From Sustainable to Regenerative Tourism: Elaine Ford’s Journey with Electrek Explorer

“We need travel that not only reduces harm but actually gives back to the environment.”

In a world where the climate crisis headlines loom large, Elaine Ford, a visionary artist, ecologist, and founder of Electrek Explorer, is leading a movement toward sustainable, regenerative tourism. Her platform, Electrek Explorer, promotes a transformative approach to tourism, balancing the need to explore with a commitment to preserving and regenerating nature. With a growing community of passionate collaborators and partners, Electrek Explorer is building a unique platform that offers adventure while supporting eco-friendly travel choices.

From Conservation to Eco-Conscious Travel

Elaine’s journey began in the diverse ecosystems of Southern Africa, where she worked with conservationists to protect wildlife corridors through immersive technology. When the pandemic struck, she saw people reconnecting with local nature. “During lockdown, people turned to nature in their local areas for comfort and connection,” Elaine recalls. This inspired her to create Electrek Explorer—a platform that combines eco-conscious exploration with sustainable mobility, initially launched in Scotland with the support of Nature Scot, Southern Upland Partnerships, South of Scotland Destination Alliance, and Visit Outer Hebrides.

“We need travel that not only reduces harm but actually gives back to the environment,” Elaine says. Electrek Explorer helps adventurers find places like surf spots, wild swimming locations, and wildlife watching sites, while also connecting them with eco-friendly travel options, like e-bikes and electric vehicles. This platform aims to help people explore responsibly, putting regenerative tourism into action.

EuroTour24: Showcasing Regenerative Tourism

Electrek Explorer’s commitment to this mission is showcased in EuroTour24—an ambitious e-bike journey from Paris to Madrid, highlighting the potential of electric mobility for long-distance travel and the positive impact of regenerative tourism. Elaine will be joined by record-setting endurance cyclists Sushil Reddy and Luis Fourzan, each of whom has broken Guinness World Records in e-bike travel across the U.S. Supported by partners Tenways (providing Ago X e-bikes), MONIN, and outdoor gear brands Showers Pass, The Scrubba, and Pit Viper, this journey is as much about testing endurance as it is about showcasing innovation.

“We’re not just going from A to B,” Elaine says. “We’re meeting local businesses, conservationists, and nature sites to highlight the positive impact tourism can have when done responsibly.” Through promotional posts and stories across social media, EuroTour24 is helping spark interest in eco-tourism and regenerative practices among new audiences and potential partners.

Building a Platform for Sustainable Adventure

Electrek Explorer is more than just a travel platform—it’s a growing movement that seeks to empower both adventurers and businesses to make sustainable, eco-friendly choices. By 2030, Elaine and her team envision a global platform that will map and curate outdoor locations, promote alternative routes, and provide essential information on nature-friendly experiences. Whether it’s for travelers seeking out hidden nature gems or businesses looking to offer eco-conscious travel options, Electrek Explorer is dedicated to facilitating responsible, impactful exploration.

Overcoming Challenges as a Startup Founder

Launching a startup during the global pandemic came with unique challenges. With travel on hold and limited opportunities for in-person collaboration, Elaine and her team had to constantly innovate to keep Electrek Explorer moving forward. Support from networks like We Make Change has been instrumental in this journey, particularly in sharpening their business strategy. Thanks to the expertise of Kinetic Consulting team members Antonio Abascal, Jonathan Judd, Mike Fekete, Robin Sharpe, and Alexandre Cherix, through Change Days, Elaine gained targeted insights in crucial areas such as marketing, finance, and strategic communications.

"Change Days gave us more than just advice," Elaine explains. "The team helped us strengthen our business plan, fine-tune our financial strategy, and align our marketing approach with our mission of sustainable exploration." She adds, "It’s inspiring to work with people who truly believe in our mission, providing expertise in everything from sales strategies and financial planning to marketing.”

Electrek Explorer’s Vision for 2030

With six years left to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Electrek Explorer’s vision aligns closely with goals like SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). “By 2030, we envision a global platform that empowers people to connect with and respect nature, all while exploring sustainably,” Elaine explains. Her vision is to create positive change across ecosystems and communities by inspiring people to travel responsibly.

Electrek Explorer’s mission is clear: to help adventurers explore the outdoors responsibly while also offering businesses tools to provide eco-friendly travel options. Every action, from finding the perfect surf spot to choosing an e-bike for a scenic route, contributes to building a sustainable, impactful future.

Elaine’s closing message is one of encouragement: “Never think that any contribution is too small. Every single act can have a huge impact on building a sustainable future.”

As Elaine and her team prepare for their journey across Europe, their work with Electrek Explorer serves as a beacon for travelers who want to connect with nature responsibly. You can follow their journey on social media and learn more about how Electrek Explorer is reshaping outdoor adventures at ElectrekExplorer.com.

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This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.

Interview & Article: Laura De Alba (We Make Change)