Global Citizenship and sustainability in action

Firstly, let me thank you for visiting the site. It is a real labour of love and many years in the making.  

    My eyes were opened whilst working  overseas.  Ever since, I have been pro the locals, an advocate of increasing the seasons to alleviate burn out, making sure fairtrade tourism is applied and encouraging the diversification of industry to ease reliance on tourism.

 As part of my work with destinations, I’ve seen firsthand how carbon‑heavy travel patterns affect communities. Decarbonising travel isn’t about travelling less — it’s about travelling better. 

    Now I emphasise the importance of destination management, managing capacity, maintaining healthy boundaries that protect cultural heritage, facilities and community. Destinations must value themselves and call the shots. It is time to say no to that 3rd cruise ship in a week, or being told that every villa must have a pool because that what this years tourist wants. 

      I am not anti tourist, far from it. If we revert to cultural immersion and respect the destinations and the planet, we all win. A better holiday, memories and friends. To be well travelled has to align with travel done well, travel that broadens  and  re focuses the mind without harming the local equilibrium.   

      A holiday for most  has become, the easy fix option of an all you can eat buffet whilst using a country's guaranteed sunshine  whilst the locals serve us.  Our priorities are now luxury and indulgence and are not seeing that our children will be affected by our choices. Moving to Large cruise ships and travelling with large groups that do not integrate with the local community, models an us and them future to our children.

 Educating the next generation of travellers to learn about the country's culture, stay amongst the locals, respect resources and know where their money is going, will make them holistically global citizens.

   If we show them entitlement and that no rules apply on a holiday. When actually any energy use affects our one Earth.

    Our teenagers are blindly taking multiple flights/holidays each Summer ! Carbon footprint aside, SWYEO looks into alternatives that enhance their experiences and their pre employment CV. 

I have been working with destinations and educational institutions  for 7 years, implementing change.  The impact of every school having accountability for its sustainability and a big drive towards  ESD 2030 and Global citizenship has revolutionised the future. SWYEO is challenging us all to take the revolution one step further and ensure our wake up applies to wherever we wake up! 

Every school subject is connected to sustainability and travel. Yes, it is does take longer to look behind the scenes and choose responsible holidays. 

When we all work together, great things can happen.

Hope you enjoy the site and resources.

Kate x