CEO of Prince Harry's Initiative Travalyst Says He 'Restored' Her 'Hope' in Fighting Climate Change (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sally Davey, CEO of Travalyst, and Prince Harry, who both attended a five year anniversary celebration of the initiative in New York City on Sept. 24, 2024.Photo:Courtesy of Travalyst

Courtesy of Travalyst

WhenPrince Harryand Sally Davey first teamed up five years ago to launch the environmental tourism initiativeTravalyst, many considered their goals ambitious. Now, as they celebrate the organization’s fifth anniversary, Davey reflects on her gratitude for working with the Duke of Sussex, 40.

“When I first met Harry, I felt frustrated and disillusioned about travel sustainability,” Davey, who is the company’s CEO, tells PEOPLE exclusively at an eventcelebrating Travalyst’s five year anniversaryin New York City on Tuesday, Sept, 24. “The issues seemed overwhelming. But from day one, he restored my hope.”

She adds, “I realized how remarkable he is and how committed he is to making a difference. He never imposed his own vision; instead, he said, ‘Tell me what needs to happen, and I’ll help facilitate that.’ It wasn’t about his campaigns, but about collaborating for systemic change. His approach has made all the difference, and it’s been an absolute joy to work with him.”

Prince Harry celebrating the five year anniversary of Travalyst in New York City on Sept. 24, 2024.Courtesy of Travalyst

Reflecting on their first in-person meeting at Kensington Palace, Davey recalls entering the conversation with no expectations. To her surprise, they spent hours discussing detailed statistics on sustainability. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, this guy really knows his stuff. I’m going to have to up my game,’ ” she says.

Sally Davey speaking at Travalyst’s five year anniversary event on Sept. 24, 2024 in New YorK City.Courtesy of Travalyst

Davey emphasizes that Harry brings a sense of joy to their work that she deeply appreciates, especially since this work can become serious. “He keeps the big vision in mind while also having fun along the way. He thinks in a systemic, long-term way, always bringing everyone back to that big vision while infusing humor into our efforts,” she says.

“His transparency and honesty about his motivations are truly refreshing,” she adds. “We’ve had crises with partners, and I often pick up the phone to talk to him. He’s always interested in how the partners are collaborating, what metrics we’re tracking, and how we can do more, faster. We have a very open-door policy.”

Prince Harry celebrating the five year anniversary of Travalyst on Sept. 24, 2024 in New York City.Courtesy of Travalyst

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During their conversation, Davey notes that just 10 weeks ago, this anniversary event seemed improbable. Yet, with the timing of N.Y,C, Climate Week and the Duke’s 40th birthday, they were determined to make it work. Just before the event, they shared a moment of realization: “Wow, we did this.”

“People said we’d never pull it off — finding a venue, gathering attendees. Yet here we are, proving them wrong," Davey says. “It’s been such an auspicious occasion.”

At the event, Davey also had a special surprise to thank Harry for all his support and to celebrate his birthday.

“We gave him a beautiful gift from a local artist in the UK, and he doesn’t know it yet,” she says. “He’ll open it when he gets back home [from being] with us.”

source: people.com