On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and Preserve Route 66 Manager for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We explore the fascinating history and ongoing cultural impact of Route 66, and how this 2,448-mile linear village has driven economic growth and inspired travelers around the world for nearly a century. As Route 66 gears up for its Centennial Celebration, Rhys shares behind-the-scenes insights on managing a celebration of this magnitude, the creative events planned along the legendary highway, and how local and national organizations are working together to secure Route 66’s legacy for future generations.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Rhys became passionate about Route 66 and took on leadership roles in both local and national organizations dedicated to its preservation
- Why Route 66 remains a powerful economic engine and cultural icon for communities
- What makes the centennial celebration of Route 66 such a significant milestone
- How planning such a widespread, multi-state centennial collaboration is managed
- How communities along Route 66 have adapted to changes over time, reinventing themselves to stay vibrant and relevant after the highway was bypassed
- Why increased communication and collaboration among state associations, local businesses, and international partners is crucial to ongoing success
- What creative and large-scale events, like the Capitol Cruise and national caravans, are being organized to celebrate Route 66’s 100th anniversary
- How the Route 66 experience builds authentic connections between travelers, communities, and cultures
Cultural Legacy of Route 66
Route 66 is a linear village, a chain of communities bound together by shared history and mutual destiny. Its legacy is evident in the preservation of historic theaters, vintage motels, quirky museums, and neon-lit diners, all lovingly maintained by local volunteers and business owners committed to keeping the legend alive. Over time, especially as interstates bypassed many towns, Route 66 evolved, communities that once faced decline have reinvented themselves as hubs of nostalgia and culture.
Planning the Centennial
With eight states and thousands of miles to coordinate, the Route 66 Centennial is a massive collaborative endeavor. Rhys shares how, since the 1980s, state Route 66 associations have formed a grassroots network, filling the organizational gap left when the federal designation was removed in 1985. These groups work together to create unified celebrations, coordinate marketing efforts, and share resources, exemplifying how communication and a shared purpose can overcome even vast geographical distances.
The centennial plans include an ambitious Capital Cruise in Tulsa, aiming for a Guinness World Record with over 3,000 classic cars, cross-country caravans, and international motorcycle tours. The centennial is as diverse and dynamic as the road itself.
Lessons in Partnership and Unity
At the heart of Route 66’s success is partnership, communication, and an ethos of shared benefit. What happens in Oklahoma brings value to New Mexico and Texas, and vice versa. The route becomes a metaphor for unity, proving that travel, when rooted in conversation and curiosity, can bridge differences and create genuine human connection.
Resources:
- Website: https://oklahomaroute66.com/
- Website: https://route66centennial.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oklahomaroute66
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-jbzQdNt4g2eqSIqTG2mQ
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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Astrid Jirka, Director of Tourism Initiatives at Discover Cayuga Lake. We discuss the difference between sustainable tourism and ecotourism, and Astrid shares more about the evolution of Discover Cayuga Lake from a community-focused organization into a tourism attraction. We also discuss the importance of being intentional and authentic in your messaging about your sustainable tourism goals and initiatives.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Astrid’s professional journey, from international travel to study abroad initiatives, shaped her passion for sustainable tourism
- What distinguishes ecotourism from broader sustainable tourism practices
- How Discover Cayuga Lake evolved from a community-focused educational organization into an attraction that prioritizes local access and environmental education
- What strategies Astrid and her team use to ensure that tourism revenue directly benefits the local community
- Why being intentional and authentic is essential when communicating sustainable tourism initiatives, and what pitfalls to avoid in messaging
- How Discover Cayuga Lake is planning for a greener future by using electric boats to minimize environmental impact
- The advice Astrid offers to travelers and tourism operators on making conscious, community-focused, and sustainable choices
From the Community Inward
Many tourism attractions begin as external draws, building a product to entice outsiders and then, maybe, finding ways to circle back and benefit locals. Discover Cayuga Lake’s origin story stands this model on its head. As Astrid explains, the nonprofit was founded as more than a cruise operator, it’s a mission-driven initiative to connect residents with the natural wonder of Cayuga Lake and its surroundings.
The organization started with local summer camp programming and environmental education for children, long before tourism was a central focus. This community-first approach shines through ongoing educational initiatives like the Floating Classroom, which brings local schoolchildren onto the lake to experience and understand watershed ecology, often for the first time.
Turning Tourism Dollars Into Community and Conservation Wins
A defining feature of Discover Cayuga Lake’s business model is its use of earned tourism revenue to underwrite community access and environmental education. Tourists pay for enjoyable and informative cruises, then their dollars directly fund opportunities for local kids and support for the broader community.
