Travel Beyond

Hosted by Destination Think

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Episodes

144

Latest episode

Nov 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

November 3, 202625 min

How Winnipeg places truth and reconciliation at the core of tourism’s future

This destination's ongoing journey of reconciliation shows what's possible when tourism leaders make it a priority to build trust with Indigenous communities -- and are willing to make structural changes to back it up. Natalie Thiessen of Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism explains what it means to put truth and reconciliation at the core of tourism strategy instead of treating it as a side initiative. With guest host Brad Parsell of Kootenay Rockies Tourism, she describes how an Indigenous Advisory Council helped make economic reconciliation a foundation of its plan, with lessons applicable to any destination seeking to build bridges between cultures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 26, 202627 min

From marketing to stewarding the Great Barrier Reef: Tourism Whitsundays’ three-year shift

Tim Booth has spent his entire career in destination marketing. When he became CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, he decided that bringing in visitors was no longer the whole job. Now, the destination known as the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is shifting from marketing to stewardship. What does that look like in practice? Tim walks us through a three-year plan and several actions he and his team are taking to bring tourism partners along on the journey – with a little inspiration from the Collective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 19, 202626 min

Exporting better humans: A Hawaiian vision for regenerative tourism

Dr. Aaron J. Salā sums up regenerative tourism in six words: import good people, export better humans. This inspiring and philosophical episode delves into the purpose of tourism, multicultural perspectives, and how Native Hawaiians and all island residents can represent their home well through destination storytelling. He also explains how Hawaiʻi is putting its 2024 regenerative tourism law into practice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 3, 202623 min

Language, culture, and longer stays in Cape Breton

Destination Cape Breton has launched a 2026 campaign to encourage longer stays. It’s a strategy with a sound economic argument, and it has the potential to improve environmental and community stewardship as well. CEO Terry Smith tells us how it came to be. He also shares steps the destination is taking toward cultural sustainability, including an agreement with Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism, support for youth training opportunities, and greater visibility for Mi’kmaw place names, alongside the many cultural groups that make this island home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 13, 202625 min

How an Australian wine region is turning day trips into overnights

If your destination is trying to turn road trips into overnight stays, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia is one to watch. CEO Louise Scott of Tourism East tells us how the region’s 2023 destination management plan is helping local tourism businesses diversify their offerings to help them adapt to changing attitudes towards wine and alcohol and balance visitation patterns by attracting weekday stays. She shares the strategies that are shifting both experiences and perceptions of this internationally known wine region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 6, 202628 min

Trail tourism: Telling the stories that lead to sustainable funding

Biking and trails can have a huge impact on a destination’s economy and community life. Why, then, is it so difficult to fund trail maintenance, and what can your destination do about it? Aotearoa New Zealand economist Benje Patterson joins two Canadian DMO leaders to talk about common challenges in finding sustainable funding for trail networks. They discuss what’s working in Queenstown and how to show residents, travellers, businesses, and government the true value of trails, with practical examples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 30, 202626 min

Why 1,000 cups of tea are at the heart of destination stewardship in the Kootenay Rockies

“You can have the greatest destination stewardship plan that the world's ever seen,” says today’s guest, “but if you don't have the relationships to leverage it, it's not gonna go very far.” CEO Brad Parsell of Kootenay Rockies Tourism shares his approach to leading a regional tourism organization, lessons he’s learned as a founding member of the Destination Think Collective, and why the idea of having “1,000 cups of tea” has become a shorthand for meaningful community engagement to support stewardship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.