Truth Behind Travel Podcast

Flash episode: Dolores Semeraro interviews eco tourism expert on the field Sonja Gottlebe following the political unrest in Madagascar this week - mid October 2025. 

Sonja joins Truth Behind Travel Podcast for the second time after her first episode n.79 on Season 4. 

On this episode: 

- Dolores & Sonja discuss the recent political unrest and its impact on tourism in Madagascar

- Sonja highlights the peaceful Gen Z-inspired protests in October, the rapid digital communication, and the swift departure of key officials. 

- The importance of continued tourism to support the destination and urges travelers to rely on personal research and local sources for accurate information.

Contact Sonja here

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Carmen Roberts, BBC travel journalist, international speaker and travel expert on the evolution of travel media and the impact of user-generated content on tourism. 

Through the lenses of Carmen's vaste experience in travel journalism, this episode exploresCarmen discusses the shift from traditional media to user-generated content, the rise of influencers, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity while managing tourist behavior. 

The concept of cultural appropriation, the role of local communities in shaping travel narratives, and the responsibility of content creators in promoting responsible tourism. 

More on Carmen Roberts: https://carmenrobertstravels.com

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Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Iris Serbanescu - the founder of wmnsWORK - her journey from risk management to tourism, highlighting her 12-year career in marketing and partnerships. 

How she founded wmnsWORK, an award-winning tourism accelerator for women entrepreneurs, during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of systemic change, noting that while 60% of the travel workforce is female, only 8% hold executive positions. 

wmnsWORK has supported 60 entrepreneurs over three years, focusing on intuition, networking, and mentorship. 

wmnsWORK is a 12-week virtual, equity free accelerator program designed specifically to support women and non-binary tourism entrepreneurs during the most critical part of their business journey – the early stages.

About Iris:

wmnsWORK was founded in 2022 by Iris Serbanescu, who has spent her decade-long career in the tourism industry consulting with and working alongside entrepreneurial ventures in tourism’s adventure, luxury and tech sectors. Prior to this launch, Iris led partnerships at TourRadar, an online marketplace for multi-day tour operators, and was the manager of trade development at travel consultancy Bannikin before that.

About this episode: 

Starting wmnsWORK During the Pandemic

How the idea came from her desire to support the industry in building back better and her own lived experience in the industry with the resilience and innovation in mind emphasizing the importance of building businesses with intention and aligning them with personal capacity to avoid burnout.

Current State of Women in Travel and Tourism

Based on whether women in tourism are building, thriving, or just getting by, Iris expresses optimism, noting the rapid changes in gender equality and the increasing support for women-led ventures, discussing the emphasis on following capacity rather than growth at all costs, addressing the issue of burnout among women.

Choices and Future Impact

The increasing collaboration and gender equity policies being implemented in organizations around the world, the disparity in leadership roles in the travel industry, with women making up 60% of the workforce but holding less than 8% of executive positions.

Women-Led Businesses and Their Impact

The impact of women-led businesses in the travel industry, noting their alignment with sustainable development goals and regenerative practices as well as the importance of collaboration over competition and the symbiotic relationship between women and nature

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Sonja Gottlebe Sustainable Tourism Advocate | Eco-Lodge Pioneer of Madagascar. 

sonja is a champion of Sustainable Tourism in Madagascar, with over three decades of pioneering work in the tourism industry. 

During this episode, Sonja highlights the country's resilience despite crises but noted the severe impact of COVID-19, with tourist numbers plummeting from 400,000 in 2019 to 150,000 in 2024. Madagascar's lack of a national airline and poor infrastructure hinder tourism but Sonja emphasized the need for a comprehensive development strategy, including education, infrastructure, and sustainable practices. 

