Traveller Wins Competition To Visit Sustainable Travel Projects Worldwide

Katie Diederichs, from Two Wandering Soles, has beaten over 2,400 submissions to embark on an unforgettable trip across six different countries to tell the world how tourism can make a positive change in the world. This competition is part of the celebrations of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.

Three weeks after being launched, the Travellers´ Competition closed with 2,400 submissions. All eligible entries received were judged based on creativity and originality, adherence to theme and digital engagement and social influence of participants.

Four years ago, Katie and her husband quit their comfortable 9-to-5 jobs and set off on an adventure that hasn’t yet ended. From backpacking in South America to trekking to Everest Base Camp to living as expats in Asia, they´ve been privileged to experience many cultures around the world.

“During our wanderings, I’ve learned that tourism is a powerful thing.” Katie said in her submission. She also added “There are ways – both big and small – that every traveller can lessen the footprint they leave. My passion is educating others and myself about how we can travel more sustainably.”

Katie will be embarking on the 24th of November on a journey across the world that will be supported by Explore WorldWide, an adventure travel group offering a wide range of activities and experiences with a commitment to responsible travel.

Katie will be visiting sustainable tourism projects in Colombia, Germany, Mexico, the United Arab Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah and the Léman region in Switzerland, all partners of the initiative.

Together with her life and travel partner, she manages the website, ‘Two Wandering Soles’, focused on ethical travel for people on all budgets. With 35,000+ monthly visitors and a growing following on social media, Katie would make a fantastic representative of a “responsible traveller” that people from all walks of life can relate to.

The jury of the competition comprised Sandra Carvao, Chief of Communications and Publications at UNWTO, Sofia Panayiotaki, Director and Head of PR and Communications at PR MEDIACO and John Tefler, Interim Managing Director at Explore Worldwide.