Destination Think

When will the travel industry finally make a difference on a global scale? That's one of the questions Ewout Versloot poses in his new Substack. Thanks, Ewout, for your continued contributions to this discussion and for giving our 100 Travel Innovations project a shout-out as a glimmer of hope. ✨ Let's keep the conversation (and the urgency) going! #TourismInnovation #TourismforGood

⚡️ An electric example: T?iick?in (Thunderbird) Ebike Rentals is more than just a rental service—it’s part of a larger vision for renewable energy, lower emissions, and a more sustainable approach to tourism. Owner Gordon Taylor, a member of the Ucluelet First Nation, sees e-bikes as a way to create accessible, low-impact transportation while tackling climate change, economic equality, and local infrastructure challenges. His approach is about more than bikes, it's about how his business can strengthen the connections between land, community, and sustainability. Tune in to hear how Gordon is blending business, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous values to inspire long-term transformation. With thanks to Tourism Tofino for sponsoring this season of Travel Beyond. #SustainableTourism #ClimateAction #IndigenousLeadership

🚴♀️ What if communities could build safer, more sustainable transportation without waiting for government action? That’s exactly what happened in Smithers, British Columbia, where locals came together to create a 12-kilometre paved cycling trail connecting the town to Telkwa. Through donations and grassroots efforts, the Cycle 16 Trail Society raised CA$2.3 million, enough to open the first section in 2023. Their success created even bigger change when, in 2024, the provincial government stepped in with funding to complete the project. It’s proof that when a community rallies behind an idea, real change happens. Have you seen a project like this take off in your area? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️ #CommunityLeadership #ActiveTransportation Photo: Camus Photography / Town of Smithers

🗺️ What is a destination professional? Destination professionals bring places to life. They communicate, plan events, build partnerships, and engage communities to attract visitors while making sure their destinations remain welcoming and thrive. Today, Destinations International is launching the first-ever Destination Professionals Day to recognize their important contributions. With over 10,000 organizations worldwide, this industry drives local economies, supports public services, and strengthens communities through tourism. Join us in celebrating the people who help make our communities great places to visit, live, work, play, and invest. Happy Destination Professionals Day! 🥳 #DestinationProfessionalsDay #TourismLeadership #DestinationStewardship

🌊 How can entrepreneurship drive sustainability and Indigenous leadership? For Stevie Dennis, the answer is by stewarding British Columbia’s largest single-tenure kelp farm. As founder of Naas Foods Inc., he’s reshaping the seafood industry while strengthening Indigenous rights. His work blends tradition with innovation—selling kelp-based products, supplying sustainable seafood, and creating economic opportunities rooted in cultural heritage. Tune in to hear how Naas Foods Inc. is shaping a more sustainable future in Tofino. With thanks to Tourism Tofino for sponsoring this season. #IndigenousEntrepreneurship #DestinationStewardship https://lnkd.in/gDMPuY8D

What if your hotel stay could change someone’s future? The magdas Hotel in Vienna is an inspiring example of how hospitality can create inclusion and opportunity. This social business is dedicated to employing refugees, providing stable jobs, training, and apprenticeships in hospitality. Guests get to enjoy a unique stay, shaped by the diverse cultures of the staff that are reflected in the food, events, and artwork. The hotel also reinvests its profits into refugee training and social support to create a lasting impact. Have you stayed at a hotel with a mission beyond hospitality? Share your experiences below! ⬇️ #SustainableTourism #InclusiveTravel #SocialImpact

Yesterday, we learned from Sully at Coastal Queer Alliance about making surfing more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community in Tofino. Perry Cohen is also breaking barriers in outdoor recreation. Through his Venture Out Program based in the U.S., Perry is creating a space where queer and trans adventurers can experience nature without barriers. His organization offers guided trips and community-building experiences designed to make outdoor recreation safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ participants. Have you come across initiatives that make the outdoors more inclusive? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️ #CommunityLeadership #QueerAdvocacy #SustainableTourism

How do queer advocacy and environmental sustainability combine? Coastal Queer Alliance may be new to Tofino, but it’s already making an impact. Co-founder Sully Rogalski shares how their organization connects queer representation, environmental advocacy, and Indigenous allyship to build a more inclusive and sustainable future. From Queer Surf meetups to workshops that help businesses become more inclusive, Sully’s work shows that uplifting marginalized voices strengthens entire communities. Tune in to learn how these interconnected movements are shaping Tofino. With thanks to Tourism Tofino for sponsoring this season. #CommunityLeadership #QueerAdvocacy #SustainableTourism

We’re halfway through this season of Travel Beyond, and according to our first guests, Tofino’s visitors have never been more eager to learn about local First Nations. In our first episode, we sat down with Nuu-chah-nulth language advocate Timmy Masso and carver and artist Hjalmer Wenstob to talk about the connections between language, art, and land. They described how respect isn't just a one-to-one exchange, but a lifelong lesson embedded in relationships. Learn how they're inviting all who visit to see themselves not as outsiders but as partners in a respectful, thriving community. With thanks to Tourism Tofino for sponsoring this season. #IndigenousStewardship #CulturalTourism #CommunityLeadership

From 100 Travel Innovations: 🍽️ Can business events tackle food insecurity? Belfast’s “Changing the Menu. For Good” program proves they can. This initiative encourages event organizers to support local food banks by donating a portion of catering costs, rounding up delegate fees, or making direct contributions. Since its launch in 2022, the program has raised over £68,000 and inspired venues to adopt practices like reducing food waste to further support vulnerable communities. Have you been to a business event that gives back? Share your experiences and examples below! ⬇️ #SustainableTourism #CommunityImpact #DestinationStewardship Visit Belfast