26. Tourism That Stays With You

Tourism markets paradise. Crystal clear water, swaying palms, pristine white sand, authentic culture. And sometimes that image is real and often there's a gap, which comes with a cost. Not just environmentally, but culturally and economically as well. This episode explores what tourism actually does to the places it depends on when it isn't done with intention. From overtourism and zero dollar tourism to the misuse of local culture when hospitality becomes purely transactional. We also look at when tourism genuinely gives back to the places it loves. Drawing on over two decades of working in the industry across Southeast Asia and Australia, this episode makes the case that the most sustainable tourism businesses aren't the ones with the most certifications or the biggest budgets. They're the ones where the team understands the North Star, where the community around the property benefits from its being there, and where guests feel like they actually went somewhere. Not a simulation of somewhere. The real thing. If there's a gap between what you're selling and what you're delivering this episode is an invitation to close it.

Two Homes is for leaders who know that lasting performance, for people and planet, starts from the inside out. Two homes: the one we inhabit within, and the one we all share.

Intro and outro music: Brooks, Kai Engel

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Two Homes is part of my business, Plastic Free Southeast Asia — an Australia Pacific specialist sustainability leadership consultancy, that is your partner in all authentic and aligned sustainability for tourism businesses and boards.

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Show Notes:

The Last Tourist documentary film:

Highly recommended viewing, especially as a team activity. Explores the challenges and possibilities of sustainable tourism with honesty and depth.

https://www.thelasttourist.com

G Adventures - sustainable tourism operator:

https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/our-impact/

Lio Beach, El Nido, Palawan — zero single use plastic tourism community:

https://ir.ayalaland.com.ph/news-and-updates/lio-beach-a-model-of-inclusive-growth-in-tourism/

Bhutan sustainable tourism model:

https://www.tourism.gov.bt

Angkor temples dress code and cultural guidelines:

https://www.angkorwat.org/visitor-information/

Related Two Homes episodes:

Episode 23 - The Sustainable Traveller

Episode 11 - The Social in ESG

Episode 9 - What Integration Actually Looks Like