The Sustainable Voice® Podcast Presented by Big Five Tours and Expeditions

Tourism taxes, levies, conservation fees, and visitor charges are becoming increasingly common—but how much do travelers really know about where that money goes? In this episode of The Sustainable Voice®, host Ashish Sanghrajka examines tourism taxation through examples from Bhutan, the Galápagos, Hawaii, East Africa, and beyond, asking whether destinations should do more than simply say, “trust us.”✨ Key Takeaways✅ Why transparency matters when travelers are asked to pay tourism taxes, conservation fees, and levies.✅ How Bhutan, the Galápagos, Hawaii, and East African conservancies approach tourism revenue differently.✅ Why published allocation formulas, independent oversight, and direct reinvestment can strengthen accountability.✅ How visible outcomes can connect tourism revenue to conservation, cultural preservation, infrastructure, and local communities.✅ Why the travel industry has a role in explaining fees to travelers—and why a more consistent global model could build greater trust.📌 Timestamps:00:09 – Why tourism taxes are increasing worldwide02:00 – Understanding the different types of tourism fees04:00 – When tourism taxes begin changing traveler behavior06:00 – Comparing tourism revenue models08:29 – Tax transparency and international lending10:00 – Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee12:30 – The Galápagos allocation model15:00 – Hawaii’s green fee and Maui recovery18:00 – Following the money and building trust21:00 – East African conservancies and community revenue sharing24:00 – Closing loopholes and enforcing tourism fees27:00 – The case for a centralized model30:00 – What good tourism tax governance looks like34:00 – Independent oversight and direct reinvestment40:00 – Measuring visible outcomes and tourism’s role👉 If you travel, work in tourism, or care about the future of destinations, consider asking one simple question: Where does the money go?Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if transparency in tourism matters to you.🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for thoughtful conversations on sustainable tourism and global perspectives.💬 What should destinations be required to show travelers about tourism taxes and fees?Follow The Sustainable Voice®:Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8

Artificial intelligence is changing every industry, but what does "AI-powered" actually mean? In this episode of The Sustainable Voice®, host Ashish Sanghrajka sits down with communication strategist, author, and AI expert Dr. Jill Schiefelbein for an honest conversation about separating hype from reality. Together, they explore how travel leaders, business owners, and innovators can think beyond automation, embrace strategic innovation, and keep people at the center of technology.✨ Key Takeaways✅ Learn the difference between machine learning, generative AI, and the technology many companies simply rebrand as "AI."✅ Discover why successful AI adoption starts with defining your ideal end state—not chasing the latest trend.✅ Understand how legacy systems can slow innovation and why process matters before adding new technology.✅ Explore why human judgment, creativity, and communication remain essential in an AI-enabled future.✅ Hear about Dr. Jill Schiefelbein's podcast Humanize Automation and her upcoming book, Artificial Anxiety, which offers practical strategies for leading people through the age of AI.📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and introducing Dr. Jill Schiefelbein02:00 – What "AI-powered" really means07:45 – Spotting real AI versus rebranded automation14:25 – Why every AI strategy needs an end goal18:20 – AI, innovation, and creating more human experiences22:30 – Healthcare, travel, and solving bigger challenges26:45 – Dr. Jill's new book Artificial Anxiety30:50 – Understanding AI risks and responsible adoption👉 AI should create more time for meaningful human connections—not replace them. Share this episode with someone exploring the future of travel, leadership, or technology.Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if you believe technology should strengthen—not replace—the human experience.🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for conversations on sustainable tourism, leadership, and global perspectives.💬 What is one way AI can improve travel while preserving authentic human connections?Follow Dr. Jill Schiefelbein:🎙️ Podcast: Humanize Automation📘 Book: Artificial Anxiety (Coming Soon)Connect with The Sustainable Voice®:Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8

