They are among a powerful panel curated by World Expeditions to address one of travel's defining questions: How can we shape a future where travel regenerates rather than depletes? Hope in Action: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel, an urgent event on the future of travel, is just three weeks away. Reserve your seat NOW. 

World Expeditions will host Hope in Action: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel, an invitation-only media forum, on Wednesday 20 August 2025 from 5:40pm to 7:30pm. This timely event responds to urgent findings from the July 2025 World Economic Forum and Kearney Insight Report, which calls for a radical shift in how tourism operates if it's to handle 30 billion trips and contribute US$16 trillion to global GDP by 2034.

Hope in Action: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel brings together a diverse panel of changemakers whose work spans climate action, wildlife protection, cultural leadership, regenerative food systems, and community-led adventure travel. These are not just voices of influence; they are practitioners and advocates actively shaping the future of travel. From preserving fragile polar regions and protecting wildlife to strengthening First Nations tourism and championing slow, off-the-beaten-path adventures, each speaker offers real-world insight into what meaningful change looks like.

Held at World Expeditions' Sydney CBD headquarters just metres from Wynyard Station.

Why Now?

The global tourism industry is projected to become one of the world's largest economic forces within a decade. But with that growth comes risk: environmental degradation, resident-visitor tension, infrastructure shortfalls and a looming labour crisis requiring 100 million new workers globally.

The WEF/Kearney report calls for sector-wide collaboration, regulatory reform and deep investment in sustainability, local capacity building and inclusive economic models. Hope in Action is World Expeditions' response to that call.

World Expeditions CEO Sue Badyari, awarded the 2024 Sustainability Champion by the Australian Women in Travel Awards, said:

"Some places on Earth are reaching a tipping point, culturally, environmentally, and socially, as overtourism puts unsustainable pressure on both natural ecosystems and human systems. I invite the travel trade media to be part of a vital conversation and champion travel experiences that steer people away from overcrowded icons and instead into places where the footprints are lighter, the community voices stronger, and the positive impact truly felt."

Event Overview

Attendees will hear seven panellists respond to high-stakes questions shaping the future of ethical travel. A moderated discussion and live audience Q&A will follow, spotlighting actionable solutions aligned with global sustainability and regenerative travel goals.

Panellists include:

• Laura Wells – Survivor contestant, environmental advocate
• Suzan Muir – Alone Australia runner-up, nature guide, sustainable living expert
• David King – Gundungurra cultural leader, advocate for Indigenous-led land management
• Ben Pearson – Country Director, World Animal Protection
• Stephanie Ho – Endurance athlete, polar sustainability campaigner
• Jessica Thomas – Community tourism expert, wilderness guide
• Sue Badyari – CEO, World Expeditions

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday 20 August 2025
• Time: 5:40 PM – 7:30 PM
• Venue: Level 2, 55 York Street, Sydney (next to Wynyard Station)
• Format: Rapid-fire talks, panel discussion, audience Q&A. Drinks and vegetarian refreshments.
• RSVP essential: Contact Bly Carpenter, Public Relations Manager
  +61 (0) 407 775 105 | bly@worldexpeditions.com.au

Designed with Purpose

Hope in Action will be delivered with minimal environmental impact. Catering is vegetarian, and wine is locally sourced. The event's carbon footprint (estimated at 407 kg CO₂e) has been minimised by managing the transport and accommodation so that the only interstate speaker will travel by overnight train, and accommodation is provided at a sustainability-accredited hotel within walking distance from the event.

Media Contact

For further information or to request a seat at the Hope in Action: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel symposium, please contact Bly Carpenter, Public Relations Manager at World Expeditions, on +61 (0) 407 775 105 or bly@worldexpeditions.com.au

About World Expeditions

Founded in 1975, World Expeditions pioneered guided trekking in the Himalaya and continues to lead in responsible, low-impact global travel. Now in its 50th year, the company remains committed to creating adventures that support local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and protect fragile ecosystems.