Welcome to the Cultural Exchange Panel, Greg, it’s great to have you! You’ve founded multiple organisations centered on cultural exchange and youth travel. We’re curious as to what first inspired your interest in this sector?

It all started when I was 18, travelling in Africa, and promptly getting malaria (not part of the plan). I ended up in a rural hospital and stayed in the town for two weeks, helping out. That unexpected detour opened my eyes to how powerful travel can be when it leads to real human connection. Later, I volunteered on a lion research project in South Africa – stunning location, but the volunteering itself was painfully pointless. I didn’t feel useful at all. That’s when I thought, “Surely we can do this better?” So I started African Impact. Since then, I’ve been driven by the belief that travel should create meaningful impact – for both travellers and the communities they visit.

Over the years, you’ve been involved in impactful ventures like African Impact, which has seen great success in cultural exchange and volunteering. How, in your opinion, have Gen Z’s expectations shifted regarding cultural immersion in travel?

For Gen Z, travel isn’t just about seeing the world – it’s about making sense of their place within it. In a time of constant noise, pressure, and digital overstimulation, cultural immersion offers a kind of escape – not from the world, but into it. They’re seeking experiences that help them grow, question, and reconnect with what’s real. There’s a hunger for authenticity, for moments that challenge their worldview and shape their identity. Travel, for this generation, is as much about self-discovery as it is about exploration – and that shift is reshaping how we design and deliver cultural exchange.

Looking ahead, what excites you about the future of cultural exchange in youth travel? Are there any innovations or trends that give you hope?

In a world where so much is lived online – through filtered screens and short attention spans – and where young people are navigating more fragility, uncertainty, and post-pandemic disconnection, I firmly believe immersive travel & cultural exchange is the antidote. What excites me most is that meaningful travel isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. This generation is craving genuine connection and personal growth, and we’re in a position to offer exactly that. We’re not just creating adventures – we’re serving a bigger purpose than ever before.

And lastly, what is your number one tip for a young person on their first journey abroad?

Be curious, leave your assumptions at the airport, and say “yes” as often as you can. Say yes to the unexpected invitation, the unfamiliar food, and the conversation with a stranger. The magic often lives just outside your comfort zone. Travel isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about being curious, getting things wrong, and growing in the process. Go with humility, listen deeply, and let yourself be changed by the experience. What you bring home won’t just be memories – it’ll be a new way of seeing the world and yourself.