Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford.My next guest is Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, an academic powerhouse and author who's spent her career advancing justice in tourism. She helped create the Code of Conduct for Tourism in the Holy Land, she's co-authored books on climate justice and community empowerment, and she's working with communities worldwide to reimagine what's possible.This conversation is about understanding the system better so we can change it. Freya shares insights most of us were never taught AND the critical questions we are often missing entirely. This episode is essential listening for evaluating genuine community tourism, NOT marketing fluff. Here's what you'll discover in this episode:🌍 Why Freya believes traditional tourism has been hijacked and by whom🌍 Why community-owned AND community-led aren't the same as community-based and how to tell the difference as a travel professional🌍 Real world examples where local communities are self-determining their futures 🌍 How to inform yourself. Understand what you're missing. Then choose a pathway. If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out my learning resources designed for travel professionals and teams who lead with impact - including the on-demand masterclass How to Unlock the Power and Potential of Community-Led Tourism that Freya was part of. Here is the preview of that masterclass - https://kiwanotourism.com/stories/video-preview-masterclass-community-tourism/Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford.My guests today are Alessandra Alonso, award-winning founder of Women in Travel CIC - named one of 9 women transforming travel by Matador Network and one of 50 most important women in travel by Wanderlust AND Florbela, a tour guide whose story proves exactly why Alessandra's work matters.For two decades, Alessandra has been championing women in tourism. It started when she noticed she was always the only woman in the boardroom. Women are 54% of tourism's workforce - yet rarely are they in decision-making roles (even today). So, she built the Tour Guiding Academy to change that.It trains women like Florbela, who at almost 50 reinvented herself as a tour guide fuelled by passion, cultural heritage, and storytelling. Now she's creating exactly what travellers love most in the heart of London: authentic, immersive, deeply human experiences.Here's what you'll discover in this episode:🌍 "There is a lot of talent still totally invisible to industry" - where we're missing out by fishing from the same pond🌍 Alessandra's journey: from being the only woman in every boardroom to building an academy that transforms lives🌍 The business case + why curiosity matters: "Don't do things how they've always been done"This is essential listening for tour operators, DMCs, and travel professionals who source guides or are looking for unique local experiences. Because the talent creating what travellers want most might be invisible to you and Alessandra shows you where to look.Before visiting WTM in London this year, I joined Alessandra on a Syrian-Palestinian tour with Nadia, another academy graduate. On a memorable and engaging walking tour, we explored Syrian culture through London. If you're curious about the Tour Guiding Academy or would like to experience a tour find out more here -https://www.womenintravelcic.com/entrepreneurship/the-tour-guiding-academy/If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out my learning resources designed for travel professionals and teams who lead with impact - including our hub of on-demand video masterclasses to lean into topics like those covered in today's episode.Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford.Climate action gets the headlines. But what about climate justice?In this episode, Jeremy Sampson, CEO of The Travel Foundation, shares his journey into tourism, what's shifted in six years at the helm, and the reality of rebuilding an organisation from the ground up.We talk about why climate adaptation doesn't inspire anyone, why climate justice is now shifting the conversation, and what happens when you find a hill worth dying on.Here's what you'll hear in this episode:🌍 "All we want is a hill to die on, and if we die on that hill, so be it." (6:00 mins)🌍 "I actually walked into the interview thinking The Travel Foundation was TUI's non-profit... it left the Travel Foundation in a precarious position" (9:00 mins)🌍 "It doesn't feel right and it doesn't feel fair..." (28:03 mins)🌍 "Adaptation doesn't inspire anyone. Crisis is an endpoint to create something new" (31:30 mins)If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out my best learning resources designed for travel professionals and teams that lead with impact.Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
