Experiential tour operator Untamed Escapes has launched phase 1 of its innovative Roadmap Towards Regeneration concept which means putting nature, place and communities first.
The one- to 10-day small group and private tours unearth remote regions throughout South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory’s Red Centre.
Untamed Escapes aims to positively impact the wild and beautiful places its visits giving passengers on its small group tours with the opportunity to give back on trips through conservation and wildlife projects.
Untamed Escapes has been championing a beyond-sustainability approach with a commitment to giving back since director Craig “Hassie” Haslam acquired the business 20 years ago.
The company employed Regenerative Tourism Specialist Nadine Schmidt in 2022 and, supported by two tourism interns from Flinders University, has been able to develop the Roadmap Towards Regeneration.
This week, the team celebrated the milestone launch of this innovative framework’s Summary of Phase 1.
This living and co-evolving implementation guide includes actionable steps under Five Thriving Systems –
Environment & Ecosystems, Wellbeing, Culture & Inclusion, Climate Action & Resources and Fostering
Knowledge Sharing.
“The last two years have been a journey and, at times, a very difficult one,” Haslam said.
“For me, running a business responsibly is as natural as picking up rubbish when you walk along the beach. However, I know we have a long way to go, and we certainly don’t claim to be anywhere close to perfect.
“I know there are many things we can do better, but we have taken the important first step, and we hope to inspire other tourism businesses to do the same by sharing our regenerative framework.”
Framework freely available
Sitting behind the Summary is an extensive document that will guide Untamed Escapes in identifying, measuring, developing and implementing regenerative initiatives throughout their business departments.
With a vision to inspire others to explore how a regenerative approach can be integrated within their own businesses, Untamed Escapes has made this framework freely available for download on the Regenerative Travel page of their website.
The guide isn’t intended to be a one-size-fits-all template but rather a source of inspiration and guidance that can be adapted to suit other tourism businesses’ ecosystems.
“We need to come together as an industry, influence positive change, and share knowledge. This will be a challenge, but it’s one Untamed Escapes is keen to champion,” Haslam said.
