Women Leading the Way in Sustainability
Instead, their work contributes to the broader effort worldwide, toward meaningful travel and a sustainable future — exemplifying the mission of Beyond Green.
In Africa, Vimbai Masiyiwa, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Batoka Hospitality shares an intimate look into the people and culture of her homeland with her Black female-founded safari company — the first of its kind on the continent. It was created to not only offer a luxury travel experience but to also simultaneously harness the power of travel to transform the lives of African people. "The foundation for achieving true sustainability lies in aligning talented people to the same mission,” she says. Masiyiwa has worked hard to maintain this vision by “approaching leadership holistically, seeking to understand our people's purpose and how they believe sustainability can be realized within what we do. This, linked with mental health check-ins, is critical to long-term success."
Among the experiences at Batoka Hospitality’s breathtaking Zambezi Sands in Zimbabwe, Masiyiwa encourages guests to spend time in the community and engage in an educational cultural experience. The company also works to create economic opportunities for women. By sharing the work of local artisans, functioning as an integrated part of the community in which the company operates, and directing funds back to its residents, Masiyiwa is creating authentic experiences for her guests while also benefiting the community in which she operates.
On the other side of the world, Trina White, General Manager at The Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is a trailblazer in her industry. “I love what I do and am thrilled to be part of an industry that can be a power in support of renewal,” says White. Named the 2023 Hotelier of the Year at the BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence, she uses her position as a platform to support sustainability in the workplace, both at her own hotel and on the sustainability sub-committee of the the Hotel Association of Greater Victoria, which she co-founded in 2018. “Many years ago, I made it my mission to help save the planet, marching in support of positive change,” she says. “I’m so proud to continue my sustainability leadership, working to educate and mentor other hotel leaders, our city, island, and province.”
Under her leadership, this carbon-neutral, biosphere-certified hotel was the first urban hotel to join Beyond Green. Goals both big and small are constantly set and evaluated to keep the hotel on course in its mission for ongoing sustainability.
Through a life dedicated to India’s national animal — the tiger — Latika Nath has spent significant time entrenched in the jungles of India, observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. So deep is her commitment that she even earned the nickname the “Tiger Princess” as the first woman in the world with a doctorate on tigers. Gaining not just knowledge but also appreciation of these delicate environments led to the creation of eco-resorts, including Hidden India Mahavan, an immersive tented glamping resort in Kanha National Park. Guest experiences include wildlife viewing and direct engagement with the community, from its artisans to participation in local ceremonies. Driven by her passion, visitors here contribute to preservation efforts and programs within the local community to support the environment, animals, and people that inhabit the region, including her beloved tigers.
These extraordinary women are but a sampling of the leadership within Beyond Green’s hotels and resorts whose passion and commitment to sustainability is shaping the world of hospitality for the better. By educating guests and helping to broaden perspectives, they are deepening the bond between all people and the planet we share.