Gotta GO! Sustainable Explorer Challenge
Welcome to the "Gotta GO! Sustainable Explorer Challenge," an exciting initiative by HK Express that empowers students to design lower-carbon travel adventures and become champions of sustainable tourism. Launched in 2024, this campaign challenges young minds to embrace sustainable travel by creating innovative itineraries and turning them into unforgettable, real-life experiences.
Whether you're an experienced sustainability enthusiast or new to concepts like carbon footprints and responsible tourism, this is your opportunity to explore meaningful travel, win amazing prizes, and gaining insights about the aviation industry.
What is the “Gotta GO! Sustainable Explorer Challenge”?
The "Gotta GO! Sustainable Explorer Challenge" is a platform for students to:
- Learn how to design and implement sustainable travel plans.
- Compete for the chance to execute their travel ideas with full sponsorship.
- Gain hands-on experience in responsible tourism through an unforgettable journey.
The challenge offers lectures, workshops and real-life opportunities to implement sustainable travel itineraries. Students will also have the chance to showcase their ideas to a panel of industry experts and compete for exciting prizes.
Campaign Objectives
The Gotta GO! Sustainable Explorer Challenge is designed to:
- Empower students by deepening their understanding of sustainability concepts, such as carbon footprints and sustainable tourism.
- Inspire participants to design and implement lower-carbon travel experiences.
- Raise awareness of the importance of traveling sustainably and responsibly.
- Promote sustainable development and contribute to a greener future for the aviation industry and beyond.
Winners' Stories
Hear from 2025’s winners about their incredible journeys and what they learned from the competition:
2025 Champion
"The Challenge completely reshaped how we view traveling—from chasing Instagram spots to truly slowing down in Shizuoka's tea fields. Those simple moments—sipping tea we picked around the farmhouse hearth, stumbling upon a local tea shop became our most treasured memories. This journey proved sustainable travel isn’t about limitations—it’s about experiencing the world more meaningfully and turning those insights into real industry change."
Tammy Tam – HKUST
"This sustainable journey to Shizuoka started as a simple challenge but evolved into a profound lesson in mindful travel. Though I initially knew little about eco-tourism, hand-picking tea leaves alongside local farmers and staying in a traditional homestay completely transformed my perspective. I discovered that sustainability isn't about achieving perfection—it's about honouring natural rhythms, carefully considering each transport choice's carbon footprint, and finding quiet joy in genuine cultural exchange. "
Yanice So – HKUST
2025 First Runner-up
"Joining the Challenge was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I used to associate travel with destruction, but now I have come to realise that tourism can also mean protecting and sustaining both the environment and local cultures. What surprised me most was discovering that sustainable tourism isn’t as difficult as it seems; it all starts with small, intentional steps. The lessons I learned from this challenge won’t just stay in Ishigaki; they have become a lifelong commitment that I’ll carry into every future journey! "
Stephanie Sung – PolyU
"The process behind understanding, learning, and adapting to new experiences shaped the way I now see both travelling and sustainability. Embarking on the trip not only helped me realise how beautiful the world can be but also showed me how my imagination is limitless. Anything is possible.
Culture has always been important when I travel. But travelling to Ishigaki made me feel— for the first time— that culture is not just around me but also a part of me. Whether it be theirs or ours. "
Octivia Cheung – PolyU
2025 Second Runner-up
"This challenge changed my life. I applied without expecting anything and without much knowledge about sustainable travel. But over the past five months, my life has completely turned around, with this challenge and the trip to Hiroshima at the centre of it all. I realised how every small action matters and that traveling sustainably is both easy and possible! I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and will forever hold these memories close. "
Assem Sagyndykova – HKBU
" Over the past five months, I had an incredible opportunity to be part of the Challenge. Each stage of this journey taught us something new - from learning how to plan itineraries and calculate carbon emissions, to understanding sustainable tourism and greener lifestyle choices. It was eye-opening to witness how sustainability can be part of everyday life - from supporting small businesses to thoughtful travel choices. I’m truly grateful for this experience. It changed my perspective, and I want to carry these lessons forward - not only for future travels but also in how I live and give back to my community in Semey."
Dayana Amanova – HKBU
2024 Champion
Choy Wan Man (Vivian) – HKUST
Tam Hong Yau (Chloe) – CUHK
2024 First Runner Up
Ho Ka Wai (Opal) – HKUST
Leung Mei Ki (Crystal) – CUHK
Campaign Partners
Contact Us
Email SEC2025@hkexpress.com