NEWS THE INTERVIEW
have got to feel they are benefiting from that in terms of work and employment and that the hotels and the industry are not destroying tourism. So the more sustainable we can make it environmentally, the more sustainable it will be economically. A lot of it is on companies
involved [in travel] to make sure a positive message gets out by people having a good experience.
Q. How can travel firms balance the competitive nature of business with promoting sustainability? I don’t think anyone goes into travel to make lots of money and harm mother nature. They want to look after the world and care for the planet. But supply and demand do mean
firms are forced to compete on price. It puts companies and travel agents in a difficult position because they want to give people these amazing experiences that are meaningful and sustainable. Passion and knowledge have
got to be key things that lead people to choosing more
travelweekly.co.uk
interesting holidays and experiences. We should trade on the whole
notion of the ‘experience’ more and ‘bribe’ people by spreading the message that if they spend a few extra pounds, the experience will be better and richer. We should do whatever it takes
to tell people about the virtue [of travel experiences]. In an ideal world we would not have to constantly compete; there would be more of a level playing field.
Q. How do you balance your own travel footprint with helping the environment? I am conscious of every aspect of my travelling, but I do believe there is a
virtue and merit of going on journeys. On TV we are all together on an
adventure, we are capturing stories and lives. I am looking not just at the beauty and joy [of destinations], I am looking for the issues. That mix makes for a richer
experience and hopefully for the people watching, it’s a mix of issues and adventure, and beyond that, it’s for people to learn more about the planet. I do know for example, with
the South America TV series, people would not have an idea about the different countries we travel to, so in bringing those stories to them it gives people more of an idea [of destinations].
We should trade on the whole notion of the ‘experience’ more and ‘bribe’ people by
spreading the message that if they spend a few extra pounds, the experience will be better
Q. Why do you work with Kuoni? I admire their ethos and how they treat customers and the value they put on a proper, magnificent experience. I am keen to nudge their customers and teams to be as green as possible. Kuoni recognised early on that
travel has a really important role to play in helping our precious ecosystems to survive and thrive, whether it’s a safari on the plains of Africa or visiting a marine reserve in the Maldives, it’s tourism money that helps to keep these people going. The Maldives is a magnet for
marine life, tourists help finance the government to keep poachers and illegal fishing boats away and make it into a marine nursery for the wider nations. You put your head underwater and
it’s like visiting another planet; life under the waves is being protected by tourists who are visiting these destinations. Let’s remind people of that value. Tourists help protect the tourism
‘arches’ [that support the whole infrastructure]; it’s vital we recognise the importance of tourism.
24 NOVEMBER 2022 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
