Samantha Smits l Sustainable Tourism Consultant l Smits SusTour Consultancy

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Samantha Smits l Sustainable Tourism Consultant l Smits SusTour Consultancy

Advising and supporting companies in the tourism sector in their sustainability journey. Follow me on LinkedIn for more content 👇

23/12/2024

Wishing a joyful and peaceful holiday season to everyone in my community!

Your support and connection mean the world to me. May this season bring you all happiness, rest, reflection and meaningful moments.

Here’s to a bright new year ahead! 🤍🙌

#2025

18/12/2024

“𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸?” 🤔

My usual response when someone asks how long it takes to get certified: “It depends on what kind of student you are…" 😅

But within a week? Nope.

What I often see during desk audits or when assisting a company is that shortcuts don’t work. Throwing everything into ChatGPT, submitting brief statements with no context about your company, or not uploading any evidence… and then complaining about repetitive feedback. It happens.

But the companies that put in the effort from the start, ask the right questions, seek help where needed, and provide solid evidence are the ones who get certified (or recognised) after just one feedback round.

It’s okay. Everyone is a different student 🙈.

There are many ways to get there, but it not only depends on the certification body’s process, the criteria, or your context but also your input.

Remember, you get out what you put in. 💪

What’s your experience with getting recognition or certification? Do you already have one, or are you in the process? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

And if you’re looking to streamline your certification journey, let’s chat about what we can do. 🙌

16/12/2024

You’ve probably heard or thought it yourself: “These practices are impossible. They don’t work here. We can’t be sustainable!” 🚫

And I get it. Many global sustainability standards come from regions like Europe or the Global North, where resources and systems differ from the rest.

But here’s the thing: sustainability isn’t about following a strict rulebook. It’s about finding what works for YOUR business and destination.

How? For example:
💧 If recycling water isn’t an option, harvesting rainwater or reusing greywater can work wonders.
🍽️ No access to composting? Partner with local farmers to turn scraps into fertiliser or animal feed.
🚗 Limited or unsafe public transport? Promote carpooling or introduce bike rentals to your guests.
💡 No access to solar panels? Reduce energy use through efficiency and small changes like optimised lighting.
🗑️ Without recycling infrastructure, encourage refillable bottles or biodegradable packaging instead.

Progress comes from adapting practices to your reality and celebrating every win. 🙌

What sustainability practice doesn’t work for your destination? And what creative solution have you found instead?

Let me know in the comments! Need help brainstorming? Reach out! I’d love to help. 🤩

11/12/2024

Are you feeling 2025 coming while diving into the holiday peak season? 😅

Here’s how to move from reflections and ambitions to actual action. 👏

Let’s be honest… ambitions flood the gyms in January! But actual action? That’s what sets you up for long-term success.

1️⃣ Look back to move forward: Reflect on 2024 and spot what worked and what didn’t. Keep doing what worked, but ask yourself if the things that didn’t work are worth improving. Can they be delegated or even let go altogether?

2️⃣ Set your sustainable goals for 2025: What sustainable practices do you have the resources to implement? Can you start separating waste or begin monitoring resource usage? Is it time to include sustainability topics in your team meetings? These small steps, when done consistently, will add up to more.

3️⃣ Make time to take action: It’s easy to put plans aside with the holiday chaos. Block out 15 minutes weekly to map out how to execute your goals, even in the busy season. Thinking of starting your certification journey in 2025? Or taking courses? Or reaching out to a professional for help? Put it on your calendar now! ;)

These small actions will make a huge difference as you head into 2025.

What’s one change you’re aiming for in 2025? Want to start or advance your sustainability journey next year? Let me know in the comments, and let’s discuss! 🤩

#2025

09/12/2024

Are you tapping into the booming health and wellness tourism trend? 👀

As one of the fastest-growing segments in the tourism industry, health and wellness tourism offers incredible benefits for travellers and businesses. 🙌

In these slides, I’ll dive into health and wellness tourism, why it matters, and how you can start incorporating it into your offerings as a tour operator or accommodation provider. 🧘‍♀️

Whether you’re looking to attract wellness-focused travellers or create unique, meaningful experiences for your clients, this is your chance to stand out in the market and boost your sustainability efforts. ✨

What health and wellness activities do you offer (or plan to) in your business? Share in the comments below! 👇

04/12/2024

What are your guests eating? 🍽️

Food is a gateway for travellers to truly taste a destination. But have you ever stopped to consider what they’re eating?

We’ve all been there: the local dish you loved abroad tastes completely different back home. That’s because local, seasonal produce is the secret to authentic flavours. 🤤

This creates an opportunity to delight your guests with fresh, delicious meals while championing sustainability.

Here’s why it matters:
🌾 Fresh, Local Produce
Sourcing from local farms means tastier, healthier food without the heavy use of pesticides and preservatives. For example, a farm-fresh tomato from a nearby grower bursts with flavour compared to one flown in from overseas.

♻️ Reduce Waste
By composting or donating food scraps to local farms, you contribute to a circular economy. Some hotels even turn scraps into compost to enrich the soil for future harvests.

🌍 Lower Carbon Footprint
Serving locally sourced food reduces food miles and environmental impact. Think of the difference between featuring a locally caught fish versus one imported from across the globe.

