World Expeditions’ Hope In Action: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel forum drew a packed audience of travel media and industry leaders.
Hosted by Donna Lawrence, World Expeditions’ Global Impact & Sustainability Manager, the forum featured two standout segments.
Panellists delivered thought-provoking presentations on how sustainable travel can regenerate ecosystems, empower local communities and honour cultural traditions.
This was followed by an energetic Q&A session that saw the audience actively engage with the experts.
The panel brought together leading voices from across climate action, sustainable living, Indigenous advocacy, tourism, and wildlife protection:
# Suzan Muir: Sustainable living expert, nature guide & contestant on Alone Australia
# Stephanie Ho: Young adventurer & protector of cold places
# Jessica Thomas: Masters student & wilderness guide
# Ben Pearson: Country Director, World Animal Protection Australia
# Laura Wells: Science communicator, environmental advocate & Survivor Australia contestant
# David King: Proud Gundungurra Man & advocate for Indigenous culture
# Sue Badyari: CEO, World Expeditions.
Uncle David King, representing Gundungurra Country, offered a powerful moment of reflection.
“Culture is not a commodity to be packaged and sold – it is a living identity,” he said. “Tourism must be shaped with our consent, not merely our presence.”
Closing the evening, Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions, outlined how the business is confronting the challenges of overtourism, climate change and cultural commodification.
“Travel must now be a regenerative force,” she said. “It’s no longer about doing less harm – it’s about doing more good.
“Cheap travel rarely reflects the true cost. But travel that is thoughtfully designed, community-led and regeneration-focused – that’s the legacy we are determined to leave behind.”
Main image: L-R: Suzan Muir, Laura Wells, Jessica Thomas, Stephanie Ho and Sue Badyari
