By: Matt Emma

In all its expressions, culture has the power to transform. It connects us to the deepest part of our humanity, awakens awareness, inspires action, and reshapes the way we perceive the world. This was precisely the premise of the event recently organized by Green My Experience as part of Climate Change Week NYC 2025. The purpose was clear: to demonstrate that the conversation on sustainability should not be limited to figures and policies—it must also be nourished by what truly moves people in their everyday lives: travel, music, and sports.

The event brought together voices from diverse disciplines to explore how culture can become a true catalyst for transformation. Among the most inspiring conversations was Panel 4: “Culture as Catalyst: Travel, Sports & Music Driving Change,” where Héctor Kala Zapata, founder and CEO of Tripping Cool, shared his perspective on the transformative power of tourism and the importance of reconnecting with the human essence in a world seeking sustainability.

Kala’s philosophy is deeply rooted in empathy. He believes that meaningful change can only happen when we understand the realities of others. “How can I talk about sustainability,” he asked, “to a woman who works with me, who is a single mother raising three children, if her mind is occupied with how to feed them and keep a roof over their heads?” For him, before expecting awareness, one must first offer stability. His role as a leader begins by ensuring that his team feels secure—that their basic needs are met. Only then can they open their minds to learn and act responsibly.

That reflection was born more than two decades ago, during his early years in the tourism industry, when he decided to change the way he related to guests. He discovered that by kneeling down to speak eye to eye with a person in a wheelchair or with a child, he could remove barriers and create a more genuine connection.

That simple gesture—speaking face to face, with respect and warmth—often sparked smiles, better communication, and a more human experience. Since then, Kala has embraced that principle as a way of understanding both life and business: meeting people at their level as a symbol of respect and genuine listening. For him, sustainability begins when we stop speaking at people and start speaking with them; when theory becomes grounded in humility and knowledge is shared in human terms. As he expressed during the panel, “We can’t stay on the 38th floor talking about change while people are walking the streets trying to survive. We have to come down to earth and water that knowledge so it can grow.”

That same principle guides the growth of Tripping Cool, a company that began operating from a single port in Mexico and now has a presence in eight strategic ports across the Americas and Europe. Its sustainable tourism model is built on genuine connections between travelers and local communities, creating a positive impact in every destination it touches.

Tripping Cool’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in many dimensions: it supports women entrepreneurs in local destinations, collaborates with community shelters, integrates responsible practices into every itinerary, and partners with initiatives like Green My Experience, which share the mission of building a more conscious tourism industry. More than offering trips, Tripping Cool aims to promote a way of traveling that values hospitality, preserves traditions, and strengthens local economies.

In every port where it operates, it fosters spaces for authentic exchange, where travelers immerse themselves in local traditions and host communities find new opportunities for growth. Each experience becomes a cultural bridge that unites people, teaches lessons, and leaves a lasting positive mark.

For Tripping Cool, this international platform was not just a space for dialogue, but a confirmation that the path they have built over the years is aligned with what the world seems to need most: a tourism model that is human, responsible, and deeply transformative. Because behind every journey there is a story, behind every destination there is a community, and behind every conscious action, there is an opportunity to inspire others.