Director | Research Associate
Asif Hussain
About Asif.
Asif Hussain, PhD, is an independent strategic consultant who specialises in infrastructure development, tourism and environmental economics. He is an Indigenous person and passionate advocate for community well-being and has led innovative, transformative and life-changing outcomes for businesses and communities alike.
A short bio.
Asif is passionate about community well-being and believes that collective community resilience is vital to ensure long-term sustainability. His understanding of sustainability and resilience as a concept and a phenomenon served as a core to the longevity of Indigenous nations and cultures across the globe. He believes that Indigenous communities and their ancestor's farsightedness, planning, and binding understanding of a shared future laid the foundation of the concept of sustainability and resilience. These founding principles of collaboration, joint planning, and collective resilience were made possible by identifying strengths and diverse skills, which enabled communities to move forward in times of crisis for collective well-being.
As an Indigenous person, he deeply understands sustainability and resilience, which are vital to the longevity of Indigenous cultures globally. Asif is passionate advocate for community well-being, and his roles as a social entrepreneur, social worker, and philanthropist have led to transformative, life-changing outcomes for individuals, businesses and communities globally.
His career has focused on developing innovative solutions and leading international community projects, earning him recognition through prestigious awards such as the Fulbright scholarship. Asif’s unique perspective, rooted in his ancestral ties spanning an impressive 30,000 to 50,000 years to the Gilgit-Baltistan region, sets him apart. This area, at the crossroads of the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindukush, has experienced the loss of Indigenous traditions and knowledge, inspiring Asif to study the impacts of transport infrastructure on isolated Indigenous communities. Asif’s doctoral research focused on China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ and its effects on tourism-based livelihoods in remote regions and how transport infrastructure development has impacted community resilience, sustainability and vulnerabilities.
With a background in economics, political science, and environmental economics, Asif brings a multidisciplinary approach to his work. His dedication to empowering marginalised communities, revitalising Indigenous knowledge, and promoting sustainable development makes him a driving force for positive change and a leader in building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.
Selected Past Projects
Latest Blog Posts
The Routledge Handbook of Regenerative Tourism
IntroductionCritics ReviewFor sales and offers visit this link Introduction This timely and innovative handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the current critical debates, trends and the transformative potential of regenerative tourism, and also looks towards a...
Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand Joins Global Leaders in Climate Action by Signing the Glasgow Declaration
Sustainability and Resilience Institute Signs the Glasgow DeclarationBackground to Glasgow Declation on Climate Action in TourismGlasgow declaration on climate action in tourismSustainability and Resilience Institute Sustainability and Resilience Institute Signs the...
5 Aspects of regenerative tourism
What is regenerative tourism?The foundation of tourism - the host communitiesChallenges and clarificationsRegenerative tourism models and measures - framework and indicatorsAuthenticity in tourism experiencesPositive psychology movement in...
Tourism in Overdrive: Why New Zealand Must Put Tourism Management Before Marketing
What’s the Problem?Why Management Matters More Than MarketingSocial License Is Slipping — FastA Different Vision for TourismRegenerative Tourism: A Smarter Way ForwardFinal Thoughts Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent trip to China and his government’s renewed...
Tourism New Zealand Launches Fresh Global Campaign: Find Your 100% Pure New Zealand
Introduction Personalised Experience PlanningTargeting Sustainable Growth and SeasonalityBroad Collaboration and Industry SupportMore Than Just a Destination Introduction Tourism New Zealand has launched an exciting new global campaign, giving a refreshed twist to its...
Co-Creating Tourism Values through Regeneration
IntroductionProgramWelcome RemarksJafar Jafari Kazem VafadariFrancesc Fusté FornéAsif HussainFrancesc Fusté FornéAsif HussainPresentations by Speakers/PanelistsElena Mattei and Stefania M. MaciFrida Marie Omma Alessandro InversiniCultural BreakDiscussion and...
Roadmap for the Introduction and Exploration of Banks Peninsula as a Dark Sky Reserve
Introduction1. OpportunitiesEnvironmental and Astronomical BenefitsEconomic and Tourism AdvantagesCommunity and Educational Gains2. ChallengesLight Pollution ManagementRegulatory and Certification ProcessInfrastructure and Funding3. The Path ForwardPhase 1:...