A&K Philanthropy programmes include the Duuma Wajane Bike Shop in Tanzania, where women repair and resell secondhand bikes to support their community
This month, Geoffrey Kent, founder and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent, reports on his industry?s move towards sustainability and why he thinks responsible tourism is the most authentic way to travel
Geoffrey Kent
Working towards sustainable tourism is the travel industry?s duty, and while big airlines and hotels should lead the way, there are still plenty of ways for individuals to make the right decisions. Being a responsible tourist might sound complicated ? or lofty ? but it does not need to be either. If 7.7 billion people were to make more sustainable choices, the planet would be better off. Think of the influence one individual can have; I have been very inspired by teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg, whose solitary climate change protest outside the Swedish parliament sparked a youth movement in some 112 countries. It?s often children who are the most aware and passionate. We must live up to their expectations. Follow LUX on Instagram: luxthemagazine
Thankfully, the concept of responsible tourism is catching on. It?s true that notions of sustainability, carbon neutrality, animal welfare and cultural sensitivity haven?t always been in sync with the travel industry, but increasingly we find our customers are asking us to book hotels with eco-friendly practices, to support the local communities they?re visit...