n this episode of The Sustainable Voice®, host Ashish Sanghrajka explores a question that rarely gets asked: Who decides what deserves to be preserved? Looking beyond the prestige of UNESCO World Heritage designations, Ashish examines how these decisions are made, why local communities are often left out of the process, and what travelers can do to become better advocates for cultural preservation.✨ Key Takeaways✅ Why UNESCO World Heritage status is valuable—but why the process deserves closer examination.✅ How governments and international committees often make preservation decisions without meaningful community involvement.✅ Real-world examples from Peru, Cambodia, Easter Island, Kenya, and Argentina that reveal the human impact behind heritage designations.✅ Why protecting a community's way of life is just as important as preserving historic sites and monuments.✅ Three questions every traveler should ask before visiting a UNESCO site to help support responsible, community-centered tourism.📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and today's question: Who decides what gets preserved?03:10 – Understanding how UNESCO World Heritage designations work09:35 – Why community voices are often missing from preservation decisions18:40 – Cambodia's community-led conservation success28:10 – The financial barriers and global inequality behind UNESCO nominations40:15 – Peru, Easter Island, and the cost of preserving places without preserving people55:40 – How travelers can support community-centered cultural preservation01:08:20 – Final thoughts and three questions every traveler should ask👉 Every destination has a story beyond the landmark itself. Watch the full episode and join the conversation about how tourism can protect both heritage and the people who call these places home.Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if you believe local communities should have a voice in preserving their own heritage.🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for thoughtful conversations about sustainable tourism, culture, and the future of global travel.💬 What role do you think local communities should play in deciding what gets preserved? Share your perspective in the comments below.Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8

What does it really take to make aviation more sustainable—and who gets left behind when fuel becomes a global issue? In this episode of The Sustainable Voice®, hosts Ashish Sanghrajka and special guest Jennifer Ochsenfeld unpack sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the realities behind today’s jet fuel challenges, and why the conversation extends far beyond carbon emissions. Together, they explore how innovation, policy, and global equity intersect with the future of travel.✨ Key Takeaways✅ What sustainable aviation fuel is, how it differs from traditional jet fuel, and why it matters for aviation.✅ Why fuel shortages affect developing nations differently—and why those voices deserve more attention.✅ How waste, used cooking oil, algae, and other feedstocks could reshape aviation fuel production.✅ The role governments, industry, and travelers play in moving sustainable solutions from ideas to action.✅ Why investing in local infrastructure can strengthen energy independence while supporting sustainable tourism.📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and introducing Jennifer Ochsenfeld02:05 – What is sustainable aviation fuel?05:30 – SAF, politics, and global fuel challenges08:15 – The unequal impact on developing countries11:20 – Brazil, energy independence, and policy15:15 – Can SAF become financially viable?20:45 – Turning waste into opportunity25:15 – Building the infrastructure for the future30:00 – The business case for sustainable aviation👉 What role do you think sustainable aviation fuel should play in the future of travel? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your perspective.Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if you believe travel can create a positive impact.🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for conversations on responsible tourism, conservation, and global travel.💬 What innovation do you think will have the biggest impact on sustainable tourism over the next decade?Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8

Travel can leave a destination better than it found it, but only when it's done with intention. In this episode of The Sustainable Voice®, host Ashish Sanghrajka welcomes Annie Jones, founder of the Travel For Better Foundation, for a candid conversation about climate data, luxury travel, and the role tourism can play in supporting communities, protecting destinations, and creating long-term positive impact.Together, they explore how travelers, advisors, and industry leaders can make thoughtful choices that improve experiences while strengthening local economies and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.Key Takeaways✅ Why "climate data" may be a more productive conversation than "climate change"✅ How the rise of "coolcations" is reshaping luxury travel planning around the world✅ Practical ways travel advisors can guide clients toward better experiences without sacrificing comfort✅ Why progress over perfection is essential when building a more sustainable tourism industry✅ How luxury travel can support conservation, local employment, and cultural preservation when tourism dollars are directed intentionally📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and introducing Annie Jones & Travel For Better01:22 – Why climate data matters to the future of tourism03:20 – The mission behind the Travel For Better Foundation04:55 – Can luxury travel be part of the solution?05:43 – Understanding the rise of the "coolcation"08:13 – Bringing climate conversations into the travel planning process11:13 – Redirecting travelers toward less crowded destinations12:41 – Luxury travel's responsibility and opportunity15:06 – Progress over perfection in sustainable tourism18:42 – Creating meaningful traveler experiences through local connections20:15 – The founding vision of Travel For Better23:34 – Finding your personal connection to sustainability25:07 – Moving beyond greenwashing26:26 – Making intentional travel choices that create positive impact👉 How do you balance luxury travel with responsible travel choices? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if you believe travel can be a force for good.🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for conversations that connect tourism, community impact, and global perspectives.💬 What is one travel experience that changed the way you think about a destination or community?Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8

