travel-to-nature GmbH

Biodiversity loss is a massive issue. Biodiversity is the foundation of our lives — it ensures clean water, fertile soil, a stable climate, and functioning ecosystems. Tourism plays a significant role in this context, and we as tour operators must do much more to support biodiversity. At travel-to-nature, we want to prove that it's possible to combine species conservation and tourism in an economically viable way. Our guests love nature — whether hiking, on safari, or during cultural, educational, or family trips. Pristine natural environments are key to the success of many of our journeys. That’s why we believe we have a particular responsibility when it comes to nature and species protection — and as a tour operator, we have far more influence in this area than in climate protection. That doesn’t mean everyone has to buy an entire rainforest. There are many ways to contribute to nature and species conservation, whether in the office or while traveling.

We inspire our guests to care about conservation. The potential to raise awareness for nature and species protection while traveling is immense. On holiday, most people are more observant and open to new ideas than in their everyday lives. At travel-to-nature, we’ve received excellent feedback from our guests on tree-planting activities or peatland protection efforts. Who doesn’t love grabbing a spade and planting a tree of their own? That’s how a field becomes a forest — a new home for countless animal and plant species our guests can enjoy. Over the past few years, we’ve reforested more than 60 hectares in Costa Rica, transforming a pesticide-drenched passion fruit plantation into a thriving rainforest. Since 2023, we’ve also been involved in a peatland restoration project in Lithuania. A total of 350 hectares are being rehabilitated and protected to provide a new habitat for European bison, bears, and elk.

The benefit is clear: the link between tourism and conservation is relatively easy to illustrate. When guests see a rare rhino in the wild, they’re more likely to want to protect it — so that their grandchildren may one day see one too. We’re convinced projects like these are both sustainable and impactful. If a tour operator can say they've helped protect three rhinos from poaching, it’s far more tangible than saying they saved 100 tons of CO₂. In this way, many species could be saved through tourism — because conservation gives animals and plants a real value for local communities. At travel-to-nature, we believe that nature must be used sustainably if it is to be protected in the long term. Of course, the principle of conservation must be firmly embedded in a company’s philosophy. Anyone who thinks they can simply add a bit of “green” marketing will soon find that greenwashing is quickly recognized — and penalized. But those who, like travel-to-nature, truly mean it will discover how rewarding conservation can be in the long run. To inspire others to act and to be part of a larger network, we have joined Biodiversity in Good Company.