Tourism businesses already contribute through taxes, but these funds often don’t return to the destinations, local communities, and natural environments that host visitors. The RETURN project focuses on creating fair and sustainable tourism revenue transfer models that ensure these benefits stay within the destination. By reinvesting in local communities and nature, we can strengthen tourism resilience and long-term sustainability.

The RETURN project explores innovative ways for visitors to contribute directly to the places they visit. Through voluntary levies, conservation fees, and donation-based models, tourism revenue can be reinvested into maintaining infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, and supporting local communities. These approaches do not add extra burdens on tourism businesses but instead create a win-win model where tourism actively supports its host destinations.

When tourism revenue is reinvested locally, it improves infrastructure and services for visitors, enhances conservation efforts, and ensures long-term economic benefits for host communities. The RETURN project provides best practices, case studies, and policy insights to help destinations, DMOs, and businesses implement sustainable funding solutions that work for everyone.