Sustainability
Our sustainability episodes explore how the travel industry is addressing environmental and social impact while creating more responsible experiences. We examine practical approaches to sustainable tourism that benefit destinations, communities, and travelers alike.
We’re thrilled to conclude our Season 5 In-Destination series with a truly thought-provoking conversation featuring Joe Pine and Jake Haupert - two visionaries shaping the future of travel.
The future of travel is undergoing a profound transformation - shifting from curated experiences to a deeper focus on personal growth and self-discovery. At the heart of this evolution lies the emerging Transformation Economy, a $208 billion market shift that is redefining what travelers value and how the industry delivers on those expectations. In this week's episode, Experience Economy pioneer Joe Pine and Transformational Travel Council co-founder Jake Haupert discuss why this movement is far more than a passing trend - it’s a reimagining of travel’s true purpose.
Transformational travel stands apart from traditional tourism. It’s not about fleeting moments or checking off bucket-list destinations. Instead, it’s a holistic journey that unfolds in three essential phases: intentional preparation, immersive experiences, and meaningful reflection. Without this complete arc, the potential for lasting change often fades once travelers return home.
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.
Our 2nd Safari Series episode takes you deep into the stunning world of African safaris with the expert insights of Iain McConachie from Wilderness. With years of experience curating luxurious and meaningful safari adventures, Iain uncovers the powerful synergy between luxury, wildlife, and community-driven conservation efforts.
We’ll explore how Wilderness has seamlessly evolved safari experiences by blending ecotourism with impactful practices that uplift local communities and protect the natural environment. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to the unexpected cultural gems, this conversation captures what makes a safari truly extraordinary.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
An insider look at Wilderness’ heritage and purpose
How ecotourism is expanding beyond Africa’s landscapes
Unique safari activities you might not expect beyond game drives
The fusion of high-end luxury with sustainable travel practices
The vital role of local communities in preserving wildlife
Expert tips to help first-time safari travelers make the most of their trip
The exciting future of safaris, focusing on meaningful impact
Ways to enrich your safari by engaging in community-based projects and experiences
Listen to the remaining highlights from this year’s Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) in Panama with Part 2 of our special series. This episode showcases ATTA's profound power of connection and the fundamental importance of sustainability in shaping a brighter future for the adventure travel industry.
Did you know there was a global event for Adventure Travel companies? Join us as Dan attends his very first Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) held in Panama and interviews many fascinating people from Iraq to Pakistan and from Influencers to technology leaders that are shaping this massive industry.
Gain a deeper understanding of the future of environmentally responsible travel with our expert panel of sustainability leaders. In this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, Shannon Guihan, Christian Moller-Holst, and Zach Demuth join forces to discuss the intricate world of sustainable tourism.
Discover a different approach to travel on this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, where host Dan Christian speaks with Richard Edwards, the accomplished CMO of Untours and Managing Director of the Untours Foundation. Their conversation centers on how travel can be a deeply immersive and enriching journey for both the individual and the destination.