Tourism Concern

Tourism Concern, the leading advocate for ethical tourism, has shut down after three decades of operation due to financial pressures.

Formed to promote tourism that is ethical, fair and a positive experience for both travelers and the people and places they visit, TC cited funding cutbacks from charitable groups and a fall-off in income from membership as the reasons for its closure.

Rather than continue as a “zombie charity” and raising money simply to exist, TC’s trustees voted to close, according to group’s Sept. 26 statement.

Launched in London in 1988, TC tackled issues such as human rights, worker exploitation, “slum tourism,” sustainability, environmental matters and the “impact of Airbnb in European 'honeypot cities,'” reported the Guardian.

In thanking members, volunteers and supporters, TC said its greatest achievement “has been to project the principles of responsible tourism into the mainstream conversation.”