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WorldXchange Renews Its Climate Positive Commitment and Takes a Step Further with LATA Responsible Tourism Awards Application

At Green Initiative, we proudly celebrate the ongoing climate leadership of our partner: WorldXchange. In 2025, WorldXchange not only renewed its Climate Positive Certification — maintaining its role as the first and only currency exchange company in the world with this distinction — but also took a bold step forward by submitting its application for the prestigious LATA Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 in the Nature-Positive Tourism category. This recognition is a testament to the company’s deep-rooted vision: tourism and finance can, and must, be forces for positive change. Elevating Tourism’s Second Face: From Currency Exchange to Environmental Stewardship WorldXchange operates in Peru’s major tourist corridors, with offices in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa — cities that are gateways to some of the most biodiverse and culturally rich regions of Latin America. Although primarily a financial service provider, WorldXchange understood early on that its strategic position within airports — the “first and last impression” of many visitors — placed it at the heart of the tourism value chain. In partnership with Green Initiative, WorldXchange adopted a robust Measure-Reduce-Offset (MRV) strategy, achieving verified emissions reductions, supporting reforestation projects in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, and engaging over 250,000 travelers annually in education efforts about climate, biodiversity, and regenerative tourism practices. Beyond internal transformation, WorldXchange’s leadership helped catalyze broader change: after its carbon-neutral and Climate Positive achievements, Lima Airport updated its concession contracts to require environmental accountability from all vendors — a ripple effect that now influences one of Latin America’s busiest airports. A New Milestone: LATA Responsible Tourism Awards Application This year, WorldXchange has taken another major step by submitting its candidacy for the LATA Responsible Tourism Awards under the Nature-Positive Tourism category. Their application highlights several key achievements: WorldXchange’s story perfectly exemplifies how companies traditionally outside the “green tourism” space can fully embrace regenerative practices — and even lead sectoral transformation. Looking Ahead: Sustaining and Expanding Climate Leadership As WorldXchange continues its journey, the company remains committed to deepening its climate and nature-positive impact. In 2025, it is finalizing its latest carbon footprint assessment and preparing new targets to further lower its emissions and environmental footprint per traveler served. At Green Initiative, we are proud to stand beside WorldXchange as it redefines the role of financial service providers in sustainable tourism. Their achievements are a clear reminder that climate-positive leadership can — and must — be integrated across every link of the tourism value chain. Congratulations to the entire WorldXchange team for their renewed certification, their bold steps forward, and their unwavering commitment to a more sustainable future! This article was written by Ella Baehringer from the Green Initiative team Related reading

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Mato Grosso do Sul Recognized Among Top 3 in Brazil’s Best ESG Practices for Sustainable Tourism

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Green Initiative congratulates Mato Grosso do Sul for earning a Top 3 position in Embratur’s “Best ESG Practices in Brazilian Destinations” contest, showcasing their sustainable tourism and climate action leadership. The Agência Brasileira de Promoção Internacional do Turismo (Embratur) recently announced the winners of its prestigious “Melhores Práticas ESG nos Destinos Brasileiros” (Best ESG Practices in Brazilian Destinations) contest. This initiative highlights the best environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts driving sustainable tourism in Brazil. Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), through its Secretaria de Turismo, Esporte e Cultura and Fundação de Turismo de Mato Grosso do Sul (FUNDTUR), was recognized as one of the Top 3 destinations for their exceptional progress and leadership. The Top 3 Winners: With participation from nearly 50 organizations and over 200 sustainable initiatives, Mato Grosso do Sul’s recognition is a testament to the state’s growing impact in the ESG tourism space. Sustainable Leadership and Innovation in Mato Grosso do Sul Mato Grosso do Sul has demonstrated consistent progress since launching its sustainability strategy in 2022. Key milestones include: Bruno Wendling, Director-President of FUNDTUR, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “This award reinforces the work initiated in 2022 and demonstrates that our state is on the right path to becoming a more responsible and climate-focused tourism destination. We aim to transform MS into Brazil’s first carbon-neutral state by 2030.” Why ESG Practices Matter in Tourism The adoption of ESG principles (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is essential for ensuring tourism contributes positively to both communities and the planet: Additionally, Mato Grosso do Sul’s efforts align with the principles of regenerative tourism, a concept that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystems, regenerate communities, and create long-term positive impacts on nature and climate. By integrating climate and nature positive actions, MS ensures that tourism becomes a vehicle for healing the environment, reversing biodiversity loss, and empowering local stakeholders to lead the change. The success of Mato Grosso do Sul underscores the critical role destinations play in advancing these principles to foster a more resilient, inclusive, and regenerative tourism industry. Green Initiative and Mato Grosso do Sul: A Shared Vision At Green Initiative, we champion partners and destinations like Mato Grosso do Sul that demonstrate measurable progress toward sustainability. By implementing innovative carbon management solutions, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive tourism programs, MS is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. This recognition by Embratur highlights the state’s dedication and serves as a powerful example for other destinations aiming to integrate ESG practices, regenerative tourism, and climate and nature positive strategies. Looking Ahead As part of their award, Mato Grosso do Sul will receive ESG consulting support from Embratur, highlighted participation in international marketing campaigns, and professional project documentation, including videos, to amplify global visibility. These benefits will further strengthen Mato Grosso do Sul’s position as a leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism, attracting investments and fostering partnerships to achieve their 2030 carbon-neutral goal. Join Us in Celebrating Sustainable Tourism Excellence Green Initiative congratulates Mato Grosso do Sul and FUNDTUR for their achievements. Together, we can inspire more destinations to embrace sustainability, climate action, regenerative tourism, and inclusive practices as central pillars for development. Let’s work towards a future where tourism drives positive change for people, nature, and the planet. Contact us to learn more about sustainable tourism and Green Initiative’s global efforts.

