Meet The Scott Dunn ‘Responsible Tourism Committee'

"I believe wholeheartedly in the opportunity for luxury travel to positively contribute to nature restoration and preservation, and to uplift the local communities that call our travel destinations home. Not only can tourism provide crucial sustainable revenue locally, but it’s also a powerful conduit for environmental action, with more and more people feeling inspired to protect our natural world after having lifechanging experiences in wild places. Everyone who travels has a responsibility to preserve and benefit the places we tread through, and it’s an honor to be shaping that reality at Scott Dunn alongside our incredible committee."

Travel is a privilege, and one I don't take for granted. Growing up in New Zealand, a country known for its '100% Pure New Zealand' tourism campaign, which showcased the country's diverse landscapes and natural beauty, and having journeyed from those shores to the UK, my travel lens has always been shaped by preserving, observing, and respecting the spaces we are lucky to explore. Responsible travel, for me, means exactly this. It also means remembering that the places we visit are someone or something's backyard, and we should leave them as we found them, if not better, by respecting and giving back to the cultures and communities we encounter.

To me, responsible travel goes beyond simply caring for the incredible places that have enriched my life. It’s about showing up every day with the conscious intention to do better, not only for my own home but also for the homes of the people and wildlife I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter. Recognizing the privilege of being able to travel is fundamental. It calls for a commitment to lifelong learning, a deep awareness of the impact we leave behind, and a proactive effort to become better stewards of this planet. We are guests here for only a fleeting moment, and I believe it is our responsibility not just to explore the world’s wonders, but to protect and preserve them for generations of both humanity and the diverse life that shares this earth.

Responsible travel to me means taking accountability for our social, environmental and economic impact while traveling. We should aim to minimize negative impacts and seek to engage in positive activities and use ethical suppliers where we can. Responsible travel starts from simply educating ourselves and then implementing what we have learned; without compromising the beauty of the places we are visiting. This might be respecting local cultures and customs, volunteering for nature and conservation projects, buying from local vendors while abroad, making sure we take our trash and dispose of it properly or making an educated choice not to visit an area because of the pressures that tourism is creating there. I am passionate about making a difference because I have been on the front line in educating others about positive, responsible tourism and feel that the more of us who are onboard with these principles, the better place to travel the world can be.

To me, responsible travel means being mindful of the impact we have on the places we visit and the people who call them home. It is about avoiding overtourism, respecting local communities, and protecting the environments that make each destination so special. Having traveled throughout Europe for most of my life, I have seen a noticeable change in recent years, with once-peaceful places now affected by overcrowding, littering, and a growing disconnect from their natural and cultural surroundings. This has made me aware of how fragile these destinations are. I am passionate about responsible travel because I believe the wellbeing of these iconic places must be preserved, so they can continue to be enjoyed in their true form for generations to come.

Responsible tourism begins with recognizing that it’s not just where we go, but how we show up. Traveling is a privilege, and it’s our responsibility to do so with intention and humility. Even small choices can create a ripple effect, from considering how your spending can benefit local communities and conservation efforts to choosing experiences that uplift people, wildlife and the environment rather than exploiting them for spectacle. To truly love travel (and do so responsibly) doesn’t mean always getting everything exactly right. It means being willing to listen, challenge our perspective and consistently ask, ‘how can we do better?’

For me, responsible travel is about making sure the places you visit truly benefit from your presence. That means supporting local communities and spending money in ways that help the people & animals who live there. It also means respecting nature, so future generations can experience the same beauty. One of the greatest joys of travel is seeing landscapes and wildlife that are unique to each place. That’s why it’s so important to travel responsibly - to make sure nothing is damaged, and that these places don’t lose the very things that make them special. What’s home to me is travel to someone else, and vice versa - we wouldn’t want visitors exploiting our landscapes and/or wildlife, so we shouldn't do that elsewhere.

