Getting to Know G Adventures’ Nuppy Mistry: ‘Travel Isn’t Something I Do, It’s Who I Am’

I’ve never met a G Adventures employee who wasn’t vocally passionate about their job and the company they work for. I bet you haven’t either. 

I’ve been writing about – and admiring — the company for three decades, but it wasn’t until last year that I got to experience G in action, on an advisor fam to Belize and Guatemala. It was one of the best experiences of my life, not only because of the fabulous group of agents, but also the stellar G representatives – Vancouver-based Global Purpose Specialist (GPS) Jenna English and Guatemalan Chief Experience Officer (CEO)  Juan Carlos Martinez. 

This year I leapt at the chance to travel the thoughtful, responsible G way again, this time to the Galapagos Islands. Once again, it was a superb group of agents – like attracts like — and once again the G representatives added immeasurable depth and pleasure to the experience. 

Our Galapagos CEO was Sandra Maraquiza, and we couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable, engaging and thoughtful escort. The GPS assigned to the trip was Toronto-based Anup ‘Nuppy’ Mistry, someone I was acquainted with, but not well. As you all know, that changes quickly when you spend nine days together in a small group. 

Australian-born of Indian heritage, Nuppy (think Snoopy without the ‘s’) is a fascinating man with several abiding passions that have shaped his life. He played cricket at a high competitive level down under, and with a deep love for jazz and blues was the lead pianist in several big bands during high school.

Photography is another of Nuppy’s passions, inspired by an analogue camera given to him by his father when he was about eight. “That early experience shaped my creative outlook and influenced the path I’ve taken in my career,” Nuppy told Travel Market Report Canada.

The love of photography took Nuppy from Australia to Zimbabwe to run a photography conservation project at Victoria Falls with NGO African Impact. He fell in love with his boss Alanna, and after some years of back and forth between Australia and Africa, the pair decided to make a new life in her home country Canada, “on a spontaneous whim fueled by love and adventure.”

“Although we weighed the pros and cons of many places, Canada felt like the right choice at the time. It wasn’t just about the stunning landscapes or the friendly people, it was about building a future together in a place that resonated with both of us,” Nuppy says. 

“Since 2017, living here has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful every day that love led me here. It’s amazing how love can take you on the most unexpected and wonderfully life-changing adventures!”

Alanna and Nuppy have a two-year-old son who has inherited his father’s curls, and the happy family will soon expand with a second child.

Travel is in Nuppy’s blood. His Grandfathers made “incredible journeys,” emigrating from India to East and Southern Africa as part of a larger wave of Gujaratis seeking new business opportunities. As a young person, he travelled between Australia, the UK and Africa.

“To date, I’ve lived on four different continents, each experience deepening my connection to the world and strengthening my belief that travel isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am.”

Nuppy first learned about G Adventures during his time in Zimbabwe, and it immediately captured his interest. “I had the incredible opportunity to meet some of the company’s CEOs, and what struck me most was their genuine enthusiasm and pride in being part of something truly meaningful.”

But what really attracted him to the company was Planeterra, G Adventures’ social enterprise partner. The organization’s mission to break the cycle of poverty by uplifting community-based tourism deeply resonated with him, and his wife’s six years of dedication to Planeterra allowed him to witness firsthand the powerful impact tourism can have when done the right way.

“Knowing the strong, meaningful connection between Planeterra and G Adventures sparked a fire in me. I was determined to be part of something bigger, a company that not only creates unforgettable travel experiences but also makes a positive difference in the world. I set my intention, manifested the opportunity, and was thrilled when I landed a role as a Global Connections Officer in the call centre.” 

Nuppy adds: “Since that moment, I haven’t looked back. Being part of G Adventures feels like living my values every day, and it fuels my passion for purposeful travel.” 

With his personal values, Nuppy isn’t the kind of person to tolerate greenwashing or corporate deception. He has looked closely at whether G Adventures lives up to its stated principles and it passed the test. “While no company is perfect, G Adventures is making a genuine effort to align its practices with its values, and that matters to me.”

“What really stands out to me is how G Adventures promotes meaningful connections between travellers and the cultures they visit,” Nuppy says. 

“G tours are designed to be immersive, respectful, and locally led, which helps preserve traditions rather than dilute them. They work with local guides and support businesses owned and operated by people from the area. This approach not only creates jobs but also empowers communities to tell their own stories and share their heritage on their own terms.” 

Nuppy clearly loves his job as a G Adventures Global Purpose Specialist, working with Canadian travel advisors, many of whom take pride in selling a product that aims to uplift rather than exploit.

“First and foremost, this role is about being a passionate ambassador for the brand’s values. It involves telling the story of how travel can be a force for good, highlighting the positive impact on local communities, cultures, and the environment. Being able to inspire agents and travellers with that message is key.”

Thoughtful, ethical, passionate and humane, Nuppy Mistry embodies the values that make G Adventures a Canadian company to be proud of.