Episode #136: Samantha Smits

Guest Bio

Samantha Smits is the founder of Smits SusTour Consultancy and a Sustainable Tourism Consultant based in both the Netherlands and Tanzania. With a mission to empower tourism professionals with tools, knowledge, and confidence to drive real change, Samantha brings a grounded, passionate approach to her work. She holds a degree in International Tourism Management from Breda University of Applied Sciences and a master’s in Tourism, Society, and Environment from Wageningen University & Research. Samantha is dedicated to supporting community-based tourism initiatives, championing local businesses, and preserving cultural heritage through practical, actionable strategies. When she’s not consulting, you’ll likely find her exploring the outdoors.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Samantha, founder of Smits SusTour Consultancy, about her journey into sustainable tourism consulting. Samantha shares the roots of her passion, including formative experiences in Cub Scouts and her fascination with travel and cultural exchange.

She reflects on the challenges and lessons learned during her internship in Tanzania and her transition into full-time consulting. The conversation explores common misconceptions in the sustainability world, and Samantha offers practical insights for tour operators and accommodation providers. Through storytelling, empowerment, and a down-to-earth approach, she’s helping reshape how the industry views and practices sustainability.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Samantha’s consultancy focuses on making sustainability accessible for tourism providers.
• ✓ Her journey into sustainability began with her experiences in Cub Scouts.
• ✓ Education and cultural curiosity played a significant role in her career path.
• ✓ Traveling to Tanzania for her internship was a transformative experience.
• ✓ Living in Tanzania presented both challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
• ✓ Sustainability consulting involves a lot of myth-busting and education.
• ✓ It’s essential to empower local businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
• ✓ Reducing carbon emissions is more impactful than just buying carbon credits.
• ✓ Samantha aims to create a relaxed and approachable atmosphere in her consulting work.
• ✓ Storytelling is crucial for differentiating sustainable tourism operators.

What You’ll Find on Smits SusTour Consultancy

• ✓ Practical consulting services for tour operators and accommodations
• ✓ A focus on community-based and culturally sensitive tourism strategies
• ✓ Resources that simplify sustainability implementation
• ✓ Empowerment of local businesses through education and tools
• ✓ A friendly, story-driven approach to sustainability challenges
• ✓ Insights from global experiences