Go Barefoot Travel: How to Travel Sustainably

Each month we feature inspiring people in our Travel Massive community from around the world who are empowering change in travel. During November’s global theme #TMResponsibleTourism,  we profile James Scipioni, travel insider from Travel Massive London and founder/director at Go Barefoot Travel. James helps travellers to get underneath the skin of a destination through responsible and sustainable travel experiences.

What is your initiative about? 

Go Barefoot is an independent travel specialist offering tailor-made, authentic experiences that support sustainable development, environmental protection and the conservation of cultural heritage. We believe travel should be an inspirational and immersive learning experience. Go Barefoot Travel is located in London and Brazil. 

Who is your initiative for?

The culturally curious looking to experience less conventional routes and connect with local people and organisations. Our clients vary from small groups of friends, families and honeymoon couples.

Is there a unique story of how it came to be?

A close friend set up a community based tourism project in Bahia, Brazil, which I visited. The experience and exchange was so authentic and rewarding for the local families and visitors, I saw what travel can achieve and what it should aim to be. Using my experience in the environmental sector I was able to blend my passions for ethical business and travel to approach the challenges our planet faces.

How is your initiative helping to make travel better?

Go Barefoot Travel is involved in several initiatives to promote local and regional sustainable tourism projects and policies. We have been involved in developing several projects worldwide bringing together universities, community groups, NGOs and public bodies, plus, sourcing funding opportunities for the implementation of such projects.

What do you think is the biggest challenge in the travel industry you would like to see resolved or improved?

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for the travel industry and several destinations. The industry has an essential role in climate change mitigation and the industry must better align approaches and resources to combat the challenge.

How do you work with bloggers, vloggers, or the travel industry to amplify your brand?

We often link with bloggers, vloggers and independent travellers to provide us and other travel enthusiasts with honest feedback and a first hand story of a barefoot experience.

Do you have any tips for finding and securing investors or gaining traction in the industry?

Crowd funding is becoming an ever more popular and transparent method, particularly for locally focused companies that have a unique approach providing a service to a niche market that is not being provided by others.

Is your company doing something cool and innovative this year?

We are involved in launching, promoting and developing the ambitious sustainable tourism project Biocoop Rwanda, the Transcaucasian Trail and the Coral Triangle.

How has travel changed since your company entered the travel industry?

Travellers are placing more focus and importance on community connections and experiences rather than destinations, plus, avoiding tourist heavy locations. The destination bucket list approach to travel is now being replaced by desired experiences and experiential travel.

What kinds of travel or tech trends should we watch out for in 2-5 years?

Mobile apps and sharing economy initiatives will become more common and important in consumer choices and behaviour. Emerging travel markets from Russia, Brazil, India and China will become more influential in the industry’s direction.

Where do you see the travel industry in 2-5 years?

Travel operators will be more niche and regionally focused, specialising in specific traveller demographics and interests. Tailor made travel will become evermore popular. Travellers will return to value the personal service, experience, knowledge and human contact that travel agencies provide.

Why do you attend Travel Massive events?

We enjoy meeting pioneering travellers and hearing first hand stories of their experiences. We also have the opportunity to connect with exciting new tourism projects, gain new ideas, and be aware of any emerging trends.

Purposeful Traveler is a series that profiles inspiring people or projects making a purposeful change to the way we travel. You can connect with James on Travel Massive. If you know of a Purposeful Traveler who should be featured, email us.