battleface

GET QUOTE
GET A QUOTE

A Meaningful Travel Conversation with Greg Takehara

Clay Coomer, left, and Greg Takehara, right, talk about meaningful travel and much more on a travel podcast.

What happens when you get two travel industry vets together on a podcast? A meaningful travel conversation. Don't miss the newest episode of the Travel Insights Podcast.

A Meaningful Podcast Summary

In this episode of the Travel Insights Podcast, Clay Coomer sits down with Greg Takehara, the CEO of Tourism Cares, to discuss the evolving landscape of travel, sustainability, and community impact. Greg brings a wealth of experience, having spent nearly 24 years in the travel insurance industry with companies like Aon Affinity and Trip Mate, before devoting the last six years to nonprofit work focused on using tourism as a force for good. Clay, travel and insurance industry expert and host of the podcast, brings his expertise in branding and industry trends, setting the stage for a wide-ranging and meaningful discussion.

The conversation delves deeply into the mission and evolution of Tourism Cares. Greg shares how the organization started with volunteer-driven cleanups, such as their first big event at Ellis Island, and has since expanded into a broader platform for education, sustainable tourism, and local community empowerment. Through projects like the Meaningful Travel Map, Tourism Cares spotlights destinations around the world, from Jordan to Scotland and Panama, that are actively implementing sustainability and community-based tourism, enabling visitors and travel companies to make a positive impact. Greg also highlights how Tourism Cares maintains clear brand pillars—uniting, inspiring, and activating industry stakeholders—while leveraging creative initiatives like the #WhenTourismCares hashtag to spread their message.

The episode also covers broader industry trends and challenges, including the increasing demand for authentic and meaningful travel experiences, the lingering uncertainties post-pandemic, and the ongoing struggle to balance economic needs with sustainable growth, especially in countries heavily reliant on tourism. Greg emphasizes the importance of collaboration over competition and encourages both travelers and companies to make intentional choices that benefit local communities. The discussion ultimately positions Tourism Cares and similar organizations as key players in shaping a more conscious, impactful, and sustainable future for global tourism.

Watch the latest episode right here via YouTube

Key Topics with Timestamps

00:00 Power of Travel Industry Collaboration

06:13 Collaborating for Sustainable Tourism Evolution

08:55 Navigating Uncertainty in Strategic Planning

12:55 Travel’s Influence: Inspiration & Diversity

16:02 Deepening Travel Experiences in Jordan

21:57 Tourism Cares: Brand and Mission Insights

26:04 Uniting the Industry Through Impactful Travel

27:20 Fostering Collaboration in Business

31:32 When Tourism Cares: Meaningful Travel

36:28 Exploring the Say-Do Gap in Values

38:40 Embracing Meaningful Travel Experiences

45:20 Sustainable Tourism and Consumer Choices

46:54 The Importance of Transparent Giving

50:41 Driving Growth in Travel Insurance

battleface Travel Insights Pod on YouTube 

Follow the podcast and get updated when new episodes drop by subscribing below.

Subscribe on YouTube

Listen to the latest episode right here via Spotify

battleface Travel Insights Pod on Spotify 

Follow the podcast and get updated when new episodes drop by subscribing below.

Subscribe on Spotify

Bridging Purpose and Profit: How Tourism Cares is Shaping a More Meaningful Future for Travel

Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares, joins the Travel Insights Podcast to share his journey from travel insurance to sustainable tourism, emphasizing the power of collaboration, meaningful impact, and the evolving landscape of conscious travel.

Navigating the Path from Travel Insurance to Sustainable Tourism

On the latest episode of the Travel Insights Podcast, Clay Coomer welcomed Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the travel industry for sustainable impact. Greg’s journey is a powerful testament to personal evolution in an industry that often balances the demands of profit with the needs of people and planet.

