The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel

In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, an Adjunct Associate Professor with Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Canada, Adjunct Professor with the Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism, Taylor’s University of Malaysia and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with the Business Unit, University of South Australia shares her insights around the impacts of tourism on local communities through the effects of sustainability and accessibility.  She has worked with industry, community and non-profits on projects that have worked at the cutting edge of just and sustainable tourism. One highlight of her work has been working with the Palestinian Initiative on Responsible Tourism to develop the Code of Conduct for Tourism in the Holy Land.Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Megan Orvis - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

In this episode of The RISE Traveler Podcast, Dr. Bobbie Chew Bigby, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Waterloo, Canada, shares her insights into the intersection of tourism, Indigenous communities, and climate justice. Bobbie discusses her transformative experiences in Bolivia and Southeast Asia, which inspired her ongoing research in environmental justice. She also delves into her work with indigenous-led tourism and toxic tours in Tar Creek, Oklahoma, highlighting the environmental and health impacts of historical mining activities.Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Professor Christopher Gaffney teaches at the Tisch Center for Hospitality at New York University. Just in time for the Olympics, RISE’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Vincie Ho, sits down with Chris to discuss his work examining the impacts of mega events throughout the world.In this interview, Chris explores the reasons behind criticism of mega events such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Pan American Games. He highlights the evictions, displacement, and gentrification caused by these events, particularly noting his active involvement with the anti-Olympics group in Brazil. He argues that the infrastructure put in place for these events does little to serve the communities that actually live in these areas. Once the events are over and the stadiums are no longer in use, the social issues that existed before the games often remain or are exacerbated.Chris’s current projects include the Global Tourism Risk Index co-developed with his colleague in 2018, which identifies countries and regions most at risk from the impact of overtourism/lack of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and assesses the systemic risks places are exposed to on the economic, social, ecologic, cultural, and political levels.Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

On this season of The RISE Traveler podcast, our guest host, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing critical theory scholars, activists and leaders in sustainability, social and environmental justices in the travel and tourism space. Together, they will delve into the ethics of travel and discuss some of the pressing issues that are impacting communities around the world.In this episode, Vincie sits down with Mawutor Agbo, a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, to delve into the nuances of sustainable tourism. From his roots in Ghana to his current research on tourism education and colonization relationships, Mawutor sheds light on the often overlooked impacts of tourism and advocates for decolonizing tourism education and practices. Tune in as he shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of community-based tourism and calls for greater inclusion of local voices and knowledge in shaping sustainable travel practices.Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

