Sustainable Travel Professionals to Know 2025

Maurice Smith, CTIE, is a hospitality strategist, luxury travel expert, regenerative tourism advocate, and founder of Eugene Toriko, a luxury travel agency built around purposeful, responsible, and highly personalized travel experiences. His work sits at the intersection of elevated guest experience, sustainability, cultural storytelling, and place-based hospitality. Through Eugene Toriko, Maurice has focused on boutique hotels, culturally rooted itineraries, sustainability-minded partners, and experiences that connect travelers more thoughtfully to people, place, and environment. Maurice was recognized on the Travel + Leisure A-List in 2022 and 2023 and has been featured by Robb Report among top Black travel specialists. His expertise has been sought by publications including Bloomberg, The Washington Post, USA Today, Business Insider, and Money.com, where he has contributed perspective on travel trends, destination value, and evolving traveler expectations. His industry recognition includes a 2023 Gold Magellan Award for Eugene Toriko’s giving-back initiative, a 2024 Silver Magellan Award for ATL & Co On the Go with Eugene Toriko, and recognition from TravelAge West for marketing efforts connected to the same media platform. Maurice was also selected for Tripadvisor’s RECO program and is a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. Today, Maurice’s work spans hospitality strategy, media, public speaking, regenerative tourism, environmental stewardship, and the future of more intentional guest experiences. He is also connected to Amka Terra, a stewardship, ecological learning, and regenerative tourism platform focused on environmental education, biodiversity, youth learning, community partnership, and place-based restoration.

Jennifer Spatz is the Founder of Global Family Travels and a leader in regenerative, community-based tourism. A cultural anthropologist at heart, she designs immersive travel experiences grounded in her company’s mission to Learn, Serve, and Immerse—connecting travelers meaningfully with local communities, cultures, and natural environments. Through partnerships with global and local nonprofits, Jennifer integrates regenerative tourism principles and aligns programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her journeys combine cultural exchange, educational experiences, homestays, and community-driven projects that strengthen social and environmental systems in the destinations visited. Her insights on regenerative travel have been featured in TravelAge West (“Regenerative Meets Family Fun”) and on the podcast Regenerative Tourism: When Sustainability Isn’t Enough. (see all news links here: https://www.globalfamilytravels.com/news)

Thomas Lu is a systems thinker, entrepreneur, the author of The Personal Sustainability Handbook and the founder of The Sustainabilitist (sustainabilitist.com), a project dedicated to sustainabilize the many different facets of human activities. A musician, polyglot, theorist and troubleshooter by hobby, his need for sustainability has led him to a general philosophy for tackling human challenges.

I am a travel journalist with bylines in New York Times, The Guardian, BBC Travel, CN Travel and more. I run the anti-overtourism travel blog Shortcuts and Sidequests, dedicated to sustainable adventures. If you are writing about sustainable travel, eco-tourism, or solo female adventures, please get in touch, I will be happy to answer your questions.

My work focuses on the intersection of consumerism, overproduction, marketing, and climate change. I aim to bring easily digestible guidance to everyone on how to live a more sustainable life for people, animals, and the planet, without sacrificing joy, style, and fulfillment. My No New Things Challenge has been awarded a Silver Stevie Award for Non-profit Innovation, and is now a popular book by the same name, with a trademarked process that gets folks out of the consumerist swirl and back into their lives. I am a featured expert on CNN, Live with Kelly & Mark, TODAY, Good Morning America, have spoken at SXSW and the United Nations, and have a popular TED Talk. I hold a BA from Brown University and an MSc from The University of Oxford, UK, am a Professor of Marketing for Sustainability at various institutions, and live in Chicago, IL. In a nutshell: I reconnect people with the truth that they have and are enough.

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

I’m a content strategist and editor focused on building trustworthy, eco-conscious consumer guidance. I manage Earthava, a platform focused on providing trustworthy, practical product reviews and sustainability information. I specialize in translating complex research into clear writing, balancing SEO with authenticity, and creating content that feels like advice from a knowledgeable friend. My approach prioritizes credibility, long-term brand value, and helping people make confident decisions.

Passionate traveller and co-founder of CheckinAway.com, where I share detailed reviews and guides for upscale hotels and unique destinations. Exploring the world one trip at a time—here to share insights and help you plan unforgettable adventures!

