Sustainability · Social impact
Sustainable incentive travel with social impact
Reward your people and leave something good behind: the same level of experience, with a lighter footprint and a real connection to people and places.
We call you back the same business day · +351 226 191 095
What is a social impact incentive?
It is an incentive trip or event that, besides rewarding and bonding the team, reduces its environmental impact and creates value for local communities: transport and menus designed to use fewer resources, regional suppliers and a CSR activity with a local charity built into the programme.
More and more companies want the trips they offer to match their sustainability (ESG) commitments. We design programmes this way from the proposal stage, without losing the reward feel of the trip.
Three ways to make an impact
Lighter footprint
The Douro railway line and river boats instead of coaches, shared transport, seasonal menus with local produce, no single-use plastics and less food waste.
Community
An optional volunteering activity with a local organisation: planting native trees in burnt areas, beach and river clean-ups, renovating community spaces, cooking with a social project.
Local economy
Family wine estates, small producers, artisans and local guides. Handmade gifts by Portuguese artisans instead of branded merchandise.
Sample programme
3 days in Porto and the Douro, with impact
A starting point for a sustainable programme, adapted to your goals and group.
Day 1 · Porto
Arrival and a walking tour of the old town with a local guide. Welcome dinner with seasonal produce from northern Portuguese farmers.
Day 2 · Douro Valley
Train ride along the Douro line, one of Europe's most scenic railways. Half a day planting native trees with a local association, lunch at a family wine estate and a boat trip back along the river.
Day 3 · Porto
Workshop with a Portuguese artisan — everyone takes home the piece they made — and farewell lunch.
On request, we prepare a summary for your sustainability report after the programme: local suppliers involved, the social activity carried out and the transport options chosen.
Biosphere certified
Ecotravel Lda holds Biosphere certification from the Responsible Tourism Institute, which reviews the environmental, social and economic practices of tourism companies every year. Sustainability is part of how we work, not just of our proposals.
- Eco-certified hotels where the programme allows
- Local suppliers, guides and restaurants
- Guidance for participants on travelling responsibly
- Less crowded destinations: the Douro wine valley, inland Portugal, the islands
Sustainable incentives: FAQ
Is a sustainable programme less comfortable?
No. Hotels, dining and experiences stay at incentive level. What changes is how: transport, suppliers, menus and an activity that leaves something good behind.
Which CSR activities can you include?
Native tree planting, beach and river clean-ups, renovating community spaces, activities with children or the elderly, cooking with social projects. We choose the cause with you.
Does it help with our ESG reporting?
It can. On request, we prepare a summary of the local suppliers involved, the social activity carried out and the transport options, for your sustainability report.
Does it cost more?
Not necessarily. Seasonal produce, local suppliers and less waste often offset the cost of the social activity. The proposal shows the cost of each option.
A programme that leaves a mark
Tell us your goals and the cause that matters to your company. We call you back the same business day.
- We call youThe same business day if your request arrives before 5:30 pm Portugal time, otherwise the next business day. A real person, to understand your goals and expectations.
- Get your proposalProgramme, hotels, venues, activities and logistics, priced service by service.
- We handle everythingOne person on our team coordinates the programme on site, with 24-hour support while the group is with us.