After 24 years in travel insurance, Greg found a new calling with Tourism Cares. But as he points out, risk management is still central to his work: “We are looking at protecting the assets of our planet and our travel products, the people and places of travel. Before, I used to have a policy to sell you, and now we have to self-insure as an industry and come together.” This perspective highlights a key theme running through the conversation—collaborating for the greater good in travel.

The Power of Collective Action and Volunteerism

Tourism Cares was born from the collective spirit of the travel industry coming together for good. Greg fondly recalls his first encounter with the organization at an Ellis Island volunteer event in 2003. Hundreds of travel professionals came together to restore a site that would have taken park services months, if not a year, to complete. “That got me thinking about the collective power of the travel and tourism industry…when we put aside competition and we collaborate and work together,” says Greg.

This legacy of both hands-on volunteerism and collaborative problem-solving has since evolved. Today, Tourism Cares plays an even greater role in connecting businesses, educating the industry on sustainability, and shining a spotlight on local communities who stand to benefit most from conscious tourism.

Meaningful Travel: Moving Beyond the Bucket List

A major focus of Tourism Cares is what Greg calls “meaningful travel” – an approach rooted in leaving places better than you found them, supporting local communities, and seeking authentic cultural exchanges. The organization’s meaningful travel map is a testament to this mission. Their first partner was with Jordan, where they developed a curated network of social enterprises along the Jordan Trail—businesses like the Iraq Al Amir women’s cooperative, which has grown from engaging 17 women to over 200 since its inception.

Scotland and Panama have also joined the movement, with initiatives stretching from sustainable accommodations to sea turtle conservation projects. Greg emphasizes, “If you give travelers a touchpoint with the authentic culture of a country and demonstrate how tourism dollars stay in local communities, they are more likely to return—and recommend those experiences to others.”

The Evolving Landscape: Collaboration Over Competition

Collaboration is Tourism Cares’ North Star. Their network now encompasses over 160 companies across every travel sector, from tour operators to airlines and hoteliers. “Whereas we were founded by tour operators and travel advisors, we’ve now expanded to every segment,” says Greg.

A crucial takeaway for travel businesses is the need for adaptability in uncertainty. Greg challenges the idea of rigid five-year plans, stressing the importance of nimbleness, flexibility, and thought leadership in the face of global volatility—lessons many other industries can learn from travel’s pandemic-era pivots.

Purpose-Driven Branding: The Role of Values and Impact

Branding also came up as a central topic. For Tourism Cares, the brand compass rests on three unwavering pillars: unite, inspire, and activate. The team’s mission is not just about storytelling, but about measuring real outcomes—over 500 impact partners in 40 destinations, all tracked and supported by a toolkit of resources and education.

Greg highlights that the “when tourism cares” hashtag is more than a slogan—it’s a movement. “Caring is a universal term…meaningfulness and caring go hand in hand. We all should resonate with the transformative nature of travel and tourism,” he explains. This sense of collective purpose is catching on with both travelers and the companies that serve them.

Looking Ahead: Insights and the Future of Travel

As traveler preferences trend toward authenticity and positive impact, surveys show more people want their tourism dollars to benefit local communities. Yet, Greg notes the gap between intention and action—a reminder that businesses must not only proclaim their values, but build real opportunities for meaningful travel.

And for countries that rely heavily on tourism, Greg’s advice is to bring everyone to the table—especially local and indigenous voices. “If we all do a little something, collectively that becomes a lot.” In today’s travel landscape, it’s that spirit of unity and action that will make the biggest difference for people, places, and planet.

The Journey Continues

Travel, at its best, opens our eyes and connects us. With leaders like Greg Takehara and organizations like Tourism Cares, the industry is moving ever closer to making every journey meaningful—for travelers, businesses, and destinations alike.

Have some travel insights of your own? We want to hear from you!

Join us as a featured guest on the Travel Insights Podcast. Have a topic idea you’d like us to cover? Or just have general feedback about the podcast? We’d love to hear from you. Click below to send an email directly to the host of the Travel Insights Podcast.

