© 2026 SUNx Malta.
All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 SUNx Malta.
All Rights Reserved.
You love to travel. You know that travel can be a force for good but you also know that it is contributing to environmental challenges which will affect our future generations. We get it. You feel conflicted and guilty and so do we!
But there is hope. That’s why we created this podcast; to help you to understand both the issues and the opportunities around travel so that we can all be better informed about the good, the bad and the downright ugly in travel.
Each week, we speak to prominent leaders in the global travel industry to learn their thoughts, insights and opinions as to how we can all travel a little better so that future generations can also have hope for a better future.
Oh, and if you’re looking for environmental doom and gloom, look elsewhere. We are realistic about the climate crisis but we are here to offer hope and optimism. Every small step forward, is a giant stride, when we all step together.
And if you’d like to join us and get involved, visit climatefriendly.travel and register with us. You’ll be in great company…
20 Years of Partnership: From Tsunami Relief to Climate-Friendly Travel ? We are incredibly proud to share a very special conversation featuring our co-founder, Geoffrey Lipman, and Paul Wilke, co-founder of Walking Duck.
Geoffrey and Paul discussed the core takeaways from COP30, the hope for future generations and how AI might play a positive role in sustainable travel, and their shared "origin story" around how they became friends while trying to bring sustainable tourism economics back from the devastating 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami.
They also discussed SUNx's innovative Dodo for Kids program.
It's a conversation 20 years in the making, and you can listen to our conversation here.
Original Author: Rahul
Patrizia Patti, founder of Ecomarine Malta, talks about the balance between marine conservancy & tourism and how Ecomarine Malta aims to increase awareness about marine ecosystems through tourism.
In this episode of the Climate Friendly Travel Podcast, host Ged Brown discusses with marine biologist, Patrizia Patti, the balance between marine conservancy and tourism. Patti is the founder of Ecomarine Malta, an organization aiming to increase awareness about marine ecosystems through tourism. Besides offering tours for educational purposes, Ecomarine Malta actively collects scientific data for use in marine biology research. Patrizia emphasizes the potential of tourism to work for conservation and discusses the significance of shared knowledge for increased awareness and purposeful travel. She believes that education and collaboration can make a significant impact on environmental conservation.
The following things are covered in the podcast:
• Patrizia's Journey and the Birth of Ecomarine Malta
• The Importance of Marine Education and Awareness
• Ecomarine Malta's Sustainable Marine Tours
• The Role of Ecomarine Malta in Conservation and Tourism
• The Impact of Ecomarine Malta's Tours
• The State of Malta's Marine Environment
• The Role of Tourism in Marine Conservation
• Patrizia's Optimism for the Future of the Environment
• The Power of Meaningful Travel
• Conclusion and Invitation to Join Ecomarine Malta
Original Author: Rahul
Source:
Original Article
In this episode, Gerard is joined by Suzy Hutomo who is the Chair of Body Shop Indonesia and co-founder of Eco Tourism Bali.
With a vision to ensure Bali is viewed as a Preferred Sustainable Tourism Destination, Eco Tourism Bali aims to put Bali as a sustainable tourism destination in the world by 2030 and to contribute on Achieving Climate Neutrality in Travel and Tourism by 2050. In this podcast, we learn more about the work of Eco Tourism Bali and how they are progressing towards their goals.
And if you’d like to learn more about Eco Tourism Bali then please do visit: https://www.ecotourismbali.com
You can join Suzy, Eco Tourism Bali and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up to join The SunX Registry at , climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
Original Author: Rahul
Source:
Original Article
In this episode, Ged is joined by Wira who is the Founder and Director of Five Pillars Experiences in Bali.
Wira founded Five Pillars in 2015 with the mission to curate inspiring and responsible travel experiences that celebrate the allure of rural communities, diverse cultures, and pristine natural environments in Bali and beyond. We learn more about the work of Five Pillars from Wira and took the opportunity when we met up in Bali recently to record this podcast live and in person.
