Chimu Adventures has locked in B Corporation certification, stepping into a global network of businesses held to strict standards of social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency.
Managing Director and co-founder Chad Carey said the certification recognises long-standing efforts to operate responsibly across all aspects of the business.
“From the inception of Chimu Adventures, we have always made a serious effort toward being a responsible company, not only in terms of the environment but also towards our office staff, the people we meet on our travels, our travellers and guides on the ground,” Carey said.
He added that becoming B Corp certified shows these efforts meet independent standards.
“Becoming a B Corp means that these efforts have met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This means a lot, not only to our employees but also to our entire social and environmental ecosystem.”
Lessons from the certification process
Chimu Sustainability and B Corp Lead, Genevieve Flanagan, said the process was both an audit and an opportunity to reset strategy.
“The certification for us was more than a quest for a stamp; it was an audit process that naturally created new efficiencies and strategies, which has ultimately improved the business not only in the moment but will act as a roadmap for our future,” Flanagan said.
She explained that the business made tangible changes during the process.
“After listening to our employees, we improved our volunteering and fundraising efforts and rewrote basic operational policies to make them more appropriate to today’s operating climate.
“We created more transparencies across the business for our employees, improved communication strategies, and bolstered parental leave opportunities, as some examples.”
Flanagan encouraged other businesses to consider certification.
“Though rigorous, it was an exercise we recommend all businesses consider undertaking. The guided process really offers a hands-on look at every angle of the business and helps to build a more equitable future for all companies.”
What this means for the travel industry
Chimu’s certification reflects a wider trend of travel companies embracing stronger sustainability frameworks in response to both consumer expectations and industry pressures.
B Corp certification signals to trade partners that Chimu has embedded accountability and transparency at the heart of its operations. This provides agents with another credential to highlight when selling Chimu products, especially to increasingly values-driven travellers.
By achieving this milestone, Chimu aligns with a global movement of companies that view business as a force for good. The company has indicated this is not the endpoint but the start of a longer journey to integrate responsible practices further across its business model.
Travel companies globally are increasingly being measured against ESG standards. B Corp certification places Chimu among a select group of operators able to demonstrate verified impact.
For the trade, this gives advisors additional confidence when recommending Chimu itineraries to clients who prioritise responsible travel. It also reflects how sustainability certifications are moving from niche to mainstream within the travel sector.
What’s next for Chimu
Chimu has signalled its plans to continue evolving its practices. The company says the certification has provided a framework to guide improvements in areas such as employee engagement, transparency, supply chain responsibility, and environmental impact. Carey emphasised that Chimu will continue collaborating with partners and communities to stay aligned with B Corp principles.
KARRYON UNPACKS: B Corp certification is becoming a recognised benchmark across industries, and Chimu’s achievement gives agents a strong sustainability credential to lean on when selling. As consumer interest in ethical travel grows, trade professionals can use this certification as a clear differentiator in the market.
