By Juan Breiding and Julieta Chan
In the vast landscape of travel and tourism, we are more than just service providers; we are curators of joy, facilitators of connection, and stewards of discovery, and there, we inspire people to transform their lives and connect with their purpose in this planet. Ours is an industry of happiness and transformation —one that shapes lives fosters human connection, celebrates the beauty of our world, and boosts the change to regenerate and conserve what we need as humanity. But to truly embody this role, we must acknowledge our profound responsibility: to honor the destinations we serve, empower the people we work with, and provide travelers with the tools to reconnect with themselves and their loved ones.
Sustainable tourism is more than protecting natural landscapes or promoting local culture. At its heart lies a more profound mission: to nurture well-being—mental, emotional, and social—for everyone involved in the journey. This mission begins with us, as leaders in hospitality, and with our teams, who bring this vision to life every day.
Knowing Our Place in a Destination
Every destination is a living, breathing entity with its unique essence—a blend of landscapes, traditions, and stories shaped by history. Our role is not to impose but to listen, to learn, and to integrate with care. Sustainable tourism requires us to honor these places, ensuring that our presence enhances rather than diminishes their value.
Authentic connection is key. By fostering meaningful relationships between travelers and local people, we can create moments of discovery that transcend a single trip. Travelers leave not just with memories of beauty but with a deeper understanding of why these places matter. When we approach destinations with respect and humility, we do more than provide experiences; we facilitate transformations—both for the traveler and the community.
A People’s Business: Connection, Transformation, and Well-Being
At its core, tourism is a people-driven industry. It thrives on human connection—the smiles exchanged between a host and guest, the moments of self-reflection inspired by nature, and the joy of shared adventures. But this connection is only possible when we prioritize the well-being of the people at the heart of our work: our teams.
In Experiential Hospitality, we recognize this as an urgent moral imperative. The emotional presence and authenticity required to create transformative experiences demand that our teams feel supported, empowered, and valued. This starts by providing resources for mental health, financial literacy, and social well-being. These are not optional extras; they are foundational elements of a thriving tourism business. When our teams feel whole, they are better equipped to create spaces where guests can feel safe, cared for, and inspired. This ripple effect transforms not only individual experiences but the essence of sustainable tourism itself. By focusing on people, we create an industry that embodies both purpose and care.
Redefining Sustainable Tourism: Bold Goals for a Better Future
Future sustainable tourism must evolve. It’s no longer enough to reduce harm or operate within the narrow parameters of environmental or cultural stewardship. We must dare to reimagine its potential—to go beyond sustainability and embrace regeneration. This means notonly preserving what exists but actively improving the social, cultural, andenvironmental landscapes we touch. Imagine a world where every journey empowers local communities, restores natural ecosystems, and nurtures mental and emotional well-being for all. To achieve this, we must embrace bold, forward-thinking goals. These include embedding mental health as a core value, rethinking our operational frameworks to prioritize inclusivity and equity, and leveraging tourism as a transformative force for global good.
Happiness as Our Shared Responsibility
Happiness is not a privilege; it is a universal need. But true happiness is more than a fleeting moment—it is the product of connection, care, and purpose. As tourism leaders, we are responsible for making happiness tangible for everyone: the communities that host us, the teams that serve with us, and the travelers who entrust us with their journeys. This shared responsibility requires intentional action. By creating environments where everyone can thrive—through fair practices, empowerment, and authentic connections—we uphold the essence of tourism as an industry of transformation. Happiness becomes a shared journey, not an individual destination.
Call to Action: Shaping the Future Together
The future of tourism is in our hands. It’s time to move beyond the status quo and embrace a more transformative, inclusive, and regenerative approach. As leaders, travelers, and advocates, we each have a role to play in shaping this future. Let us rise to this challenge together. Let us rethink what sustainable tourism can be, redefine its impact, and create a world where every journey contributes to a better tomorrow. Together, we can transform the industry of happiness into an engine forglobal change—one that uplifts communities, nurtures well-being, and inspires theworld. Will you join us on this journey? Let’s build a tourism industry that celebrates not just destinations but people, not just experiences but transformation. Because at its heart, tourism is about connection—and through connection, we have the power to change lives.
