Colin Carson: Cultivating Local Pride for Sustainable Tourism

In this episode of the Business Class podcast, host Steve Ekstrom talks with Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George, a destination nestled in the heart of British Columbia. Colin shares insights into his journey from university to Denmark to China and back to Canada, all while discovering his passion for tourism. They discuss the importance of curiosity in travelers and the role of stewardship in promoting local Indigenous culture.

Discover how Tourism Prince George promotes sustainability through innovative practices like their downtown renewable energy system. Colin reflects on lessons learned and the evolution of his role over the past seven years, highlighting the community's shifting perception towards tourism.

Explore the unique aspects of Prince George often overshadowed by more prominent BC destinations, and learn how Colin and his team are fostering local pride and turning residents into enthusiastic ambassadors. They also delve into future challenges and opportunities for destination organizations like Tourism Prince George.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this vibrant community and learn how you can experience it firsthand. For more information or to plan your visit, head to TourismPG.com and follow them on social media @TourismPG.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org.