Sharing a short essay that arrived in my inbox today, courtesy of Dense Discovery — a newsletter about design, tech, sustainability and urbanism curated by Kai Brach, based in Melbourne, Australia.
Do we travel for transformation or validation?
It's always interesting to hear what thought leaders "outside" the travel industry have to say about the state of tourism, so I'm sharing Kai's article with his permission.
There's a few good points in this piece, including how touristic travel (e.g. mass tourism) can import more culture to a destination than it exports. I also agree that seeking validation on social media is drowning out good quality travel content.
There's some truth to Kai's point about escapism. Consider this: the biggest competitor to a travel agent is the electronics shop, where consumers can instead buy a new 50" flatscreen TV. In this scenario, which "escapism" is worse? Buying a new TV or booking a trip on a cruise ship? 😅
However, I don't believe that all trave...
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While I was in Berlin earlier this month at ITB, the most common question people asked me was: When will Travel Massive launch a conference? 😅
It's an exciting idea that we've thought about a lot over the years. There's thousands of incredible entrepreneurs, startups, and creators in the Travel Massive community who can change the world if we could put everyone in the same room for a day. Just imagine it!
The question is... where? We have a few places in mind that we're exploring, but I am super interested to hear the community's ideas about where a Travel Massive summit should take place.
I'm also curious about what kinds of topics you'd like to learn about — e.g travel tech, content creation, tours and activities, startups, media, sustainability, or something else?
👉 Drop your city / country below and feel free to pitch your destination!
Love this! Much as an event in London or Bristol would be cool, I also feel perhaps western Europe & North America have their fair share of travel conferences already. How about somewhere in eastern Europe eg the Baltics or Balkans, South America (Colombia?), Asia (Kazakhstan?) or Africa (Lagos?!)?
Montreal!
I moved here last summer from NYC and I am continuously impressed by this city. Their is much more diversity than I ever expected and have met people from all over the world. The metro and bus system is great and makes it easy to get around. There are tons of museums and a bustling night life. Just come in the summer though because this winter (my first one here) was harsh.
Can we do Ios, Greece again? ;)
I second Montreal!
México City!
Cape Town - The most beautiful city on the planet - and one with so many amazing tastes and sounds to absorb
I'd say let the chapters submit a proposal on what they can do to make it awesome. Let the games begin :-)
Should you and community finds exciting I would recommend Cappadocia. Easy to reach and amazing to be part of excellent activities. As well I am in if an organizer is needed and could also possibly get assistance / contribution from Türkiye Tourism Promotion Agency to make the summit even greater. I believe a lot of people have Cappadocia in their bucket list or would love a second visit.
Berlin or Montreal
Also depending on which region most active members come from. Maps shows most members are from Europe, makes sense to be in the area.
If it's North America - then Montreal sounds like a good idea mentioned a few times.
Berlin or Bangkok
I'm totally biased, but Istanbul. :)
Vancouver or Seattle. There are a lot of people in the content creation and media side of the industry who live in the Pacific Northwest.
Somewhere in Southeast Asia :)
Or the city where it all began.
I'm pretty easygoing about where it is, as long as it is outside the US, where many of us extreme travellers are banned from entering because of our travel history. I think Tallinn/Estonia could be a good place. IT hub that does a lot to attract more tourism.
Northern Greece. I second Berlin.
I'm from the U.S. and I want to show Canada some love! So Vancouver or Montreal.
Mumbai
Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant, multicultural city that blends European charm with North American energy. Located in Quebec, it’s Canada’s second-largest city and the country’s cultural capital. Bilingual and welcoming, Montreal is a city where you can explore both French and English cultures and is famous for its summer festivals. Unique in North America
Love this idea and great question, so many amazing places to consider. ✈️
how about Riga?!
Great idea, Zambia can host
Cape Town is the ultimate stage for the 2025 Travel Massive Summit. From its iconic landscapes to its dynamic tourism scene, the city is a vibrant melting pot of culture, innovation, and opportunity—setting the perfect backdrop for global connections and forward-thinking discussions in travel.
NYC! I'm a little biased since I live here but it's a great place for conferences in general.
Toronto! Central, close to the airport, lots of accommodations, has a TM community base. But I might be biased ;)
Come to the Gold Coast and add it to Flotsam Festival in May! OK - might be a bit short notice for 2025, but 2026 easily - plus then you'd have exhibitions/concerts/workshops built in. Gold Coast is such a great location for conferences - easy to access, lots of accommodation, and so much to see and do in the region. There's a reason why it's famous for being Australia's playground :)
I like the idea of Istanbul, somewhere in Greece. If in N America, Montreal is a great idea too. I'm from the US (but live in Mexico) and I do not think having a conference of any kind there would be good at the moment.
So, excited about it. In terms of place I guess it depend which kind of idea do you want to put behind it.
If the event has to be "massive" probably it should be hosted in a large global city with great connections.
However, if you wish to make it somewhat exclusive and niche, then some another more authentic place works better.
Bangkok!!!
Albuquerque, New Mexico all the way!
Following the success of the event on 26 February, and bearing in mind that South Africa has been mentioned as one of the friendliest countries in the world, may I suggest...
Let's do Cape Town!
At the most southwesterly tip of the African continent, Cape Town has a vibrant tapestry of cultures and breathtaking landscapes, making it the ideal stage for the summit. Imagine networking against the backdrop of Table Mountain, brainstorming innovative travel solutions while overlooking the Atlantic, and exploring the dynamic fusion of tech and tourism that thrives in our city. Cape Town offers an immersive experience, igniting inspiration and fostering global connections in a place where adventure and innovation meet. Hosting the summit here would not only showcase the city's unique charm but also amplify the voices of a diverse and passionate travel community.
In addition to the topics Ian mentioned, I may I also suggest wellness tourism, travel startups, cultural heritage preservation, accessibility and inclusive travel, adventure tourism, digital nomadism, the role of tourism in townships, the role of tourism in marine conservation, and the role of tourism in showcasing sustainability in the winelands.
Looking forward to the summit!
I like your rationales - that's a pitch I would also vote for.
Thanks Kirshi - great minds think alike! 🙌
Toronto!
Mostly because we have a great TM foundation in the city, we are the world in a city in terms of makeup of people/tech/travel, and many direct flights from airports around the world!
Helsinki or in the Balkans ❣️
I'm based in Malmö, Sweden. But ok with more general – Europe
Cape town south africa .. best value for money
Being a Disability Tourism Vlogger that promotes accessibility and Disability equipment I would love to see a travel summit being held somewhere in England. Where, it does not matter. If you want to view my channel it is New Era Tourism and Events.
Here in (usually) sunny LA of course! :D