors in a new way or connect more deeply with the natural landscape, Ocean Vertical delivers memorable experiences while supporting the principles of ethical tourism.
Other B Corp Businesses Helping Shape Sustainable Tourism
With the rise of B Corp certification in hospitality and tourism, there are more opportunities than ever to incorporate responsible experiences in itineraries.
Here are some examples of B Corp businesses helping to shape the future of sustainable tourism:
Credit: The Pig Hotels
Accommodation
- Farncombe Estate – Experience luxury accommodation in the Cotswolds with sustainability at the heart of everything it does.
- Comrie Croft – A leading force in regenerative tourism, outdoor experiences and community impact in Scotland.
- The Pig Hotels – known for their commitment to local sourcing, kitchen gardens and eco-friendly hospitality.
Tang Café, Abbey Street, Dublin
Credit: Paddy Kirk
Food & Drink
- Tang – Irish cafes with a focus on responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices.
- Buzzworks Hospitality – Merging excellent hospitality with employee wellbeing and community involvement.
- Ardent Pub Group – Pubs dedicated to responsible operation and positive contribution to the community.
These organisations demonstrate how ethical tourism can be incorporated into every stage of the visitor journey, from where
Why Eco-Friendly Travel Is More Important Than Ever
As awareness of environmental and social issues continues to grow, travellers increasingly want reassurance that their holidays support businesses that are making a positive contribution.
Eco-friendly travel is no longer simply about reducing waste or lowering carbon footprints. It also involves supporting businesses that care for their employees, invest in local communities and help protect cultural and natural heritage.
B Corp certification provides an additional level of confidence for travellers seeking organisations that share these values.
For travel advisors and tour operators, incorporating B Corp travel companies and other responsible suppliers into itineraries offers an opportunity to meet growing demand for sustainable tourism while delivering authentic and enriching experiences.
Looking Towards the Future of Responsible Tourism
The rise of B Corp certification reflects a wider movement across the travel industry. Travellers are increasingly seeking holidays that deliver meaningful experiences while supporting the destinations they visit.
At Best of Scotland Holidays, we believe responsible travel and exceptional travel experiences go hand in hand. By working with suppliers who embrace sustainable tourism, ethical tourism and community-focused values, we can help create itineraries that benefit both visitors and the places they explore.
As demand for eco-friendly travel continues to grow, businesses with B Corp certification are helping to:
- Protect local environments
- Strengthen communities
- Support local economies
- Promote authentic visitor experiences
- Advance sustainable tourism across the travel industry
By partnering with suppliers that share these commitments, Best of Scotland Holidays can create unforgettable journeys that have a positive impact long after travellers return home.
Creating More Meaningful Travel Experiences
At Best of Scotland Holidays, we believe that unforgettable journeys are created by connecting travellers with the people, places and experiences that make a destination truly special. By working with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible travel, sustainable tourism and positive community impact, we help travel professionals create itineraries that go beyond the expected.
From B Corp travel companies and sustainable accommodation providers to local experiences that showcase the very best of the UK and Ireland, we carefully select partners who help bring authentic and meaningful experiences to life.
With more than 40 years of destination management expertise and extensive local knowledge across Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, our team works closely with travel advisors and tour operators to design tailor-made journeys that reflect their clients’ interests, values and expectations.
Get in touch with the team at Best of Scotland Holidays today to discover how we can help create responsible, memorable UK and Ireland itineraries that leave a positive impact on both travellers and destinations.