Responsible tourism, for me, begins with recognising that I’m a guest in someone else’s home. It’s choosing to move through a place lightly, cutting down on waste, being mindful of my footprint, and supporting the small businesses, guides, and family‑run stays that keep a community’s character alive. It’s taking time to understand local traditions, watching wildlife with genuine care, and learning phrases to connect with hosts. Those small choices shape the way I travel, and I’m excited to play a part in Scott Dunn’s efforts to create thoughtful, sustainable journeys that inspire the same care in our guests.

Responsible travel, to me, is about creating meaningful moments that leave a positive impact on the places we visit. Whether that’s supporting local communities, protecting ecosystems, or choosing paths less traveled to ease the pressures of mass tourism, every choice matters. I’m excited to play my small part in making a difference by empowering both our team and our guests to make more thoughtful, conscious decisions in the way we explore the world and all it has to offer. Travel is a privilege, and with that privilege comes a responsibility to ensure future generations of travelers can experience it in the same way.

To me, responsible travel starts with the recognition that travel is a privilege, and with that privilege comes a responsibility to acknowledge the impact of travel, to treat people and places with respect, and to take proactive steps to give back more than we take. I strongly believe that travel, when practiced responsibly, can be a huge force for good in the world: redirecting wealth to local economies, promoting cultural exchange and education, and contributing to conservation efforts that preserve and protect the destinations we visit. As travelers, we all have a part to play in confronting global issues such as climate change, deforestation, food insecurity and injustice, especially in destinations disproportionately impacted by climate change and mass tourism.

To me, responsible travel is about being stewards of the places we visit - encouraging respect and care for local communities and environments and contributing positively so that destinations are left better than before. I am especially passionate about responsible tourism in low-income countries and rural destinations which have historically experienced greater social and environmental pressures from tourism, and where responsible practices can make a particularly meaningful difference. At its core, I believe tourism has the potential to empower local communities and encourage environmental conservation - but only when we approach travel thoughtfully and with intention and care for the places and people we encounter.

We are so lucky to be able to travel to these far-flung destinations, experience new cultures, try local food and see wildlife in its natural habitat. Responsible tourism for me is making sure we leave a positive lasting impact on the places we visit. It's vital we give something back to local people, communities, and nature.

For me, Responsible Tourism is shaped by each destination's unique culture and traditions. It's about empowering local communities to decide how tourism fits into their lives - whether that means fiercely protecting cherished ways of life with visitors welcomed as respectful observers or maximizing economic opportunities that flow directly to the local people and area. Our industry gives us an extraordinary privilege: we witness tourism's impact firsthand and bring destinations to life through deep knowledge while protecting what makes them special. Few sectors can create transformative experiences while simultaneously safeguarding the very places and people that make them possible. Together, we can ensure destinations thrive for locals while offering meaningful experiences for visitors - educating and inspiring travelers to become respectful guests while discovering the true wonder of exploring the world.

Travel is a privilege I value both personally and professionally. Responsible tourism means making thoughtful choices: traveling slower to genuinely experience destinations, supporting local businesses so communities benefit directly and leaving no trace to preserve places for future visitors. Working in travel heightens my awareness of tourism's impact. I believe every journey should benefit both traveler and destination, fostering cultural exchange while protecting natural environments. It's about being mindful and ensuring the places and people who welcome us aren't negatively affected by our presence. Responsible tourism is simply about traveling with care and leaving destinations better than we found them.

The ocean has always been my happy place. As a diver, there’s nothing like the stillness of descending into a world of coral gardens, curious fish, and the gentle grace of a passing manta ray. Those moments have shaped not just how I travel, but how I see the world. For me, responsible travel is about giving back to the places and people that make these experiences possible. It’s choosing partners who care for their reefs, supporting local communities, and treading lightly so the magic of these destinations lasts. Luxury isn’t about more - it’s about meaning. The greatest gift we can give is to travel with care, so future generations can feel the same wonder that first drew us to explore.