The travel book of Damian Cook, a globally recognised tourism development expert, has officially launched on Amazon. Titled 'The Ends of the World', the book chronicles Cook's remarkable journey hiking across the length of the United Kingdom, from Land's End to John O'Groats, during the Covid-19 pandemic. This journey was undertaken in 2021, a year when much of the world stood still due to the pandemic. Cook's experiences during this time led him to reflect on how we travel and the impact of overtourism on popular destinations.
Damian Cook was a Kenya-based adventurer and online travel expert who became one of the most recognised figures in African and emerging-market tourism. He founded E-Tourism Africa in 2007, which later grew into E-Tourism Frontiers in 2010 as his work expanded beyond the continent into Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Through his work, Cook trained thousands of tourism professionals and helped shape how destinations told their stories to the world. His contributions to the tourism industry have left a lasting impact.
'The Ends of the World' combines travel, hiking, and adventure during a time when these activities were scarce. Cook's favourite line, #keepmoving, captured his essence: always curious, in motion, and seeking the next great story. The book outlines his opinions on the need for conservation-focused tourism, especially in Africa. Cook was an advocate for sustainable tourism and campaigned against overtourism, highlighting the importance of preserving the places we love to visit.
Damian Cook passed away in November 2022, but his legacy lives on through his work. His book was finished just three weeks before his death. Elizabeth Cook, a close associate, expressed her gratitude to Damian's family, particularly his brother Jamie Cook, for bringing the book to life. The launch of 'The Ends of the World' is a celebration of Cook's life and work, and it coincides with what would have been his 58th birthday.
All author royalties from 'The Ends of the World' will go to Local Ocean Conservation, a charity in Watamu, Kenya, where Cook called home. He was the chairman of Local Ocean Conservation from 2012 to 2018 and was extremely passionate about conservation. Cook also served as a Director of ATTA - Africa Travel and Tourism Association from 2013 to 2018. His commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism is reflected in his work and legacy.
The launch of 'The Ends of the World' on Amazon marks the culmination of Cook's life's work. The book tells a story of adventure, resilience, and a passion for sustainable tourism. Through his writing, Cook shares his experiences and insights, inspiring readers to think differently about travel and its impact on the world. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and responsible tourism practices.
As the tourism industry continues to evolve, Damian Cook's work serves as a reminder of the need for sustainable and conservation-focused practices. His legacy will live on through 'The Ends of the World', inspiring a new generation of travellers and tourism professionals to adopt responsible and environmentally friendly practices. The book is a testament to Cook's dedication to his craft and his passion for sharing the stories of the places he loved.
Key points
- Damian Cook's travel book 'The Ends of the World' launches on Amazon, chronicling his 2021 hike across the UK.
- The book advocates for sustainable tourism and conservation, reflecting Cook's passion for preserving popular destinations.
- All author royalties from the book will go to Local Ocean Conservation, a charity in Watamu, Kenya.
