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Thriving People

Contributing to destination communities

We thrive on travel. We firmly believe travel should support communities across our destinations to thrive too. After all, meeting local people is at the heart of what makes so many of our travel experiences so memorable. And from a fleeting moment at a local market stall or being welcomed into someone’s home, travel can open doors for visitors and hosts alike. 

Here are the ways we seek to support people to thrive… 

Backing local business globally 

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the travel industry supports 1 in 10 jobs across the world, and in many of our destinations, tourism is an economic lifeline. Seeking to support local business through our adventures not only gives our customers unique and authentic local experiences, it also provides economic empowerment and opportunity locally. 

This is why around 90% of the accommodation and restaurants visited on our adventures are locally owned, and why so many of our itineraries feature homestays, visit community- owned initiatives or support social enterprises. 

Thriving People

Thriving Nature, Thriving People Moments 

Thriving Nature, Thriving People Moments are immersive itinerary experiences that also support local livelihoods, cultural exchange and nature protection. They help customers connect more deeply with the places they visit, while contributing to community-led initiatives. Examples include:

•Mokoro trips with the Polers’ Trust in Botswana, supporting local
livelihoods and Delta conservation.
•Meals at KOTO in Hanoi, providing hospitality training for at-risk young people.
•Dining at Dar Ne’meh in Jordan, helping women build culinary skills, confidence and enterprise.

Read more here

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Extraordinary Leaders, Extraordinary Impact 

Our Tour Leader Awards celebrate the exceptional leaders who make our adventures so memorable, recognising those who consistently go above and beyond for our travellers. Since 2009, 69 awards have been made, and part of the prize is directed towards a charity or local impact initiative chosen by the leader. 

A recent example is Sri Lankan tour leader Ruwan, who used his £500 Hall of Fame award contribution to help refurbish a family-run tea shop near Polonnaruwa, improving its roof and displays so it could better welcome both Exodus groups and other passing visitors. 

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Supporting grass-roots community initiatives 

Through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, we support locally relevant projects that help destination communities thrive. The Mountain Lioness Project helps women in Tanzania train as Kilimanjaro guides, while the Himalayan Community Project supports community-led initiatives across remote villages in Nepal and India. 

Our Community Kickstart Project is a key focus, offering small grants to Exodus’ global network of tour leaders, operators and local partners. Drawing on local knowledge and relationships, it helps grass-roots ideas become practical action, from conservation education and training to nature-based enterprise, clean water access and livelihood support. 

Find out more here

Thriving People

The Kalu family farm

At Kalu Family Farmhouse in Sri Lanka, travellers are welcomed into a family-run home for a traditional meal and a glimpse of rural life. After the family’s home was destroyed by the Sri Lankan tsunami, one of our Tour Leaders used his Tour Leader Award prize money to help develop the farmhouse, supporting local livelihoods and connection.

Our commitments

Championing equity, diversity & inclusion 

Our commitment 

We commit to championing a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation, where every person can flourish and be their authentic selves, across our team, operations, customers and communities.  

We will lead by example, ensuring ED&I is embedded in our decisions and behaviours, counteracting unconscious bias, listening to and engaging with diverse voices, investing in continuous learning and integrating ED&I into our People strategy and business activity, so that everyone has equitable opportunities to thrive. 

Upholding human rights and respect 

Our commitment  

Exodus Adventure Travels is committed to respecting and upholding internationally recognised human rights wherever we operate. We believe travel should enrich lives, supporting people and nature to thrive, and we recognise our responsibility to ensure our business does not cause, contribute to, or become complicit in human rights harm.  

Our approach is guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Bill of Human Rights (including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Embedding respect for human rights into the way we do business reflects our commitment to operating as a purpose‑driven B Corp and using travel to create positive change.   

Scope of our responsibility  

This commitment applies to all people and communities connected to our business, including:  

  • our employees   
  • our tour leaders, local operator partners and other suppliers  
  • customers travelling with us  
  • local communities in the destinations where we operate  

We expect all partners and suppliers to share this commitment and to uphold human rights standards as a condition of working with Exodus, as set out in our supplier requirements and ethical procurement expectations.  

Some of the ways we deliver on this commitment across our trip design and operation: 

  • We pursue the protection of human rights across all of our trips and have high standards of welfare for the guides and porters working on these trips. 
  • Our child protection policy does not allow orphanage tourism or school visits. 
  • We avoid contrived cultural experiences that are not respectful of people. Instead, we actively seek to support the preservation of cultural and traditional heritage, using the knowledge of the local guides. 
  • In the unfortunate circumstance that disaster hits our key destinations, we seek to mobilise funds through our Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, where we have reliable and effective disaster response partners on the ground. 

To read more about our commitment to Thriving Nature and Thriving People, click here.

Thriving People