Uniting the industry for change
The Summit
Our annual flagship event will assemble leading experts and visionaries from the travel industry to delve into groundbreaking solutions and envision a future where travel becomes a catalyst for positive change, prioritizing sustainability and regenerative practices that foster environmental and community well-being. Emphasizing diverse and global perspectives, the summit will challenge participants to collaboratively build an industry that creates abundance for all.
Rethink.
Restore.
Regenerate.
2024 By the Numbers
An intimate summit to foster collaboration
The Summit format will include more opportunities for networking and in-depth dialogue between participants. The Summit is an exclusive event, open to participants through an application process designed to ensure a delegation of high quality. This selective approach enhances opportunities for collaboration and connection among attendees.
key themes
Our Program
Join us at the Regenerative Travel Summit, where we are bringing together all industry partners and stakeholders for a transformative journey toward a regenerative future.
Theme: Uniting the travel industry for change
The Regenerative Travel Summit is a platform to propel the industry towards a regenerative future. Together, we will explore innovative ideas, share best practices, and inspire one another to build an industry that creates a positive environmental and social impact. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, forge partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of travel.
Key Themes
From Ideas to Impact: Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World
Michael Sheldrick, a globally recognized advocate for social impact, will explore strategies for driving meaningful change in today’s complex global landscape in his keynote address.
Rewilding Biodiversity Hotspots Through Hospitality
Hear from innovative hospitality leaders who are rewilding biodiversity hotspots and creating meaningful connections between travelers and nature.
Influencing The Next Generation of Journalism and Travel
We will explore how media can shape the future of travel by promoting sustainable travel practices, addressing overtourism, and influencing the perception of destinations.
Full program to be announced
Introduction Keynote
Michael Sheldrick
Co-Founder of Global Citizen
Michael Sheldrick is a globally recognized advocate for social impact and one of the founding members of Global Citizen, an international movement dedicated to ending extreme poverty and driving systemic change.
As Chief Policy, Impact, and Government Affairs Officer, Michael has led high-profile campaigns that have mobilized billions of dollars in commitments to address global challenges, including climate change, global health, and education. Known for his strategic approach to advocacy, he has worked closely with world leaders, celebrities, and grassroots activists to amplify critical issues and inspire action.
Michael’s efforts have been instrumental in creating global impact through innovative partnerships and large-scale events. Through his work, Michael continues to push boundaries and inspire others to take bold steps toward meaningful change.
Meet Our Speakers
O'Shannon Burns
Program Manager at Cornell University
O’Shannon is a researcher and sustainability consultant with 15 years’ experience shaping mission-driven businesses and embedding regenerative principles into operations with a focus on climate action, conservation, environmental justice and sustainable travel and tourism. Ochre has collaborated with The World Bank, Disney, TED, the National Geographic Society, Atlas Obscura, Regenerative Travel, tourism boards, and dozens of small businesses on sustainability strategy and management.
Gilberto Salcedo Ribero
Vice President of Tourism at ProColombia
Gilberto is a key figure in promoting Colombia’s tourism on the global stage. Salcedo has been instrumental in advancing sustainable tourism, enhancing Colombia’s international image, and forging strategic partnerships to improve connectivity. He has led initiatives such as the “Colombia: The Country of Beauty” brand narrative, positioning Colombia as a top destination known for its biodiversity, cultural richness, and commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
Juliet Kinsman
sustainability editor at
Condé Nast Traveller
Juliet is a leading voice in sustainable luxury travel, serving as the first Sustainability Editor for Condé Nast Traveller. She is the founder of Bouteco, a consultancy promoting eco-conscious luxury hotels, and author of The Green Edit: Travel. With over two decades of experience in travel journalism, she is a recognized expert in sustainable tourism and luxury hospitality, advocating for meaningful, impact-driven travel.
Kristy Drutman
Green jobs board
Kristy is the founder of Green Jobs Board, a platform dedicated to connecting people with sustainable career opportunities, and BrownGirlGreen, a media and advocacy initiative that amplifies diverse voices in the environmental movement. As a passionate environmental advocate, Kristy uses her platforms to promote intersectional environmentalism, empower marginalized communities, and inspire the next generation of climate leaders.
Julie Cheetham
sustainability consultant
Julie is a sustainability leader and the former Managing Director of Weeva, a pioneering sustainability management tool designed for the hospitality industry. With a focus on driving measurable impact, Julie led Weeva’s mission to help hotels and tourism businesses integrate sustainable practices into their operations, promoting transparency and credible reporting. She has a wealth of experience in ESG strategy, having worked across sectors to champion responsible business practices.