✨ Authentic Experiences
Travellers value genuine, local connections. Farm-to-table dining showcases culture and creates unforgettable memories. Imagine guests savouring a meal with ingredients grown just a few steps away.

What’s on your menu? Or to what restaurants do you send your guests? Are you exploring farm-to-table options?

Let me know in the comments! 👇

02/12/2024

How meaningful is the holiday season for your tourism business? 🤔

For many, it’s a time of packed schedules, large crowds, cultural celebrations and intense demand. 😅

But what if it could also be an opportunity to give back, reduce waste, and create a lasting impact on both your clients and your destination?

👉 See the slides for how.

The holiday season is also a chance to stand out as a responsible, forward-thinking business. With a few simple yet effective strategies, you can guide your clients toward more sustainable experiences while still enjoying the seasonal boom.

From supporting local communities and reducing waste to offering quieter, more immersive experiences, there’s potential to make a difference, especially during this season. 🙌

How are you making the holiday season more meaningful for your clients? And how are you preparing? Share in the comments below! 👇

27/11/2024

How did I get into sustainable tourism? 🤔

While I’ve shared before how my studies and internships abroad guided me into this field, I realised many smaller yet big moments led me here too.

Sustainability found me in the simplest ways. I remember being a little girl, carelessly tossing food wrappers on the ground until one of my best friends taught me why I shouldn’t. 🗑️

That friend inspired me to join the Cub Scouts when I was 8. It was where outdoor play and games always came with a lesson: respect nature and each other. 🏕️

When I was 13, I had the chance to attend the Kent International Jamboree in the UK, camping with scouts from around the world. It was an incredible experience that sparked my interest in tourism; seeing different cultures come together on one big campsite was unforgettable. 🌏

Even in primary school, I was exposed to diverse cultures, particularly through Moroccan communities in the Netherlands. Playing in their homes, I learned about their customs and foods, which further deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. 🕌

At home, my dad taught me early on about separating waste, a habit I still carry today. They still have a small organic waste box on the counter. ♻️

And since I always grew up with dogs as brothers, I knew to respect animals early on. 🤍

These small, everyday moments added up to something much bigger. And now, tomorrow, I’m hosting my second webinar as a Sustainable Tourism Consultant! 🎉

Want to learn more about me, my work and sustainable tourism?

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿!
🕘 𝟴 𝗔𝗠 𝗘𝗧 / 𝟮 𝗣𝗠 𝗖𝗘𝗧 / 𝟰 𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗔𝗧

We’ll cover:
👉 Sustainability practices you can start within a week
👉 Long-term benefits for your business and clients
👉 And more!

Sign up by commenting "𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥" below or click the link in the bio!

What memories do you have that shaped your journey? I’d love to hear them! 😊

25/11/2024

Have you ever taken a quick scan? 🤔

Understanding your strengths and opportunities is key. Quick scans are an excellent starting point for your tourism business! 🚀

In these slides, I’ve shared three scans that can help you assess your sustainability practices effortlessly and for free. 💡

From two certification bodies' their scans to my own free checklist, these resources are designed to provide quick insights tailored to your business needs. 📊

By taking these quick scans, you can uncover ways to enhance your sustainability efforts, improve your brand reputation, cut your operational costs, meet customer demand and ultimately contribute to a more responsible tourism industry. All done within 15 minutes! ⏱️

Have you done any of these scans? What other scans do you know about? 💬

Let me know in the comments! I will also share the links there.

Are you interested in gaining more insights about your sustainability performance? Or sustainable tourism in general?

I’m happy to invite you to my FREE webinar this 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟴 𝗔𝗠 𝗘𝗧 / 𝟮 𝗣𝗠 𝗖𝗘𝗧 / 𝟰 𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗔𝗧. Comment “𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥” below or click the link in bio to register. 🤍

20/11/2024

What’s the best way to do business? 👀

It depends on where you are and who you’re working with.

Spending the past two weeks in Nairobi, working with and (EK), has been a masterclass in navigating diverse approaches to business.

I’ve been reminded once again that what works in one context doesn’t always translate seamlessly into another.

Cultural nuances, different systems, long-lasting pandemic effects and unique ways of working all come into play. Embracing these differences is both enriching and essential for creating meaningful results.

For those of us working in sustainable and regenerative tourism, this means:
✔️ Understanding the context you’re working in.
✔️ Building trust through open communication.
✔️ Being flexible when aligning processes and expectations.
✔️ Remembering there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
✔️ And of course… enjoying the ride!

I’m so grateful to KATO and EK for their hospitality, welcoming me into their offices, good food, and showing me the incredible impact they’re making on Kenya’s tourism industry.

Thank you to both teams for sharing your knowledge and passion! Meeting the people behind it all, familiar and new faces, has been wonderful.

And yes, I’ve been quietly comparing Kenya to Tanzania… but I suspect that’s like comparing my home country, the Netherlands, to Belgium. 🤣

How do you adapt your approach to business when working in a new context? Or, as a tourism business, what do you expect from your consultants? Let me know in the comments!

I'm also gearing up for my webinar next week! Are you curious to learn more about me, my work, and sustainable tourism? Please go to the link in the bio or comment WEBINAR below. 👇

Address

Upper Hill

Website

https://smitssustourconsultancy.com/

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