Uplifting stories of community and perseverance are so needed during this time of crisis. Respected travel industry leader, Ian Swain, President of Swain Destinations, and his guests from around the world share their stories from across the globe on how they are approaching the pandemic, what is making a difference in their local communities and what they anticipate for the future of travel.
In Episode Thirty, Ian speaks with Matthew Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. Responsible for providing enriching and authentic Australian experiences throughout its collection of resorts, Voyages is perhaps best known for its Ayers Rock Resort which overlooks the infamous Uluru and Kata Tjuta in Australia's Northern Territory. Ian and Matthew discuss the amazing history of Uluru and the steps that have been made with the Indigenous Land Corporation to grow the symbiotic relationship between tourism and the local Anangu community.
In Episode Twenty-Nine, Ian speaks with Dr. Leanne Wicker, Senior Veterinarian at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre in Healesville Sanctuary, which is part of Zoos Victoria. In this week's inspirational episode, we learn about the rescue and rehabilitation program that Leanne's team at Zoos Victoria, in collaboration with multiple wildlife organizations across Australia, undertook after the devastating wildfire's that Australia experienced last year. To learn more about how you can support the wonderful team at Zoos Victoria and their Zoos Victoria Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund, visit https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zoo.org.au%2Ffire-fund%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFJ2bkdJQkZMYnQtR2trVE9vMHVlbHdBMXpqd3xBQ3Jtc0ttM2ZiOW04Q2haNjltYXdCTWlFS09UaVRrSzFmM0ZUMVhXTThvUVRXVE9iU2ZzVVhacGNDMzFhRlV1eXA0dHhuUGpEcm8wMG91WHN1OGQwVWRaWkt3UjJ1TFh6cHhLTDhkcUlYZVN1M3lzbl91MUdJRQ%3D%3D&v=aKDTexe_92k&event=video_description (https://www.zoo.org.au/fire-fund/).
In Episode Twenty-Eight, Ian speaks with Robert Logan, General Manager of One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico. The hacienda style resort is at the southeastern tip of the Baja Peninsula, overlooking the Sea of Cortez, creating a sense of space and seclusion. Set where desert sands meet turquoise waters, complete with healing rituals from a local Shaman, Robert shares the elements that make the Palmilla experience so exceptional.
In Episode Twenty-Seven of G'Day with Ian Swain, Ian speaks with Geoff Scholz, Owner and Operator of Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris in South Australia. Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris offers sightings of Australia's iconic wildlife in extraordinary numbers from its base of Kangaluna Camp, located in the outback. Set in the expansive outback of Gawler Ranges National Park, this week's episode combines glamping with the ultimate Australian safari experience.
In Episode Twenty-Six, Ian speaks with Emile Van der Linde, General Manager of Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses. Located just outside Kaikoura, which has been dubbed by National Geographic as New Zealand's "maritime Serengeti", the Tree Houses give guests a bird's-eye view of New Zealand's South Island. Learn about life 33 feet above the ground and the awe-inspiring scenes the Tree Houses provide, and the importance of being so close to the eco-marine town of Kaikoura, and the wildlife and culinary experiences that the location provides.
In Episode Twenty-Five, Ian speaks with Hall Cannon, Owner and Managing Director of Otahuna Lodge, located just outside Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. With sweeping verandas overlooking picturesque gardens and the Bay nearby, Otahuna is a paradise. Ian and Hall speak about Otahuna's history, the culinary experience, and the sampling of nature and marine life guests enjoy on the excursions offered from the lodge.
In Episode Twenty-Four, Ian speaks with Graeme Smith, General Manager of the Bay of Many Coves located on New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds. Marlborough Sounds, on the South Island, is renowned for its sailing, seafood, and Sauvignon Blanc. Ian and Graeme walk us through the serenity and picturesque vistas that surround the Bay of Many Coves, accessible only by boat or helicopter, and the fabulous culinary delights that the Bay provides.
