Founder Voices (Episode 8): Cristina Cruz – Pioneering Sustainable Tourism for People and Planet
At Cottage Factory, Founder Voices is where stories of ambition, impact, and resilience come to life.
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Cristina Cruz—sustainable tourism pioneer and founder of Off U Go!. Cristina has led groundbreaking hospitality projects, from Portugal’s first sustainable hotel, Inspira Liberdade (2010), to the award-winning Belo Monte eco-lodge in São Tomé e Príncipe. Her work blends environmental stewardship with community empowerment, proving that tourism can be both profitable and purposeful.
Now based in London, Cristina advises hospitality businesses on embedding sustainability into their strategy while connecting travellers to experiences that positively impact local communities and protect cultural heritage.
This conversation, recorded on Thursday, 31 July 2025, explores Cristina’s journey, the realities of building sustainable tourism ventures, and her vision for a future where travel becomes a force for good.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear about:
How Cristina turned a passion for sustainability into globally recognised hospitality projects
The business case for ethical tourism and why it matters now more than ever
Lessons learned from leading teams across Africa and Europe
Strategies for connecting local artisans and communities to high-value markets
How travellers can make conscious choices that benefit both people and the planet
Whether you’re a tourism entrepreneur, impact-driven leader, or conscious traveller, Cristina’s insights will leave you thinking differently about how we explore the world.
A video version of the podcast:
Founder Voices: A Platform Amplifying Underserved Entrepreneurs
Sponsorship Opportunity | 2025–2026
About Founder Voices
Founder Voices is a podcast and storytelling platform powered by Cottage Factory, spotlighting grassroots founders, builders, and changemakers often overlooked by mainstream media.
Through honest, reflective conversations, we explore their journeys, challenges, and bold visions — helping early-stage ventures feel seen, supported, and inspired.
💬 “Real, relatable and necessary. This is the kind of content our ecosystem needs more of.” – Listener feedback
Our Audience
Early-stage founders, social entrepreneurs, and creatives
Ecosystem enablers – accelerators, funders, community builders
Values-driven professionals – purpose-led innovators, mentors, and investors
Listeners across the UK, West Africa, and the diaspora
📈 Audience growing steadily through word of mouth, events, and targeted campaigns
Why Sponsor Founder Voices?
Align your brand with a values-driven platform that champions inclusion, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Sponsorship Benefits:
🎧 In-Episode Mentions – “This episode is brought to you by…”
📰 Logo placement on visuals, episode graphics, and Cottage Factory newsletter
📲 Social media tags on multi-channel promotion (LinkedIn, IG, Twitter)
👥 Invites to Founder Voices Live – upcoming event series with panel discussions, networking, and local founder showcases
🗣️ Featured guest opportunity (select partners)
📦 Sponsorship Tiers
Tier Investment Benefits:
Supporter £250/month Mention in 1 episode, logo on 1 graphic, 2 social posts
Partner £750/month 2+ episodes, logo + link, event invite, optional guest spot
Series Sponsor £2,000 Full season branding (6 episodes), co-branded graphics, premium placement across all assets
Custom packages and local authority partnerships available on request
What’s Next?
We’re growing the platform and looking for aligned sponsors to help us scale storytelling that matters.
To partner with us or request further information send an email today to: cakran@cottagefactory.co.uk
