JoAnna Haugen

Carthage

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Articles

Community Tourism Enriching Traveler Experiences, Locals’ Wellbeing

Jan 8, 2025 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

Holding a mixing bowl in one arm, Sarala pulls a small handful of stickydough from the mix, then offers the bowl to me while gesturing that I should dothe same. She flattens the dough into the palm of her hand, scoops a mix ofminced chicken and spices into the center, then adroitly manipulates her fingersto close the dumpling — known locally as amomo — with an artistic, braid-likefold. I’ve never met a dumpling I didn’t love, but this is my introduction to momos —a classic Nepalese dish.
Gear-Free Experiences Helping People to Connect More Deeply with Nature

Dec 1, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

During the global COVID-19 lockdown, many people found solace in the greatoutdoors. They had the time to seek out nature-based activities, and beingoutside offered a safe way to social distance from others. Since then, life has returned to its frenetic pace; but people are spendingmore time in nature since thepandemic. Perhaps it's no surprise that the outdoor gearindustrybenefited from increased demand during the lockdown, and it has continued tosteadilygrow.
More Travel Offerings Highlighting Interinfluence of Climate Change and Tourism

Oct 14, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

Walking across a sea-level glacier in Iceland, a tour guide points out howthe landscape has changed in recent years. The population of cheeky puffins on acliff’s edge has dropped by 20 percent since the start of the century due torising ocean temperatures, the guide notes. Over a meal with fellow travelersthat same day, the conversation turns to alternative energy sources helping thecountry curb its environmental footprint — a pertinent topic, given the mealtakes place in a geothermal greenhouse.
More Travel Offerings Highlighting Interinfluence of Climate Change and Tourism

Oct 14, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

Walking across a sea-level glacier in Iceland, a tour guide points out howthe landscape has changed in recent years. The population of cheeky puffins on acliff’s edge has dropped by 20 percent since the start of the century due torising ocean temperatures, the guide notes. Over a meal with fellow travelersthat same day, the conversation turns to alternative energy sources helping thecountry curb its environmental footprint — a pertinent topic, given the mealtakes place in a geothermal greenhouse.
Travel Companies Signal Sustainability Focus With Scientists on Staff

Aug 8, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

When travel companies gather employees together, the typical roles are present:the CEO, an operations manager, sales and marketingfolks,product designers, and customer service representatives. Increasingly, there’sone more person on the team who hasn’t been present in the past: A scientist. Attention on the climate and biodiversity crises has accelerated significantlyacross industries and businesses in recent years, and tourism is no exception.
Travel Companies Signal Prioritization of Sustainability With Scientists on Staff

Aug 8, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

These shifts in hospitality and tourism offerings are increasingly essential asconscious consumerism becomes mainstream and addressing the climate crisisbecomes essential for preservation of the industry. When travel companies gather employees together, the typical roles are present:the CEO, an operations manager, sales and marketingfolks,product designers, and customer service representatives. Increasingly, there’sone more person on the team who hasn’t been present in the past: A scientist.
Ironic, Understated Campaign Attracts Viral Interest in Visiting Oslo

Jul 12, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

VisitOSLO’s new, viral campaign downplays its city’s appeal with dry humor andan understated production style — and highlights a growing trend invalues-driven tourism marketing. “I wouldn’t come here, to be honest,” a man intones as people in the backgroundgleefully jump off a boat into the harbor behind him.
Airbnb, but make it a co-op: How to book ethical accommodation in 2024 (and beyond)

Jul 5, 2024 | adventure.com | JoAnna Haugen

Many travelers book Airbnbs when they’re looking for accommodation, but there are plenty of alternatives that promise to minimize the negative and maximize the positive impacts on local communities. There’s little denying that Airbnb’s stats are impressive: Founded in 2007, Airbnb today has more than 7.7 million listings in 100,000 cities around the world. Yet, in recent years, Airbnb—and short-term rentals in general—have been a source of growing contention.
Indian Tourism Initiatives Removing Social Barriers to Women’s Employment

Jul 3, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen

India ranks among the lowest countries for even access to economic participationand opportunities for women. But a growing number of tourism-based initiativesare working to help leveling the playing field. “Happy Holi!”Renu Sharma greeted me with a warm smile and clasped my hands in both ofhers. She wore two bangles on each wrist, and her hair was pulled back in aflawless bun.
Amidst India’s Tourism Boom, Boutique Accommodations Focus on Sustainability

May 10, 2024 | sustainablebrands.com | JoAnna Haugen |RARE India

Whereas the country’s major cities have attracted the major hotel constructionin the past, boutique properties and hotel chains alike are popping up inlesser-known areas — to showcase not only the natural appeal but theproprietors’ commitment to the environment and local communities. “We should make our own jam.”I was sipping coffee, listening to the titter of birds over a leisurelybreakfast, when Akhilesh said this.