Jaqueline Gil
Former Sustainability Director at Embratur Brazil
Jaqueline is the former International Marketing, Business, and Sustainability Director at the Brazilian Tourism Board, where she transformed Brazil’s marketing strategies by integrating sustainability frameworks, leading to improved international rankings and record tourism exports. Jaqueline serves as a Thought Leader Advisory Board Member at the Journal of Tourism Futures, an Instructor at UN WTO Online Academy, and a BeachHead Advisor for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
James Crockett
Program manager and fauna and flora
James is the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Programme Manager for Fauna & Flora, working with their Caribbean Alliance with Rewild. He supports the conservation and restoration of Caribbean biodiversity by assisting local partners in developing sustainable, locally managed tourism experiences that finance conservation efforts. James also focuses on innovative finance mechanisms for private sector investment in Nature-based Solutions for climate risk reduction.
Ashley Barrientos
editor of impact
Ashley Barrientos is the Founding Editor of Impact, a leading publication dedicated to exploring the intersection of sustainability, social impact, and environmental innovation. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Ashley has built a platform that amplifies voices driving positive change in the world. Under her leadership, *Impact and Environment* has become a go-to source for thought-provoking insights and in-depth reporting on the future of sustainable living and responsible business practices.
Poppy Mason-Watts
Chief Growth and Impact Officer
at WaterBear
As part of the founding team, Poppy oversees marketing, impact strategy, commercial growth, and works closely with the C-suite on operations, culture, and scaling. Previously, Poppy held roles at National Geographic and FOX, with 14+ years of experience working on global campaigns for brands like Unilever and TV/film projects including My Octopus Teacher. She also serves on the Netherlands board of the UN Global Compact and the advisory board of the Aegean Film Festival.
Ashley Barrientos
founding editor of impact
Ashley Barrientos is the Founding Editor of Impact, a leading publication dedicated to exploring the intersection of sustainability, social impact, and environmental innovation. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Ashley has built a platform that amplifies voices driving positive change in the world. Under her leadership, *Impact and Environment* has become a go-to source for thought-provoking insights and in-depth reporting on the future of sustainable living and responsible business practices.
Closing Keynote
Sarah Dusek
Co-Founder of Under Canvas and Few & Far
Sarah Dusek is the co-founder of Under Canvas, a leading luxury glamping company that redefined outdoor hospitality by combining the adventure of camping with the comforts of a boutique hotel.
Under her leadership, Under Canvas grew into a nationally recognized brand, known for its eco-friendly, safari-inspired tents located near some of America’s most iconic national parks. Sarah is a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and social impact, which has guided Under Canvas’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
She is also the founder of Enygma Ventures, a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in female entrepreneurs in Southern Africa, empowering women to build impactful businesses recently Few & Far her latest travel company that is actively investing in the planet.
Through her ventures, Sarah continues to inspire change and champion a more inclusive and sustainable future for the travel industry.
Meet Our Exhibitors
Wild Tomorrow
south africa
Song Saa Collective
cambodia
Boardwalk Aruba
aruba
ProColombia
Colombia
Common Ground
USA
Carole Baden Hotels
worldwide
To exhibit email: [email protected]
The Program
Registration and Exhibitors Open
2:00 PM
Registration and Exhibitor Section Opens + Networking Break
Welcome Remarks
2:30 PM - 2:40 PM
Amanda Ho, CEO of Regenerative Travel, will deliver the welcome remarks at the summit, setting the stage for a dynamic exploration of the future of sustainable and regenerative tourism highlighting the summit’s role in fostering collaboration, sparking innovative ideas, and driving systemic change within the tourism sector.
Amanda Ho, Co-Founder & CEO of Regenerative Travel
From Ideas to Impact: Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World
2:45 PM - 2:55 PM
In his keynote introductory address, Michael Sheldrick, a globally recognized advocate for social impact, will delve into strategies for driving meaningful change in today’s complex global landscape. Drawing on his extensive experience in campaigning for social justice, global health, and sustainable development, Michael will share insights on how individuals, organizations, and communities can collaborate to address pressing global challenges.
Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen
Shaping The Next Generation of Journalism and Travel Media
3:00 PM - 3:40 PM
As the media landscape shifts away from traditional outlets and print declines, travel media must adapt to stay relevant. This panel will explore how the rise of digital platforms, social media, and influencer-driven storytelling is transforming travel journalism. Experts will discuss the need for fresh, authentic narratives that resonate with younger audiences who value experiences, sustainability, and diverse voices.