Augustin Ndikuriyo has 20+ years in premium travel, helping luxury brands—cruises, safari lodges, boutique resorts, and hotels—turn stories into content that inspires, engages, and converts. Founder of The Digital Travel Expert Hub, he’s worked with Celebrity Cruises, Dream Yacht Worldwide, Orlando Vacations, SentientJet, TEFL Org, and Mardi Gras New Orleans, combining storytelling, AI SEO, and digital growth to build trust, authority, and high-value bookings.

-How do you consistently bring in new, relevant visitors to your website? -How do you grow your traffic without leaving your morals and values in a dingy rest stop along the journey? -How do you say all the right words that draw your ideal audience in and turn them into repeat customers?As a sustainable copywriter and SEO Strategist, I help answer these questions while driving meaningful, consistent traffic to your site.-No cheat codes.-No unnecessary subscription fees.-No shady practices.Just good ol' knowledge, strategy, listening, and adapting. How I help small, sustainable businesses:-SEO-informed blog content briefs.-Keyword research for website or blog.-SEO-informed blog copy.-Engaging website copy.

A leading expert on motorhome holidays in New Zealand. Offering practical tips, hidden-gem itineraries, and commentary on travel trends for your story, with a focus on sustainable travel. With 20 years of experience helping thousands of people explore New Zealand on the ultimate road trip. Our focus is on high-quality, sustainable travel. Available to provide expert commentary, tips, or full quotes on: New Zealand travel trends, the best self-drive itineraries (both North & South Island), tips for first-time motorhome travellers, sustainable tourism and travel in NZ, the New Zealand tourism industry

I am a Central America Travel Specialist and Luxury Itinerary Designer at Mayan Gateway, with deep expertise in curating high-end, experiential journeys across Guatemala, Mexico, and the region. My focus is on connecting discerning travelers with authentic cultural heritage, sustainable luxury, and private, off-the-beaten-path expeditions. With a professional background in project management and customer experience, I specialize in the logistics of luxury travel in remote locations—from private helicopter transfers in the Mayan biosphere to exclusive access to indigenous artisan cooperatives. I am passionate about promoting Central America as a world-class destination that balances exclusivity with deep cultural respect and environmental conservation.

For approximately the last 30 years, I have worked within and with organizations to help them to address the challenges presented by climate change and sustainability. Frustrated by the unnecessary complexity in these areas, my mission is to simplify the complex for the greater environmental benefit and provide cost effective solutions to help organisations on their sustainability journey. My understanding of regulations, their direction and evolution has enabled me to simplify this complexity and influence company strategies to ensure the risks presented are managed and the potential of new opportunities realized. My knowledge across a broad spectrum of sustainability regulations and carbon markets of the UNFCCC, EU ETS, and domestic schemes in the UK, US, Kazakhstan, Korea, China and and sector specific schemes such as EU MRV, UK MRV and IMO DCS, enables me to advise both global and local players, on all sustainability issues wherever they are. I relish opportunities to design regulations, guidance, standards, schemes, and management systems and in understanding and implementing approaches and tools for them for business benefit. I have helped governments and organisations work through the maze of technical, operational and commercial issues that must be navigated to realise the opportunities of new regulatory requirements in these areas. I am privileged to have written for leading publications and speak on climate change and sustainability subjects at a variety of events. I have also designed and delivered tailored workshops and training courses on numerous subjects including: Extended Producer Responsibility, Recyclability Assessments, Environmental Auditing, Environmental and Energy Management Systems, Carbon Footprinting, Net Zero approaches, Verification, CSR, EU ETS, MRV and Electricity Capacity Markets for specific organizations, governments and business groups. I pride myself on my ability to simplify the complex and provide understanding where there may be confusion.

As a sustainability and corporate responsibility practitioner, I have a proven track record of adapting to new industries and integrating sustainability into business strategy. My industry experience spans pharmaceutical, consumer goods, data centers, and public sector, giving me a broad perspective on sustainability challenges and opportunities. My key areas of expertise include sustainability reporting, climate change, corporate partnerships, strategy development, sustainable supply chains, circular economy, EHS, risk, and governance. By leveraging these skills and experience, I have been able to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals and create long-term value for stakeholders. Whether developing sustainability strategies, implementing sustainable practices, or engaging stakeholders, I am committed to driving positive impact and creating a more sustainable future. Let's connect and explore how we can work together to drive progress on sustainability.