In Episode Twenty-Three, Ian speaks with Richard Lyon, General Manager of One&Only Cape Town. Ian and Richard chat about its ideal location on the V&A Waterfront, the iconic experiences Cape Town has to offer, and the spectacular rooms in which guests can recharge at the end of their South African trip. This week, Richard Lyon gives us a glimpse into the true relaxation One&Only Cape Town offers guests in one of world's greatest cities.
In Episode Twenty-Two, Ian speaks with Sara Gardiner, Co-Founder of Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Ian and Sara share insights into Victoria Falls, the beauty and tranquility of the Zambezi River and a little something called Matetsi Magic. Sara Gardiner speaks about Matetsi's idyllic accommodation and remarkable location, from which guests can visit Victoria Falls, cruise along the Zambezi river, go on safari, and enjoy the culinary delights of Matetsi's chefs.
In Episode Twenty-One, Ian speaks with Thierry Dalais, Founder and Chairman of Time + Tide which offers luxury safari camp, lodge, and resort experiences across Zambia and Madagascar. Thierry shares his deep insights into what makes Zambia and Madagascar so wonderful and how Time + Tide preserves the landscape, wildlife, and culture of their destinations through conservation and their Time + Tide Foundation.
This week marks our Twentieth Episode of G'Day with Ian Swain, a milestone which we would like to acknowledge by thanking all our wonderful guests for sharing their uplifting stories of community, a glimpse into their beautiful worlds, and offering us all a chance to dream of where we will go next. In Episode Twenty, Ian speaks with Tim Stanhope of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley located in the Blue Mountains of Australia. Wolgan Valley is a secluded sanctuary, a wildlife haven, and a favorite of the Swain Destinations Team for its luxury homestead living.
In Episode Nineteen, Ian speaks with Jacques Smit, Marketing Director of Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve located in South Africa. From honeymooners to families, Ian and Jacques discuss what makes a trip to one of Sabi Sabi's four lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve so magical. Sabi Sabi are a longtime partner of Swain Destinations and fellow https://www.swaindestinations.com/about/wttc-safetravels (Safe Travels Program) member, as approved by the World Travel & Tourism Council. Jacques and Ian discuss the WTTC Safe Travels Program, how life in the bush has continued throughout lockdown, and what makes the Sabi Sabi experience so special.
Janine Duffy shares how the Koala Clancy Foundation and Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours work hand-in-hand to restore koala habitat and offer travelers the opportunity to see koalas in the wild, while supporting the conservation work that will secure future generations of koalas.
In Episode Seventeen, Ian speaks with Jim Roane, Co-Owner of TAASA Lodge located on the northern edge of the Serengeti in Tanzania. TAASA is uniquely positioned in a private conservancy which offers an authentically Tanzanian experience with breathtaking views of the Lobo Valley.
In Episode Sixteen of G'Day with Ian Swain, Ian speaks with Ceillhe and Neill Sperath of TIME Unlimited Tours in New Zealand. Learn how the TIME team create meaningful experiences by integrating Māori culture and local Kiwi life into their tours.
On Episode 15 of G'Day with Ian Swain, Ian speaks with Theo Cromhout, General Manager of Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Theo shares the recent updates to the lodges, what sets a Shamwari game drive apart from the rest, and the conservation work of Shamwari's Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
In Episode Fourteen, Ian speaks with Craig Storkey, Area Manager of One&Only Resorts in Rwanda. In preparation and celebration of Rwanda's borders opening to international visitors on August 1st, Ian and Craig share why Rwanda is such a special and unique place to visit, and the beautiful experiences which One&Only Resorts offer.
In Episode 13, Ian speaks with Jim Carreker, Owner and Managing Director of The Louise in the Barossa Valley. Famed for offering absolute luxury in which to enjoy the Barossa's stunning views, lavish food, and world-class wines, Jim shares The Louise's origin stories and deep connections to the local wine scene.
In Episode Twelve, Ian speaks with Robert More, Founder and CEO of MORE Family Collection, about incorporating amazing experiences for families into the MORE collection of hotels and lodges, the iconic treehouse experiences MORE is known for, and the best adventures in Southern Africa.
