The award recognizes small businesses in LGBTQ+ travel committed to responsible tourism
QUITO, Ecuador (27 August 2025) — The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation has announced that Responsible Travel South America based in Ecuador with operations in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, is the recipient of the 2025 Impact Award, presented in partnership with Destination Toronto. This award recognizes travel businesses that are demonstrating exceptional commitment to responsible tourism across three key areas: environment, community, and diversity & inclusion. The official presentation will take place at IGLTA's upcoming Global Convention in Palm Springs, California.
“Tourism is at its best when travelers of all identities feel welcome. That vision is at the heart of the IGLTA Foundation Impact Award,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella (he/him). “We are thrilled to honor Responsible Travel South America for their hard work. They are a shining example of how sustainable tourism can advance both LGBTQ+ inclusion and meaningful positive change in the communities they serve.”
“Winning the 2025 IGLTA Foundation Impact Award is more than a milestone — it’s a statement. Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands have long been overlooked in the global LGBTQ+ travel community, yet they are vibrant, welcoming, and ready to be discovered. This honor fuels our mission to be trailblazers, showing the world that our destination is not only breathtaking and diverse, but also safe and inclusive. Travel has the power to transform perceptions, uplift communities, and protect the natural wonders we call home — and that’s exactly what we’re here to do,” said Alvaro Pereira (he/him), Head of English Market from Responsible Travel South America.
Responsible Travel South America shows how sustainable tourism and LGBTQ+ inclusion can go hand in hand. Through initiatives like the San Antonio de las Aradas and Galápagos reforestation programs, they connect travelers with local communities to help restore ecosystems, while the Chaka Sucúa project supports at-risk youth. Their tours are designed to be safe, welcoming, and culturally sensitive for LGBTQ+ travelers. They prioritize working with women-led companies and inclusive local suppliers, take part in LGBTQ+ job fairs and Pride events.
The 2025 Impact Award is sponsored by Destination Toronto, a valued IGLTA Global Partner, and was created in 2021 in collaboration with The TreadRight Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Travel Corporation.
Special thanks to the Impact Award Judging Committee: Mariana Radisic Koliren (she/her), Lunfarda Travel & 2023 Impact Award recipient; Jeremy Maunder (he/him), Destination Toronto; Luca Condosta (he/him), ABB; and Iris Serbanescu (she/her), wmnsWORK.
About IGLTA & the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of UN Tourism. IGLTA’s mission is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and tourism industry. IGLTA's global network includes 13,000+ LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in 80 countries. The philanthropic IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research, and education. For more information: iglta.org, igltaconvention.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on social media at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation.
About Responsible Travel South America
Responsible Travel South America crafts tailor-made journeys across Ecuador, the Galapagos, Peru, Chile, and beyond — immersing travelers in authentic culture, pristine nature, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. They work hand-in-hand with local communities, conservation projects, and LGBTQ+ partners to ensure every trip leaves a positive footprint. For them, responsible travel is not just a philosophy — it’s a movement.