Sifte Radio

Tag: sustainable travel

  • Intrepid Travel Expands Partnership Team with New Industry Veterans

    Intrepid Travel has bolstered its partnership team with the addition and promotion of several experienced professionals, marking a strategic move to strengthen its industry presence in North America.

    New Additions and Promotions in Intrepid’s Partnership Team

    Carmen Bishop and Kazundra Brown have both been appointed as Senior Key Partnerships Managers. In their new roles, they will spearhead industry partner strategy and oversee the Key Partnerships Manager (KPM) sales activities across North America.

    David Liotta, who is based in Toronto, takes on the role of Key Partnerships Manager, where he will focus on supporting and expanding Intrepid’s key industry partnerships, with a particular emphasis on building and enhancing advisor relationships.

    Seasoned Travel Professionals Join the Team

    Intrepid also welcomes Tarah Ellis and Steven Murphy to the team. Ellis, who is based in the U.S., brings over 15 years of experience in sales and account management, positioning her to drive strong partnerships in the region. Murphy, also based in the U.S., joins as a Key Partnerships Manager after a successful career working with renowned travel brands such as Club Adventures and G Adventures.

    Laura Hernandez, Head of Partnerships for Intrepid Travel North America, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Tarah and Steven to the Intrepid team. Their combined experience and passion for sustainable travel will drive our partnership strategy forward. We are confident that their contributions will help us forge stronger connections with travel advisors and provide meaningful travel experiences for their clients.”

    Strengthening Industry Connections for a Sustainable Future

    As Intrepid Travel continues to expand its reach and impact in the travel sector, the company’s strategic partnership moves are expected to enhance its sustainable travel initiatives and provide even more value to travel advisors and their clients.

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • Roam Air Electric Motorcycle Completes Solar-Powered 6,000-Kilometer Trek Across Africa

    In an extraordinary feat of engineering and renewable energy, the Roam Air electric motorcycle has successfully completed a remarkable 6,000-kilometer (3,700-mile) journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to Stellenbosch, South Africa, entirely on solar power. Over the course of 17 days, the Swedish-Kenyan manufacturer Roam demonstrated the potential of sustainable travel in regions with limited charging infrastructure.

    While the world record for the longest electric motorcycle journey stands at 25,000 kilometers (11,300 miles), Roam’s expedition showcases the viability of solar energy for long-distance travel in sub-Saharan Africa. The journey was powered by a solar panel charging system carried in a support vehicle that traveled ahead each day, ensuring fresh batteries were available for the Roam Air upon arrival. Throughout the trip, the motorcycle achieved an impressive single battery range of 113 kilometers (70 miles) and covered 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) in less than 18 hours on the final day.

    Masa Kituyi, Roam’s product owner and one of the expedition riders, shared, “We wanted to break boundaries on how traversing through sub-Saharan Africa is possible without pre-installed charging infrastructure.” Kituyi rode alongside Stephan Lacock, a postgraduate student at Stellenbosch University, on a journey that took them through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana, with notable stops at Victoria Falls and the Chobe River, where they camped under the stars.

    The team averaged around 400 kilometers (250 miles) per day, relying on the solar-powered charging system to keep their momentum. Weather posed a significant challenge, with Kituyi noting, “You can’t force the sun to shine.” The riders often adapted their routes to avoid cloud cover and maximize their charging opportunities.

    While Roam typically expects customers to charge their bikes at home using grid energy, this expedition illustrates that, with proper planning, riders can undertake long journeys without conventional charging stations. “Anywhere you can charge your phone, you can charge the bike,” Kituyi emphasized. This groundbreaking journey aims to alleviate range anxiety among riders and showcase the flexibility of electric motorcycles in diverse environments.

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • Luxury Train Travel: The Journey Becomes the Destination

    Luxury Train Travel: The Journey Becomes the Destination

    Overview:

    Event: The resurgence of luxury train travel as a coveted experience, where the journey itself becomes the highlight of the trip.

    Story: Luxury train travel is experiencing a renaissance, offering travelers a unique blend of nostalgia, comfort, and adventure. As people seek more meaningful and immersive travel experiences, luxury trains are turning the journey into the ultimate destination.

    Key Points:

    Timeless Appeal: Luxury trains offer a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the golden age of travel, combining opulence with the allure of slow travel. This mode of transport is attracting a new generation of travelers who appreciate the elegance and exclusivity that comes with it.

    Tailored Experiences: Modern luxury train journeys are designed with curated itineraries that showcase breathtaking landscapes, cultural landmarks, and gourmet dining. From the Rocky Mountains in Canada to the scenic vineyards of Tuscany, these journeys provide travelers with an intimate connection to the places they visit.

    Top Destinations: Some of the most sought-after luxury train experiences include the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe, the Maharajas’ Express in India, and the Royal Scotsman in the Scottish Highlands. Each offers a distinct cultural and scenic experience, often with on-board amenities such as spas, private suites, and fine dining.

    Why Now?: The resurgence in luxury train travel can be attributed to a growing desire for slow, sustainable, and immersive travel experiences. Amid global travel disruptions, people are increasingly drawn to the idea of journeys that offer both safety and seclusion, without sacrificing luxury.

    Social Media Influence: The visually stunning nature of luxury train travel has also made it a popular choice for social media influencers and travelers seeking Instagram-worthy experiences. The picturesque settings and stylish interiors provide perfect backdrops for sharing their journeys online.

    Sustainability Angle: Luxury train travel also appeals to environmentally conscious travelers. Trains produce fewer emissions compared to air travel, making them a more sustainable option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

    SOURCE: 

  • Iceland’s 2024 Tourist Tax Hike to Safeguard Environment

    person walking near body of water

    Iceland is set to introduce higher taxes for tourists as part of its efforts to protect the environment, according to Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir. The new tax policy, which will come into effect in 2024, aims to mitigate the environmental impact of the rapidly growing tourism industry. Here are the key points from the announcement:

    Key Points:

    Tax Implementation:

    • Tourism Growth: Iceland has seen exponential growth in tourism over the last decade, leading to environmental pressures.
    • Tax Details: The new tax will be a broader version of a previous accommodation tax suspended during the pandemic. It will cover passengers on cruise ships and hotels, addressing both land and sea impacts.
    • Timeline: The policy will be implemented in 2024, with detailed amounts to be outlined in upcoming draft legislation.

    Environmental Goals:

    • Carbon Neutrality: Iceland aims to become carbon neutral before 2040.
    • Sustainable Tourism: The tourism sector is shifting towards a circular economy and adopting electric vehicles.

    Comparisons:

    • Other Destinations: Similar policies are being implemented elsewhere, such as a day-tripper fee in Venice and a tourist tax in Bali starting next year.

    Context:

    Iceland, known for its stunning natural landscapes including hot springs and black sand beaches, attracted over 1.7 million overnight visitors in 2022. The new tax is part of a broader effort to balance tourism with environmental sustainability.