This integrated revenue model is possible and effective precisely because the organization operates as a nonprofit and is rooted in local partnerships and grant support. “We take that revenue, and we turn it over for community benefits and also to help essentially take care of the natural environment, which is the ultimate goal,” says Astrid.
Authentic Leadership in Destination Stewardship
We also discuss the necessity of authenticity and intentionality, and building programs that genuinely support locals, communicate meaningfully with visitors, and ensure that sustainability isn’t just a surface-level message, but something deeply woven into every aspect of the organization.
Resources:
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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Amir Eylon, CEO of Longwoods International; Debra Ross, author of “The Eclipse Effect” and founder of Kids Out and About; Jean Mackay, Deputy Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor; and Jennifer Miller, Domestic Tourism Manager for Visit Detroit. Our discussion is all about how events and major milestones, from sporting events and festivals to milestone anniversaries, can become catalysts for future tourism growth and regional transformation.
The panel shares their perspectives on the importance of preparation, partnerships, and long-term thinking, and you’ll hear some practical strategies for maximizing the economic impact and future opportunities that come with hosting special events, no matter the size of your organization or your budget.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How communities can strategically use major events and milestones as catalysts for economic development and future tourism growth
- Why early preparation and diverse partnerships are critical to successful event planning
- What recent research from Longwoods International reveals about American travelers’ interest in events like America 250, FIFA World Cup, and the Route 66 Centennial
- How organizations have expanded their reach and strengthened community identity by leveraging large-scale events
- Why building partnerships creates lasting benefits that extend far beyond the event itself
- How event-driven connections foster long-term collaboration and resilience within communities
- Practical strategies panelists recommend for marketing events, engaging stakeholders, and sustaining the momentum for future opportunities
The Power of Preparation
One recurring theme across the panel was the vital importance of preparation. Debra Ross, who spearheaded Rochester’s Eclipse Task Force explains that the most successful community events begin years in advance—sometimes long enough that people question your sanity! Preparation isn’t just about logistics. It’s about building community cohesion, nurturing enthusiastic leadership, and forging trust among diverse stakeholders. Healthy, resilient communities pull together early, overcoming skepticism, and allow space for a diverse range of voices and ideas. This diversity not only fuels creativity but also ensures that the event, and the connections it forges, resonate widely and last well beyond a single day.
Events as Economic Engines
Events have dramatic potential to spark economic growth, but the benefits often extend far past the event itself. Jean Mackay shared how the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s bicentennial celebration was an investment in the region’s future. Research revealed that events generate close to a billion dollars in annual economic activity along the canal. Armed with this knowledge, the Corridor’s leadership expanded event sponsorship and created a marketing toolkit that united diverse partners under a single, cohesive brand.
Similarly, Jennifer Miller details how Detroit has used sporting events—from the Super Bowl to the NFL Draft—to redefine its narrative as a vibrant, thriving city. Major events attracted international media, generated significant direct spending, and opened doors for future meetings, conventions, and leisure tourism, including bringing 775,000 people for the NFL Draft and more than $213 million in economic impact.
Building and Sustaining Partnerships
The secret sauce to transformative events lies in partnership. Whether through building a local host committee (a model started by Detroit and adopted by major sporting events nationwide) or cross-sector collaborations, successful organizers emphasize inclusivity and empowerment. Empowering organizations to run with the baton rather than wait for someone else to lead amplifies the reach and relevance of milestone events.
These connections aren’t just temporary. Debra shares how networks forged through eclipse planning served her community during a subsequent ice storm emergency, emphasizing the long-term value of partnerships. The American Astronomical Society’s National Eclipse Task Force, for example, expanded their partnerships beyond scientists to include tourism, the arts, and transportation, strengthening future capacity and cross-pollination.
Resources:
- Website: https://travelalliancepartnership.com/
- https://travelalliancepartnership.com/events/events-major-milestones-community-conversation/
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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jalsa Urubshurow, CEO and Founder of Nomadic Expeditions. Jalsa shares the story of how he co-founded one of Mongolia’s most significant cultural events, the Golden Eagle Festival, held annually in the country’s remote West. Drawing on his background as the child of Mongolian refugees and his decades of experience bridging entrepreneurship and heritage, Jalsa shares firsthand stories about partnering with local communities and creating initiatives that drive economic growth while protecting Mongolia’s unique natural and cultural assets.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Jalsa pioneered luxury adventure travel to Mongolia and developed Nomadic Expeditions as a catalyst for sustainable tourism
- How tourism builds community empowerment and cultural preservation in Mongolia
- What inspired the revitalization of the Golden Eagle Festival, transforming a dying tradition into a thriving cultural event
- How sustainable tourism practices are woven into every aspect of the guest’s business, including conservation, guide training, and eco-conscious hospitality
- How local partnerships support Mongolian culture, economy, and educational initiatives
- What challenges and opportunities exist for tourism infrastructure in Mongolia, and how access impacts the growth of the industry
- How Jalsa’s deep-rooted passion and commitment to authenticity guide his leadership and vision for responsible travel
Pioneering Luxury Adventure and Cultural Revival
By the early 1990s, as Mongolia emerged from seven decades of Soviet influence, Jalsa was invited to play a pivotal role in reimagining the nation’s future. Tasked by Mongolia’s first democratically elected Prime Minister to advise on tourism, he saw an opportunity to chart a new course that blended economic progress with the revitalization of Mongolian heritage.