Also on the episode

• Sonia Gottlebe's Background and Early Tourism Experience
• Current State of Tourism in Madagascar
• Challenges and Opportunities in Madagascar's Tourism Sector
• Strategies for Tourism Development in Madagascar
• Impact of Poverty and Politics on Tourism
• Local Talents and Community Involvement
• Connectivity and Tourism Sustainability
• Perception and Marketing of Madagascar
• Responsible Tourism Practices
• Future of Tourism in Madagascar

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Tina O'Dwyer - Founder & Chief Facilitator at The Tourism Space® on Regenerative Tourism: where does a destination start the journey? 

About Tina O'Dwyer

She is the Founder and CEO of the Tourism Space, a leading consultancy and education provider partnering with the public sector to enable sustainable, regenerative and collaborative approaches to tourism. They work alongside government departments, public sector agencies, not-for-profit organisations, destination stewards, and EU projects to drive meaningful change. 

Working on the practice of sustainable and regenerative tourism since 2009, her contributions have been recognised nationally and internationally through multiple awards, including the All-Ireland Business Foundation's Tourism Businessperson of the Year award. 

She serves as Sustainability Advisor for World Travel Market in London, on the Sustainability Committee of the Irish Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA) and as a Member of the Advisory Board of Atlantic Technological University (ATU). 

About The Tourism Space®

The Tourism Space® is a leading international consultancy that specialises in enabling sustainable, regenerative and collaborative approaches to tourism. They provide training, facilitation, coaching, speaking and consultancy services to government departments, public sector agencies, not-for-profit organisations, European Institutions and EU-funded projects.

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On this episode: 

• Challenges and Resistance in Implementing Regenerative Tourism
• Economic Perspective and Visitor Segmentation
• Responsibility and Visitor Behaviour
• Collaboration and Community Involvement

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Anne De Jong - sustainable tourism consultant and co-founder of the Good Tourism Institute on how effectively change the tourism marketing narrative to enhance the message within sustainable practices adopted within the destination. 

About The Good Tourism Institute 

The Good Tourism Institute is a sustainable tourism development and marketing agency. Their mission is to mainstream and streamline sustainability practices: making sustainability more accessible and appealing, and using sustainability as leverage to run a successful business. Through their programs and consultancy, the Good Tourism Institute transforms travel businesses from sustainable today, to successful tomorrow. 

On this episode, Anne discusses the challenges of quantifying the impact of good tourism, emphasizing the need for standardized metrics and a stronger framework. She highlights the importance of balancing sustainability with successful entrepreneurship and creating meaningful travel experiences. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Sarah Payne , Director of Impact at Untours Fundation - on her journey from an MBA in economic development to her current role, emphasizing the importance of impact with social, environmental and economical drive for entrepreneurs. 

An entrepreneur herself, Sarah believes passionately in using business as a force for good to create a more just, equitable, and regenerative world. She has also worked with a variety of nonprofits both in the United States and abroad to advance social change and alleviate poverty. Ever adventurous, Sarah loves to travel and enjoy the great outdoors. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in World History from Messiah University and a Master of Business Administration in Economic Development from Eastern University.

In this episode:

Impact as a Currency for Entrepreneurs

• Impact as a currency for entrepreneurs, and how stakeholders increasingly want to see positive impact from companies.
• Integrating an impact mindset from the beginning, considering social, environmental, and economic impacts which encopasses the value of authenticity and transparency
• Set realistic goals, start with one impact area, and build on the success as well as the importance of having a strong network and community support for entrepreneurs.

The Role of B Corps and the B Impact Assessment

• The Foundation owns the world's first B Corp, Untours, and loves working with B Corps due to their verified impact track records.
• Not all companies can or want to become B Corps but can still adopt impact-focused practices from the B Corp movement.
• Highlighting the Foundation's approach to underwriting loans and the importance of creating an ecosystem of interdependent businesses particularly community-driven businesses and smaller enterprises.
• Women are often more community-minded and impact-focused, balancing business demands with personal priorities.

Future Directions and Investments

• to direct more investments into the places where travelers are going, creating an ecosystem for travelers to engage with the Foundation's impact work.
• to provide accessible and flexible capital to small tourism businesses worldwide.

