How we created a new model for sustainable tourism for Palau.
Ecotourism that gamifies good behaviour.
Palau is a tiny Pacific nation with a big problem. They rely on tourism for over 85% of their GDP, but those same tourists are wreaking havoc on the country’s fragile ecosystem. Palau needed tourists to change their behaviour during their stay, without running the risk of alienating them in the process.
So we created Ol’au Palau - the first tourism initiative that unlocks increasingly stunning new places and experiences in Palau - traditionally reserved for locals - not according to how much you spend, but how gently and respectfully you treat their island home. Based on gaming mechanics and nudge psychology, Ol’au Palau turns sustainable behaviour into Palau’s most valuable currency.
‘Palau’s world-first ‘good traveller’ incentive’
‘The Pacific Island changing the face of tourism’
‘Palau to reward tourists who reduce footprint’
‘Palau, the first destination to reward good travellers’
‘Unlock unique experiences in Palau by completing eco-friendly tasks’
‘Now, tourists can accrue points by acting responsibly’
Impact