Key Learning From TRANSCEND '22 In Slovenia

As we continue to reflect and make meaning from our experience in Slovenia at TRANSCEND ‘22, we wanted to share with you some of the key takeaways and especially powerful realizations that came from that shared experience.

Because TRANSCEND is design to be both a learning event as well as a Transformational experience itself, what those who attended gained from being there will be very personal and unique. But there were so many things that we learned at the TTC and that we saw taking place we wanted to share.

Key Learning 1: Transformation Starts From the Inside Out

This is a fundamental principle of Transformational Travel so it is no coincidence that so much of what we learned from being together centered around how our work as tourism practitioners is influenced by who we are as people and where we are on our own journeys. At TRANSCEND we ask people to come first as themselves in all their truth and beauty and flaws. Then from there we can discuss and evolved together as an industry.

If we are ever to see the systems and structures that so often cause harm and destruction change, we must start with changing ourselves. People make up systems. People make choices. When people are in tune with their own soul and energy and purpose then we can begin to see our role and opportunity as tourism professionals differently. Each and every session at TRANSCEND takes that approach and we found that profound takeaways happened from that perspective.

Key Learning 2: Transformational Travel is Happening Now

We chose Slovenia as a destination not only for its immense natural beauty, warm and welcoming people, and central location globally, but because Slovenia is leading by example. So often in our work we talk about ideas and concepts from a disconnected place. Philosophies and theories are important, but it is how those things are applied that really create the positive change. Slovenia is showing us all how this can live and breath in the world.

In addition to that we learned that it is through our community that this movement of conscious and Transformational Travel is living and breathing in the world. 100 people came together in the Logar Valley that represented 100 unique ways to bring to life Transformation through travel. We learn every day so much more from our community and from each other. The movement is in good hands.

Key Learning 3: Truth Telling Matters

We heard so many conversations happening at TRANSCEND centered around this idea that to grow and evolve and bring travel to its right place, we must first acknowledge and seek to heal the past. Taking an accurate location of where we are as people, as an industry and where we have come from is the first and most vital step in creating something new and whole.

So often in tourism we beautify things. We place shiny veneers onto the flaws and warts that exist in travel in order to please travelers or appease our own guilt. What we learned at TRANSCEND was that telling the truth and seeking to heal is a powerful step forward in paving the way for new ways of being and engaging with the world.

Something that we also continue to seek to embody is the principle that only through diverse voices, narratives, and perspectives can we find that accurate location and learn together how to move forward. Ensuring that varied narratives and ideas are represented at the table continues to be a key to Transforming the industry and ourselves.

Key Learning 4: Refining Our Message Will Open Doors

Transformational Travel is still growing into its wholeness. As shepherds and guides of this evolution of our work it is paramount that we find the best ways to bring people in and meet them where they are. So many conversations around messaging, narrative, and marketing where happening at TRANSCEND with everyone trying to come together around a shared message that will resonate with the wider audience.

Being able to understand where people are on their own journey and how to demystify the concepts we hold so dear is going to be a vital step in growing this movement.

With so many beautiful ideas one thing rose above all the others. That to impact people and planet and to create positive change in the world, we as tourism professionals must open ourselves to understanding what motivates people to travel. That “why” that drives the desire to move is the most valuable piece of information that can help us craft a message and tell a story that speaks to anyone who will listen.

Key Learning 5: “Transformation Washing” Will Happen and is Happening

We have all heard the term “Green Washing” in the eco and sustainable tourism space. This is the idea that people, companies, and industries say the right things and align with the ideals, but don’t actually practice the things they say they do.

This goes one step deeper for the concept of “Transformation Washing.” We learned from our community that not only are there people and companies out there claiming to be doing this work without truly living it, that the people that run those companies are also not doing the inner work necessary to guide this movement.

Going back to our first key learning, an inside out approach is the only way to truly embody and deliver Transformation through travel. As these words and concepts become “buzzy” and “trendy'“ it will continue to be so vital to bring people and and ensure that we are not all just speaking the same language, but that we are sharing a common goal and common way of being. Without true embodiment and practice we run the risk of Transformation becoming just “the next big thing” and not a new way of being.

TRANSCEND ‘23

As we continue to learn and grow we are going to be announcing plans for TRANSCEND ‘23 and how you can join us next year. We are excited to share what we are working on and give you the chance to secure your spot at the event. Stay tuned and thank you for being you.