Local tour operators play a major role in influencing industry standards through the vacation packages they design for their clients. Local tour operators are an essential link between the outbound (wholesale) tour operators and the hotels and tourism businesses operating in a particular country or region, and their commitment to sustainable sourcing and adopting sustainable practices are an essential part of greening the tourism supply chain.

Our program offers local tour operators training on sustainable practices and sustainable tourism certification programs, technical assistance and marketing support. All of our training materials are based on our sustainable tourism standard, which has been recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria as adhering to its global sustainable tourism criteria. Eligible tour operators may apply to become Rainforest Alliance Verified™.

By enrolling in the program, local tour operators agree to help organize training events for their hotels, transportation companies, and other suppliers by recruiting participants and motivating them to join our verification program.

They also commit to ensuring that at least half of the hotels and other providers in their package tours are certified by one of the leading tourism certification organizations or are verified by the Rainforest Alliance, and agree to give priority to these hotels and lodges when designing tours.