Utilizing innovative green technologies including deep ocean water as an alternative energy source for air conditioning at tropical island resorts; community based tourism projects that are protecting indigenous heritage and safeguarding rare and endangered wildlife species; historic buildings being restored and local economies revitalized through cutting edge public private partnerships - the list goes on. We are much farther along the trail of sustainable tourism practices than I would have imagined a decade ago. At the same time, there is still a lot more that needs to be done. Last year we reached more than one billion international travelers. With tourism growing rapidly, we need to protect the places that tourism depends upon. Nobody ever heard a friend say they just had a great vacation snorkeling on a dead coral reef or hiking in a clear-cut rainforest. Ultimately, the travel industry is in the business of selling nature and culture as its main attractions, so it make sense that they should also work hard to protect what they sell. The National Geographic World Legacy Awards are about showing the positive ways forward.