Travel Beyond

Hosted by Destination Think

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Episodes

137

Latest episode

Jan 2026

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About the show

The Travel Beyond podcast brings you the travel industry’s most exciting innovations that address the greatest challenges facing communities and the planet. We partner with travel destinations and changemakers working toward a regenerative future where all people can flourish, and that means transforming the travel industry to respect the needs of residents, visitors, and the environment. At Destination Think, we believe travel can make the world a better place, but it must do so without environmental, economic and social harm. In the travel industry, and as travellers, we need to pair our words with meaningful action if we are going to improve our lives and the world. The solutions are in sight, and they need to be shared. Protecting our planet and shaping the future of travel is a big project that needs a big team. Tune in to hear from the inspiring travel leaders and many others committed to this vital project. And join us. www.destinationthink.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

January 22, 202630 min

How Indigo Shire, Australia builds regenerative tourism on Gold Rush history

This destination, known for its role in the gold rush of the 1800s, is seizing new opportunities to collaborate on regenerative tourism. “Cathedral thinking” is helping Indigo Shire work toward long-term goals, says our guest, Susannah Doyle. Learn how Indigo Shire's active transportation network has become a core piece of its tourism ambitions, along with a commitment to building strong relationships with the area's Traditional Owners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 15, 202627 min

How visitor data protects trails in Grand Junction, CO

Learn how this Colorado city is protecting “Nature’s Trifecta” and vast public lands that draw outdoor adventurers. Today’s guest is Elizabeth Fogarty, Director at Visit Grand Junction. She shares the innovations and strategy behind Grand Junction’s Outdoor Adventure Pass, an app that rewards visitors for exploring lesser-known areas, including 100 local trails. This is part of a proactive approach to prevent the overcrowding plaguing other Colorado mountain towns, using real-time data and behavioural insights to stay ahead of problems rather than react to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 8, 202633 min

Affordable housing at the resort: Industry-leading solutions from Whistler

Decades-long leadership on affordable housing in this resort community has ensured more tourism workers have places to live. Tourism Whistler President & CEO Barrett Fisher and Mayor Jack Crompton explain why the Whistler Housing Authority is an example that can inspire other popular tourism destinations facing a housing crunch.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 11, 202526 min

How a caring, “Mountainkind” community shapes sustainable tourism in Park City, Utah

In Park City, Utah, a little kindness goes a long way, thanks to its “Mountainkind” philosophy, which is shaping sustainable tourism. The idea comes to life through a caring community that welcomes 3 million visitors annually and encourages them to “treat the mountains like we treat the mountains.” Visit Park City’s Director of Sustainable Tourism, Morgan Mingle, tells us about the impact of “Mountainkind,” the city's active transport infrastructure, its approach to community engagement, and exciting progress on reducing carbon emissions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 4, 202521 min

Winter wins: Turning a tough tourism season into a peak period for Ballarat

How can a tourism destination turn its toughest season into a peak period? Tourism Midwest Victoria has found an answer. Among other factors, winter events and programming have helped this Australian destination draw travellers during a historically slower time of year. Learn how winter here has come to life as we sit down with Joel Chadwick, Coordinator for Sustainable Development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 27, 202534 min

How Coffs Coast, Australia became an eco-certified destination through "appropriate growth"

Often, quality beats quantity in sustainable tourism. Simon Latchford from City of Coffs Harbour explains how a strategy of "appropriate growth" can preserve what makes a place special while driving economic prosperity. This region has examples to back that up. We learn about tourism’s role in funding NSW’s first Aboriginal bilingual school, an environmental levy that funds biodiversity projects, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 20, 202524 min

Tourism Jasper works to transform crisis into lasting positive change

How does a crisis become a catalyst for building a better future? CEO Tyler Riopel at Tourism Jasper joins us to discuss how, in the wake of the 2024 wildfires in Jasper National Park, his organization has been working to balance immediate community recovery with long-term destination resilience. "Without visitors, we don't have economic recovery. Without economic recovery, we don't have social and community recovery or stability." Visitors are, of course, still visiting Jasper, which sits within the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserve. Learn about what visitors can expect and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead for this important Canadian destination.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 13, 202518 min

Why regenerative tourism is a way of life, not a label in rural BC

What's in a word? CEO Amy Thacker says that, in her region, the most effective regenerative operators don't see themselves as "sustainable" – they're simply living their connected way of life, which naturally creates positive environmental and community impacts. Learn about this region's layered, values-driven approach to sustainability and why more of tourism's positive contributions need to be acknowledged. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 6, 202526 min

Sand and Steel: Why Indiana Dunes is showing visitors history, even when it’s uncomfortable

Every place is complex, so why do destinations sometimes shy away from sharing deeper stories with visitors? There’s a benefit to authenticity, says Christine Livingston, CEO and President at Indiana Dunes Tourism. This episode, she shares how the destination has begun leaning into its industrial heritage to entice modern travellers. This Sand and Steel identity demonstrates how honest storytelling can build hometown pride, encourage sustainable tourism, and create inspiring experiences for visitors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 30, 202520 min

Queenstown’s electric innovations: How economic benefits drive carbon-zero tourism

The economic benefits of sustainability must be well communicated to rally people and businesses to take action, says Mat Woods, CEO at Destination Queenstown in Aotearoa New Zealand. This approach has helped the city become a leader in electrification. It has been able to rally a community-wide movement toward carbon-zero tourism and experiences that show travellers a glimpse of a tourism future less reliant on fossil fuels. In this episode, we discuss Queenstown’s “good ancestor” philosophy, carbon-zero goals, electric innovations travellers can enjoy, and the economic benefits of destination stewardship.In October 2025, Destination Think Collective members and other travel leaders gathered in Queenstown to experience sustainable innovations first-hand. Visit our blog for the five takeaways from that event: https://destinationthink.com/blog/5-green-themes-from-an-energizing-forum-2025-in-queenstown-aotearoa/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.