We are proud to announce that Traveling Socotra has been named Best Sustainable Travel Agency 2026 – Middle East in light of the Travel & Tourism Awards by LUXlife Magazine. You can find the listing here.
This recognition is a meaningful milestone for us—not just as a company, but as a team deeply committed to protecting Socotra while sharing it responsibly with the world.
What This Award Represents
The LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards highlight companies that are shaping the future of travel through innovation, quality, and sustainability. For us, this award confirms that our long-standing approach—focusing on environmental responsibility, authentic experiences, and thoughtful tourism—truly makes a difference.
Why Traveling Socotra Stands Out
A Real Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability at Traveling Socotra is not a marketing concept—it is something we actively implement on the ground.
One of our key initiatives is our plastic collection program, through which we have already removed over 850kg of plastic waste from the island as of March 2026.
Beyond that, sustainability also means investing in people. We ensure that our local team is paid fair salaries, creating stable and respectful working conditions in a region where tourism income can be inconsistent.
Our guides are not only highly experienced, but also trained in sustainability and conservation, with deep knowledge of Socotra’s fragile ecosystems, flora, and fauna. This allows us to actively educate travelers while protecting the island.
Supporting the Local Community
We believe tourism should directly benefit the communities it touches.
That’s why we actively integrate local livelihoods into our trips:
- We source fresh fish directly from local fishermen, often prepared on-site for lunch
- We work with local guides in protected areas, such as members of the tribe in Fermhin Forest
- We rent local boats for excursions to places like Shoab Beach or for fishing and diving trips
In addition, we encourage meaningful contributions from our travelers. Instead of bringing short-term items like candy, we guide our guests toward donating books, drawing materials, and educational supplies that support children’s long-term development.
We also support local initiatives, including women’s development groups like the Coastal Women Association, by purchasing locally made garments and decorations for our camps and making efforts to involve more women in tourism-related work.
Protecting Socotra’s Unique Environment
Socotra is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, and preserving it requires a thoughtful and active approach.
We design our itineraries to:
- Visit locations at less crowded times
- Access more remote areas where possible
- Ensure that every visit leaves no trace
We also operate exclusive campsites away from the more frequented areas, allowing for a quieter and more controlled environmental impact.
Education is a key part of conservation. That’s why we take our travelers to the Dragon Blood Tree nursery, helping them understand how slowly these iconic trees grow and why they are under threat.
Our commitment extends beyond tours. Our co-founder, Ali, is actively involved in conservation on the island—working with schools to raise awareness about plastic pollution, and collaborating with organizations such as UNESCO and the United Nations on environmental initiatives and local projects.
Meaningful and Immersive Experiences
Traveling Socotra is not about passively observing—it’s about genuinely engaging with the island, its people, and its rhythm of life.
We design our journeys so that travelers don’t just see Socotra—they experience it in a way that feels natural, unforced, and connected. This often means stepping into everyday local activities.
Guests might join local fishermen and learn traditional line fishing techniques, then enjoy the catch freshly prepared over an open fire on the beach. Meals are not just food—they are part of the experience, often sourced locally and shared in the landscapes where they originate.
Cultural connection is equally important. Whether it’s spending time in small villages, sharing tea with locals, or witnessing music, dancing, and celebrations with local women—these interactions create a genuine sense of connection that cannot be replicated in conventional tourism.
Our camps are intentionally set up to enhance this experience. Located in remote, carefully selected spots, they allow travelers to disconnect from distractions and fully immerse themselves in Socotra’s environment—falling asleep under the stars, waking up in complete silence, and experiencing the island at its own pace.
We also introduce travelers to the deeper story of Socotra. Visits to places like the Dragon Blood Tree nursery are not just stops on a route—they are moments of understanding, where guests learn about conservation challenges, slow ecological processes, and the importance of protecting what makes the island unique.
This combination of nature, culture, and participation creates a travel experience that feels personal, grounded, and memorable.
A Shared Achievement
This award reflects the work of our entire local team, whose dedication and knowledge make every journey possible.
It also belongs to every traveler who has chosen to explore Socotra with us. With each booking, our guests directly support sustainability efforts—from plastic collection to broader environmental and community initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Winning Best Sustainable Travel Agency 2026 is an important moment for us, but it is only part of a much longer journey.
We will continue to build on what we have started—strengthening our sustainability initiatives, supporting the local community, and refining how tourism can exist in a place as unique as Socotra.
Our focus remains the same: doing things properly, with long-term impact in mind.
Join Us on the Journey
If you want to experience Socotra in a way that is thoughtful, well-organized, and closely connected to the island itself, Traveling Socotra offers an approach built on care, experience, and responsibility.