Jalsa founded Nomadic Expeditions in 1992, and unlike operators who prioritized mass-market tourism, Jalsa focused on high-value, low-impact travel experiences. His approach was to bring discerning travelers, scientists, and educational groups to Mongolia, sharing the country’s pristine wilderness and nomadic culture. Collaborations with institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and the American Museum of Natural History emphasize the importance of education, research, and immersive connection.
Saving a Vanishing Tradition with the Golden Eagle Festival
One of Jalsa’s most popular initiatives is the Golden Eagle Festival, co-founded in 1999 in Western Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii province. Here, the art of eagle hunting, a 2,000-year-old Kazakh tradition, was on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 20 practicing families remaining. Through the festival, Jalsa and local partners sought not just to encourage tourism, but to spark a cultural renaissance.
The result exceeded all expectations, and today, over 300 eagle hunter families participate, with a new generation of practitioners, many under 30, including remarkable young women, restoring pride and purpose to a once-fading heritage. Now recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural treasure and featured on Time magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list, the festival shows how sustainable tourism can simultaneously drive economic growth and revitalize events of cultural importance.
Championing Community-Driven Tourism
Jalsa is all about empowering local ownership and pride. Local guides are “culture bearers,” not mere tour operators, sharing traditions learned as children. Investments in musical schools, architectural authenticity, and capacity-building ensure communities shape their future and reap tourism’s rewards. Ultimately, as Jalsa says, the best advertising and promotion we can do is word of mouth and personal referral.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalsa-urubshurow-a65ba046/
- LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nomadic-expeditions-inc-/
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra Ross, author, community engagement advocate, and entrepreneur. We talk about her recent book, The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities, and how it was inspired by planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Drawing from her experience planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse and spearheading community engagement initiatives. Debra also shares her practical strategies for turning extraordinary events into lasting networks.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Debra transitioned from a marketing technology background to becoming involved in the travel industry
- Why major catalysts have the power to bring communities together and create networks
- The principles Debra has identified for building strong communities
- How defining success up front and celebrating milestones can lead to lasting impact beyond a single event
- Why diversity in community groups is essential for effective network creation
- Strategies Debra recommends for building social capital through deliberate introductions and curiosity
- How ordinary people can step into leadership roles and inspire others within their communities
Leadership, Connection, and Diversity
Debra discusses why leadership in the context of connection is profoundly anti-authoritarian. Leaders aren’t dictating directions, they’re connecting people of varying backgrounds, interests, and skills, deliberately bridging gaps to foster collective action.
The magic happens when we bridge social capital intentionally by introducing people who might otherwise never meet. Debra calls her approach “painfully cheerful,” but stresses that making connections is hard work, leaders have to be persistent and positive, making it fun and inspiring for participants.
Redefining Success and Embracing Failure
We talk about redefining what success looks like in community efforts. It’s not always attendance numbers or flawless execution, sometimes, events like the eclipse don’t deliver perfect conditions—clouds marred Rochester’s 2024 eclipse, yet years of preparation created a network and impact that extended far beyond a single day. Success is in the invisible connections and the tendrils of connection that outlast any temporary event.
Disappointments, such as post-event letdown, logistical setbacks, or difficult challenges, also have value when viewed through the lens of community learning and resilience.
Creating Lasting Impact with Everyday Leadership
Anyone can be a community leader, you don’t need official authority or a title. What leadership means is being curious, seeking out others, and intentionally knitting networks that support your community, whether for a major event or to respond quickly to emergencies. Redefine leadership as connecting, celebrating successes (big and small), and embracing failure as a growth opportunity.
Tune your radar to notice moments of momentum, positive or negative, and by connecting diverse people around them, you help build something greater than the sum of its parts.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.kidsoutandabout.com/
- The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities by Debra Ross
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!