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
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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...
Frameworks for Measuring Regenerative Tourism: Supply and Demand Indicators with a Dynamic and Holistic Approach
Abstract This paper examines regenerative tourism as a holistic approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing social-ecological systems. Recognizing tourism’s interconnectedness with economic, social, cultural, and environmental systems,...
Developing Sustainable Medical Tourism: A Framework in the Perspective of Developing Countries
Abstract This study reviewed the literature to develop the framework for sustainable medical tourism in developing countries. According to the findings, the development of a sustainable tourist destination necessitates the involvement of various stakeholders and...
Why both supply-side and demand-side regenerative tourism indicators are crucial
IntroductionProposed supply-side indicators1. Creating conditions for continuous renewal2. Transcending new forms of tourism3. Flourishing in ever-changing conditions4. Economic stability with minimal environmental impacts5. Production of pure, authentic, and genuine...
As finalists for the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2024, our journey of incubation and success
The Seventh Generation Tours: Our incubation journeyStrategic planning: Clarity for future growthExecutive leadership: Empowering bsinesses to succeedBusiness strategy development: Future-proofing your organisationAdapting to market trends: Product development and...