Inaugural Summit Calls for Travel Industry Transformation

RICHMOND, VA (September 7, 2023) – Tourism Cares, Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc., the Travel Foundation and the U.S. Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council are pleased to announce the launch of the Power of Partnership Stewardship Summit (POPS). Taking place in Richmond, Virginia, October 15-18, 2023, the conference is dedicated to exploring the intersections of culture, climate, and community in travel and tourism. Hinged upon cross-sector innovations and participation from global industry professionals, including tour operators, travel advisors, and DMOs, the four-day event will connect and engage in critical discussions to envision a collaborative and inclusive future.

“As travel and tourism continue to take shape post-pandemic, there’s a need to radically change how the industry manages its stewardship of destinations and better engage the residents who live there,” said Stephanie M. Jones, Founder & CEO, Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc., and Blacks in Travel & Tourism. “The primary goal of POPS is to generate action and partnerships, calling for industry transformation.”

Presented in partnership with Allianz Partners, Delta Air Lines and Expedia Group, the Summit program will feature expert speakers discussing topics and trends shaping the tourism space. Highlights for this year’s conference sessions include:

• Driving Economic Development to Underrepresented Communities through Cultural Tourism: Explore the critical importance of cultural heritage assets and experiences in destinations, communities and their neighborhoods – and how they stimulate economic growth, empower local communities and foster sustainable tourism.
• Future of Tourism Town Hall: Global Brands’ Commitment to Sustaining DEI & ESG: Hear from industry brands that have been intentional and successful in their efforts to develop internal DEI and ESG programs and strategies.
• Future of Tourism Town Hall: Destination 2030: How Tourism Must Adapt to Thrive: Leading experts in climate justice, resident engagement, corporate level climate action and local level urban farming will touch on scenarios for halving emissions, the risks ahead and tourism’s role in addressing climate change.
• Developing Messaging for Marketing Climate, Culture & Community for a Destination Stewardship Plan: Master best practices implemented by destinations and brands for effectively incorporating climate change, cultural heritage and local communities into a marketing strategy through messaging and storytelling.

For additional details, view the complete conference program here.

Experience Day: Community Centered Activities
In line with the conference’s mission to foster a deeper connection with the host destination, on Wednesday, October 18, attendees will have the opportunity to venture off-site and explore the Richmond area by experiencing the vibrant culture, various neighborhoods and changemakers through impact tours and volunteer activities. Experience Day happenings range from the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, where guests will learn about the moving histories of African-American people, to a tour of the Mending Walls, a collaborative, community-engaged art installation that aims to advance social justice.

“The Summit’s Experience Day creates an opportunity to bring a diverse group of industry stakeholders together to participate in meaningful travel experiences, connecting guests with the city of Richmond in a deeper way,” said Greg Takehara, CEO, Tourism Cares. “By stepping outside the conference walls and connecting with local changemakers, our goal is that participants will engage with these organizations and integrate them into future travel experiences.”

POPS Registration is Now Open
Connect with those in the travel, tourism, cultural heritage and climate communities at the Richmond Marriott, October 15-18, 2023 by registering today. The deadline to register is September 15, 2023.

To learn more about the Power of Partnership Stewardship Summit, visit powerofpartnershipsummit.com.

Special thanks to Power of Partnership Stewardship Summit Sponsors: Allianz Partners, Delta Air Lines, Expedia Group, Salamander Hotels & Resorts, Intrepid Travel, TripMate, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Richmond Region Tourism, Hostelling International, Miles Partnership, National Tour Association, Brand USA, ACCOR, Visit South Africa and Discover Los Angeles.