Kristin Winkaffe, founder of Winkaffe Global Travel, recently earned the prestigious Sustainable Leadership Advisor Award at the 2024 Virtuoso Travel Week. This honor is a testament to her unwavering dedication to redefining luxury travel through the lens of sustainability. Winkaffe’s commitment to responsible travel goes beyond words—it’s embedded in every journey she curates, every partnership she forms, and every community she supports.

For Kristin, winning this award is both a personal and professional milestone. “On a personal level, it’s a moment of deep reflection and pride,” she shares. “This award feels like a nod to the countless hours of hard work, the sleepless nights, and the unwavering belief that travel can be a catalyst for positive change.” Professionally, it’s an affirmation from the luxury travel industry that sustainability is not just a niche—it’s the future.

The Journey Behind the Award

Kristin’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Before founding Winkaffe Global Travel, she spent years in human rights programming, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities. These experiences shaped her belief that travel, when approached thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for good. “I wanted to create journeys that are as enriching for the traveler as they are beneficial for the host communities,” Kristin explains.

However, merging luxury with sustainability presented its own set of challenges. “One of the biggest hurdles was changing perceptions,” she says. Convincing clients and industry peers that luxury and sustainability could coexist required persistence and a steadfast commitment to her values. But Kristin’s determination paid off, and today, Winkaffe Global Travel is a leader in the sustainable luxury travel movement.

The Heartbeat of Winkaffe Global Travel

At the core of Winkaffe Global Travel’s mission are the communities it serves. These communities have been Kristin’s biggest influence, teaching her invaluable lessons about resilience and the importance of preserving cultural and environmental integrity. “Every time I travel, I’m reminded of why this work matters,” Kristin reflects. “The stories, struggles, and successes of the local community are the heartbeat of Winkaffe Global Travel.”

This deep connection to the communities she works with has driven Kristin to support around 20 hyper-local organizations annually, as part of her commitment to donate 10% of profits from every trip she plans to a nonprofit in each trip’s destination. From conservation projects to cultural exchanges, her goal is to create travel experiences that leave both the traveler and the destination better than before.

A New Beginning

While this award is a significant achievement, Kristin views it as a new starting point. “We’re committed to scaling up our impact,” she says. Winkaffe Global Travel plans to deepen its partnerships with local communities, invest even more in supporting local causes, and create even more immersive travel experiences that foster genuine connections between travelers and the communities they visit.

Looking ahead, Kristin is excited about the opportunities this recognition brings. “This award gives us the confidence to pursue more ambitious projects,” she notes. It also opens doors for new partnerships and collaborations, which will be crucial as Winkaffe Global Travel continues to lead the way in sustainable luxury travel.

Sustainability is the Way Forward

For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Kristin offers simple but powerful advice: “Stay authentic to your values, even when it’s tough. The road to recognition in sustainable travel can be long and challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.” She emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and collaboration, noting that real change takes time but is well worth the effort.

Kristin’s journey is a reminder that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive—they are, in fact, the perfect partners. Her work with Winkaffe Global Travel demonstrates that responsible travel is not just possible; it’s the way forward. As the world of luxury travel evolves, Kristin Winkaffe is proving that we can all embark on a journey that is as enriching for the traveler as it is beneficial for the world we explore.

Interested in working with Kristin to plan your next sustainable adventure? Check out https://winkaffeglobaltravel.com/ or schedule a complimentary Discovery Call here.

Kristin Winkaffe is an independent affiliate of Avenue Two Travel, a member of the Virtuoso travel agency network. For more information on Virtuoso destinations, perks, and exclusives, see https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/kristinwinkaffe.