Behavior Change / Popular destinations are increasingly prioritizing quality over quantity, dispersing travelers across larger geographic areas, and clearly defining the kind of travelers they want to attract. By addressing overtourism in this way, they also place locals’ wellbeing at the forefront. - 1 year ago
Behavior Change / The world’s first carbon-removal collective for the travel industry offers climate-clever travelers and small businesses the ability to contribute directly to carbon removal and storage. - 2 years ago
The Next Economy / Despite the fact that COVID-19 essentially grounded international travel for the better part of 2020, the tourism industry’s collective decision to address the climate emergency has gained exponential momentum over the last few months. - 2 years ago
Behavior Change / Bucket lists are powerful sales and marketing tools — and applying the concept to “must-see” destinations or activities is a natural fit. But that model is changing; and with the industry’s shift in focus from quantity to quality, it’s time to rethink the travel-focused bucket list. - 2 years ago
Leadership / Rather than dwelling on problems, a solutions-centered focus — within individuals, organizations, governments, etc — naturally leads to breaking negative feedback loops, feelings of hopelessness, and cycles of redundant and unproductive work. - 2 years ago
Behavior Change / The implications of Park MGM’s move to go smoke-free within the COVID-19 pandemic are important to consider. Perhaps COVID is the nudge the industry needs to prioritize people’s health and eliminate smoking on casino floors. - 2 years ago
Organizational Change / Travel Unity — a nonprofit focused on increasing diversity in travel through individual and community empowerment — has established a set of standards for DEI in travel and tourism, as well as the industry’s first holistic DEI certification program. - 2 years ago
Organizational Change / Recognizing the urgent need to hold travel brands and destinations accountable for their lack of diversity in travel marketing and storytelling, the Black Travel Alliance was formed practically overnight to support Black content creators and increase representation in the industry. - 2 years ago
Product, Service & Design Innovation / The travel industry has done a poor job integrating the SDGs into business operations and reporting on them. But the Goals offer guidance on how to develop destinations that can appropriately manage tourism’s footprint and minimize environmental impact while benefiting local communities. - 2 years ago
Marketing and Comms / Myriad opportunities exist to create a new “business as usual,” post-pandemic: People won’t need to be shamed into being more thoughtful or responsible if sustainable practices become the default in society and in business. - 2 years ago
Walking the Talk / The coronavirus pandemic has made clear the importance of each person and business acting individually to work toward a shared goal that benefits society as a whole. Co-ops are inherently set up for resilience, as they act with the best interest of the community in mind. - 2 years ago
Finance & Investment / While sustainable tourism offerings are increasing along with traveler interest in giving back to the communities that they visit, most operators support local organizations through donations. But a growing wave are opting for microfinance to create larger, lasting impacts for more people. - 2 years ago