Shoot us an email
Picture of Clay
Clay
SHARE POST

Protect your trip with
battleface travel insurance

CHECK RATES

FRAUD WARNING STATEMENT

FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL STATES OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED BELOW: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

ALASKA: A person who knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive an insurance company files a claim containing false, incomplete, or misleading information may be prosecuted under state law.

ARIZONA: For your protection Arizona law requires the following statement to appear on this form. Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

CALIFORNIA: For your protection California law requires the following to appear on this form: Any person who knowingly presents false or fraudulent information to obtain or amend insurance coverage or to make a claim for the payment of a loss is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in state prison. 

COLORADO:  It is unlawful to knowingly provide false, incomplete, or misleading facts or information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding or attempting to defraud the company. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, denial of insurance and civil damages. Any insurance company or agent of an insurance company who knowingly provides false, incomplete, or misleading facts or information to a policyholder or claimant for the purpose of defrauding or attempting to defraud the policyholder or claimant with regard to a settlement or award payable from insurance proceeds shall be reported to the Colorado division of insurance within the department of regulatory agencies.

DELAWARE: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to injure, defraud or deceive any insurer, files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

FLORIDA:  Any person who knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive any insurer files a statement of claim or an application containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information is guilty of a felony of the third degree.

IDAHO: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to defraud or deceive any insurance company, files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

INDIANA: A person who knowingly and with intent to defraud an insurer files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information commits a felony.

KANSAS: A “fraudulent insurance act” means an act committed by any person who, knowingly and with intent to defraud, presents, causes to be presented or prepares with knowledge or belief that it will be presented to or by an insurer, purported insurer, broker or any agent thereof, any written, electronic, electronic impulse, facsimile, magnetic, oral, or telephonic communication or statement as part of, or in support of, an application for the issuance of, or the rating of an insurance policy for personal or commercial insurance, or a claim for payment or other benefit pursuant to an insurance policy for commercial or personal insurance which such person knows to contain materially false information concerning any fact material thereto; or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto.

KENTUCKY: 

Application: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance containing any materially false information or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime.

Claim Form: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files a statement of claim containing any materially false information or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime.

MAINE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines or a denial of insurance benefits.

MARYLAND:  Any person who knowingly or willfully presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or who knowingly or willfully presents false information in an application for insurance is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

MINNESOTA:  A person who files a claim with intent to defraud or helps commit a fraud against an insurer is guilty of a crime.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Any person who, with a purpose to injure, defraud, or deceive any insurance company, files a statement of claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information is subject to prosecution and punishment for insurance fraud, as provided in RSA 638:20.

NEW JERSEY:

Application: Any person who includes any false or misleading information on an application for an insurance policy is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

Claim Form: Any person who knowingly files a statement of claim containing any false or misleading information is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

PENNSYLVANIA: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information or conceals for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime and subjects such person to criminal and civil penalties.

NEW MEXICO: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY PRESENTS A FALSE OR FRAUDULENT CLAIM FOR PAYMENT OF A LOSS OR BENEFIT OR KNOWINGLY PRESENTS FALSE INFORMATION IN AN APPLICATION FOR INSURANCE IS GUILTY OF A CRIME AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CIVIL FINES AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

OHIO: Any person who, with intent to defraud or knowing that he is facilitating a fraud against an insurer, submits an application or files a claim containing a false or deceptive statement is guilty of insurance fraud.

OKLAHOMA: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to injure, defraud or deceive any insurer, makes any claim for the proceeds of an insurance policy containing any false, incomplete or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

OREGON: IMPORTANT NOTE: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance may be guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

TENNESSEE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefit.

TEXAS: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in state prison. 

VIRGINIA: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits. 

WASHINGTON: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

NEW YORK*:  Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information, or conceals for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto, commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime, and shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars and the stated value of the claim for each such violation.