My name is Kristen and I have traveled, lived and worked all across the globe for over a decade. In 2013, after nearly a decade building a career in corporate marketing in NYC, I left it all behind to travel solo across 3 continents and 26 countries. From there I became a scuba diving instructor, and spent the next 10 years living and working in Thailand, Mexico, St. Croix and Florida. In 2017, I was voted PADI's Inspiring Woman Diver of the Year. Beginning in 2024 I joined Fora as a luxury travel planner and have launched my own travel brand and blog, Dear Destination Travel, so that I could help inspire others to make their travel dreams and goals come to life. I have now traveled to 6 continents and over 35 countries. My website, deardestinationtravel.com, is a complete travel resource and inspiration hub.

Turning the world into words Travel writer and journalist specialising in solo adventure and story-led travel for women. I'm Nika—a journo, adventurer and author with a 25+ years of experience across radio, TV, print, digital and social. My passion is solo travel and slow adventures—not just seeing places but getting under the skin of them. Walking my way to stories - my feet are wiser than my head, finding cultural connection and a deeper understanding through the people who live there: local families, creatives, journalists. And always, the taste of place. I've worked with global media and brands, including the BBC, Emap, News UK, DMGT, Bauer, Wizja TV, Foxtel, Expedia Group, Weber Shandwick, Havas and Publicis Groupe. 12x book babies on health & wellness. I mentor journos through the NUJ and host a Writers' Café in Hastings & St Leonards. Work and collaborate with me → https://nikatalbot.io Since 2020, I've been building Bold Types, recommended by Hotflash Inc. as “a helpful newsletter for the intersection of writing, the digital world and entrepreneurship, which can be a lonely place for many of us.” 🌐 Bold Types Adventures in journalism, from a GenXy writer who walks. Your weekly hit of optimism and grit. Join us → https://www.nikatalbot.io Professional memberships National Union of Journalists (London Freelance SoMe officer), Women in Journalism, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Digital Creator Association, The Media Society, Talking Travel Writing, TravMedia. Wall of Love “They should frame this newsletter in the Louvre—simply a joy to read!” – Eoin Whyte, Chief Revenue Officer & co-founder, Savvy. Here to fix your content gaps! 💎 “Two things to say from all of us… BRAVO & AMAZING! It was really engaging and fun to read. This is the reference we should keep for upcoming work.” — Daniel Mondragón, Global Brand Lead, Nestlé, The Science of Growing Up Happy Book "Recommended reading for Workforce Futurists!" - Andy Spence, Founder, Workforce Futurist “I was impressed with how much you connected to people and the place when you were here. You’ve got a gift for it. Not everybody is like that – comfortable striking up conversations with strangers.” — Marianne Lehnis, Founder, The Green Techpreneur Gold star for reading this far 🤩 Working in travel media? I'd love to connect. Get in touch - nika@nikatalbot.io.

Travel blogger and cruise specialist behind YourTravelReporter.nl, a fast-growing travel platform from the Netherlands. I focus on high-end travel experiences, including ocean and river cruises, boutique hotels, and unique destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. I’ve collaborated with leading cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Explora Journeys, and regularly share firsthand insights, expert tips, and in-depth destination guides. My content combines personal storytelling with practical advice, helping travelers make informed decisions and elevate their travel experiences. I’m especially interested in topics related to cruises, luxury travel, unique destinations, and travel tips based on real experiences. Website: https://www.yourtravelreporter.nl Instagram: @yourtravelreporter | @cruisereporter.nl

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

Founder of TRAVI World, a comprehensive travel guide platform covering 17+ destinations worldwide. With expertise in global tourism trends, destination insights, and travel industry analysis, I provide in-depth knowledge on hotels, attractions, and experiences across Dubai, UAE, Bali, and other popular destinations. Passionate about helping travelers discover authentic experiences and make informed travel decisions.

Maina is a tourism professional with extensive experience working at eminent East African brands such as Elewana Collection, Soroi Collection and Angama. She has a love for storytelling, and for the behind-the-scenes intersections where travel, conservation, and relationships converge.