In this season of The RISE Traveler, Dr. Vincie Ho, Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel Institute, will be interviewing influential justice activists and thought leaders in conscious travel. She will be going beyond the idea of “sustainable travel” to dive deeper into what that really means for those who are looking to travel responsibly. To kick off the season, Vincie engages in a conversation with Chris Christou, a writer, storyteller, educational curator, and culture activist. Chris is the host of the End of Tourism podcast, which explores wanderlust, exile, and radical hospitality.During their discussion, Chris delves into topics covered on his podcast, drawing from his experiences in both his native Canada and his home for nearly a decade, Oaxaca, Mexico. With extensive involvement in the service industry from both provider and tourist perspectives, Chris offers a unique viewpoint on the community impact of tourism. He also discusses concepts such as radical hospitality and decolonizing travel, providing fresh insights into the tourism industry and redefining travel and mobility paradigms.Host: Dr. Vincie Ho - Founder and Executive Director of The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Mira Shah is on a personal journey, exploring sustainable travel across India, Australia, Kenya, and Colombia. This is one of the reasons why she opted to participate in The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Program- to gain a deeper understanding of conscious travel. Over time, Mira has embraced intentional and sustainable travel, placing a strong emphasis on forming genuine connections with local communities.In conversation with host Amy Hager, Mira shares insights from her travels– from meaningful encounters with sustainability advocate Michael Mobbs in Australia to acknowledging less-than-ideal decisions, like visiting an ethically questionable elephant sanctuary in Thailand. She recognizes the ongoing learning process and the space for improvement.Contemplating a potential venture into the sustainable travel industry, Mira hopes for a shift in how people approach travel. Her focus is on making travel experiences more meaningful and authentic, with the goal of bringing a positive transformation to the travel industry.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Laura Kelly is a sustainability advocate with Brendan Vacations, a tour operator focused on Ireland and Scotland. In this interview with host Amy Hager, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an eco-minded household to her current role evaluating and crafting sustainable travel experiences.Laura's background in European Languages and Medieval History, coupled with her experience guiding tours in Ireland, prompted her realization of the necessity for a shift in travel practices. This realization ignited her interest in reforming unsustainable tourism habits prevalent in the industry. Discussing her participation in the RISE Flagship Program, Laura sheds light on voluntourism and on the challenges of fostering more meaningful and slower-paced travel experiences.In particular Laura shares the importance of responsible tourism in Ireland, and advocates for smaller, more authentic experiences that benefit local communities. She highlights the role of tour operators in steering towards a more sustainable future, and encourages a collective shift in mindset toward sustainability in various professional domains. Laura's insights offer a pragmatic approach to redefining travel practices, focusing on tangible changes that can positively impact the industry and the communities it touches.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Author and travel expert Lily Ann Fouts is dedicated to advocating for sustainable and culturally sensitive travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. She was a participant in RISE's Flagship Program, where she earned her certificate in Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel. Additionally, Lily Ann joined RISE's Experiential Journey to Guatemala in 2022.During her conversation with host Amy Hager, Lily Ann reflects on the invaluable lessons gleaned from the Flagship Program. She highlights the program's comprehensive approach, and discusses how various facets of travel intertwine in complex ways. For instance, she elaborates on the complex balancing act involved in making travel decisions, citing certain examples of activities that harm the environment (eg. airline travel), also benefits the local economy. Lily Ann also shares how she has reframed the way she thinks about being budget conscious when she travels. She now understands the value in compensating vendors fairly for the product they are producing or selling, and not trying to haggle down to the absolute minimum.According to Lily, the Experiential Journey was an impactful experience, allowing her to immediately apply the course teachings to real-life situations. Her journey to Guatemala with the RISE Travel Institute provided a singular opportunity to engage with fellow students and foster meaningful discussions, and ultimately led to  practical applications of course concepts.In addition, Lily Ann also delves into her current project, a guidebook centered on responsible travel in Latin America for travelers who seek longer-term Latin American stays  in order to nurture strong, long-term connections with locals. She provides suggestions on how to foster these connections in ways that make travelers feel welcome without inadvertently causing resentment or discomfiture within local communities.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Aurora Christy Oktavia, an Alumni of the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program, currently resides in Bali, Indonesia. She recently completed her Master's degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University in Australia. In her conversation with host Amy Hager, Aurora shared insights into her journey in sustainable tourism, leveraging her educational background in forest conservation and tourism management, as well as her role as a luxury travel agent.Aurora emphasized the challenges of community-based tourism, pointing out that while mass tourism can be problematic for some destinations, they often have the necessary infrastructure to handle it. Conversely, less frequented, "off the beaten path" locations – like Komodo Island in Indonesia, for example – may struggle due to the lack of infrastructure. She also delved into the concept of "keeping it secret" destinations, where locals prefer not to disclose hidden gems to tourists, underscoring the delicate balance between satisfying traveler curiosity and respecting the desires of local communities.Aurora credited the RISE Flagship Program with enhancing her ability to ask probing questions, fostering open-mindedness, and shedding light on the complexities of sustainable tourism. She voiced concerns about "greenwashing" in the travel industry, and stressed the importance of long-term sustainability. Her ultimate legacy aspiration is to enhance people's lives through better travel experiences and to foster positive, transformative changes.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Tracey Ford is the Founder of Local Insights, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting locals with tourists, offering them authentic personal encounters that go well beyond the typical guidebook experience. Previously, Tracey held a government role working with the armed services, where she specialized in coordinating logistics for events with a focus on cultural considerations among attendees.In this conversation with host Amy Hager, Tracey Ford shares her journey and the unique path that led her to her current role. During this discussion, Amy and Tracey dive into the impact of The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Certificate Program. This program has played a pivotal role in enhancing Tracey’s comprehension of responsible tourism, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity. Tracey’s goal is to create a positive impact on the world through tourism, making it a better place one friendship at a time. She aims to leave behind a legacy of promoting world peace by connecting people from diverse backgrounds.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Jabulile Ngwenya is a travel coach and advocate for sustainable and responsible travel at Travel Africa with Jabu. With a vision to reshape perceptions of travel to Africa, Jabulile's impactful work is rooted in changing the narrative. In her RISE Flagship Course Capstone Project, she focused on tribal photography, aiming to bring attention to the profound identities behind the subjects. She firmly believes that every individual carries a story and a name, urging us to see beyond the surface.In a conversation hosted by Amy Hager, Jabulile delves into the essence of travel as an avenue of abundance. She underscores the significance of understanding the lives of the people we encounter on our journeys, stressing that they are more than just extras in our personal narratives. Her insights illuminate the transformative power of travel, as it expands horizons and challenges our perspectives.Jabulile's perspective on the world is a testament to her belief that there's always more to explore, learn, and experience. In a moment where all we may have is a screenshot of our current reality, travel serves as a reminder of the boundless opportunities and connections awaiting us. This interview is an invitation to venture beyond our assumptions and engage with the richness of the world through meaningful interactions.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

