

The Tourism RESET
Rebecca Woolford
In each episode we dive into the journeys of people who are leading the way in one of the largest industries in the world. These are the founders, changemakers, risk takers, visionaries and custodians. We're here to celebrate their wins and share the lessons along the way to inspire you. Hosted by Rebecca Woolford, founder of Kiwano Tourism, The Tourism RESET podcast is about acknowledging that travel is a privilege and with that comes great responsibility. It's a medium to remind travel professionals and teams around the world what a big, beautiful industry this is and how to move beyond guilt and overwhelm, and instead feel inspired, moved, compelled and engaged in the solutions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2025 • 51min
22 The Real Cost Of A Tanzanian Safari With Rachel Levy
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. Today I have the inspiring Rachel Levy joining me, an award-winning filmmaker, writer and photojournalist based in Alaska whose work lies at the intersections of environmental justice, modern colonialism, and sustainable tourism.In this episode, learn about...Tourism leakage and colonial frameworks in the safari industry in TanzaniaThe dark side of the safari industry and how to best navigate a responsible tripHow to begin to turn the tide on the pervasive economic leakage and exploitationEnjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes.

Jan 14, 2025 • 50min
21 Calculating Carbon Across 500 Trips With Hannah Methven
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. This week I'm joined by sustainability specialist at Explore Worldwide, an adventure travel company. Hannah Methven is not just any sustainability manager, she led the most comprehensive carbon measurement project in the history of the travel industry, measuring the footprint of over 500 trips and counting. In this episode discover... What leading the largest ever carbon measurement project in travel was likeWhy transparency is everything and why they focused on carbon reduction firstHow starting with the smallest actions can lead to significant change in businessEnjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes!

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h
20 Regeneration Is Remembering With Anna Pollock
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. Today is special, as we've reached our 20th episode! A special thanks to everyone who's joined me for this wild ride so far, I've loved every minute. Awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to tourism, my guest today, Anna Pollock, has over 50 years of experience. An acclaimed thought leader in the emerging field of Regenerative Tourism, she's also the Founder of Conscious Travel.In this episode discover...Why the current tourism model is like a teenager that needs to quickly grow upWhat regenerative tourism embodies and what it is NOT - to set the record straightWhy the only way forward in this industry is to reconnect with ancient wisdom Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes!

Dec 11, 2024 • 53min
19 140 years Of Environmental Stewardship In Ecuador With Fernando Polanco
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. My guest today is Fernando Polanco, general manager and co-owner of Hacienda Zuleta in Ecuador.From a ground-breaking conservation programme to bring back Condors from the edge of extinction, to a rich family history spanning 140 years; there is no place on earth quite like Zuleta in Ecuador. In this conversation, Fernando shares the rich history of his family and their unshakeable commitment to environmental stewardship and community, rooted in the powerful legacy of his grandfather, a former president of Ecuador.Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes!

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 1min
18 The Power Of Transformative Travel With Fabrizio Ghilardi
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. My guest today is Fabrizio Ghilardi, founder of Socompa Adventure Travel. Fabrizio shares his journey from his home in Italy to Argentina in search of adventure and how he built Socompa into a premier travel company focused on responsible tourism. The conversation delves into the transformative power of travel, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges and successes of running a socially responsible business in a complex economic environment.Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes!

Nov 13, 2024 • 43min
17 Passport Privilege and Slow Travel With Shivya Nath
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. Today's guest is the author of a bestselling travel memoir, is the founder of Climate Conscious Travel and the sustainable travel blog, The Shooting Star. In 2011, at the age of 23, Shivya Nath waved goodbye to a corporate job, sold her possessions and embarked on an adventure of a lifetime, sparked by her curious nature.For the next 7 years Shivya lived out of her bag, immersing herself in local communities from Guatemala to Uzbekistan; those experiences shaped her into a passionate advocate for slow, solo travel and community tourism.Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes!

Oct 30, 2024 • 50min
16 From Sustainable To Responsible Tourism With Harold Goodwin
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. My guest today has worked across 4 continents with local communities, their governments, and the tourism industry at large.Dr. Harold Goodwin is the Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, chairs the panels of judges for the Global Responsible Tourism Awards and is the Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism. In this episode we talk about over tourism, real-world examples, inspiring stories of hope and why 'sustainable' is a word best to avoid.Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes!

Oct 23, 2024 • 48min
15 Seven Siblings and One Eco Lodge With Paula Christensen
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. My guest today, Paula Christensen, is one of 7 brothers and sisters who run a remote eco-lodge which overlooks the impossibly blue waters of Lake General Carrera in Patagonia, Chile.In this conversation, Paula discusses her family's fierce commitment to Mallín Colorado, how it all started with a camping trip, and their exciting reforestation project. Paula also shares insights on the impact of climate change on the region, the fragility of nature, and the importance of adapting tourism practices to protect the environment.Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset, one expert, one topic, less than five minutes!

Oct 9, 2024 • 1h 3min
14 Permaculture For The Future With Jonah Chaffee
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. My guest today is Jonah Chaffee, an ecological educator and owner of Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel and Farm in Costa Rica. In this episode we unpack the principles of permaculture. We also explore the connections between soil health and human health. As well as how multi-generational education at his eco-lodge in Costa Rica is creating a ripple effect. I hope you enjoy this episode!Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset series, (one expert, one topic, less than five mins).

Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 6min
13 Elevating Invisible Narratives In Tourism With Elisa Spampinato
Welcome back to The Tourism RESET with me, your host, Rebecca Woolford. My guest today is Elisa Spampinato, founder of Traveller Storyteller. Elisa is a community tourism consultant, community connector, and storyteller. She is fiercely passionate about involving local communities in the development of tourism, be it in rural communities, or urban settings. In this episode we talk about elevating the invisible narratives within tourism and the intangible benefits that local communities can receive through the right kind of tourism. I hope you enjoy this episode!Enjoyed listening? Visit thetourismreset.com, on-demand video learning for tourism pros. A great place to begin is the 5 Minute Reset series, (one expert, one topic, less than five mins).


