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The story behind DERTOUR Group’s marine mammal policy change

At DERTOUR Group, decisions that affect our travel portfolio are never made lightly. When it comes to animal welfare, especially concerning marine mammals, our journey toward change has been shaped by reflection, research, and collaboration.

Over the past months, our Corporate Responsibility team, began re-evaluating excursions involving whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. The question wasn’t just about what we offer — it was about what we stand for.

The process started with a comprehensive review of our animal-related products. From there, internal discussions evolved into broader conversations with tourism partners and animal welfare experts.

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Apollo wins “Best Brand in the Travel Industry” at Evimetrix Swedish Brand Award 2025

Apollo has been named the “Best Brand in the Travel Industry” at the 2025 Evimetrix Swedish Brand Award. This award is based on one of Sweden’s largest independent brand surveys, and it confirms Apollo’s strong position in the Swedish travel market. Every year, the Evimetrix Swedish Brand Award is given based on the opinions of over 6,000 Swedish consumers who review more than 500 brands. The award recognizes brands that excel in both awareness and customer satisfaction – this recognition highlights Apollo’s commitment to providing excellent travel experiences, and the trust and loyalty it has earned from its travelers.

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Beyond travel: Building communities and protecting nature through tourism

Tourism is often seen as a way to explore new destinations, but its potential goes much further. When developed responsibly, tourism can strengthen communities, create education and employment opportunities, and support the protection of nature. In line with the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, which took place between September 27th-29th, the DERTOUR Foundation is proud to share how partners around the world are turning tourism into a tool for long-term progress.

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From Mangroves to medals: How Sri Lanka’s children became environmental pioneers

When the DERTOUR Foundation began supporting mangrove conservation in Sri Lanka (read about it here), our vision went beyond protecting coastal ecosystems. We knew that true change comes when communities are given the tools to care for their environment.

That’s why awareness and education programs became just as central as conservation work. And this year, we witnessed the extraordinary impact of that approach.
Across Sri Lanka, thousands of students take part in the Environmental Pioneer Programme, an initiative of the Central Environmental Authority launched in 1984.

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#MachtOffline: Social media campaign for digital time-out brings DERTOUR fourfold award success

No posts. No stories. No explanation. This is exactly what led to one of DERTOUR’s most native social media campaigns – a clear statement in favour of digital time-outs, real relaxation and a message that captures the spirit of the times.

What caused a stir in the community in May 2024 is a multi-award-winning beacon of the industry in summer 2025. #MachtOffline was honoured with four of the most important communication awards in the German-speaking world – the 916 Award, the DPOK and the German Brand Award (double honour) – for creative excellence, strategic impact and emotional brand management.

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Taucher reinigt Korallen im Korallen-Nursery auf den Malediven mit einer Bürste

Tourism with purpose: The DERTOUR Foundation’s new projects at a glance

In 2025, we are proud to announce four new projects that embody this purpose. Whether in coastal Egypt, island communities in the Indian and Caribbean oceans, or rural towns in southern Europe and Southeast Asia, these projects demonstrate how the tourism sector can support local resilience, promote inclusive economic participation, and help restore fragile ecosystems.

Each initiative is shaped by strong local partnerships and backed by DERTOUR Group’s commitment to integrating sustainability into every step of the travel experience—from the hotels we offer, to the excursions we promote, to the way we engage with destination communities.

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