As the owner of Travel with Ann Experiential, Ann Becker consults with nonprofits and small travel businesses with the goal of raising and including more diverse voices, making strategic connections, contributing fresh perspectives as well as thought leadership and counseling. Ann's extensive experience includes successfully operating experiential tours in lesser-known destinations in Costa Rica and neighboring countries.In this interview with host Amy Hager, Ann emphasizes the significance of sustainable and thoughtful tourism, highlighting its ability to create meaningful and enduring experiences for host communities, travelers, and the environment. She discusses the importance of travel leaders to design immersive trips, enabling visitors to listen, learn, share stories, and actively support the development of sustainable communities that benefit everyone involved. Through her work, Ann aims to promote responsible travel practices and contribute to the well-being of local populations and the planet. Ann is also the Principal Strategic Advisor at RISE Travel Institute. Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

A leader in the field of sustainability in tourism, Lambert Hategekimana is General Manager at Rwanda Eco Company and Safari. Before his 10+ years in the tourism sector, Lambert worked as an educator. Now, he works alongside some of his former pupils to introduce travelers to Rwanda and other East African countries. In 2022, Lambert was a guest instructor for the course “Conscious Travel in Rwanda” as part of the RISE Conscious Travel Series.Lambert discusses with host Amy Hager about the value of communities’ sustainable development through empowerment and exposure to the external world.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Keri Pfeiffer, a digital nomad for almost seven years, works remotely as the Head of Account Management at WeTravel, an online payment platform for tour companies. Following completion of the Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel program at RISE, Keri is now a guest instructor with the course "How to Travel Ethically as a Digital Nomad." In this interview with host Amy Hager, Keri discusses her views on being an ethical digital nomad and how completing the RISE Certificate Flagship Program has inspired more thoughtful travel habits.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Sofia Godoy is the Founder and Chief Operations Officer at Etnica, a social enterprise that connects locals to travelers that visit Guatemala and Mexico. She shares the history of Etnica as well as some key examples of how to plan a Guatemala itinerary that is community-based and intentional about supporting local artisans.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Thinley Choden is a social entrepreneur and consultant devoted to showing travelers the "real" Bhutan as the Co-Owner and CEO of Bhutan Tours and Travel. She sits down with host Amy Hager to talk through the meaning of conscious travel, encouraging travelers to put aside the romanticized image of Bhutan and explore the multi-faceted identity of this fascinating country.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Kim Hass is the President and Founder of Haas Media and the Executive Director of the public television series “Afro-Latinos with Kim Haas.” Her travel show explores the tremendous impact that Afro-Latinos have had and continue to have on the culture and history of Latin America. She shares some of her experiences creating a public television series and how she hopes the show will amplify the contributions and powerful voices of the Afro-Latino community.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

James Mwenda, Founder of James Mwenda Expeditions, shares his expertise in sustainable safari adventures and provides some tips on how to make a safari more than just an Instagram photo opportunity. He shares how to be a responsible wildlife tourist and truly reconnect with the natural world.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Gabriela Sonnleitner is the General Manager of the Magdas Hotel in Vienna, Austria. Austria's first hotel run as a social business, the Magdas provides job training to refugees and asylum seekers, offering support to those struggling to find employment in the city. Listen to Gabriela explain the joys and difficulties of running a social business and elaborate on her hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kara KingGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)

Mary Pat Champeau, Director of Graduate Programs at The Institute for Humane Education and Board Secretary at RISE Travel Institute, discusses the importance of learning how one’s everyday choices in their lives can impact their surroundings. She explores how activism is sometimes as simple as educating oneself about how the environment, human, and animal welfare are all interconnected.Host: Host (Amy) Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kaelyn SandersGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: "On My Way" Kevin MacLeod (License)