92% of Americans would change travel to reduce overtourism, according to a new survey released by a major tour operator. The finding points to a growing desire among U.S. vacationers to avoid crowded sites and seek quieter alternatives.
Intrepid launches “Give Wild” to channel donations
The travel company’s charitable arm introduced a U.S. initiative that directs contributions from guests, staff and partners to groups safeguarding public lands, wildlife and nearby communities. The first recipient listed is the Grand Canyon Conservancy. All administrative expenses are covered by the foundation, meaning each dollar reaches the nonprofit directly, and the effort will match donations dollar‑for‑dollar up to $25,000.
Research shows travelers want less‑crowded experiences
The internal study revealed that 72% of respondents say overcrowding spoils their trips, while 65% would choose a less‑busy national park over a famous one. The headline figure—92%—suggests a strong willingness to modify habits to curb overtourism. For travel advisors, the data signals an opening to suggest secondary parks and shoulder‑season itineraries.
“Give Wild is about turning inspiration into action,” said Leigh Barnes, president of North America at the company. “We know travelers care deeply about these places and are increasingly looking for ways to travel more responsibly.” The quote shows the push to give back to the places that support tourism.
Environmental storyteller Alex Haraus is anchoring the effort with an eight‑video social series that highlights lesser‑known parks and responsible‑travel practices. The series aims to shift attention away from heavily promoted spots.
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Upcoming events include a rim‑to‑rim trek of the Grand Canyon scheduled for October 13‑17, where participants and partners will raise funds for the conservancy. The initiative concludes on October 20 with a “Give Wild 24‑Hour Takeover” fundraising sprint.
The potential impact could be modest at first, but if travelers consistently favor off‑peak routes, the pressure on iconic sites may ease. That shift might also encourage more funding for maintenance and conservation projects, creating a feedback loop that benefits both visitors and ecosystems. It remains to be seen whether the enthusiasm translates into sustained financial support.
Advisors can now point clients toward under‑visited sites, noting that many national forests and state parks receive far fewer visitors yet offer comparable scenery. By spreading demand, the industry hopes to alleviate strain on overburdened locations.
Partner organizations such as the Grand Canyon Conservancy stand to receive direct contributions, amplified by the matching program. The structure is designed to maximize the flow of money to on‑the‑ground projects without administrative drag.
Individuals interested in supporting the effort can donate or learn more at the foundation’s website, theintrepidfoundation.org/give-wild.
