Canopy Development

Canopy Development was founded with the goal of transforming the resort development industry to lift up rather than exploit local populations and to restore rather than destroy local ecosystems – all in the process of developing special places for travelers to experience and appreciate. Having worked closely with and for international conservation organizations over many decades, founder Tom Horton often observed irreversible damage being done to the surrounding natural environment and the cultural fabric that defined a place when a new resort was being developed. The environment was being polluted, wildlife habitats were being degraded, and buildings that were housing guests were emitting toxins that diminished rather than regenerated guests. It made no sense! Worst of all, opportunities to enrich the guest experience, help people connect to local communities, and regenerate local environments were being overlooked. Tom saw this as a fantastic opportunity to make profound changes in the way travelers’ experiences new landscapes and to reverse the impacts these travelers have on the natural environment. Canopy’s philosophy establishes a model in which travelers and resort-goers actually become the mechanism by which successful conservation is achieved, land is regenerated, guests are regenerated, and the local community is engaged and supported.