By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-04-01 13:40:52 | Updated at 2025-04-02 18:59:11
1 day ago
Prince Harry has released a new video and "Five Year Milestone Report" for his sustainable tourism initiative Travalyst, which he established in 2019.
The Duke of Sussex appears in a two-minute clip filmed at his £12million Montecito mansion, discussing the initiative's progress over the past five years.
Travalyst aims to help travellers reduce carbon emissions, prevent over-tourism and develop local economies.
The report and video come amid an escalating row over Harry's charity Sentebale, which he quit as patron last week.
The Duke has been embroiled in a boardroom battle with Sentebale chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka.
In the video, Prince Harry emphasises the need for practical solutions to climate change, stating: "These realities leave us with a choice - find practical solutions to climate change, or accept the massive financial and human losses that it's causing."
Travalyst
The Duke expressed pride in Travalyst's accomplishments, which is supported by major companies including Google, Booking.com, TripAdvisor and Expedia.
"I wanted to harness travel's power and potential to help create a more resilient world, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished," he said.
Harry added: "We're bringing sustainable solutions to the mainstream, providing travellers with clear information that helps them make better and more informed choices, which is what we know consumers want."
In his foreword to the report, Harry highlighted the potential impact of tourism, noting: "Last year saw a staggering 1.4billion international tourist arrivals globally."
He emphasised that travellers "must be empowered with the information they need to make those trips count."
However, research commissioned by Travalyst from YouGov revealed a gap between awareness and action among travellers.
The Duke of Sussex appears in a two-minute clip filmed at his £12million Montecito mansion, discussing the initiative's progress over the past five years.
Getty
Of those with travel plans this year, 30 per cent of UK travellers and 42 per cent of American travellers considered accommodation providers' sustainability efforts.
Yet only 13 per cent of UK travellers and 18 per cent of American travellers actually factored this into their decisions.
Travalyst concluded that travellers are not yet taking action at the level needed to "deliver impact at scale."
The report's release has been overshadowed by a dispute between Harry and Sentebale chairwoman Sophie Chandauka.
Dr Chandauka has alleged that Harry sent her an "unpleasant" and "imperious" message after she failed to publicly quash rumours of a rift with Meghan Markle.
The Duke has been embroiled in a boardroom battle with Sentebale chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka.
Getty
She further claimed the Duke tried to "eject" her through "bullying" and "harassment".
A source close to former trustees and patrons of Sentebale dismissed her comments as a "publicity stunt".
Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people in southern Africa.
The Duke of Sussex has previously faced criticism for his use of private jets while campaigning on environmental matters.
In his video message about Travalyst, Harry made no mention of the ongoing Sentebale crisis.