Huge thanks to Wira for sharing his insights with us today and if you’d like to learn more about Five Pillars Experiences and see the wonderful work they are doing in local communities, then please do visit: https://fivepillarexperiences.com/
And you can join Wira, Five Pillars Experiences and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up to join The SunX Registry at , climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
Original Author: Rahul
Source:
Original Article
Perched 1,000 feet above the Pokhara Valley with a spectacular Himalayan backdrop, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge provides the essence of tranquillity. Ideal for guests pre- and post-trek, or for those wishing to take day walks exploring local communities, bird-watching, gentle exercise, or just to relax in a typical Nepalese rural setting.
The owners and staff believe in tourism with a conscience and are pioneers of regenerative tourism in Nepal’s hills and to validate their claims, they are independently verified by Yardstick UK. Additionally, they are certified by GSTC affiliate Travellife with Gold Standard Audits in 2017 and 2019.
In this episode, Marcus shares their vision, journey and future direction for the Lodge. If you’d like to learn more about Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge then please do visit: https://tigermountainpokhara.com.
And you can join Marcus, Tiger Mountain Lodge and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up to join The SunX Registry at , climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
Original Author: Rahul
Source:
Original Article
Original Author: Rahul
Source:
Original Article
In this episode we learn more from Murray about how Natural Selection foster multiple partnerships with other local organisations to be a force for good in the communities they operate in.
And if you’d like to learn more about Natural Selection, their ethos and indeed see the experiences they provide for yourself, then please do visit https://naturalselection.travel and also https://www.naturalselectionfoundation.org
You can join Murray, Natural Selection and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up to join The SunX Registry at climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
Original Author: Rahul
With numerous awards and accolades to it’s name, Gerard was keen to visit Distant Relatives after meeting up with today’s guest at the Sustainable Africa Tourism Summit recently. We hear so many examples of high end luxury properties being super sustainable and regenerative and we are mindful that there are far more travellers and indeed properties without high end budgets yet dedicated to more eco options.
After a full tour of the property and a wonderful 2 night stay, Gerard sat down with Distant Relatives’ CEO, Mwanase Ahmed, to learn more about the property, their ethos and their journey, all of which you will hear in this podcast. Gerard was absolutely in love with what they have created here in this beautiful part of Kenya.
If you’d like to learn more about Distant Relatives, then we would encourage you to visit https://www.kilifibackpackers.com
And you can join Mwanase, Distant Relatives and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
Welcome to the Climate Friendly Travel Podcast! Where each episode, we speak to the great and the good of the global travel and tourism industry to learn more about what they are doing to ensure that the principles of climate friendly travel are being advanced.
Emboo River is positioned in the heart of Kenya's Maasai Mara and is the perfect spot to explore this spectacular ecosystem and spot all its wildlife.
At Emboo River guests can enjoy unique experiences, including silent safaris in solar powered vehicles, dinner under the stars, delicious meals with organic ingredients from their hydroponic farm prepared on bio-gas, rain showers overlooking nature and so much more.
I’m Ged Brown, your host for this week’s episode. I speak to Mary about how Emboo River Camp came to be one of the most respected and lauded sustainability projects in Kenya and more specifically, how they have achieved so much in such a relatively short space of time.
And if you’d like to learn more about Emboo River, then please do visit https://www.emboo.camp
You can join Mary and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
I’m Ged Brown, your host for this week’s episode and today I’m delighted to be joined by Nikki Mattei who owns and runs a private eco escape in central Italy.
Nikki has been a supporter of a more natural and sustainable approach to life for over 20 years. For the past 10 years, she has run her own ethical marketing consultancy and worked with campaigning organisations such as Fashion Revolution and Breast Cancer UK. At the end of 2021 she set up as a sustainability strategist to increase her impact by working with businesses who want to become more purpose driven and be part of saving the planet.
She is delighted to be part of the growing green tourism movement and has become an advocate for sustainable tourism, often taking part in webinars and podcasts. In this episode I speak to Nikki about her personal sustainability journey and we get under the skin of the sustainable practices in place at her property, Villa In The Vineyard.
And if you’d like to learn more about Nikki’s work and indeed see the fabulous Villa In the Vineyard for yourself, then please do visit villa-in-the-vineyard.com.
And you can join Nikki and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
You can join Prerna, Ecoplore and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
Today we're joined by Greg Bakunzi who is the Founder Red Rocks Rwanda.
Red Rocks Rwanda is an Ecotourism company and a social enterprise that is all about promoting sustainable tourism through community and conservation programs. They bring under-served communities into the tourism supply chain and support community development projects that help people to help themselves through various initiatives.
With a variety of accommodation offered, Red Rocks cultural tourism scheme involves developing the community and promoting their nature preserve through tourism and enhancing intercultural exchange programs, between the host local community and visitors.
In this episode I speak to Greg about how he believes tourism, conservation, and community development can co-exist to make a truly responsible tourism offering.
And if you’d like to learn more about Red Rocks Rwanda, then please do visit https://www.redrocksrwanda.com
You can join Greg, Red Rocks Rwanda and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel and indeed become an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
In this episode we speak to Julie about the origin story of Weeva, the challenges faced by her clients and the steps she recommends that every travel and tourism organisation can take to get started on their own sustainability pathway.
And you can join Julie, Weeva and hundreds more like-minded people and organisations by joining Climate Friendly Travel movement and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
Today we're joined once more by Chalana Perera who talks with us about the concept of capacity in tourism destinations. Do we know how many tourists we can safely welcome before there is a negative impact on the host community, the environment and the traveller experience. We also discuss poverty, it’s role in climate resilience and how this links with the wider climate change crisis.
Big issues and thought provoking discussions…
My thanks again to Chalana for sharing his insights with us today and if you’d like to learn more about RETRACE Hospitality and the work they are doing in Sri Lanka then please do visit https://www.retracehospitality.com
And you can join hundreds more like-minded individuals and organisations by joining the Climate Friendly Travel movement and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com
That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
In this first episode of two, I talk to Chalana about what it means when we talk about regenerative tourism, how is it conceptualised in Sri Lanka today, have things changed since the onset of the financial crisis in Sri Lanka last year and is slow travel replacing mass tourism in Sri Lanka?
You can hear the second episode with Chalana next time where we delve into capacity studies as we try to establish just how many tourists can a destination safely accommodate before the experience becomes a negative one for the host community, the environment, and the travellers.
For now, my thanks again to Chalana for sharing his insights with us today and if you’d like to learn more about RETRACE Hospitality and the work they are doing in Sri Lanka then please do visit https://www.retracehospitality.com
And you can join hundreds more like-minded individuals and organisations by joining the Climate Friendly Travel movement and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Rahul
Today I’m delighted to be joined by Hylton Lipkin who is the General Manager of Alba Wellness Valley in Vietnam.
Set at the foot of the Truong Son Mountains, spanning over 50 hectares of lush gardens and pristine lakes, is Alba Wellness Resort by Fusion. The nature-inspired destination which combines rest, relaxation and the healing qualities of Thanh Tan hot springs to form a quiet respite just 30 kilometres north from Hue.
The wellness resort features 30 Deluxe Rooms and 20 Bungalows. Surrounded by manicured gardens with calming waters and tranquil bamboo paths, guests can embrace a holistic lifestyle while lounging by the pool bar, enjoying massage and spa services and rejuvenating in the onsite Japanese onsen baths.
With a long and illustrious career in the global hospitality industry, Hylton who is from South Africa, eventually settled in Vietnam at the Alba Wellness Resort where he clearly takes immense pride in the holistic wellness and sustainable approach which they have become renowned for in recent years.
In this episode I speak to Hylton about the essence of what makes Alba Wellness Valley so special. And if you’d like to learn more about Alba Wellness Valley and their ethos and indeed see the property for yourself, then please do visit fusionhotelgroup.com/albawellnessvalley
And you can join Hylton, Alba Wellness Valley, and hundreds more like-minded individuals and organisations by joining the Climate Friendly Travel movement and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Charles Grayson
Today I’m joined by Kyle Taylor from Eco Lifestyle Lodge in Barbados. Tucked away on the hills overlooking the dramatic seascape of the Bajan east coast, ECO Lifestyle + Lodge is the realized dream of New York native Kyle & his partner Maryam, who traded the hustle of city life for a slower, more meaningful pace when they moved to Barbados several years ago. With their young family in tow, they’ve firmly established themselves in the local community.
With numerous awards already won for their eco endeavours, Kyle tells me how they established themselves as the number 1 eco resort on Barbados. And if you want to be truly inspired, I highly urge you to check out their Eco Sky Water project which just might be the solution to water shortages around the world very soon – it’s truly incredible.
If you’d like to learn more about the Eco Lifestyle Lodge and their ethos and indeed see the property for yourself, then please do visit www.ecolifestylelodge.com
And you can join Kyle, Eco Lifestyle Lodge, and hundreds more like-minded individuals and organisations by joining the Climate Friendly Travel movement and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Charles Grayson
Today I’m delighted to be joined by Debra Branker from Welchman Hall Gully in Barbados. Welchman Hall Gully is a glittering jewel set in the heart of Barbados. One and a half kilometres long and 20 metres deep, this is a mature tropical forest located in a collapsed cave which is now defined as a gully. This pristine, tropical hideaway is the home to wild monkeys, majestic rainforest trees and delicate native plants and it is truly a place where visitors come to be at one with nature and the earth.
I caught up with Debra to learn more about the Gully and find out what makes it so special. And if you’d like to learn more about Welchman Hall Gully, then please do visit www.welchmanhallgullybarbados.com
You can join Debra, Welchman Hall Gully, and hundreds more like-minded individuals and organisations by joining the Climate Friendly Travel movement and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Charles Grayson
Joana Saavedra, Co-Founder of BamBu Bicycles, talks about bamboo bicycles, their unique appearance, beautiful design, lightweight and comfort to ride.
Today I’m delighted to be joined by Joana Saavedra who is the Co-Founder of BamBu Bicycles. Joana and her brother Tiago had always dreamed of working together on an inspiring project. But it never crossed their minds that this opportunity would happen while living and working in China in 2018. There, they became dazzled with bamboo, its astonishing benefits and all the possibilities to build anything with this beautiful and sustainable material. When they first discovered bamboo bicycles, they became amazed by their unique appearance, beautiful design, light weight and comfort to ride. Instantly, they fell in love with the idea of crafting their own bamboo bikes and being the first bike builders of these wonderful bikes in their home country of Portugal.
Inspired by the initiatives of INBAR to promote the economic, social and environmental benefits of these power plants, they decided to put their hands to work and bring to life their own bamboo bike company. Since then, they’ve been crafting and refining their products with heart and soul to bring out the best bamboo bicycles nature can give.
I caught up with Joana to learn more about these amazing bicycles and just how and why they came up with such an incredible and novel concept. Huge thanks again to Joana for sharing her insights with us today, and if you’d like to learn more about BamBu Bicycles, then please do visit bambu-bicycles.com
You can join Joana, Bambu Bicycles, and hundreds more like-minded travel businesses and organisations by joining the Climate Friendly Travel movement and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Charles Grayson
Anthony Lark, Executive Director of Shinta Mani Hotels, talks about the essence of what makes Shinta Mani so special and holidays that change lives for their guests and in the surrounding communities alike.
Today we're delighted to be joined by Anthony Lark who is the Executive Director of Shinta Mani Hotels. Shinta Mani Hotels aim to deliver holidays that change lives for their guests and in the surrounding communities alike. Each of the hotels are designed by co-owner Bill Bensley whom Architectural Digest calls “a pioneer in sustainable hotel design” and each of their small properties reflects its natural and cultural environment, providing heartfelt hospitality that supports the people, animals and ecosystems of Cambodia through the Shinta Mani Foundation. With an illustrious career which includes becoming the general manager for Adrian Zecha’s first Aman resort, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Anthony Lark is more than a hotelier.
You can join Anthony, Shinta Mani, and hundreds more like-minded travel businesses and individuals by joining our Climate Friendly Travel Community and indeed becoming an ambassador by signing up free of charge to join The SUNx Registry at www.climatefriendly.travel or email us at info@thesunprogram.com That’s our show for this week. Thanks so much for your company and remember, when it comes to Climate Friendly Travel, every small step forward, is giant stride when we all step together…
Original Author: Charles Grayson
Geoffrey Lipman, SUNx Co-founder
info@thesunprogram.com
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