Oahu, Hawaii (March 21, 2022) — The Coconut Traveler, a BIPOC woman-owned onsite travel company in the Hawaiian Islands, announced today that it is now B Corp certified. The rigorous assessment to obtain B-certification measures a company’s impact in five critical areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. The Coconut Traveler’s impact on the local community, by stimulating a circular flow of capital among Hawaiian-owned small businesses and non-profit organizations, was particularly relevant.
The Coconut Traveler builds bespoke travel itineraries, which create a shared value with local, purpose-driven organizations in two ways. First, the company actively seeks mission-aligned partners to create a multiplier of positive impact in the islands. These exceptional trip itineraries are designed to create the safest, most luxurious visits to Hawaii, aligning with the most altruistic individuals and organizations in the islands.
The second way the company stimulates shared value in the local community is through a responsible tourism fee (RTF), charged in every trip itinerary. It is calculated using the globally accepted annual carbon footprint per person, the number of days visiting, and their method of travel to the islands. 100% of these fees are donated to mission-aligned local organizations.
A Passion for the Environment Through Tourism
In 2021, through the generosity of clients, The Coconut Traveler collected and donated just under $20,000 to local, non-profit organizations. Founder Debbie Misajon is so passionate about the environment and supporting organizations whose work benefits tourism and the community alike, that she created a policy for The Coconut Traveler that covers as much as 100% of the RTF for any visitor who opts out.
Misajon said, “We are thrilled to receive B-certification, but it is only one measurement of our commitment to the environment, the community, and our clientele. Our mission is that our clients ‘travel pono’ — or ‘do the right thing’ – and our responsible tourism fee is their invitation.”
The Coconut Traveler is the third tourism company in Hawaii to receive the B Corporation Certification. Currently, it is the only onsite destination management company for fully independent travelers.
Balancing Profit with Purpose
Certified B Corporations are leaders of a global movement of people using business as a force for good, balancing profit with purpose, and working towards a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. They are for-profit businesses certified by the non-profit B Lab, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. B Corps are assessed every three years to verify that they demonstrate ongoing positive impact in the five impact areas to maintain certification.
Today, there is a growing community of nearly 1,700 Certified B Corps in the United States and over 4,000 globally from 77 countries and over 150 industries working together toward one unifying goal: redefine success in business.
For more information on The Coconut Traveler’s involvement in responsible tourism, visit: https://www.thecoconuttraveler.com/responsible-tourism
About The Coconut Traveler
The Coconut Traveler is the leading travel company in Hawaii, specializing in bespoke journeys, combining beautiful residences with unique experiences that promote global change. The company’s goals are to design exceptional itineraries, engage Hawaii’s dynamic local experts, and deliver uncompromised luxury with a positive impact. The Coconut Traveler is the Preferred Partner On-site for numerous travel agencies globally. www.thecoconuttraveler.com