Ian speaks with Louisa "Choppy" Patterson, CEO and Chief Pilot of Over The Top helicopter experiences from Queenstown, New Zealand. Learn why a bird's-eye view is the best way to experience the beauty and adventure of New Zealand's South Island.
In Episode Ten, Ian speaks with Roddy Meiring, General Manager of Victoria Falls River Lodge, from the shores of the mighty Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Ian and Roddy discuss the magic of experiencing Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia side of the river, the amazing wildlife experiences surrounding the lodge, the beauty of staying in an Island Treehouse, and how travelers can get involved in the lodge's community by supporting its local school, Zambezi Crescent Pre-School.
In Episode nine, Ian speaks with Tom Butler, General Manager of Blanket Bay, from the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand's South Island. Located just outside Queenstown, considered the adventure capital of the world, many of the region's activities are available directly from the lodge which is situated on Lake Wakatipu. Join Ian and Tom as they discuss what makes Blanket Bay and its surrounding community so special.
In Episode Eight, Ian speaks with Adine Roode, Owner and Managing Director of Jabulani Safari and HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) in South Africa. Adine has been awarded 2020 Woman of the Year by Relais & Châteaux for her dedicated service to vulnerable wildlife species, and empowering travelers to make the world a better place. In this week's podcast, Adine takes us deep into the life of the elephant herd at Jabulani, and the tireless work that she and the team have been undertaking to develop a program to rehabilitate orphaned elephants which is sustained through tourism.
In Episode Seven, Ian speaks with Juan Walker, Owner and Guide of Walkabout Cultural Adventures from his home in Queensland, Australia. Learn about how Juan and his team incorporate Aboriginal culture and survival techniques into tours of the world's oldest living rain forest, largest coral reef system, and northern beaches of Australia.
In Episode Six, Ian speaks with Alistair Leuner, General Manager of Safari Products at Tintswalo Lodges, which is a collection of luxury lodges located in stunning locations across South Africa. Learn why game drives continue without guests, the rigorous requirements to become a Tintswalo field guide, and how Tintswalo is supporting South African communities through feeding schemes.
In Episode Five, Ian speaks with Craig Wickham, Owner and Managing Director of Exceptional Kangaroo Island. Craig's team are experts in touring this iconic island off the coast of South Australia which offers a microcosm of Australia's infamous landscapes and wildlife. Ian and Craig discuss how life on Kangaroo Island has been recovering from the bushfires in the respite provided by the pandemic.
In Episode Four, Ian speaks with Richard Rooney, General Manager of Wharekauhau, a luxury lodge located on the Southern shores of New Zealand's North Island. Ian and Richard walk you through the unique landscape and activities of the lodge, and how Wharekauhau is supporting its team throughout this pause in tourism.
In Episode Three, Ian speaks with Penny Rafferty, Executive Officer of Luxury Lodges of Australia, from her home in the Barossa Valley. Hear of how the Luxury Lodges all across Australia are approaching the downtime they are experiencing from the pandemic, how the Luxury Lodges community supported one another to get through bushfire season and what makes each of the Luxury Lodges unique.
In Episode Two, Ian speaks with Russel Binks, Executive at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, from South Africa's largest private game reserve. Learn of the conservation work that the Tswalu Foundation are continuing throughout the lockdown, the health and family support that Tswalu provides to its local community, and how Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is using this time to prepare an even more luxurious and private game viewing experience for its guests.
This week, Ian speaks with James Baillie, Owner and CEO of Baillie Lodges, from the shores of Avalon Beach in Sydney, Australia. Baillie Lodges are extraordinary lodges set in locations across Australia which are of unique natural or cultural significance, offering travelers a remarkable Australian experience. Ian and James chat about what the lockdown looks like for Australia, how Baillie Lodges is weathering the pandemic, the impact of the health crisis on the heels of the Bushfire season and the approach that James and the Baillie Team are taking to ensure a bright future for guests, once travel can begin again.