Lodging & Charity Partners Unite to Champion Environmental Conservation and Community Well-being
In a meaningful expansion empowering travelers to the Oregon Coast, Kind Traveler has partnered with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) to launch the Every Stay Gives Back program. An expansion of the effort launched by Kind Traveler in September 2023, the collaboration marks a significant moment for Oregon’s responsible tourism efforts, empowering travelers to support community well-being and environmental preservation along the Oregon Coast through thoughtful travel choices. The entire initiative has raised more than $304,352 in donations for local charities across participating destinations and lodging partners in just one year.
Through the Every Stay Gives Back partnership, a portion of every guest stay with participating lodging partners on the Oregon Coast will fund local nonprofits, hand-selected by each partner to benefit their community. Whether bookings are made directly or through third-party platforms, the impact of every guest stay will be measured, with Kind Traveler providing third-party validation. A live positive impact dashboard will also display transparent, real-time reporting to show how travel dollars directly benefit local causes.
Vetted Environmental Non-Profits + Positive Impact So Far
Recipient nonprofits were vetted through OCVA’s Mitigation, Adaptation and Resiliency Climate Standards and Criteria, ensuring that funds from hotels go to high-quality environmental restoration projects. To be eligible as program recipients, nonprofits were required to demonstrate that their work directly contributed to decarbonization or biodiversity projects. All nonprofit recipients must also have demonstrated a commitment to empowering people through structuring projects to support equity, uplifting marginalized voices, and providing transparent feedback systems to partners.
Adrift Hospitality’s Success Sparks Coastal Expansion
The decision to expand the program along the Oregon Coast was inspired by the success of a pilot initiative launched by Kind Traveler in partnership with Adrift Hospitality, a woman-owned B-Corp that operates Bowline Hotel, Ashore Hotel, and four other properties on the Washington Coast. Since launching the pilot program in November 2022, Adrift Hospitality has generated $141,547 in donations for the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center, contributing to the construction of a new school in the region.
Oregon’s Commitment to Responsible Travel
This initiative aligns with OCVA’s long-standing commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. The partnership with Kind Traveler reflects the region’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty, from the rocky shores and forests to the marine wildlife that call the coast home.
“Travelers are increasingly looking for opportunities to make a meaningful impact while exploring new destinations,” said Finn Johnson, North Coast Destination Stewardship Manager at the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. “Our partnership with Kind Traveler allows us to provide visitors with a way to give back to the environment and the communities they experience while supporting the long-term sustainability of our region.”
The Power of Travel for Good
With growing awareness of climate change, wildlife conservation, and social justice, travelers are increasingly looking for ways to make a positive impact through their travel choices. According to Kind Traveler’s 2022 Impact Tourism Report, 97% of travelers want their travel dollars to support local communities, and 75% believe that traveling sustainably enhances their overall experience. However, many travelers are unsure where to begin, highlighting the need for initiatives like Every Stay Gives Back that bridge the gap between intent and action.
“The Every Stay Gives Back program offers a simple yet powerful way for travelers to support the places they visit,” said Jessica Blotter, CEO & Co-Founder of Kind Traveler. “Through this partnership with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, we’re excited to offer a platform where travelers can actively contribute to the conservation of Oregon’s iconic coastline and support local communities.”
For more information on this partnership, visit www.kindtraveler.com/content/oregon-coast-visitors-association.