When cultural heritage weakens, entire generations lose the ability to trace where they come from. In this episode of The Sustainable Voice®, host Ashish Sanghrajka explores how Indigenous communities are impacted when economic pressure forces migration to cities, and what is lost when traditions, land, and lived knowledge are left behind. The conversation connects data, lived experience, and real-world tourism models that show a different path forward.✨ Key Takeaways✅ Indigenous migration to cities often leads to cultural erosion and loss of generational identity✅ Community-based tourism can directly increase local employment and preserve heritage on ancestral lands✅ Data from multiple destinations shows tourism can generate 30–72 jobs per visitor when structured inclusively✅ Elders and Indigenous knowledge systems carry lessons on leadership, grief, and community service✅ Preserving culture requires intentional economic models that prioritize local voices at the center📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: personal story and cultural identity loss03:10 – Indigenous migration and erosion of ancestral heritage07:45 – Real-world examples of land loss and corporate pressure12:30 – Community-based employment and tourism job data model17:20 – Peru case study and shifting employment ratios22:05 – Danilo and cultural teachings through lived tradition27:40 – Maasai perspectives on grief and generational wisdom32:15 – Tourism, AI, and the future of community employment36:50 – Exploitation vs. cultural exchange in travel41:10 – Closing reflections on teachers, elders, and learning👉 True sustainability begins when communities are not observers of progress, but active participants in shaping it.Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if cultural preservation matters to you🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for more conversations on sustainable tourism and global communities💬 How do you think travel can better support Indigenous voices today?Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8

Ashish Sanghrajka sits down with special guest Aziz Hajee, Tanzania Country Manager and longtime safari expert, for an honest conversation about luxury tourism, living wages, and the future of African safaris. Using the backdrop of the New York Times article on Maasai Mara overcrowding, this episode of The Sustainable Voice® explores the real cost of travel, the pressure of “lowest price” marketing, and why protecting natural destinations requires a shift in mindset. From safari logistics to ethical guiding standards, Ashish and Aziz discuss what responsible tourism actually looks like on the ground.✨ Key Takeaways✅ Why 70% of safari costs are tied to government fees and logistics before luxury even begins✅ How “race to the bottom” pricing impacts wages, guide quality, wildlife protection, and traveler experiences✅ The difference between travel being accessible versus being treated as disposable✅ Why luxury tourism can support better staffing ratios, conservation, and long-term sustainability✅ How overcrowding in destinations like the Maasai Mara reflects larger global tourism challenges📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and Aziz Hajee’s connection to Ashish’s family03:00 – The real cost structure behind safari tourism07:10 – Luxury tourism, staffing, and wage realities11:40 – Why competing on lowest price hurts the industry15:20 – Safari overcrowding and irresponsible wildlife viewing20:05 – Vehicle maintenance, sustainability, and operating costs23:10 – Is travel a privilege or a right?26:00 – Can higher pricing help protect natural resources?👉 What are your thoughts on balancing accessibility, conservation, and fair wages in tourism? Join the conversation below.Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if you believe tourism should protect both people and places🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for more conversations on global tourism, culture, and sustainability💬 Have you experienced overcrowding while traveling? Share your perspective in the comments.Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8

Step aboard The Sustainable Voice® as host Ashish Sanghrajka reconnects with Ines Orihuela of Delphine Cruises to revisit the idea of “locally owned” tourism and why it matters more than ever. Building on a previous episode, this conversation looks at what really happens behind the scenes when travelers choose locally rooted experiences over convenience-driven models.Key Takeaways✅ Locally owned tourism keeps revenue within communities, supporting thousands of livelihoods beyond what travelers see.✅ The ripple effect is real—one booking can impact families, farmers, artisans, and entire supply chains.✅ Economic leakage isn’t abstract; it directly affects food security, education, and long-term stability for local communities.✅ Sustainable luxury comes with responsibility—high-end travel can actively protect ecosystems and cultural heritage.✅ Choosing local isn’t just ethical—it helps preserve traditions, prevent exploitation, and create lasting opportunities.📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome back + revisiting “locally owned” tourism02:30 – What “all-inclusive” really means in sustainable travel05:00 – Why local ownership matters in Peru’s Amazon09:00 – Following the money: where does traveler spending go?14:30 – The ripple effect of jobs, farms, and suppliers18:30 – What happens when local businesses lose support22:00 – Conservation, community, and preventing exploitation\27:00 – Convenience vs. consequence in travel choices31:00 – Investing back into communities and restoration efforts👉 Travel decisions shape real lives. What kind of impact do you want your next trip to have?Engage with Us:👍 Like this video if you believe travel should benefit local communities🔔 Subscribe to The Sustainable Voice® for global perspectives on responsible travel💬 Have you chosen locally owned experiences? What did you notice?Follow us on X: https://bit.ly/3TdnFigTag us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OXkFnULike us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Te1Tv1Find us on Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3UNwKj8Visit our Website: https://bit.ly/42VuDf8