Belonging and Community

As leaders in the travel and tourism industry, the concept of community can take on various meanings. It might be rooted in the local community you call home or the one you tirelessly serve through your organization. Perhaps it’s the group you actively participate in or volunteer for, aligning yourself with a shared purpose. And…

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Fostering Connection to Build a Strong Team 

When I talk with tourism and hospitality leaders across the country, I hear a lot of feedback about the new way that we work. Some work 100% in the office every day every week, others work in a hybrid model with a set number of days in the office and a set number remote and…

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The Business Case for Collaboration

I am a huge believer in co-opetition––where perceived competitors cooperate and come together to create something bigger together than they could do on their own. This type of collaboration makes the biggest impact. The guests on my podcast Destination on the Left believe it too. I have been learning from my guests with countless stories…

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Destination Marketing and Community Partnerships

Destination marketing has evolved to become more than heads in beds with a stronger focus on engaging the community at large. Modern destination marketers are charged with marketing their community to visitors and residents, they are the keeper of the community brand, are integral to economic development. They go beyond tactical marketing and rely on…

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What is Accessibility in Tourism?

What is Accessibility in Tourism?

Travel is an incredibly life-enriching and rewarding experience, yet it is still inaccessible to many people. Twenty-five percent of the world’s population live with different forms of disabilities. Without widespread accessibility in the tourism industry, this segment remains untapped. This not only limits individuals who are unable to access destinations or services on their own…

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Insights from TAP Dance 2023

Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) was established in 2001 as an organization of premier North American Tour Operators who offer unique products from more than 500 destinations worldwide. From the start, the goal of TAP was to empower Tour Operators from various areas of geographical expertise. TAP aims to fill more scheduled departures, offer guaranteed departures and expand their…

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Driving Visitation Through Food Tourism

Driving Visitation Through Food Tourism

When visitors come to a destination, they are looking for unique and memorable experiences. Nothing brings people together for an experience they won’t forget quite like a delicious meal. Food tourism is a creative and effective way for destinations to tell their story, stand out among the competition, and drive visitation. Using Food Tourism to…

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Changing Travel Trends in 2023

Changing Travel Trends in 2023

With constant changes in the world around us and everything moving at seemingly hyper-fast speeds, travelers are increasingly turning to their vacations as a way to take things slow. In our internet age it is easy to become overwhelmed— coupled with a post-pandemic desire to explore the world, traveler behavior has concocted a new recipe…

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Collaboration Drives Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism has growing importance in the world of travel and tourism. As destinations grow in popularity, they need to collaborate closely with residents, local businesses, and tourists to ensure they are creating a meaningful experience for their visitors without causing a negative environmental impact. Why is Sustainable Tourism Important? Sustainable tourism is critical for…

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