The IMPACT Magazine Issue 1
The Power of Partnership
How Collective Support Fuels a Movement Toward Regenerative Tourism
By Starr McMichael
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In sustainable tourism, meaningful change is never the work of one organization alone. It emerges from collaboration, from many hands, perspectives, and commitments aligning around a shared purpose.
IMPACT was built on that belief. What began as an idea for a national forum where leaders could gather, challenge assumptions, and push the sector toward a more regenerative future has grown into a global movement because so many chose to stand with it.
Every year, IMPACT convenes an extraordinary cross-section of the tourism ecosystem: small and medium business owners, destination managers, industry professionals, researchers, educators, learners, policymakers, conservationists, Indigenous leaders and community advocates. Their voices shape the program, but it is the partnership and support of organizations across the country that make it possible to hold such an ambitious, solutions-focused gathering.
Sponsorship at IMPACT has never been a transactional add-on. It has always been a commitment to the long view, a signal that this work matters.
Some partners recognized this from the very beginning, believing in the vision before it had scale or recognition. Their early commitment helped lay the groundwork for a conference that could hold complexity, welcome diverse perspectives, and model the kind of collaboration the industry needs. Over the years, the spectrum of support has widened, and we are forever grateful to all of our valued partners.
"At Intrepid Travel, our roots run deep in working hand in hand with communities around the world. Supporting IMPACT aligns perfectly with our commitment to regenerative tourism — something we believe is essential for the future of travel," says Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel.
"The intimate nature of the conference fosters meaningful connections and powerful collaborations, inspiring us every time we attend. We’re proud to be part of the IMPACT community and excited to continue driving positive change together.”
“The Parkside Hotel & Spa joined in the very first year because we wanted to help spark the conversation around sustainability in tourism," says Trina White, General Manager at Parkside.
"Over the years, this ongoing dialogue has taught us so much — allowing us to connect with like-minded leaders, discover new approaches, and push our boundaries as we move toward regenerative tourism.”
"IMPACT is a world-leading event that educates, connects, and inspires the tourism industry to take action on regenerative tourism," says Nicole Ford, Vice President, Communications, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Relations at Armstrong Collective.
"From keynote speakers to interactive workshops, and the valuable conversations in between, IMPACT elevates ideas into tangible actions, and creates momentum for the industry and beyond."
What all of these contributions have in common is their purpose: to strengthen the collective push toward a tourism system that gives back more than it takes. These partners help create the conditions for honest dialogue, for meaningful connection, and for the kind of innovation that outlives the conference itself. Their support ensures that community voices are heard, that critical research is elevated, and that the industry continues to wrestle with both its challenges and its responsibilities.
IMPACT’s growth has always been community-led. The organizations that stand behind it—whether from day one or joining more recently—are not simply sponsors; they are co-creators in a national movement. Their commitment makes the work possible. Their leadership helps carry it forward.
And together, they reinforce the truth at the heart of IMPACT: that regenerative change is a shared effort, built by many, and strengthened by all.
