Meet The Scott Dunn ‘Sustainability 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 this incredible committee.”

“To me, responsible travel means approaching each journey with mindfulness and intentionality. When we travel, it’s easy to overlook the ways in which our trips impact the destinations we are heading to. Responsible travel considers how our actions and presence affect local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are so lucky to experience this world, and our goal should be to leave a place better than we found it but prioritizing respectful interactions and thoughtful engagement with each person and place. We all share this earth, and I want to encourage everyone to treat it as such.”

“Working in the travel industry is a true privilege, we get to visit some of the most beautiful places on this planet. For that reason, I feel like it is our duty to be champions of responsible travel. Having spent my adult life working in nature conservation, I have seen firsthand the powerful impact that awareness and sustainable tourism can have on the natural world. I count myself very lucky to travel the African continent and witness these natural spectacles, I hope that future generations can experience this too.”

“Having worked in luxury travel for over 12 years, i’ve also loved seeing the world open up to so many people, but also how these trips can make a positive impact to the destinations themselves, adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented. From providing meaningful local work, helping to fund community initiatives, to assisting in wildlife conservation and trying edible alien species to replace commercial indigenous species in the sea, the possibilities are endless. The world should be accessible to all, being left in a better state that it was found and I find that a hugely exciting opportunity.”

"Responsible travel encompasses so many different things, but to me it’s about slowing down and finding connection with the people and places you’re visiting. The world’s most incredible destinations are facing crises fuelled by overtourism, but I genuinely believe travel can have a positive impact when we approach our trips with care and make thoughtful choices. As travel specialists, we’re in a privileged position to guide our guests’ journeys in a positive way, whether that’s working with local guides, supporting grassroots conservation projects, or encouraging stays at properties with genuinely sustainable credentials and a local workforce. "

"I believe sustainability and tourism go hand in hand. To have a passion for sustainability is also to have a passion to see and explore new landscapes, interact with new cultures and learn new things. To me, responsible travel means preserving the natural state of wildlife and ecosystems, both on land and in the ocean, and ensuring we leave a positive impact wherever we go. How we protect and preserve what we see and experience today for tomorrow’s traveler, is really important to me."

"I have always firmly believed in travel being a force for good, before I was even in the industry or aware of “sustainability”. Travel for me on a personal level, has always been a chance to explorer lesser-known areas, see exciting cultures and at the heart of most of my trips, a love for wildlife. Having worked in travel for the best part of 15 years, selling various styles of vacations and working with a range of destinations, it always saddened me to see how most of the industry impacts the areas they supposedly love, and the impact this can have on local communities that “travel” is supposed to benefit. Over the years the focus narrowed, to work with parts of the world and sell vacations that I genuinely felt make a difference. Not only to those who travel, but for those who host them and show them all amazing things each destination has to offer. "

“For me, responsible travel is about more than ticking places off a list—it’s about connecting with people and leaving a positive impact wherever we go. I’m passionate about supporting local communities in ways that help them grow stronger and more self-sufficient, whether that’s through education, fair jobs, or making sure kids have the freedom to just be kids—play, learn, laugh, and dream big. I’ve been lucky to have those things in my own life, and I believe travel is a chance to help others access the same opportunities. It’s about traveling with heart, not just a suitcase!”

“Throughout my life i've had the privilege of visiting incredible places around the world, experiencing amazing wildlife and natural wonders. It’s this exposure to all the earth has to offer, that has led me to be deeply passionate about protecting it. Without travel, I don’t think this enthusiasm would have developed. While I recognise some might consider it a contradiction in working in the travel industry, and call yourself an ‘eco -warrior’, I truly believe that travel can be a force for good when done in a responsible and regenerative way. I'm so delighted to be playing a small part scott dunn's efforts in offering more sustainable and thoughtful vacations – and in turn hopefully ignite the same passion in our guests!”

“For me, responsible travel is about being mindful of the impact we have on the places and communities we visit. It means minimising our carbon footprint, respecting local customs and traditions, supporting the conservation of wildlife and habitats, promoting animal welfare and advocating for local grassroots initiatives. The targeted approach of smaller, local initiatives allows them to maximize their impact within their specialty or region and, collectively, have a greater effect. I am especially interested in responsible travel within the developing world, where countries are disproportionately affected by climate change and mass tourism, and how technology can play a crucial role in mitigating these impacts, promoting sustainable practices and empowering local communities.”

"'Responsible travel' can mean many things, but at its most basic, it’s a question of who benefits most from a trip. I’m passionate about working to ensure that every trip at Scott Dunn considers every stakeholder involved in an itinerary, and that we consider where our and our client’s investment (financial and intangible) ultimately ends up. For most of us, the most carbon-intensive thing we can do is get on a plane, but offsetting that impact can take many different forms, namely in making sure that the type of travel we undertake is responsibly implemented and positively regenerative for the people, wildlife, and cultural and natural landscapes in the places we visit.”

“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 is something that has always been at the forefront of how I have traveled. I believe it’s all about connection; connecting with people and nature, talking to and understanding the local people and community. It’s about being conscious of how you can help do your part, as a tourist, to protect the environment that they live in, while seeing the world from a completely different and memorable perspective. For me, it’s about making small changes that can lead to greater consequences through this connection.”

“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.”

"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. "

"To me, responsible travel means acknowledging that all travel impacts our environment, so every journey must be meaningful. I believe you have to travel the world to truly love it, but this privilege comes with responsibility. When I travel, I focus on supporting local businesses, avoiding peak seasons and paying attention to the unique flora and fauna of each place. Since my travels inevitably leave an environmental footprint, I'm committed to ensuring every trip serves a purpose - whether through cultural exchange, learning or authentic connections with communities. Responsible travel isn't about perfection; it's about intentionality and making sure my impact is worthwhile. "