{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"454. What Makes Atlantic Canada\u2019s Tourism Scene Unique, Atlantic Canada Roadshow 2025 Part 2","description":"We\u2019re taking you on a road trip through the future of tourism in Atlantic Canada. You\u2019ll hear firsthand from tourism leaders on how the region captivates new generations of travelers while staying true to its maritime roots. We also spotlight the rise of Indigenous-led travel experiences and the wave of creativity from local artisans. From group travel trends to the power of regional collaboration, each story underscores how Atlantic Canada\u2019s tourism pros aren\u2019t just adapting\u2014they\u2019re shaping what meaningful travel looks like for the years ahead. In this episode, you\u2019ll hear from these knowledgeable tourism leaders: Molly Vail: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/molly-vail\/ Nancy Petrie: https:\/\/www.oakislandresort.ca\/ Natalie Kaftan: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nataliekaftan\/ Katherine Verreault: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/katherine-verreault Kelley Keefe: linkedin.com\/in\/kelley-keefe-07841a1a6 Robert Thomas: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/robert-thomas-225165161\/ Desirea Goodyear: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/desirea-goodyear-77294a26b\/ Tasha Robitaille: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tasha-robitaille-0a790029\/ Wahab Khan: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/wahab-khan-b809862ab\/ Jacob Sheehan: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jacob-sheehan-71ba578b\/ Jen Silliphant: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jen-silliphant\/ What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Atlantic Canadian tourism leaders are embracing innovation and sustainable growth to shape the future of travel in the region Why collaboration and partnership is essential for delivering impactful guest experiences What trends are emerging in traveler interests, including immersive cultural experiences, wellness tourism, and eco-friendly adventures How the region is adapting to the rising interest from younger travelers, families, and international visitors Why authenticity, local culture, and culinary experiences are setting Atlantic Canada apart as a travel destination How Indigenous tourism and wellness-focused offerings are growing and diversifying the visitor experience What successful creative collaborations look like in practice Innovation Rooted in Community Collaboration Community lies at the heart of Atlantic Canada\u2019s tourism ethos. This spirit of partnership, as showcased at the Atlantic Canada Showcase event, has made the region a model for collaborative success. Provinces, cities, and businesses work hand-in-hand to offer amazing visitor experiences and nurture economic growth. Four provinces unite to market the region, develop meaningful partnerships, and promote the Maritimes. These collaborations aren\u2019t just behind the scenes\u2014they tangibly widen access for visitors and amplify the region\u2019s reach in international markets. Authenticity is the Maritime Edge If there\u2019s one word repeated by tourism leaders throughout the episode, it\u2019s \u201cauthenticity.\u201d Atlantic Canada isn\u2019t about cookie-cutter vacations; it\u2019s about experiences crafted by the local communities. Molly Vail from Discover Halifax highlights how the city blends youthful energy with maritime charm, offering guests handcrafted itineraries that range from vineyards to vibrant nightlife. Natalie Kaftan of Tauck emphasizes the enduring appeal of the Maritimes\u2019 local character and color. Visitors are drawn to real people, unique food, and meaningful cultural exchanges, not just passive sightseeing. As travel trends shift worldwide, immersive itineraries and authentic local engagement are increasingly in demand. Whether it\u2019s an Acadian caviar tasting in New Brunswick or a craft-making workshop in Mahone Bay, guests are eager for stories and experiences that go beyond the surface. Growing Demand for Indigenous and Wellness Experiences Indigenous-led tourism is gaining extraordinary momentum in Atlantic Canada. Robert Thomas from the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association shares how guests now seek engagement with indigenous cultures\u2014culinary experiences, guided hikes with elders, and artistic workshops are just the beginning. Tasha Robitaille\u2019s La Belle Cabane healing sanctuary offers a blend of wellness and indigenous knowledge, where visitors can participate in breathwork sessions, explore M\u00e9tis traditions, and join healing retreats that are as restorative as they are educational. This surge in interest reflects a broader travel trend: visitors crave deeper connection, healing, and learning as much as recreation. Ultimately, Atlantic Canada Showcase itself, described as \u201cintimate,\u201d \u201cimpactful,\u201d and \u201cpowerful\u201d by my guests, epitomizes the region\u2019s strengths. Small size becomes an advantage, enabling tight-knit partnerships, genuine hospitality, and real dialogue among industry leaders. Whether partnering across cities or developing cross-province itineraries, success is shared and multiplied. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o\u200bf. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes! ","author_name":"Destination On The Left","author_url":"http:\/\/destinationontheleft.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"