What's It Really Like Leading Sustainability in a Large Travel Company?In this episode, I sit down with three incredible women—all chiefs of impact and heads of sustainability from major travel companies: Sara King from Intrepid Travel, Shannon Guihan from The Travel Corporation, and Kasia Morgan from Exodus Adventure Travels, part of the Travelopia group.We discuss the misconceptions surrounding their roles, why communication is critical to driving change and touch on climate anxiety and pet peeves that come with the territory.If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out our free learning resources, and hub of video masterclasses designed for travel professionals and teams that lead with impact. Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Behind every great travel or tourism business — no matter the size — is someone who asks better questions, takes consistent action, and refuses to choose between profit and purpose.SMEs — small medium enterprises — are said to make up between 80-90% of global tourism. These are the stories of change that often go unheard, whispers of transformation that can go unnoticed in one of the world's largest industries.These Mini Stories are different from our usual interviews. They're a chance to hear from members of our community of learners who continue to show up and lean into curiosity.In this episode, I sat down with Helen Bateman, founder of Firecrest Travel, a UK-based boutique agency with transformative travel and adventure at its heart. *Nature sounds from the country where the interview takes place are interwoven throughout, creating space for reflection.*Stay in the know with: kiwanotourism.com/newsletter/Check out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, Rebecca Woolford. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Thomas Newmark for a deep dive into the C-word. Yes, you guessed it — CARBON.Thomas brings decades of wisdom — and he’s not afraid to challenge the status quo.A seasoned expert and public speaker he is also a wonderful, kind man. Previously the chair of the Greenpeace Fund of the United States. Board chair of the American Botanical Council. And Co‑founder and Board Chair of the Soil Carbon Initiative. Tom is also the Co-owner of Finca Luna Nueva Lodge, who is leading the way in regenerative tourism in Costa Rica. I've had the pleasure of knowing Tom and his ecolodge in Costa Rica for many years and every time we speak I learn something new - you will too. If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out my best learning resources for travel professionals and purpose-led tourism-based teams. Created for those ready to reimagine tourism for people, places, and nature. Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to the Tourism RESET with your host Rebecca Woolford. Today I’m chatting with Jonathan Coleman, CEO of Untours – the world’s FIRST certified B Corp company! And earned the title- awarded by Paul Newman and John F. Kennedy Jr. - “Most Generous Company in America!”. We dive into the fascinating founding story of Untours, the Untours Foundation, the radical vision of its founder Hal Taussig, and what most people don’t realise about how private foundations often work. This episode pulls back the curtain on the traditional model of philanthropy – and how Untours Foundation flips the script. Discover in this fascinating conversation:What Untours and Their Foundation Is Doing Differently In TourismWhy We Need To Rethink Philanthropy, Profit, and Power & Ask Better QuestionsHow Their Funds Avoid The Saviour Narrative - actually putting money to workIf you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out some of my best learning resources for travel professionals and purpose-led tourism-based teams. Created for those ready to reimagine tourism for people, places, and nature. Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to the Tourism RESET with your host Rebecca Woolford. This week’s episode is a special one, as we join the global celebration of World Female Ranger Week—a powerful movement founded by my friend and long-time inspiration, Holly Budge.Joining me is Dr. Sonali Ghosh, the first-ever female Field Director of Kaziranga National Park in India. Dr. Ghosh is the 2024 recipient of the World Female Ranger Trailblazer Award for her groundbreaking work, including the creation of an all-female rhino protection unit and leading the park to its first-ever zero-poaching year—a truly historic achievement.Discover more @ www.worldfemalerangerweek.orgIf you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out some of my best learning resources for travel professionals and purpose-driven tourism teams—created for those ready to reimagine tourism in service of people, place, and the planet.Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET, powered by Kiwano Tourism. My next guest is a professor of Sustainability Marketing at the University of Surrey with a lifetime of work to share. Dr. Xavier Font has served as an advisor to a coalition of global travel brands including, Booking.com, Google, Expedia, Skyscanner, and TripAdvisor where he uses his research experience to inform efforts that can ultimately influence travellers and therefore contribute more positively to the places they visit. The unfiltered truth about what matters to your customers (5:07 mins)Why the language we use matters, & what green hushing is (11:37 mins)Why 50% of British & German travellers felt information overload (16.34 mins)Beyond blame: A smarter way to engage travellers, with a hotel example (29:31)If you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my BEST learning resources designed for travel agents, professionals and tourism-based teams who are ready to REIMAGINE and RESET tourism for people, places and nature. Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET, powered by Kiwano Tourism. My next guest, Joe Stevens, is an award-winning producer and director of wildlife documentaries for BBC, Apple TV+, National Geographic, and Discovery. In an incredibly rare interview, Joe shares his journey of being inspired by Sir David Attenborough - to later working with him in the Galapagos - as well as why filming the world’s largest savannah has become one of his most important missions to date. Tune in to uncover:Why The Cerrado is often overlooked - the world's most biodiverse savannahHow ecotourism can be a catalyst for conservation with a powerful exampleJoe's journey to becoming a wildlife filmmaker & working with David AttenboroughThe transformative potential of tourism in safeguarding biodiversity in BrazilThank you to Senderos for making this conversation possible. Joe recently joined me and for another online event designed for travel professionals and teams called: How Can Tourism Save The World's Largest Savannah? The REPLAY is available inside our educational ecosystem (aka our members library). If you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my BEST learning resources designed for travel agents, professionals and tourism-based teams who are ready to REIMAGINE and RESET tourism for people, places and nature. Stay in the know with my weekly eNewsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on LinkedIn: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET powered by Kiwano Tourism, with my next guest Nina Karnikowski. What a wonderfully rich and nourishing conversation this was... Nina is the Author of the memoir The Mindful Traveller and the sustainable travel handbook Go Lightly. Having worked as a travel writer for over a decade, Nina writes about travel that can help solve social and environmental problems. Tune in to discover...Why it's time to redefine luxury - not as excess, but as impact and connectionHow mindful travel can lead to more meaningful, memorable experiencesHow facing our biggest fears leads to incredible opportunities and growthSlower travel, Nina's best experiences to help inspire your own trip designs If you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my best learning resources designed for responsible travel professionals and businesses who are ready to REIMAGINE and RESET travel for people, places and nature. Stay in the know with my weekly newsletter @kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on Linkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET powered by Kiwano Tourism, an educational ecosystem for travel professionals and responsible travel brands.Beth Santos is the founder and CEO of Wanderful, a sisterhood of more than 45,000 solo women travellers across the globe and content creators on a mission to make travel better for all women. She is also the creator of the WITS Travel Creator Summit, a leading event for women and gender diverse travel creators. In this episode, discover...Who makes 85% of travel purchasing decisionsThe myths to bust about who can travel and the questions we need to askHow to empower more women to discover places for themselves, by themselvesIf you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my best learning resources designed for responsible travel businesses or tourism-based teams who are ready to REIMAGINE and RESET travel for nature, places and people.Stay in the know by subscribing to our newsletter @ kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on Linkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET powered by Kiwano Tourism, an educational ecosystem for travel professionals and responsible travel brands.My next guest is Rochelle Turner, a trained beekeeper, she is also Intrepid's global B Corp Impact Manager. In her spare time she is the co-chair of Travel by B Corp UK, and is a trustee of the Travel Foundation. In this episode, discover...What it means to be a B Corp business. The good, as well as the challenges around itWhy governance is crucial for accountability and purpose-driven businessHow tourism can uplift marginalised communities and womenWhy 'good' business can be profitable and much moreIf you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my BEST learning resources BELOW, designed for responsible travel businesses or tourism-based teams who are ready to REIMAGINE and RESET travel for nature, places and people.Join the waitlist and check out our on-demand masterclasses - kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on Linkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET powered by Kiwano Tourism. My next guest is Justin Francis OBE, the Chair of Responsible Travel, the world’s first and largest travel company dedicated to responsible tourism, co-founded in 2000. Co-founding the World Responsible Tourism Awards, Justin's vision and hard work has fundamentally changed the industry in countless ways. He is also the Board Director at a Kenyan safari company that owns and operates twelve camps run in partnership with indigenous communities. In this episode, discover...Justin's fascinating story and journey to becoming a pioneer of responsible tourismWhy we should feel 'fabulous' about working within tourism as a great connectorWhy regulation is crucial for addressing aviation's carbon emissionsAnd much more... If you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my BEST learning resources BELOW, designed for responsible travel businesses or tourism-based teams who are ready to REIMAGINE and RESET travel for nature, places and people.Gain access to the membership here - kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on Linkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET powered by Kiwano Tourism. My next guest is Jeremy Smith, an award-winning writer and strategist with 25 years of experience in tourism and climate action. Jeremy is the co-founder of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, and is the co-author of the UN Tourism-led Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism. He’s also the author of Transforming Travel and Clean Breaks, 500 Ways to See the World. In this episode, discover...What inspired Jeremy to found 'Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency' How storytelling can help us all address climate traumaHow Jeremy inspired 100's of travel companies to create a climate