His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex has launched ‘Travalyst’, a new partnership which brings travel companies together to come up with solutions to make travel more ethical and sustainable.
Credit/Copyright: royal.uk
His Royal Highness spoke of his own experiences travelling around the world, and how they have inspired him to set up the initiative:
‘Over the years I’ve had the distinct privilege of working around the globe representing my Grandmother, The Queen, throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. This role has given me a unique perspective on the issues the world faces, and an opportunity to meet a diverse range of communities—to hear them describe their problems as well as their ideas for solutions.’
Working with companies, consumers and communities, the partnership will initially explore and promote solutions that help drive sustainable practices and consumer choices in areas including; supporting local people, protecting wildlife, tackling climate change and environmental damage, and alleviating over-tourism.
The Duke of Sussex used one very specific example of the effect tourism is having on communities:
‘There is one moment that stands out in my memory from a trip I made back in 2012 while representing my Grandmother in the Caribbean. As I walked to the boat to observe a coral reef replanting project, I had a seven year old come up to me, tug my shirt, and say with such conviction: "Because of your country, my country’s coral reef is dying."
This boy, despite his age, had touched on a powerful truth. He already understood that the environmental damage caused to the reef was created by the actions of people outside of his country. And he was absolutely spot on.’
During the launch in Amsterdam, The Duke spoke of the importance of involving the people who drive the travel industry and understand it better than anyone else:
‘One thing I’ve learned … again and again, is that often times the best solution comes from within – from the local community members who live and breathe it every day.’
The initiative aims to pave a new way to travel so that everyone can explore the world in a way that ensures cultures, places, and wildlife are unharmed and secured for many generations to come.
Source: Royal.uk
