Join us as we hit the road to Denver for a special edition of Travel Trends, recorded live at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Elevate Conference.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s beauty, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the $896 billion adventure travel industry. It’s a celebration of sustainability, outdoor exploration, and the magic of human connection in a world that’s increasingly digital.

Think of this as your ultimate road trip playlist - featuring 15 intimate conversations with the trailblazers shaping the future of adventure tourism. From tech innovators and conservation champions to Indigenous leaders and destination dreamers, these voices share one thing in common: a deep love for people, planet, and place.

This Earth Day, we’re proud to share present our first ATTA & Travel Trends Adventure Series discussion focused on important lessons in sustainability.  In this powerful episode, Travel Trends host Dan is joined by co-host Shannon Stowell, CEO of ATTA and together they interview the CEO of Tourism Cares  Greg Takehara.

Greg & Shannon unpack the current state of sustainable travel and share many actionable insights on how the industry, along with travelers, can move past surface-level greenwashing to drive meaningful, long-term impact.

Key Highlights from this discussion include:

• Environmental Responsibility: Moving beyond buzzwords, learn how real practices can protect delicate ecosystems.

• Adventure Travel's Role: Did you know that adventure travel retains 65–70% of spending in local communities compared to only 10–15% for large-scale tourism? These numbers showcase the moral and economic power of mindful travel decisions.

• Cultural Preservation: Why Travel is an important bridge to connect and honor diverse customs and traditions.

• Human Connection: How this style of travel realizes the ultimate goal—forging connections that last a lifetime.

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 1 of the Travel Trends Podcast where our host Dan Christian welcomes Shannon Stowell, the esteemed CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), for an engaging discussion on the dynamic world of adventure travel. Prepare to hear Shannon's expert insights into the key players and overarching trends shaping this exciting sector, unravel the three core pillars of adventure travel—nature, culture, and activity—and understand the significant growth and financial prospects within the industry.