action planWhy my guest said "this is the first time I've ever talked publicly on this.."If you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my BEST learning resources BELOW, designed for responsible travel businesses or tourism-based teams who are ready to reimagine and RESET travel for nature, places and people.Gain access to all my best learning resources here - kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on Linkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET. My next guest is Thomas Turcich, who completed an extraordinary seven-year journey walking across six continents and thirty-eight countries with his adopted pup, Savanna. He's the tenth person to walk around the world, walking a mind-blowing 28,000 miles and his beautiful DOG is the first. In this episode, discover...What inspired Tom to spend 7 years walking around the worldWhy walking is the ONLY way to truly see a place, whatever the destination The realisation Tom had of passport privilege during the journeyInsight into some rare moments and incredible stories from those 7 yearsRead Tom's book World Walk here - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207294700-the-world-walkIf you enjoy listening to this podcast, why not check out some of my BEST learning resources BELOW, designed for responsible travel businesses or tourism-based teams who are ready to reimagine and RESET travel for nature, places and people.Learn & Grow With The Membership & Online Masterclasses kiwanotourism.comCheck out my YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordConnect on Instagram: rebecca_kiwanoConnect on Linkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to another episode of The Tourism RESET. My next guest is Rachel Levy, an award-winning filmmaker, writer and photojournalist based in Alaska whose work lies at the intersections of environmental justice, modern colonialism, and sustainable tourism. In this episode, learn about... Tourism leakage and colonial frameworks in the safari industry in TanzaniaThe dark side of the safari industry and how to best navigate a responsible tripWhat Rachel learnt from her 3 months with local guides & community leadersHow to begin to turn the tide on the pervasive economic leakage and exploitationFind out more about Rachel's work at www.rach-levy.comIf you enjoy listening to this podcast please do let us know what you think by leaving a review. Beyond the show, you can get access to my best online learning resources below for you and your teams.Learn, Grow, Connect as a business or professional with kiwanotourism.comMy YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordInstagram: rebecca_kiwanoLinkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to another episode of The Tourism RESET, the first of 2025!In this episode discover... What leading the largest ever carbon measurement project in travel was likeWhy transparency is everything and why this travel company focused on carbon firstHow starting with the smallest actions can lead to significant change in businessHow to find balance between sustainability and the business of businessAs the Sustainability specialist at Explore Worldwide, today's guest Hannah Methven led the most comprehensive carbon measurement project in the history of the travel industry, measuring the footprint of over 500 trips.If you enjoy listening to this podcast please do let us know what you think by leaving a review. Beyond the show, you can get access to my best online learning resources below for you and your teams.Learn, Grow, Connect with kiwanotourism.comMy YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordInstagram: rebecca_kiwanoLinkedin: rebecca-woolford
Today is a SPECIAL episode, as we've reached our 20th episode of The Tourism RESET! A special thanks to everyone who's joined me for this wild ride so far, I've loved every minute. In this episode discover... Why the current tourism model is like a teenager that needs to quickly grow upWhat regenerative tourism embodies and what it is NOT - to set the record straightWhy the only way forward in this industry is to reconnect with ancient wisdom Awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to tourism, my guest Anna Pollock has over 50 years of experience. An acclaimed thought leader in the emerging field of Regenerative Tourism, she's also the Founder of Conscious Travel.As always, if you enjoy this podcast please do consider leaving a review somewhere. It helps us to keep the show going and make it even better.Learn, Grow, Connect with kiwanotourism.comMy YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordInstagram: rebecca_kiwanoLinkedin: rebecca-woolford
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET. My guest today is Fernando Polanco, general manager at Hacienda Zuleta in Ecuador. From a ground-breaking conservation programme to bring back Condors from the edge of extinction, to a rich family history spanning 140 years; there is no place on earth quite like Zuleta in Ecuador. In this conversation, Fernando shares the rich history of his family and their unshakeable commitment to environmental stewardship and community, rooted in the powerful legacy of his grandfather - a former PRESIDENT of Ecuador. As always, if you enjoy this podcast please do consider leaving a review somewhere. It helps us to keep the show going and make it even better.Subscribe to my weekly email: kiwanotourism.comOn-Demand Learning: https://kiwano-elearning.thinkific.com/collectionsYouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rebeccawoolfordInstagram: rebecca_kiwanoLinkedin: rebecca-woolfordSpecial thanks to Senderos who made this conversation possible.