a gent wins Responsible title
our projects impact on local communities and how they change people’s lives. “We now have 2,000 employees
working for us across the world and all believe in our core values. We want agents and their customers to understand them too, which is why we decided to search for a Responsible Travel Ambassador.”
Judgement day
Each finalist was asked to present to the panel about what the term ‘responsible travel’ meant to them, their understanding of one G Adventures social enterprise project, their ideas on how agents can spread the word about responsible travel and encourage customers to travel responsibly, and to tell the judges why they wanted to go to Peru.
The finalists Hannah Umlandt, STA Travel, London
“I used to be a teacher and knew a four-year-old called Katie. Then
I went to the Philippines, where I met four-year-old Lara. Their lives couldn’t have been more different. While Katie was tucked up in bed at night getting much-needed sleep before school, Lara was wandering the beach at 3am, begging for money. I wanted to help, but didn’t know how. It really affected me and that’s why I think G Adventures projects that responsibly help people are so amazing. “I was particularly impressed
by the Cusco Kids, People of the Sun project, which takes women into safe housing and teaches them leatherwork and how to make jewellery. “As an agent selling a
G Adventures holiday, I would find out my customer’s interests – be it be culinary, nature or maybe
teaching – and then match them to a particular social enterprise project.”
Kerry Metcalf, The Co-operative Travel, Allenton, Derby
“Responsible travel is not just
about the environment, it’s about minimising social impacts and giving people a choice in life. It’s up to us, as agents, to open people’s eyes as to what is sustainable for our future. We are knowledgeable and we have a huge responsibility – one small change of attitude in ourselves collectively could be a massive step. “I particularly like G Adventures’ Oodles of Noodles tour, which gets people off the streets in Vietnam and trains them as chefs. “I would love to go to Peru because as soon as I’ve been somewhere, I sell it better.”
Gordon Love, Flight Centre, Edinburgh
“We all have different drivers – some are agents
for the money or the perks or for the feeling of self-worth. But as agents telling customers about responsible travel, we can change the world. We start off just selling holidays, but with enough training, knowledge and education, we can have a profound impact. An agent’s moral compass is a lot higher than other sales people’s. “I loved G Adventures’ Oodles
of Noodles project, as the tour involves guests communicating with the people in the noodle restaurant who are not front of house to give them experience in speaking English and interacting. “I would love to go to Peru as it would be an incredible adventure.”
Kerry Cook, Deva Travel, Chester
“There are many misconceptions about what responsible travel
is. I asked my friends what it meant and got everything from reducing your carbon footprint and caring for the environment, to not knowing what it meant. In my view, it’s a bit of everything, as long as you’re making the world a better place and are respectful of communities, economies, the environment and different cultures and values. “G Adventures’ Sisterhood of
Survivors project in Nepal addresses human trafficking and trains affected women to be paralegals to help other women in their position to give them a brighter future. “Agents have a huge
responsibility and I believe we can help to change the world. G Adventures puts $65 of every $100 it receives back into the local economies that it takes trips to, which is a powerful point to get across to customers with a social conscience. If customers want an authentic experience, responsible travel is for them.”
Imogen
Goldenfield, Round The World Travel, Manchester
“Responsible travel is leaving a country
as you found it. It’s about learning about new cultures, encouraging people to respect their values and being aware that tourism can have a positive impact on the environment economy and community. “Working with companies such
as G Adventures is essential. I always tell clients you don’t have to compromise on quality or enjoyment to have an authentic experience, and it doesn’t have to
be high-cost. It’s being aware of your surroundings and intensifying what people get out of countries. “G Adventures’ Women on Wheels project – training women to get a driving licence, so they can transfer guests from the airport to their hotel – is brilliant. It gives women a skill and teaches girls that they aren’t second-class citizens. “As an agent, it’s all about having
a conversation with my clients and showing them the right way to travel. It’s about education. “I would love to see Machu Picchu before it becomes even more limited or shuts to tourists.”
WINNER
THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AMBASSADOR IS: KERRY COOK, DEVA TRAVEL G Adventures’ Brian Young said: “Kerry Cook was really knowledgeable. She went outside of her comfort zone, interviewing friends and family about what they knew about responsible travel, making a film about our project and researching the whole issue. She had a real understanding of G Adventures’ mantra of making meaningful connections and showed real passion for responsible travel and making her voice heard. She believes that agents have a role to play in changing the world.” Kerry said: “I am excited and emotional, as I strongly believe in responsible travel. It has to be the future of travel. I don’t mean to sound evangelical, but travel has to become more sustainable – we can’t carry on as we are. So what companies such as G Adventures are doing really resonates with me. I feel extremely honoured to have been chosen.”
29 October 2015
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