In our journey towards a more sustainable world, “impact travel” solutions can provide travellers with experiences that positively mark the destinations they visit.
However, there are a few considerations that are crucial to a major breakthrough in impact travel:
1. The paradox that “going mainstream” is not sustainable by its very nature (e.g. mass tourism)
2. Protecting the authentic essence and brand value of “impact travel” so it doesn’t become another marketing tagline
3. Moving beyond simple KPIs to ensure we make a measurable, positive change in the real lives of people
Do you think "impact travel" is feasible for the tourism industry to achieve at a wider scale? What other challenges does impact travel face to become a significant force and transform people's lives and society? Appreciate your feedback!
PS: If you are interested in this topic, we invite you to join the TravaPowa impact travel community (follow the links in my profile).
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Comments
My team and I have a created a travel product, but would like to get ideas or knowledge from others on where to find travelers that we can ask specific questions or get beta testers. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Here's some ideas from what I've seen:
• Publish a Call for Beta Testers on related jobs / announcement boards – ie Travel Massive Classifieds (www.travelmassive.com/classifieds)
• Publish it on related Facebook groups
• Contact active people on LinkedIn - search for related expertise. LinkedIn search is a good tool.
You have to also think about an incentive – why would people share their knowledge, or even do a beta-test. Would you offer some reward (ie Amazon Gift Cards).
It also helps to have a good public page / social media about your product so it's not completely unknown – there should be some credible source where people can find out more about the product or at least the team building it, so it's trustworthy. If it's not a public product yet, maybe you can create a nice looking pitch deck explaining the product.
Hi Kelsey - what type of product is it? Is it targeted at B2B or B2C travelers? Will it be sold directly or through reps/travel advisors? Your best beta testers will be those who will be using your product. And that will also give you an idea of where you can find them (e.g. Facebook/Insta vs. LinkedIn).
Hi Kammy, this is an all-in-one-place travel planning app (our new version coming soon includes AI). It offers over a dozen features, that most travel planning apps out there don't currently offer. So, we are excited to get this in front of people! :) We are looking at both routes being beneficial for different reasons. I am trying to ramp up our instagram. I've tried reaching out to groups on FB and Linkedin with no luck so far, but I will keep trying. Thanks for the comment!
I have a friends and dating app for digital nomads. Lemme know if I can help
Thanks! I followed you so I could message you.
Since millions of people travel, this is more of a hard question because I guess you’re looking for a specific type of traveler, right? Eg: someone who travels frequently and plans their trips?
I wouldn’t underestimate the benefits of striking up conversations with strangers - it could be at the airport lounge, hotel restaurant, train station, or anywhere you can casually talk to people. For example, the staff at Lonely Planet in Melbourne used to go to the backpackers’ pub and hang out to ask questions.
Have had success looking through local Facebook groups, Reddit, Twitter (X) strings.
You may wish to target travel bloggers and whatsapp groups. However before doing so a prelaunch website will help. All the best.