TORONTO — The couple that carved their names into the wall of the Colosseum has been invited to travel with G Adventures – in an effort to educate them to be more conscious travellers.

News of the couple, ‘Ivan’ and ‘Hayley’, first broke earlier this week after social media video surfaced showing Ivan using a key to carve ‘Ivan + Hayley 2023’ into the 2,000-year old Colosseum.

In a new update yesterday, ‘Ivan’ has been identified as a UK tourist. Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted that Italy’s military police force had “identified the person presumed to be responsible for the uncivilized and absurd act committed at the Colosseum.” The case could go to trial.

Responsible travel entrepreneur, founder of G Adventures, and executive director of documentary film The Last Tourist, Bruce Poon Tip, had launched a global search for Ivan and Hayley, with a ‘reward’ trip being offered for any one person who assists in reaching them.

“While it’s shocking to see anyone deface an ancient landmark like the Colosseum, it’s not as uncommon as many would think. When filming The Last Tourist, we captured footage of tourists behaving in the most unconscious ways, from spray painting landmarks to bragging about destroying 6,000-year old rock formations. Unfortunately, travellers often suspend the values they abide by at home the moment they step on a plane, and it’s this mindset that needs to change,” said Poon Tip.

The Last Tourist can be viewed on digital and on-demand platforms including Apple TV, as well as being available on Crave.

“Rather than condemning Ivan and Hayley, I’m launching an appeal to find them, and to invite them to GX, G Adventures’ inaugural annual community travel summit, which is taking place in September in Peru. At this industry-wide event they’ll have the opportunity to experience the concept of community tourism firsthand, and to learn the value of protecting the destinations they visit,” said Poon Tip.

He added: “I encourage everyone to watch The Last Tourist, as the ability to travel is a massive privilege that only a small percentage of the world has, and travellers need to understand that power and the responsibility that comes along with it.”

Poon Tip noted that anyone who can help bring Ivan and Hayley to G Adventures will be rewarded with their own ticket to the GX Community Tourism Summit, as a thank you for helping to shed light on the need for a more socially conscious approach to travelling. “If you have any information on the whereabouts of Ivan and Hayley, please email the tip line at: media@gadventures.com.”