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The Leadership Behind Machu Picchu’s Carbon Neutral Success: A Model for Sustainable Tourism

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Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, has become a global leader in sustainability. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Mayor Elvis Lexin La Torre Uñaccori, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has not only achieved carbon-neutral certification but has successfully renewed it for a second time. His remarkable work in implementing sustainable practices, forging key partnerships, and aligning with global climate and nature positive initiatives inspires tourism leaders worldwide. Pioneering Climate and Nature Positive Tourism As the mayor of Machu Picchu Pueblo, Mayor La Torre has taken bold steps to address the environmental challenges posed by millions of annual visitors. Central to his approach has been adopting climate- and nature-positive strategies, including: These strategies have drastically reduced the town’s environmental footprint, setting a precedent for regenerative tourism—an approach that restores ecosystems while benefiting local communities. Collaborative Leadership with Key Partners Machu Picchu’s success in achieving and maintaining carbon-neutral status showcases the power of collaboration. Under Mayor La Torre’s leadership, the municipality has partnered with prominent organizations to drive impactful initiatives: These partnerships, facilitated by Green Initiative, have helped Machu Picchu achieve a remarkable 18.77% reduction in carbon emissions compared to its 2019 baseline, demonstrating the potential of public-private collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. Commitment to Global Climate and Tourism Frameworks Mayor La Torre has aligned Machu Picchu’s sustainability efforts with key international frameworks, ensuring the site remains a leader in global climate action: These commitments reflect the site’s dedication to fostering a sustainable future for tourism while combating climate change. An Honorable Legacy of Leadership Mayor La Torre’s leadership exemplifies how local governments can drive meaningful change. By integrating climate-positive policies and regenerative practices, he has transformed Machu Picchu into a beacon of sustainable tourism. “Leadership is about action. Let us lead with the purpose of leaving our world better than we found it,” Mayor La Torre has stated. His work safeguards Machu Picchu’s ancient legacy and establishes it as a symbol of hope and resilience for future generations. A Call to Action for Global Tourism Leaders Mayor La Torre’s visionary approach provides a compelling roadmap for leaders of other tourism-dependent regions. By prioritizing regenerative tourism, fostering collaborations with key partners, and committing to international climate goals, mayors and municipal teams can create destinations that thrive economically while preserving their natural and cultural heritage. Machu Picchu’s achievements prove that bold, collaborative leadership can leave a lasting positive impact on the planet. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the work of Mayor Elvis Lexin La Torre Uñaccori serves as a testament to what’s possible when we lead with purpose and innovation. Make your destination Climate and Nature Positive, contact us at Green Initiative to learn how we can help your city or region achieve sustainability goals, implement regenerative tourism strategies, and align with global climate frameworks like the Glasgow Declaration. Together, we can build a future where tourism regenerates nature and communities thrive. 🌍

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