REV On Air: Tourism as a Giving Economy with David Leventhal of Regenerative Travel
This podcast episode is a part of the REV x Farmer’s Footprint Regenerative Podcast Series! In our forth episode of our Regenerative Podcast Series in collaboration with Farmer’s Footprint, we speak to founder of Regenerative Travel and owner of Playa Viva, David Leventhal! Reframing luxury in the realm of travel, David opens our eyes to seeing regenerative tourism and hospitality as the ultimate luxury we can experience. Since 2019, Regenerative Travel has been at the forefront of driving the travel industry towards a regenerative future. What began as a mission to connect travelers with environmentally and socially impactful hotels has evolved into a dynamic association and marketplace. Regenerative Travel’s overarching goal is to foster collaboration and synergy among all key stakeholders in the travel industry, uniting hotels, travel agents, DMCs, and tour operators under a unified vision. Playa Viva was the vision of Sandra Kahn as executed by David Leventhal. Both have a background in social and environmental impact. Sandra and David were founders of Rainforest2Reef a non-profit which supported the creation of corridors for species protection in the Yucatan Peninsula and Calakmul area. R2R created one of the largest and most successful private reserves between local Ejido farmers who joined a conservation easement supported by global conservation NGOs. Regeneration principles have guided much of their work including the founding of Regenerative Travel and Regenerative Resorts to support similar independent hotel owners around the world doing great work in their local ecosystems promoting travel “Where Your Vacation Meets Your Values.” David shares what it’s like to be on the ever-evolving journey of building a regenerative hotel and the importance of honouring the land you’re building on. Most importantly David speaks of the impact of community, and how once we all start making sustainable choices, it creates a ripple effect spanning further than you can imagine. This Podcast episode is brought to you by our friends at Obakki and Fisker! Obakki Meet Obakki, a purpose-led lifestyle brand that has curated the most beautiful and meaningful handcrafted goods for your home. Their artisan partners are more like family as their connection is so personal—their maker’s quality of life and ability to sustain themselves and their communities is Obakki’s top priority. They believe in slow design and knowing the origin of the products they buy and the true impact of their consumption – for the environment and for the sake of the individuals that make the things they buy. From homewares created in partnership with like-minded co-ops to goods sourced from global artisans who share Obakki’s ethos, every product reflects their values of ethical production, transparency, sustainability, and traceability. To find out more about Obakki and to shop their stunning selection, visit Obakki.com and use the code REV15 to shop their artisan made, sustainable goods for your home and for your holiday gifts this season. Fisker Founded by Henrik Fisker, Fisker are on a journey to create a clean future for all. Their mission is to create the most sustainable vehicles on Earth. Fisker see a future where skies are blue, the air is pure, and your conscience is clear whenever you go out for a drive in your Fisker EV. They put people and planet first in everything they do – whether it’s sourcing from responsible suppliers, creating a solar roof, or using upcycled sustainable materials. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a thorough study of our vehicle’s impact on the planet. The LCA of the Fisker Ocean reveals the total carbon footprint, from raw materials through production and use, until the vehicle is dismantled at its end of use phase. The results of Fisker’s LCA assessment represents their hard work and focus reducing their impact through the entire vehicle lifecycle. Discover their sustainable values here.