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Vanessa Karel, founder of the award-winning women-led travel guides Greether. 

Vanessa Karel, a second-time founder, shared her journey from being stranded in Morocco during the pandemic to creating Greether, a platform connecting female travelers with local greeters for safe and authentic travel experiences. 

She highlights the $125 billion female travel market and the 90% of female travelers seeking safer travel options. Greether, now in over 100 countries, employs women and offers personalized services. 

Turning an Idea into a Reality: Greether was born. 

• Identifying a problem with a large market opportunity
• The challenges of building a travel startup
• The importance of building a network to succeed in the entrepreneurial journey

The Evolution of Greether - from startup prodigy to?

• The growth of Greether, which started as an idea and has now become a global platform connecting female travelers to local greeters
• The potential of the female travel industry, which is valued at $125 billion, and the increasing spending power of women

Addressing Solo-women Travel Concerns and Risks

• Risks and concerns for travelers, particularly solo female travelers
• Consideration on factors like arrival times, communication with loved ones, and the physical demands of travel.
• Slow travel and getting to know local cultures over rushing through multiple destinations.

The Impact of Greether on Local Communities

• Greether creates jobs for women, providing them with additional income and opportunities for empowerment.
• Potential for Greether to support women-owned businesses and enhance the overall travel experience for female travelers.

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews founder of UniqueStays Catarina Varão on true experiential hospitality ultimately leads to social growth. 

Portugal-based Catarina is passionate traveler by profession, hotel curator by vocation, dedicated to an adventurous lifestyle that inspires and teaches, in contrast to an immersive and “slow” pace of life. Full-time mother and part-time dreamer, whose main activity is consultancy in luxury hospitality and tourism. Hotelier, designer, trainer, coach, PTO (nor just “CEO” jack of all trades) of the company TH2 and founder of the luxury hotel soft brand UniqueStays. Graduated in Tourism Management, postgraduate in Tourism Products, Master in Hotel Management with Character and PhD in Geography. 

On this episode:

The Importance of Guest Experience

• The value of “time” in the hospitality industry and the need to focus on guest experience, where even small activities can make a significant impact on guest experience if done with dedication.
• The loss of human touch in industrialized and standardized hospitality practices.

Sustainability and Local Involvement

• The challenges of industrializing and standardizing hospitality, emphasizing the importance of local community involvement, calling out The McDonaldization of the world and the rise of small boutique hotels.
• The importance of involving local communities in decision-making processes and the need to respect local habits and traditions while teaching sustainable practices.

Authenticity vs. Staged Experiences

• The difference between authentic and staged experiences with the importance of raw moments over  uber-staged experiences that repel tourists rather than attract them. 
• The importance of genuine interactions and experiences in creating a memorable guest experience.

Connect with Catarina on: 

www.th2.com.pt 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro intervierws the founders of Women Travel Leaders Jennine Cohen and Catherine Gallagher how community over competition comes from abundance mindset, heart-centered leadership is the key to community and true growth, and fostering a supportive, values-aligned network is their prime mission.

On this episode: 

• Birth and Growth of Women Travel Leaders
• Core Mission and Community Building of the network
• Women Empowerment and Leadership in the Travel Industry
• Heart-Centered Leadership and Community Support
• Future Vision and Growth of Women Travel Leaders

Women Travel Leaders supports high performing purpose driven travel business leaders grow their travel businesses in less time by fostering a community of empowered, purpose-driven and heart-led leaders who prioritise authenticity and impact above all else.

Together, through online and global in-person events, community lead learning, and peer to peer support, we create the conditions for trusted connections that foster mutual support that lead to new business opportunities. 

Are you ready to start thriving in your travel business and your life through connecting with a powerful community that truly has your back? 

Join the waiting list and mention Dolores in the Referrer name to first access when applications open again and receive 25% off your first year of membership. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

[email protected]

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem