POPULARITY
Norie brings decades of experience from her roles at National Geographic Traveler and as a contributor to National Geographic. She shares fascinating insights into adventure storytelling, the evolving landscape of tourism, and the powerful shift toward regenerative travel. Subject: What a Red Puffy Jacket, a Black Lab, and the Tetons Taught Me About Adventure I discovered the magic of nature—only after realizing my feet were literally black with dirt. - Norie Quitos What Happened: If you told 12-year-old me that one day I'd be preaching the gospel of nature and conservation on a podcast, she would've laughed in your face while clutching her Lisa Frank diary. Back then, I was a hardcore indoors kid. My travel dreams were less “hike the Andes” and more “sip coffee outside a museum in Paris.” Nature? Great in theory. From a safe, clean, bathroom-accessible distance. But life had other plans. Specifically, two kids and a deep desire for them to experience something I hadn't: the outdoors. Our first trip? My sister's backyard. Borrowed tent. Questionable gear. But hey—we survived. That spiraled into state park weekends, and eventually, a full-on wagon adventure at the foot of the Tetons. Cue canvas tents, no showers, and yes—leeches. I was not okay. My soles were blacker than a burnt marshmallow, and I seriously questioned my life choices… until someone said, “It's dirt, but it's not dirty.” Mind. Blown. That moment changed everything. Principle: Adventure doesn't require a plane ticket or a trust fund. It's not always epic views and adrenaline rushes. Sometimes, it's dirt, discomfort, and doing something that stretches you just enough to see the world—and yourself—a little differently. That shift in perspective? That's where the real story begins. It's not just about going places. It's about who you become because you did. Transition: But here's the thing… Most of us still think “adventure” only counts if it looks like a Patagonia ad. We think our stories aren't worth telling unless they involve wild landscapes or bucket list bragging rights. The problem? That belief keeps so many of us from starting. From exploring our own backyards. From seeing travel as a tool for transformation—not just content creation. That's Why: That's why this episode with Nori Quintos hit home. Because it's not just about where you go—it's about how you go. Nori's journey from suburban indoor kid to global storyteller proves that the adventure industry isn't just changing—it's opening up. She shares how regenerative travel is replacing tourism-as-usual, and why women over 50 are redefining what solo travel—and real power—looks like. Call to Action: Feeling stuck thinking your next adventure needs to be “epic” or expensive? That mindset's the real roadblock. Break free with Nori's story—because once you hear it, you'll realize the best journeys don't start with gear… they start with grit. Show Notes Adventure Travel Trade Association Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Eagle Creek Toad & Co
Intergenerational travel, last-chance trips, and dealing with over-tourism: adventure travel is evolving, and U.S. destinations have a big opportunity. Shannon Stowell joins Mark to talk about a new adventure travel study, small town experiences and best practices. Whether you're promoting trails, small towns, or cultural immersion, this episode is packed with real-world guidance for travel marketers. Shannon Stowell is CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and a Founding Board Member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.
Welcome to episode 499 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter. Show Notes Casey Hanisko Linkedin Guest Focus Instagram Adventure Travel Trade Association The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership) Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push. You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea. There's a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push. What Happened: I'd like to think I'm pretty fearless. I've hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken. Picture this: I'm perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, “Need a push?” ABSOLUTELY NOT! I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?! Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I'm going anyway. And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing. Principle: That moment on the canyon swing? It's leadership in a nutshell. Leadership requires courage. Sometimes, you're at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back. Sometimes, you need support. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself. And often, the thing you dread most? Ends up being the most exhilarating experience of your life. Whether it's taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you're going to feel fear. That's normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway. Transition: The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they need more time, more preparation, more certainty. But here's the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn't exist. Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders stall out waiting for the “right time” to make their next move—whether that's scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip. That's Why: That's why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors. She shares exactly how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you're scared out of your mind). Call to Action: If fear has ever held you back from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you need to hear this episode. Because courage isn't about being fearless. It's about taking the leap anyway. #Outdoor Adventure, #Podcast, #Adventure Travel, #Leadership, #Coaching, #Outdoor Activities, #Nature, #Curiosity, #Camping, #Hiking, #Strategic Planning, #Storytelling, #Diversity, #Women Leaders, #Inclusivity, #Nature Inspired Coaching, #Outdoor Brands, #Business Strategy, #Personal Growth, #Passion, #Wellness, #Travel Experiences, #Adventure Community, #Outdoor Lifestyle, #Networking, #Conservation, #Adventure Stories
Send us a textIn this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Allison Fleece.Allison Fleece is the co-founder of WHOA Travel, a boutique adventure travel company founded in 2013. Operating adventures and experiences on all seven continents for over 12 years, Allison has learned a thing or two about curating meaningful travel experiences. WHOA was founded as and is a leader in women's adventure travel and in recent years has grown to expand their travel experiences to include more —families, corporate groups, custom experiences, solo travelers among others. WHOA's thoughtful & unique style of adventuring has been recognized in publications such as the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, and National Geographic. WHOA is proudly Women Owned (WBENC), a member of 1% for the planet, and Allison serves as an Ambassador for the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Christine and Allison discuss:· The mountains we climb literally and figuratively in our business, our lives and in our travel experiences· How the values that have carried WHOA travel from day one persist through today · Focusing on supporting and empowering women as travelers as well as elevating women in the adventure travel industry globally· Climbing Kilimanjaro· The value of group travel and the ways WOAH supports UNSDG'sJoin Christine now for this soulful conversation with Allison Fleece.
In this episode of ITB Berlin's Travel Hero Podcast, Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, dives into the world of adventure travel. We explore its positive impact on local communities, the growing focus on sustainability, and emerging trends shaping the industry's future. We shares insights on how adventure travel providers can build responsible and climate-conscious experiences.
Settled in Chilean Patagonia in 2004, David Dittmar is convinced that outdoor life is the best therapy for the body and soul. You'll hear how David leveraged his climbing skills into his own guiding business, adapted his offerings to meet the market and his advice for you to do the same. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Grammarly and Roam Generation PR Show Notes Learn More Dittmar Adventures Website Favorite Books The Savage Detectives, Roberto Bolano Favorite Gear under $100 Suunto Compass Follow up: Instagram Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Tourism evolution, #Custom trips, #Tailored experiences, #All-inclusive hotels, #Guide services, #Solitude, #Bouldering, #Indoor climbing, #Hiking guide, #Backpacking trips, #Wilderness permit, #Camping and skiing, #Horseback expeditions, #Adventure business, #Outdoor activities, #Family-oriented environment, #Training local guides, #Government lands, #Outdoor gear, #Adventure, #Outdoor. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.
Today on episode 455 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast I'm talking with Mark Johnson from Hobnail Trekking. Mark shares how Hobnail Trekking has expanded into several destinations and continues to offer only the highest levels of service and trekking expertise. Today on episode 455 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast I'm talking with Mark Johnson from Hobnail Trekking. Mark shares how Hobnail Trekking has expanded into several destinations and continues to offer only the highest levels of service and trekking expertise. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Tee Public Show Notes 00:00 Fascination with Nepal leads to Holly creating her bucket list. 04:27 Early days of adventure travel, career transition. 10:00 Unique travel experiences from a non-traditional company. 11:00 Mark and Holly create a travel company for everyday adventurers. 14:49 Interest in Mount Everest and other treks. 20:02 Mark's memorable experience from one of the treks . . . when he napped in the woods, and was found by the trip organizers. 24:21 The World is becoming more judgmental, and there needs to be respect. 28:10 Train for the trek by mimicking conditions. 31:54 Prepare physically before operating at high altitudes. 35:36 Rick's adventure in Georgia meeting happy locals. 38:45 Population growth will lead to overpopulation problems. 40:59 Trekking remains timeless; technology won't change it. 43:33 Hobnail Adventures expanding to new adventure destinations. 46:30 Hobnail opens up new travel possibilities for clients. 49:18 Favorite piece of gear: DJI Pocket 2, OSMOS camera. 54:10 Nepal trip inspires one of Mark's books "Doofus Dad Does Everest." Learn More Hobnail Web Page Contact us Instagram X Facebook You Tube Mark's Books Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Adventure travel, #Hobnail Trekking Company, #Mark Johnson, #Everest Base Camp trek, #Adventure travel industry, #Middle-aged adventure travel, #Mount Everest, #Popular trekking destinations, #Off-the-beaten-path trekking, #Wilderness first aid, #Travel insurance, #Adventure risk, #Peruvian trek, #Business process improvement, #Tour operator partnerships, #Sustainable travel, #Physical fitness for trekking, #"Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp" book, #Outdoor gear, #Podcast promotions, #Embracing adventure, #Fiction writing, #Ancillary income stream, #Ecuadorian Odyssey, #Rebranding, #Expansion plans, #Outdoor industry growth, #Sherpa encounter, #Cultural exchange, #Technology impact on travel, #Altitude training. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW! I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jorge Perez, a conservationist and tourism entrepreneur from Quito, Ecuador. Join us as Jorge shares his insights on the unique mestizo culture and the influence of Spaniards, the alluring experience of cattle drives, and the concept of time in Andean cosmovision. Listen in as he discusses purposeful travel, disconnecting from technology, and the importance of understanding our relationship with the Earth. Jorge also unveils a fascinating program for deepening family connections through adventure and offers valuable tips on packing for diverse climates and environments in Ecuador. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation on conservation, tourism with a purpose, and creating memorable experiences in the great outdoors. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Tee Public Show Notes 00:00 Ecuador's beauty, diversity, and unique geography. 05:17 Tourism focused on conservation and local opportunities. 07:33 Building trails, strong relationship with national park. 11:17 Challenges promoting a unique place Ecuador 13:31 Disconnect from home, reconnect with new experiences. 18:47 Tech detox brings freedom, family interaction, learning. 21:38 Preserving Ecuadorian cowboy culture and environmental conservation. 22:57 Mestizo culture, status, and handling fighting bulls. 27:36 Moments are fleeting, but love endures. 30:54 Creating activities to recover the beauty of travel. 36:04 Contact us for experiential family adventure programs. 39:43 Importance of context in facing planetary challenges. 41:04 Promotes conservation through sustainable tourism initiatives. 45:55 Proper gear is key to weather conditions and activities. 48:29 Responsible tourism benefits locals, cultures, and conservation. 41:44 One of Jorge's favorite books: Factfulness 48:18 One of Jorge's pieces of outdoor gear: Swiss Army Knife Learn More Tierra Del Volcan Web Page Contact us Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Ecuador, #mestizo culture, #Spanish influence, #horses, #cattle drives, #Andean community, #purposeful travel, #Amazon, #Galapagos, #Andes, #environmental preservation, #horse encounters, #personal growth, #"Factfulness" book, #conservation, #sustainability, #tourism with purpose, #Quito, #Cotopaxi National Park Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW! I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If I could summarize this conversation with one phrase, it would be something Shannon said: “When people meet each other they find out that the other is not so other.”Shannon Stowell is the CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, an organization for travel industry partners that believes travel can be a powerful force for good in the world. Shannon has spent over 30 years working in adventure travel, e-commerce, outdoor retail, and environmental science. Shannon and I met in person on a trip to Jordan this February, and we immediately connected around our shared belief about what travel could be. In this conversation, Shannon takes us to Kurdistan, an autonomous region in Northern Iraq, where Shannon traveled with his son in 2017. You'll learn about the meaning of the Kurdish saying “The Kurds have no friends but the mountains,” and what it feels like to visit the Yazidi sacred village of Lalish. We also discuss Shannon's must-see places for people like me who have already traveled a lot, the tomorrow's air initiative led by ATTA, why Shannon believes travel is a privilege, not a right, and what is a soft ambassador.What you'll learn in this episode:How Shannon defines adventure travelShannon's trip to Kurdistan in 2017What living off the grid in nature is likeWhat Maslow's hierarchy of needs has to do with modern depressionMust-see places for people who've already traveled a lotThe impact of media on destinationsMeeting the current moment: travelers' role in times of strifeThe story of “To kill a white person”What gives Shannon hope right nowFeatured on the show:Learn more about the Adventure Travel Trade AssociationCheck out Explore Mesopotamia tours in Iraqi KurdistanRead The New York Times story about KurdistanCheck out Shannon's book, Riding The Hula Hula to the Arctic OceanLearn more about the Tomorrow's Air initiativeFollow ATTA on InstagramGet more information at: Going Places website Join our Going Places newsletter to get updates on new episodes and Yulia's travel storytelling work. Subscribe at goingplacesmedia.com/newsletter!For more BTS of this podcast follow @goingplacesmedia on Instagram and check out our videos on YouTube!Please head over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE to the show. If you enjoy this conversation, please share it with others on social and don't forget to tag us @goingplacesmedia!And show us some love, if you have a minute, by rating Going Places or leaving us a review wherever you listen. You'll be helping us to bend the arc of algorithms towards our community — thank you!Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people
Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) offers in terms of resources, connections, networking and training on how to sell adventure travel. Stowell tells how ATTA can help boost travel advisor's adventure travel business. For more information, visit www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-adventure-vrs or www.adventuretravel.biz. If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.
USA, Maine, Adventure Travel Trade AssociationRussell WaltersPresidentNorthern OutdoorsBorn in the U.K. Russell has been involved in the outdoor industry in Maine since the early 1980′s. A registered Maine Guide, he has experience on the east and west coasts of the U.S. including a four year term as General Manager for O.A.R.S. in Angels Camp, California. Russell returned to Maine in 2000 to become president of Northern Outdoors, a four-season Adventure Resort located in The Forks.In addition to his role for Northern Outdoors, Russell is the Regional Director, North America for the Adventure Travel Trade Association. His work for the ATTA takes him the length and breadth of the U.S. and abroad, working with destinations, tour operators, guides and travel advisors to promote the economic, social and conservation benefits of adventure based travel through the ATTA's network of trade events, educational programs and consumer facing initiatives including www.Adventure.travel https://www.northernoutdoors.com/SummaryRussell Walters, President of Northern Outdoors, shares his journey in the adventure travel industry and the growth of his company. He discusses the expansion of activities and accommodations, the transition from kayak instructing to photography and guiding, and the importance of soft skills in guides. Russell also talks about the changes in the adventure travel industry over the years, including the shift towards comfort and the impact of technology. He highlights the value of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) in fostering collaboration and sharing experiences among industry professionals. The conversation explores the value of the ATTA community, recurring themes in ATTA conversations, the importance of networking and learning, the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the tourism industry, the biggest challenges for the future, and encouraging exploration and responsible travel.TakeawaysThe adventure travel industry has seen a shift towards comfort and a broader demographic of travelers, including families and older individuals.Soft skills and personality are crucial for guides, as they contribute to the overall guest experience and teamwork.The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among adventure travel professionals.Balancing comfort and disconnecting from technology can enhance the guest experience and promote meaningful connections with nature and others.The adventure travel industry is constantly evolving, and staying curious and adaptable is key to success. The ATTA community provides valuable resources and networking opportunities for those looking to grow or streamline their business.Recurring themes in ATTA conversations include sustainability and e-bikes.Networking and learning within the ATTA community can help entrepreneurs in the tourism industry overcome feelings of isolation.The biggest challenges for the future include staffing and the impacts of climate change.Travelers are encouraged to explore unexplored destinations with professional outfits and good equipment. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.
Coming from a family that valued travel as an education tool, Emma shares how this foundation naturally led to her pursuit to meet and interview fascinating humans, write about enchanting places and encourage future leaders in travel via an annual retreat. Follow Emma's life and work here: https://www.emmaweissmann.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-weissmann-51923545/Email: eweissmann@travelagewest.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_enroute/ Society of American Travel Writers: https://satw.org/ TravelAge West: https://www.travelagewest.com/Emma-Weissmann Travel Weekly: https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-WeissmannTrade Secrets Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trade-secrets-podcast/id1555272051 Jamie Biesiada: https://www.travelweekly.com/Jamie-Biesiada Northstar Travel Group: https://www.northstartravelgroup.com/ TravelAge West Guidelines: https://www.travelagewest.com/Write-for-us Mt Kilimanjaro for a Cause: https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Adventure-Travel/Up-for-the-Challenge-Climbing-Mount-Kilimanjaro-for-a-Cause Humans of Travel podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humans-of-travel/id1496726460Kristine Karst: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amawaterways-kristin-karst-shares-how-growing-up-behind/id1496726460?i=1000622908501AmaWaterways: https://www.amawaterways.com/ JR Harris: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/explorers-club-member-j-r-harris-on-living-life-as/id1496726460?i=1000632262042 Explorers Club: https://www.explorers.org/ American Society of Travel Advisors: https://www.asta.org/ Virtuoso: https://www.virtuoso.com/ Family Travel Association: https://familytravel.org/ Adventure Travel Trade Association: https://www.adventuretravel.biz/ Future Leaders in Travel: https://www.futureleadersintravel.com/ Thank you for listening! Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662
In this week's episode, I'm talking to the inspirational Laura Waters. Laura is a travel writer, speaker, author and presenter who lives near Melbourne, Australia. She is the author of ‘Bewildered', a book about her solo journey hiking New Zealand's Te Araroa trail, 3000 kilometres of raw, wild, mountainous trail winding from the top of the North Island to the tip of the South Island. Originally, Laura was meant to walk the 5 month trail with her friend, but when the friend decided to drop out on day two, Laura made the decision to continue on alone.Laura is single, childfree, and is a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. She has written for numerous publications including Escape (Newscorp), NZ Herald, Australian Traveller, Geographical UK, RAC, Jetstar, Virgin, Outdoor, Wild, Great Walks, Action Diver, Active Retirees and many more. Topics that Laura & I cover are:the story of what prompted her to walk the Te Araroa trail;her decision to continue alone when her friend dropped out on Day 2;how the trek involved hiking thick forests, volcanic terrain, mountains, as well as rafting down rivers;how Laura loved the simplicity of ‘no makeup, no mirrors, no media';how although she was alone, Laura would sometimes walk with other people on the trail;how getting caught in a snow storm taught Laura that she was capable of doing it on her own;how Laura found the physical strength required for the trip more difficult than the mental strength;how the anxiety and depression that Laura was suffering from before she left, completely lifted within a couple of weeks on the trail;the transformative power of nature, and how Laura felt totally connected to the nature around her;how the trip freed up her mind and she felt a lightness of being;how her trip gave her the courage to go after her dreams of being a writer;how passion is a great compass to tell you if you're on the right track in life;Laura's book, BeWILDered, and how it was even harder than her 5 month hike;how Laura would love a partner to share her life's journey with.Check out Laura's website:https://soultrekkers.com.au/ Buy Laura's book, Bewildered:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bewildered-Laura-Waters/dp/0369334442 Follow Laura on Instagram:@laurawaters_writer Book a FREE 30 minute coaching 'taster' session HERE: https://calendly.com/lucymeggeson/30minute Fancy getting your hands on my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Head over to: www.lucymeggeson.com Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share Follow me on Instagram: @spinsterhoodreimagined Follow me on Twitter: @LucyMeggeson Follow me on LinkedIn: Lucy Meggeson Email me: lucy@lucymeggeson.com And thank you so much for listening!!!
In this special replay episode, we revisit Season 1: Travel Rising's most popular episode! And in fact, it's the very first episode of the Soul of Travel Podcast!Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Gabriella Stowell, current Vice President of Regional Development at the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the largest global network of adventure travel leaders.Gabi has always loved nature, from early in her childhood and studying ecology to her current endeavors in travel. Born in Brazil, Gabriella now lives in the U.S. She is known for her ability to motivate and unite teams in accomplishing a common goal, managing different stakeholder expectations, and bringing different people together to accomplish shared goals.The ATTA is a privately held, for-profit industry trade group that serves to network, educate, professionalize and promote the adventure travel industry. They find their success by serving its members and advancing responsible, sustainable adventure travel practices.Christine and Gabi discuss:The importance of soaking in the culture of the places where we travelThe power of choosing small, local properties and restaurantsThe future of travelRe-orienting the travel industry toward womenChanging the face of the travel industry with intention and careJoin Christine now for this soulful conversation with Gabriella Stowell.
This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including how busy the Fourth of July travel period was, big air travel news, a flying car, and more. Later, Shannon Stowell, CEO Adventure Travel Trade Association joins me to share his thoughts about the current state of adventure travel. Stowell provides insights on adventure travel vs. extreme travel, talks about his wildest travel adventures, and shares advice for travelers seeking thrill trips. Additionally, Stowell gives advice to travel advisors who sell in the adventure travel space. The adventure travel discussion begins just before the 11-minute mark. Today's episode is brought to you by VirtualTravelEvents.com – the leading digital event platform for travel advisors and travel industry suppliers. The process of attending physical trade shows can be expensive and time-consuming for travel advisors – which is why a majority of advisors barely ever attend any trade shows. Virtual Travel Events hosts yearly virtual events on Weddings, Honeymoons, Luxury Travel, Group Travel, and so much more. It puts advisors and suppliers together with live presentations, Interviews with top industry executives and travel professional peers, live chats, and the opportunity to win prizes for attending and participating. Head over to VirtualTravelEvents.com to learn more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our first ever HwP LIVE episode features a panel discussion that recently took place on campus in partnership with the team at the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Three industry experts joined us to discuss the importance of destination stewardship in everything that we do in tourism and travel, from Marketing to Management. Panelists included Steve Lima from G Adventures, Tracy Michaud from the University of Southern Maine, and Heather Heverling from Audley Travel. Listen in for a really fun conversation that addresses some of the critical elements tourism managers should consider as we move into a new era of travel!
Today we are joined by Jake Haupert and Jorge Perez, thought leaders and entrepreneurs in transformational travel. We explore why travel is the perfect launchpad for the transformation economy; how transformational experiences differ from our traditional ways of looking at categories like healthcare, finance, retail, technology and beyond; which customer types seek transformation and why they value it. Most importantly, we talk about how to effectively deliver on transformation. GUEST BIOS Jake Haupert: He's passionately advocating for new ways of believing, being, doing, and traveling that positively impact our lives, how we are with others, and how we relate to our planet. Travel today has become devoid of intention, integrity, meaning, and purpose, resulting in personal experiences lacking their full potential which, too often, reinforces boundaries, worldviews, and practices rather than stretching and evolving them. Despite our good intentions, unintended consequences have contributed to our current social and ecological crisis rather than catalytic to human development, healing, and collective prosperity. Jake believes the time is now to change that and invites you to join him. Jake is currently most excited to be participating in the "Transformation Economy Collaborative" led by Stone Mantel, an experience strategy company, and convening a roundtable of travel-specific brands. Jorge Perez: A passionate traveler and sustainable development promoter. A pioneer on conservation through adventure travel and private land conservation, with more than 20 years of experience in these fields. Founder of Tierra del Volcan, an Award-winning travel company that offers life-changing adventures that leads to legendary moments in Ecuador, South America. Adventure guide. Former president of The Ecuadorian Ecotourism Association. South America ambassador for the Transformational Travel Council and vice chair of the board of TTC. Ambassador for Adventure Travel Trade Association. Panelist and conference speaker at events like; ATWS, TNC private Land Conservation expo, TIES Ecuador, Ela Travel Show.
“Travel is a mindset. It doesn't get greater the further you go; it's almost the opposite. It gets greater the more inside you go.” - Eva MossbergIn this episode, Christine and guest Eva Mossberg explore the business and the global potential of adventure travel. Eva Mossberg is a leader, innovator, and adventuresome expert in the field of sustainable tourism. Rooted in the connection between tourism and conservation, they discuss ways to become a more responsible and mindful traveler or tourism professional. The definition of adventure travel doesn't need to be rigid or exclusionary. Instead, think of adventure as a mindset. You're placing yourself in a new situation with an open mind, ready and willing to learn new truths about yourself and the world.Listen for the welcoming community both Eva and Christine found in this segment of the industry as you look for your place in the adventure tourism space.Christine and Eva discuss:Responsible tourism from a natural resources perspectiveDefining “Adventure Travel” and the broad types of experiences that may fit into the categoryThe business of adventure travel and the potential of adventure tourism professionals collaborating on the same goalHow to be a more responsible and ethical travelerThe potential positive impact of responsible travel on destinationsJoin Christine now for this soulful conversation with Eva Mossberg.LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation on PayPal. Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don't miss the latest episodes!Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.
Christina Leala Gale — Perspective from the Pacific: A Local Looks at the Connection Between Climate Change and Tourism. This is a very special and unique conversation with Christina Leala-Gale who is a Samoan native and is now based in Fiji. Christina is the Manager for Sustainable Tourism Development with the South Pacific Tourism Organization. She works at the regional level focusing on the inclusion of the global sustainable tourism agenda as well as SPTO's member countries. Christina is passionate about advocating for sustainable development and hopes the Pacific can become the green tourism destination of the future. Christina and I met through the Adventure Travel Trade Association and she continues to open my eyes to the abundant culture within and apart from the tourism industry in the Pacific. In our conversation she highlights a key part of that culture: Pacific Islanders are centered around community and shared prosperity. She gives us a glimpse into how locals feel about tourism, why sustainable tourism is the key to preserving host villages and countries, and the tangible effects of climate change in those countries that are closest to the equator. We also discuss plastics' impact on climate change, the tourism industry's contribution to plastic waste and conservation, the double-edged sword of cruises, and much more.
David Perez, CEO of Tenerife Tourism, and Laura Castro, director of tourism for the Cabildo of Tenerife, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their Canary Islands paradise, which is on the comeback trail in terms of tourism numbers and is partnering with such groups as the U.S. Tour Operators Association, Signature Travel Network and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. For more information, visit www.webtenerife.com. If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.
We're roughly 3 months into the reopening of our borders for travel. Most restrictions have been lifted and international tourists are once again coming into Malaysia in droves. We've met the initial goal of 2 million international tourists and the new target is set at 4.5 million. We sat down for a conversation with Hannah Pearson, founder of Pear Anderson and Regional Director at the Adventure Travel Trade Association for an update on the travel industry. Image Credit: Shutterstock | xamnesiacx84
Show Date: 4/20/2022 This week on KHM Today, we kick things off with Team Talk. Join us for chats about the mask mandate, and hear about Venice with Rick Zimmerman, KHM Travel Group's President and CEO. Casey Hanisko, President of Adventure Travel Trade Association, talks about adventure travel and how to do that sustainably. Kris Endreson, Vice President of Strategic Sales for MSC Cruises, talks about their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint and their industry leading initiatives to protect the environment. Beth Klubnik and Ashley Jacin from KHM Travel Group's Event Team, tease our upcoming Crystal Conference! Stay tuned for next week's show for our official 2023 Crystal Conference and Awards announcement.Become an agent with KHM Travel Group today! Check out our website to learn more: www.KHMTravel.com Send your comments/questions/suggestions to education@khmtravel.com
REWIND: DESTINATION HIGHTLIGHTThis episode was previously aired during season 1 of the podcast. We are sharing it again to highlight Jordan and what is important to Christine as she designs her Sojourns.Malia Asfour is the Director of the Jordan Tourism Board in North America (JTBNA) and has worked for the Jordanian government since 1995. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Tourism Association Services, Inc.(NTASI). She is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association's (ATTA) Advisory Board and also serves on the US Tour Operator Association's Allied & Associate Committee (USTOA); the National Tourism Association's Faith Tourism Advisory Council (NTA) and is Vice Chair 1 of Tourism Cares.Malia Asfour's job is to "build bridges between people throughout the world." As you listen to this episode, you'll hear her clarity around treating this responsibility with the utmost care and passion. Christine and Malia talk about the value of leaving what you know and exploring the world in a new context, the beauty of sharing space over traveling to "fix" or provide a solution, and the magic of tourism that is connected to a place's history.For full show notes and to access resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode71Learn more about Lotus Sojourns and ways to be a part of the community here.Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns or @souloftravelpodcastLOVE these conversations...support the production of this podcast by making a donation here! Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor.) Malia Asfour (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing and production by Rayna BoothSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=Y76XFGFWCMEV8)
What is the most effective way to learn a culture (besides immersion)? Storytelling! Storytelling is universal and is as ancient as humankind. Before there was writing, there was storytelling. Stories contain the wisdom of the world, teaching cultural values. Storytelling builds community, celebrates cultural diversity, and preserves cultural identity. Joanna Haugen, the founder of Rooted, a solutions platform at the intersection of sustainable tourism, social impact, and storytelling, is an advocate of giving a voice to people who have the richest stories to tell.In this week's episode of The New Nomad, Joanna joins our hosts Andrew Jernigan and Allen Koski in talking about the importance of storytelling in our lives as human beings. These three nomads rekindled their experiences in the places they have traveled to and the priceless lessons they have learned along the way. It's an episode full of gold-nuggets here and there. So don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and be excited about traveling and sharing your story.[13:10] Online communities help digital nomads thrive[15:04] Saying hi to a stranger[17:00] Voluntourism: Yay or Nay?[22:15] Slow traveling as a digital nomad[25:21] Helping people by listening to their stories[30:35] The power of long walksGUEST BIO:JoAnna Haugen is a writer, speaker, and solutions advocate who has worked in the travel and tourism industry for more than a decade. She is also the founder of Rooted, a solutions platform at the intersection of sustainable tourism, social impact, and storytelling. She has written hundreds of articles for dozens of print and online publications including Popular Science, Mongabay, Fast Company, Backpacker, BBC Travel, Delta Sky, American Way, Sustainable Brands, and Adventure.com. She is a member of the Impact Travel Alliance, Society of Environmental Journalists, the Adventure Travel Trade Association, Wanderful Creator Community, and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. She is also a media advisor for the Transformational Travel Council and a volunteer mentor through Women in Travel. Additionally, she is a two-time recipient of the Nevada Arts Council grant.JoAnna is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, long-term expatriate, international election observer, and intrepid traveler.JoAnna Haugen Links:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joannahaugenTwitter: joanna_haugenWebsite: joannahaugen.comFollow Insured Nomads at:Instagram: @insurednomadswww.insurednomads.com
So many of the listeners of this podcast are thoughtful beings who care deeply about the environment and climate change - and it's hard to ignore the number of carbon emissions the travel process produces.Christina Beckmann is here to change that.She is the Co-Founder of Tomorrow's Air and the Vice President for Global Strategy at the Adventure Travel Trade Association. She asks the question: how can we reconcile travel's benefits with this unavoidable problem?This episode goes deep into sustainability, social impact, and understanding the layers of travel.Learn more about Tomorrow's Air here: https://www.tomorrowsair.com/Learn more about Lotus Sojourns and ways to be a part of the community here.Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns or @souloftravelpodcastCredits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor.) Christina Beckmann (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.
On today's episode I continue my conversation with Adventure Travel Trade Association's CEO Shannon Stowell. I had to have Shannon back to share some inspiring and hilarious personal anecdotes about stepping into, and owning, unfamiliar places - in this case an economic conference in New York City. “The friends I enjoyed being with the most are the YES people.” – Shannon Mentioned: Tomorrow's Air Adventure Travel Trade Association Email us at climate@adventuretravel.biz to give us feedback on the podcast!
Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel Research at Euromonitor, welcomes Christina Beckmann in this episode of the Travel Leader's Podcast. Christina discusses Tomorrow’s Air that she co-founded after a trip to Antarctica where she grasped the magnitude of the climate emergency. Christina also addresses the sea-change in attitudes to sustainability based on her work with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, levels of consumer engagement with climate action and ways to navigate this era of transformation that we are all living through.
Malia Asfour's job is to "build bridges between people throughout the world." As you listen to this episode, you'll hear her clarity around treating this responsibility with the utmost care and passion. She and Christine talk about the value of leaving what you know and exploring the world in a new context, the beauty of sharing space over traveling to "fix" or provide a solution, and the magic of tourism that is connected to a place's history. The Meaningful Travel Map project, launched in partnership with Tourism Cares, adds special experiences for those traveling to Jordan. By offering unique and hands-on cultural experiences for travelers, each of these social enterprises is satisfying the demand from travelers seeking authentic sustainable experiences that make a difference, and their need to use the power of travel to help people and places thrive. If this is what you are looking for, you have come to the right place!Malia is the Director of the Jordan Tourism Board in North America (JTBNA) and has worked for the Jordanian government since 1995. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Tourism Association Services, Inc.(NTASI). She is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Advisory Board and also serves on the US Tour Operator Association’s Allied & Associate Committee (USTOA); the National Tourism Association’s Faith Tourism Advisory Council (NTA) and is Vice Chair 1 of Tourism Cares. Learn more about Malia Asfour here, and learn more about the Meaningful Travel Map here.Learn more about Lotus Sojourns and ways to be a part of the community here.Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns or @souloftravelpodcastCredits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor.) Malia Asfour (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.
Gabriella Stowell has always had a love of nature, from early in her childhood and studying ecology to her current endeavor: the Latin American Director for the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the largest global network of adventure travel leaders. In this episode, Gabi and Christine talk about the importance of soaking in the culture of the places we travel, and what it does to the small economies when we choose to stay at chain hotels or local properties. They discuss the future of travel, how to re-orient the travel industry towards women, and what it can mean to change the face of the travel industry with intention and care. Gabi's passion for the intersection of travel, adventure, cultural interaction, and the beauty of nature will have you ready to start planning your own adventure! To learn more about Adventure Travel Trade Association (or about becoming a member!), you can visit their website here.The ATTA is a privately held, for-profit industry trade group that serves to network, educate, professionalize and promote the adventure travel industry. They find their success by serving its members and advancing responsible, sustainable adventure travel practices.Learn more about Lotus Sojourns and ways to be a part of the community here.Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns or @souloftravelpodcastCredits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor.) Gabi Stowell (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.
In this week's episode, we are doing something a little different. I am the subject of today's interview with ATTA President and dear friend, Casey Hanisko, leading the conversation. She is a longtime traveler who began her career at the space voyage division of Zegrahm Expeditions and is a key player in helping Tomorrow's Air take root. We'll talk a little bit more about my background, Tomorrow's Air's beginnings (and naming!) as well as visions for the future, why we decided to focus on carbon removal, and why the Adventure Travel Trade Association has been the perfect place to incubate a transformation in travel. Plus, I get to talk a little bit about my amazing trip to Antarctica. I loved my conversation with Casey, and I know you will too. Mentioned: Tomorrow's Air ATTA Climeworks Nori Podcasts
Though the pandemic has many people staying closer to home, those in the adventure travel industry are taking this time to continue to make sure that their travel is doing good to their global neighbor. On this episode, we hear from Shannon Stowell, who is the CEO of Adventure Travel Trade Association. The ATTA focuses on real efforts to address the social & environmental issues associated with tourism & travel. As you sit at home dreaming about international travel, we hope this episode will inspire you to think about the impact you can have while traveling! Check out the ATTA here: https://www.adventuretravel.biz Feast Over Famine does not provide legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice. You should consult professional advisors concerning the legal, tax, or accounting consequences of your activities. Feast Over Famine does not consult, advise, or assist with (i) the offer or sale of securities in any capital-raising transaction, or (ii) the direct or indirect promotion or maintenance of a market for any securities. Feast Over Famine does not engage in any activities for which an investment advisor's registration or license is required under the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or under any other applicable federal or state law; or for which a “broker's” or “dealer's” registration or license is required under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or under any other applicable federal or state law.
In this episode, Edmund Morris speaks to me from the future! — from Perth, Australia a day ahead of my US west coast time zone. A market systems and tourism consultant with deep experience in the country of Jordan who, since this conversation was recorded, has launched Equator Analytics, a consulting firm that uses data analytics for sustainable tourism development. One of the widest ranging discussions to date on Airrows on Air (because Edmund has such a broad set of interests and fascinating experiences!) we cover topics both dense and fluffy: traveling through Syria as a young college graduate, assembling the data needed to calculate the number of jobs created by adventure travel in a country, why Jordan is a great place to learn how to dive, the cultural mashup that occurs when a Brit weds a Jordanian, how a lack of economic measurement systems for non-mainstream types of tourism results in a misunderstanding of the varying impacts of different types of tourism, how the world's leading expert in Scandanavian medieval studies (Edmund's mum!) is supporting work on his new book, his project to quantify the impact of the world's largest cruise ship on the rainforest, and of course …the state of climate action and global warming in places Edmund has worked and played. **Excuse us please, repeated mention is made of a person named ‘Shannon' — that would be Shannon Stowell, President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. “Carbon removal just hadn't crossed my radar because it's so nascent in terms of scaling. As I started to dive into the numbers though, unlike carbon offsetting, it gives me a lot of hope.” — Edmund Mentioned: WANA Institute Adventure Travel Local Analytics System Caroline Bremner, Euromonitor International WTTC Nori Edmund's Playlist: Jurassic Five: Concrete Schoolyard Dave Brubeck: Take 5 Floating POints Ensemble - Live on KEXP Caribou: Can't Do Without Four Tet: Daughter Nujabes: Reflection Eternal Quarteto Em Cy: Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser
Today's guest is Chez Chesak Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Chez has an impressive outdoor and travel career with previous stops at the Family Travel Association, the Intrepid Group, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Today's guest is Chez Chesak Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Chez has an impressive outdoor and travel career with previous stops at the Family Travel Association, the Intrepid Group, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Show Notes Sponsors Mountain Hardwear Fiverr Introduction to the Outdoors It came from a single ski trip. I grew up in New England and always loved being in the outdoors. I grew up in a rural part of Massachusetts and was always skiing when I could and things like that. But, it took a ski trip out to Aspen. I had a girlfriend at the time and her high school buddy had become a chef out there and we went. It was my first time really getting out West and I was just blown away. On our flight home, she and I were just talking about, how do we make the outdoors our life? And the first stop was REI. We got part-time jobs at the Bailey's Crossroads area outside of DC. And just started getting into the gear side of things and retail. I just absorbed all the training I could. And while in Washington, DC a friend of mine said something about his wife working at the American Hiking Society. And I'm thinking, well, wait, she has a full-time job working for a hiking group. And he said, yeah. And they're hiring a fundraiser. I said I can do that. And so that was my first gig in the outdoor industry, which then led to a stint at the American Alpine Club, which then led to winter Wildlands Alliance. I took a little trip to Iraq with my national guard unit, came back, and started working for the Adventure Travel Trade Association and got into the adventure travel side of the industry from there. Things we talked about Outdoor Writers Association of America OWAA Conferences OWAA Scholarships & Fellowships Izaak Walton League of America Society of American Travel Writers recreateresponsibly.org Trade Show Banner "Outdoor Media Here" with a big arrow Advice When we say we're really trying to help mentor the next generation, we're not just talking about young people. If somebody is looking to make a career change, maybe they've always had a passion for photography, videography, writing, whatever it might be. And they're also a passionate outdoors person, we actually have a membership level for them. It's called an associate member. It's basically exactly the same thing as a regular membership. You're just not an official member, so you can't vote on things. You can't vote, you know if our board wants to change the bylaws or something like that, but all those other resources are available to that person. The magazine with all the professional development content, webinars, the different events and things like that, all the discounts and everything that we provide our members. And various opportunities, you know, we're always pushing out calls for submissions and needs. The whole concept is that somebody who joined as an associate member, our goal is that at the end of those two years, they're qualified to join as an actual active member. Connect with Chez info@owaa.org Office Phone: 406-728-7434
Shannon Stowell is CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. We do a deep dive into what it means to travel off the beaten path, how to reduce your carbon footprint, and how to do your part to support companies that promote diversity in the travel industry. Millennial Travel Podcast 5: Off the Grid Adventure Travel with Shannon Stowell CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association Get the show notes at millennialtravelpodcast.com. Shannon comes to us from his off the grid cabin in Colorado with no electricity or running water. We talk about his incredible trip to Kurdistan in northern Iraq. He wins the award for most off the beaten path travel story, since I spoke to Jordan Harbinger about his trip to North Korea and another time when he was kidnapped. Shannon and I talk about how he has started Tomorrow’s Air the world’s first traveler collective to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it permanently. We also discuss his involvement in the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund that directly funds local projects engaged in the conservation of unique natural and cultural resources of adventure travel destinations. I also put Shannon in the hotseat to ask him: Favorite hike in the entire world? Favorite campsite in the entire world? Favorite piece of gear? Where is the adventure capital of the world? Resources: Shannon’s TED Talk: Change the World; Take a Vacation Tomorrow’s Air Clean Up Pact How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia Neutral Together Carbon Offsetting Travel Unity non profit promoting diversity in travel The Black Travel Alliance Under30Experiences’s Committment to Diversity & Inclusion The Luci Solar Light that Shannon light’s his cabin with The Grayl Water purification bottle Shannon drinks from pools and swamps with! Connect with Shannon on Linkedin and check out The Adventure Travel Trade Association. ### Direct support for the Live Different Podcast comes from my new book--The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life. This book is about more than travel... I'd be extremely grateful if checked it out!
Live Different Podcast: Business | Travel | Health | Performance
Millennial Travel Podcast 5: Off the Grid Adventure Travel with Shannon Stowell CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association Get the show notes at millennialtravelpodcast.com. My guest today is Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. We do a deep dive into what it means to travel off the beaten path, how to reduce your carbon footprint, and how to do your part to support companies that promote diversity in the travel industry. Shannon comes to us from his off the grid cabin in Colorado with no electricity or running water. We talk about his incredible trip to Kurdistan in northern Iraq. He wins the award for most off the beaten path travel story, since I spoke to Jordan Harbinger about his trip to North Korea and another time when he was kidnapped. Shannon and I talk about how he has started Tomorrow’s Air the world’s first traveler collective to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it permanently. We also discuss his involvement in the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund that directly funds local projects engaged in the conservation of unique natural and cultural resources of adventure travel destinations. I also put Shannon in the hotseat to ask him: Favorite hike in the entire world? Favorite campsite in the entire world? Favorite piece of gear? Where is the adventure capital of the world? Resources: Shannon’s TED Talk: Change the World; Take a Vacation Tomorrow’s Air Clean Up Pact How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia Neutral Together Carbon Offsetting Travel Unity non profit promoting diversity in travel The Black Travel Alliance Amplifying Black Voices: Our Growing List of Travel Resources Under30Experiences’s Committment to Diversity & Inclusion The Luci Solar Light that Shannon light’s his cabin with The Grayl Water purification bottle Shannon drinks from pools and swamps with! Connect with Shannon on Linkedin and check out The Adventure Travel Trade Association. ### Direct support for the Live Different Podcast comes from my new book--The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life. This book is about more than travel... I'd be extremely grateful if you pre-ordered it for just 99 cents!
In this episode of Euromonitor International’s Travel Leaders Podcast, we talk to Casey Hanisko, President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association about how the association is helping destinations and adventure tour operators navigate and rebuild after COVID-19. We discuss what the new normal will be in terms of consumer expectations and operational protocols. Finally, Casey shares her thoughts and hopes for a brighter future where travel experiences become more customer-centric with reduced impact on local communities and the environment thanks to advances in technology.
Casey Hanisko is the President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. For nearly two decades, Casey has made adventure travel her life and her career. She shares her experiences from around the world traveling and experiencing locations that most of us only dream about.
About the episode: Born in the U.K., Walters has been involved in the outdoor industry since the early 1980s. A registered Maine guide, Walters has experience on the east and west coasts of the U.S., including a four-year term as general manager for O.A.R.S. in Angels Camp, California. Walters returned to Maine in 2000 to become president of Northern Outdoors, a four-season adventure resort located in The Forks. Walters serves on a number of local, regional and state organizations, including as a board member of Maine Huts & Trails and as the current chair of the Maine Sports Commission. Walters also serves as regional director, North America, for the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). His work for the ATTA takes him the length and breadth of the U.S. and abroad, working with destinations, tour operators, agents and guides to promote the economic and conservation benefits of adventure-based travel. In the episode: 1:59 – Russell shares how he grew up in England kayaking and, while looking for a place to train and run river, found the Kennebec River. 5:18 – Russell shares how he now lives in Kingfield, Maine, and runs Northern Outdoors. 6:31 – Nancy shares how she and Russell met as Nancy acquired Northern Outdoors as a client and agreed to become a rafting guide. 8:45 – Russell doesn't think he would change much about his career or the operation of Northern Outdoors. 10:30 – Nancy points out Northern Outdoors' ideal location. 11:53 – Russell and Nancy discuss the start of Northern Outdoors as a cross between terror and exhilaration. 14:02 – Russell shares how Northern Outdoors has evolved over the past 30 years. 15:35 – Russell talks about how PR and marketing have changed at Northern Outdoors, including a focus on customer experience and becoming more open to review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp. 20:09 – Russell shares how technology, seasonality and staffing are obstacles to success and how he has overcome these obstacles, including being part of creating a new reservation system. 26:30 – Russell talks about his involvement in the ATTA. 27:39 – Russell admires how collaborative the Brewer's Guild is compared to other aspects of tourism. 33:05 – Russell shares how Northern Outdoors focuses on engagement when measuring success. 34:03 – Nancy mentions how Matt Ginn's way off measuring success could relate to the outdoor business, as well. 34:47 – Russell describes how he prefers to make connections through the phone, video chatting, rather than online. 39:30 – Some resources that Russell uses include podcasts and the book The Customer Comes Second as resources. 42:09 – Russell encourages people starting their careers to find something they love, do lots of research, and stick with it or fail fast. Quote: On operating Northern Outdoors: "I think we've, all of us, learned to adapt and to evolve and not remain stagnant. I think that's part of the joy of being up here. — Russell Walters, President at Northern Outdoors Links: Hug Your Haters by Jay Baer The Customer Comes Second by Hal Rosenbluth Looking to connect: Email: russell@northernoutdoors.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellwalters/ Northern Outdoors: https://www.northernoutdoors.com/ Phone: (207) 663-4466 or 1-800-765-7238
"Travel is a privilege, not a right and if we are enjoying this privilege then we should also be responsible enough to do everything we can to mitigate the impact we have on the planet" - Shannon Stowell, CEO, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) as he speaks to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events on the challenges of adventure travel, including over tourism and sustainable travel and how we can become responsible global citizen as travelers. Shannon has more than 25 years of business experience in adventure travel, e-commerce, outdoor retail, and environmental sciences.
On the podcast this week, I am so excited to share a truly delightful conversation I had with Shannon Stowell. Shannon is the CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and I had the pleasure of working with him on his TEDx talk. As a thought leader within his industry, Shannon gets to do a lot of speaking, and on this episode, we discuss how he uses his speaking opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Get full show notes and more information here: https://michellebarryfranco.com/episode12
Shannon Stowell is our guest on this episode of My Travel Tales. Listen in to find out why Shannon decided to buy the Adventure Travel Trade Association in 2004, why he feels a deep connection to Kurdistan, what place he has dreamed of since childhood but has yet to visit, five things he always travels with, why a visit to Barentsburg on Svalbard in Norway was surreal, and a few surprises including the “hot chili pepper incident” at an ATTA event. My Travel Tales is a HITravelTales.com production.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS We can be fit and be unhealthy Accomplish more by doing less - focus on what's most important and forget the rest Constructing a company with remote team members Writing as a gratifying process What is "mindful running"? ABOUT ELINOR FISH Elinor Fish is the founder of Run Wild Retreats + Wellness, a travel company that specializes in running and wellness retreats in the world's best trail running destinations in Europe, North and South America. Company CEO Elinor Fish founded the company in 2010 while working as the editor of Trail Runner magazine, with the intention of introducing more women to the growing sport of trail running. The instantly popular women’s retreats grew and evolved beyond teaching trail-running skills to focus on what women found most beneficial about running: stress relief. Run Wild Retreats now operates in six countries, offering unique itineraries that include workshops about how to integrate mindfulness principles into one’s running routine for the purpose of improve health and managing stress. Run Wild Retreats has been featured in The Washington Post, Women’s Health, Men’s Journal, Women’s Running, Runner’s World, The Travel Channel, Fodor’s Travel, Well + Good NYC, and many other media outlets. Run Wild Retreats is an internationally accredited travel agency with IATA, a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Camber Outdoors. Over Elinor's 15-year career in running and wellness, her articles, programs, workshops and retreats have helped thousands of people make their running a mindfulness practice in order to reduce their stress and bring their best selves to their roles as parents, professionals, caregivers and leaders. GUEST LINKS Run Wild Retreats Healthy Runners Community Twitter Instagram Facebook LEADERS' CALL TO ADVENTURE RATE OR REVIEW THIS PODCAST EPISODE PAGE ON LEADERS' CALL TO ADVENTURE
James Anderson is with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and he discusses how the adventure industry is changing and how it could benefit ag producers looking to expand their operation. Joan Ruskamp, Cattlemen's Beef Board Chairman talks the latest in the National Beef Checkoff. Rod Johnson from Nebraska State Dairy Association talks about an upcoming Margin Protection Program Webinar.
James Anderson is with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and he discusses how the adventure industry is changing and how it could benefit ag producers looking to expand their operation. Joan Ruskamp, Cattlemen's Beef Board Chairman talks the latest in the National Beef Checkoff. Rod Johnson from Nebraska State Dairy Association talks about an upcoming Margin Protection Program Webinar.
Shannon Stowell of The Adventure Travel Trade Association, Chez Chesak of Tracks and Trails and Tim McGuire of Eagle Creek talk about: some of the best things that happened in 2017 how 2017 ended up, will it go down as a good or bad year what they are excited about for 2018 Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast patreon.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Notes from Shannon: Analysis on 2017 Adventure Business Adventure travel businesses continued to thrive in 2017. 73% of operators responding to our Industry Snapshot were forecasting higher profits for 2017 over 2016. About 40% of them said the reason for the growth in business was ‘new customers' This also points to one of the most pressing topics for our industry going forward, which is destination management and traveler education. ‘Overtourism' and sustainability are a concern our companies and destination members are thinking a lot about. Even if ‘too many' tourists seems like a far off problem for some places, it is now coming to the forefront for countries emphasizing adventure travel development in their economic growth plans. Best Things that Happened in 2017 We got more refined in our understanding of adventure traveler motivations and by comparing survey research from 2007 with new work conducted in 2016, and discovered that a driving motivation for travelers is personal growth, learning, and ultimately often ‘transformation'. This yearning, seeking, is really what continues to drive our industry forward. We have something magical to offer that people need. Adventure businesses around the world continued to innovate for the benefit of the environment and communities. ATTA and a group of other adventure companies established the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund in 2016 and in 2017 the first set of global projects received funding. We got serious about quantifying our industry's benefits. It was discovered by researchers working in Jordan, that for every dollar generated in the mainstream tourism sector, adventure travel will drive five times more revenue towards local communities than mainstream tourism. The recently formalized Jordan Trail, as an example of adventure tourism, is expected by economists to generate $7.3M total revenue per year, with 65 percent remaining in the local economy. (SS note- this may not sound like a lot of revenue but when you look at the average income of a Jordanian- $635/year and many of those in the nether reaches are below the average, this is significant- roughly a third of the population live in poverty at least part of the year and this # was before the massive influx of refugees) Researchers compare this with Dead Sea tourism, as represented by hotel complexes which provide all services on-site: while these resorts bring in an estimated $101M in revenue per year, only 14 percent remains with local communities. So doing the math: 65% of 7.3M = 4.7mm (equivalent of 7400 average salaries) 14% of 101M = 14 mm What Businesses Are Excited About for 2018: There's a lot of talk about new technologies and the ways in which they are altering the travel landscape. Augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence… we have showcased some of these experiences at our events. Alongside of this however, it is also recognized that the quest for ‘real reality', authentic experiences, real experiences is a major trend that is impacting all industries. (https://futurereport.schibsted.com/wp-content/themes/schibsted-futurereport/downloads/schibsted-future-report-2018.pdf). Adventure businesses are excited about taking a Whole Experience approach to their trips, designing experiences with more intentionality and considering how all the elements of a trip fit together to deliver a full experience to travelers. With all the technology also comes a strand of interest in digital detoxification on trips and adventure travel offers this. Asian outbound markets. Adventure travel businesses accustomed to serving the dominant markets of North America and Western Europe are gearing up for asian travelers. Although these are not the dominant adventure travel source markets now, travelers from Asian countries are on a trajectory to have a significant influence on the adventure tourism sector just as they have other tourism sectors. Connect with Shannon Chez Tim
Luis tells about his background and how adventure travel continues to evolve towards discovery and experiential adventures. We also talk a bit about his newest venture Modern Adventure. You can check that out at modernadventure.com Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Luis tells about his background and how adventure travel continues to evolve towards discovery and experiential adventures. We also talk a bit about his newest venture Modern Adventure. You can check that out at modernadventure.com First Exposure to the Adventure Travel My first exposure was right out of out of college. I grew up in San Diego and I saw an advertisement in the San Diego Reader, it said something like get paid to travel and show young people around the United States. Long story short I called that number and had a phone interview and they gave me a job. I spent a summer driving a big white van around the United States full of international tourists. They were trips at mostly national parks and it was just an incredible incredible ride. I'd found my calling and just absolutely loved to share the world with people and to be outside. Things we talked about Backroads Adventures by Disney REI Adventures Adventure Travel Trade Association The Clymb Modern Adventure Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Adventure Cycling Association Sustainable Travel International Advice, tips I get that question a fair bit and I think that guiding is still a great way to to enter the industry. Then depending on what people are interested you can essentially find a job that will allow you to do that. Whether they want to be a raft guide, mountain guide, hiking guide or just more of a trip leader working for for companies where you're essentially lead group travel. You know there's companies that are looking to hire. One of my favorite jobs as a guide was for Backroads. It's active nationally and you travel all over the world. I know that they're actively looking for guides. So visit Backroads.com and there's an opportunity to check out. The wonderful thing about that is it's a great introduction from the ground up. The other side of it is the Adventure Travel Trade Association. They have great resources including a job board and is convenient. So if you're in the industry and want to grow I think that's a good way to build your network. I've always been a believer in the best time to build relationships with people is when you don't need anything. Building relationships because of a shared interest or approach, people are very responsive to that. So start building your networking from there. For people that that aren't in the industry I would say the other tip right now, which is different is content is king. There's young people that have managed to create some really compelling content channels like Instagram. If you build an audience you have a pretty amazing set of choices. Having an engaged audience in the tens of thousands can give you influence and that influence allows you to to open some doors. Then you start to be recognized so I think there's some young people even as early as high school that can start developing a point of view and a voice. If that happens I think it could lead to really interesting results. Other Outdoor Activities backpacking, snow sports, being in the water, diving Favorite Books Start with Why by Simon Sinek The first 90 days by Michael D. Watkins The Alchemist by Paul Coelho Best Gear Purchase under $100 Snow Peak titanium mug Apps, Tools, Podcasts Headspace iPhone iPad Service iPhone iPad Evernote iPhone iPad Trello iPhone iPad Slack iPhone iPad Connect with Luis Linkedin Instagram
Welcome to episode 50. WOW five oh. Feels like I launched The Outdoor Biz Podcast just the other day. This episode is with Steve Barker founder of Eagle Creek, recent leader of the Outdoor Industry Association and serial conservationist. Steve and I have been friends for a long time and we cover a lot in this wide ranging conversation from Eagle Creek, his non-profit work and much more. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes This episode is with Steve Barker founder of Eagle Creek, recent leader of the Outdoor Industry Association and serial conservationist. Steve and I have been friends for a long time and we cover a lot in this wide ranging conversation from Eagle Creek, his non-profit work and much more. First Exposure to the Outdoors I grew up in Oyster Bay New York as a kid of the generation where my parents every morning told me not to come back until dinner. I grew up in a little town and started exploring things in my backyard. My mom was real sick when I young so spent a lot of time in the hospital so I had a lot of time on my own and found the outdoors as place that I could go and just spend endless hours turning over rocks, going fishing, hiking different paths. You know it's interesting I talk about being from New York area people think you're from the city but Oyster Bay was actually pretty rural. We had lots of trails and hiking and eventually I scored a job when I was 11 or 12 mowing the lawn at Sagamore Hill which was Teddy Roosevelt's family home. Boy that was certainly inspiring, I got to go in the house and it was like a museum of exploration, certainly was very inspiring. Things we talked about Fredericks Skiing and Hiking Outward Bound Oregon State University Idyllwild Mountain People Nona Barker 2/10 net 30 Larry Harrison John Fagan Solana Beach Ricky Schlesinger Elfin Forest Escondido Creek Conservancy Conservation Alliance Outdoor Industry Association (ORCA) Sally McCoy Alaska Wilderness League Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy Adventure Travel Trade Association Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Eastern Sierra Avalanche Roots Rated Advice, tips I was involved early with the Future Leaders Academy and and that was certainly one place where the industry said hey we're we're seeing a lot of the boomers are aging out of the industry we've got a lot of young people that are excited about getting in. Since companies are now more medium to large size companies we have siloed up our organizations and we have the what my daughter calls cubicle refugees out working for us that may not be looking at the broader picture because they end up in a marketing silo or a product silo sourcing silo and don't really see what's going on in sales or branding. So it's much harder to get a general education and even harder to figure out what kind of institutions to get involved in outside of work that could support your career. That was the genesis behind the Future Leaders Academy. So I guess it starts out with suggesting that people that are interested invest in yourself. I don't see where companies are spending near enough time developing employees, they're having a hard enough time just competing. So you've got to take that on yourself and have an equity mindset as far as what are you getting out of your job that will give you a long-term payback. What are you learning, are you actually getting equity. I think you can look at it as real equity. If you're not getting anything good, if you're not learning at your job find out where to learn it yourself. There's plenty of resources out there now. Start with an annual planning and goal setting process and figure out where you want to be in a couple years. Be honest about your self-assessment and say here's the things that I need to learn. Ideally that can be done with your supervisor or your boss but it's really on you to develop that plan. Then go get that knowledge, go get that experience. If you can't get it in your work go get it by volunteering. I have learned probably as much, maybe more volunteering with nonprofits, it's really broadened my experience and my knowledge from volunteer fire department to working in local conservation or working with groups that are getting kids outdoors. You have a lot to help them with, you'll always get more back volunteering than you give. So that's a suggestion look at the nonprofit area as a career as well, there's a lot of real and opportunity there, maybe more entrepreneurial opportunity in non-profit than there is in the profit community. If you're interested in product, though I think we probably have enough product, looking at how to add value in the supply chain or figure out how to continue the life of a product or a material. Reuse it, recycle it is a key area that if you're interested in a career in product well then make some product, learn something about the supply chain. Simply being able to draw something pretty in Illustrator, I don't think that brings anything new to the table these days and as I said, we've probably got enough product. So figure out how to either how to make a product and/or understand the supply chain. I also would say find mentors. Once you figure out here's where I want to be figure out who has the knowledge and can help you. It takes a little hutzpah but reach out to those people and ask them if they will talk to you, have a conversation over coffee and find your own mentors don't wait for them to find you. Then take some risks and fail. I think I talked early on about having a huge failure which I thought my life was ending when we failed at mountain people. It was extremely sad but I learned so much from that, Eagle Creek never would have happened if I hadn't failed at mountain people. So really embrace your failures. Then look around the industry be it the OIA, Conservation Alliance, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, Camber, Sustainable Working Group, Adventure Travel Trade Association, every single one of those organizations has an opportunity for you to learn. Volunteer, get involved and meet your future mentors and understand more about the industry, the area of public land and sustainability. There's just so much more resource today for somebody in the industry than there was when we started and it's shame on you if you're waiting for somebody to come to you. We've laid it out, we've developed all these institutions for you. Everybody in my age group wants our industry to survive and thrive and we know that it's going to take switched-on young people to see this legacy continue so there's a lot of people waiting for you to show up. Favorite Books Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner Ordinary Wolves by Seth Kantner Endurance by Alfred Lansing Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer White Spider by Heinrich Harrer Carl Hiaasen A Night on the Ground a Day in the Open by Doug Robinson Best Gear Purchase under $100 Tenkara Rod Big Agnes sleeping pad Pack-It Specter™ Cubes Forge Coffee Cup Apps, Tools, Podcasts pulse point iPhone iPad weatherlink iPhone roots rated iPhone iPad duolingo iPhone iPad google translate iPhone iPad seat guru iPhone TripAdvisor iPhone iPad Eastern Sierra Avalanche Roots Rated Connect with Facebook sbarker@oldcreekers.com
Shannon tells us how he became interested in Adventure Travel and has some good tips for anyone wanting to get into Adventure Travel. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Please give us a rating and review HERE Show Notes Shannon tells us how he became interested in Adventure Travel and has some good tips for anyone wanting to get into Adventure Travel. First Exposure to Adventure Travel I would say my first exposure was actually through reading. I grew up as a suburban city kid in the Denver area and I was an avid reader of adventure stories. Authors like Jack London and John Steinbeck so I think that's really where my mind first kind of lit up around adventure travel. When I was 17 I was part of a group that went to Fiji to build a dormitory for a kid's camp so I got to live in a pup tent in outside of a small village in Fiji for three months. We had no bathrooms and no running water so we bathed in the river and used an outhouse and really got to hang out with a lot of the locals. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Things we talked about ATTA ATTA World Summit Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Advice, tips Two common entry points that we see are one: young people who get in by becoming a guide or working for an adventure travel company, which i think is a fantastic way to get started because you really get to see firsthand what it means to work in this industry. Either it's a guide or you know somebody who's helping create itinerary and you get that consumer experience. The other and this is sort of fun and funny, is that people who are disaffected with the careers they've just gone on an adventure travel trip are thinking "I want to do this". We have numerous people who have come in and acquired companies or have done mid mid-career shifts. I know several CEOs who are former bankers, for example I know of a Wall Street banker right now who by night is building his adventure travel company and his goal is to to quit the bank. He said my bank work and my day-to-day life is black and white and the adventure travel work even though it's on nights and weekends is like living life in color. I love that. There are also professionals in our space, lawyers and financial people who have figured out how to find their niche in the adventure travel industry where they've combined their professional skill set with what they love to do, so those are those are the two common entry points. Other Outdoor Activities Hiking, Biking and Stand Up Paddling Favorite Books Man-Eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett West with the Night Beryl Markham Best Gear Purchase under $100 The Grayl NRS hydroskin tops Apps, Tools, Podcasts Slack iPhone iPad Connect with Shannon ATTA adventure.travel
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about who can claim to be an adventure traveler, how the word is used (or overused, in our guest's opinion), and how social media is a blessing and curse for operators. We are joined by Bruce Poon Tip, founder and CEO of G Adventures. Also with us is Casey Hanisko, VP of marketing for the Adventure Travel Trade Association.