Ashley Barrientos, Founding Editor at Impact
Kristy Drutman, Founder of Green Jobs Board
Poppy Mason-Watts, Chief Impact and Growth Officer at WaterBear Network
Juliet Kinsman, Sustainability Editor at Condé Nast Traveller (Moderator)
Networking Break
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Networking Break and Exhibition
Navigating Complexity in Establishing a Unifying ESG Framework
4:50 PM - 5:20 PM
Join Julie Cheetham and Juliet Kinsman for a candid fireside chat as she reflects on Weeva’s journey as a sustainability management tool for hotels. Julie will delve into the challenges of building a unifying ESG solution in the hospitality industry and discuss the broader implications for achieving net positive outcomes. She will share valuable insights, lessons learned, and explore how innovative approaches can drive future success in sustainable hospitality.
Julie Cheetham, Sustainability Consultant
Juliet Kinsman, Sustainability Editor at Condé Nast Traveller (Moderator)
Establishing Public-Private Partnerships for Conservation
5:25 PM - 6:05 PM
Explore the importance of public-private partnerships in conservation, highlighting that multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential to protect natural resources and promote sustainable tourism. Looking at practical case studies from Brazil and Colombia, panelists will discuss how these partnerships have successfully conserved ecosystems, supported local communities, and transformed areas into ecotourism destinations.
Jacqueline Gil, Former Sustainability Director at Embratur Brazil
Gilberto Salcedo Ribero, Vice President of Tourism at ProColombia
James Crockett, Sustainable Tourism Program Manager, Caribbean at Fauna & Flora
O’Shannon Burns, Program Manager at Cornell University (Moderator)
Scaling Success with Purpose: A Playbook for Impactful Growth
6:10 PM - 6:20 PM
Join Sarah Dusek, Co-Founder and former CEO of Under Canvas, as she shares her inspiring journey of scaling a purpose-driven company that makes a positive social impact. In this keynote, Sarah will reveal how she transformed Under Canvas from a small startup into a leader in luxury outdoor hospitality, blending adventure with sustainability and achieving a $100M sale. She will also introduce her latest venture, Few & Far, a travel company committed to investing in the planet’s future.
Sarah Dusek, Founder of Few and Far and Enygma Ventures
Industry Reception
6:30 PM - 8:00 pm
The Industry Reception at the Regenerative Travel Summit will be an extraordinary gathering of pioneers, influencers, and thought leaders from the world of sustainable and regenerative travel. Our reception will serve as a dynamic hub for networking and collaboration within the travel industry.
Tranquilo Bay
Bucuti & Tara Beach
Dimensions Retreats
Green Mountain Amenities
Jade Mountain
Andbeyond
Fogo Island Inn
the impact awards 2023
Join us at the Regenerative Travel Summit for the launch of the Impact Awards 2023, celebrating individuals and initiatives that exemplify the regenerative ethos. From community empowerment to environmental stewardship, we're searching worldwide for innovators who are making a difference and driving positive change. Learn more and nominate an individual or project.
Our Venue
The Wythe Hotel, a converted textile factory from the early 20th century, is a pillar of sustainable and community-minded practices in the Williamsburg neighborhood. As the first New York hotel of the Regenerative Travel community, Wythe Hotel sets an exemplary standard for sustainable and regenerative tourism practices in an urban environment.
2023 Recap Video
RT+ Change Maker
For industry professionals and students-
Access for one individual
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Access to resources
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Access to educational webinars
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Access to $99 travel credit & exclusives at all Regenerative Hotels
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Access to our members portal
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Access to our private RT+ Change Maker Whatsapp Channel
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Access to job listings & opportunities
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Access to B2B networking sessions
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Access to community events (in-person) such as the Regenerative Travel Summit
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First access to educational e-course on regenerative tourism launching Q4 2023
Purchase a ticket to join
Register Now
Summit Pass Inclusions
September 23, 2024 | 2:00 - 8:00 PM-
In-person access to the Summit to attend all programming, networking sessions and panels for one person
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Access to community portal to network with delegates
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Access to exhibitor showcase
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In-person access to attend VIP Industry Reception for networking
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Complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres included at reception
Register for the Summit
Our Partners
OUR supporting partners
OUR media partners
For media or partnership inquiries email:
[email protected]
General Tickets
Access to the Summit is free for all participants-
In-person access to the Summit to attend day panels and workshops
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In-person access to attend the Impact Awards 2023 Ceremony
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10% discount on RegenerativeTravel+ membership subscription
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Special offers and exclusives from our Summit partners
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Industry Tickets
Join our Industry Reception-
In-person access to the Summit to attend day panels and workshops
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In-person access to attend the Impact Awards 2023 Ceremony
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In-person access to attend VIP Industry Reception for networking
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Complimentary drink ticket and hors d'oeuvres included at reception
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30% discount on RegenerativeTravel+ membership subscription
