Meet our Chapter Leader – Talia Salem

Talia Salem co-leads our Washington, D.C chapter and is on a mission to educate travelers and professionals about overtourism.

Talia Salem is Travel Massive Washington D.C’s co-leader, and has 12+ years of experience in sustainable tourism, social media marketing & content strategy. She is a tourism consultant working with clients like George Washington University and World Bank’s Tourism Team. Prior she worked as Manager of Social & Content for Brand USA, the USA’s DMO.

How did you get connected with Travel Massive?

I got connected to travel massive over five years ago through a colleague who volunteered me to start the Washington, DC chapter. At the time I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was curious so I said yes. As I learned more, I realized how lucky I was to be part of such an amazing global community. I love bringing the community together over the love for travel, trends and much more.

Tell us about your tourism community?

One of things I am very passionate about with Travel Massive is dialogue and continuing education in this changing landscape.

This passion shapes our Washington, DC chapter and we are at the hub of travel innovation and travel policy.

We have partnered with many organizations to talk about conservation and travel, storytelling, travel trends, and showcased many different cultures. We have fun too!

Why do you focus on continuing education?

This theme of continuing education also carries through my consulting work.

We as travelers and travel professionals have a responsibility to develop and promote tourism in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible way.

While tourism creates jobs and supports communities around the world, tourism needs to be managed to mitigate negative impacts.

How do you do that?

Tourism industry professionals need the tools to create and manage sustainable tourism to prevent issues like overtourism that are affecting destinations. This is why I work with George Washington University’s Sustainable Tourism Management Certificate program.

[Travel Massive members get $50 off registration with code TM50].

This interactive, online program offers an approach to current issues and challenges (including planning, marketing, product development) taught by experts.

Tell us more about the program

Our students are very passionate about adding sustainability to their current practice or wanting to break into the field. The program offers a strategic overview of sustainable tourism’s key components. It also has insights and real-world case studies from those working in the field. And it is scheduled courses to facilitate completion & cohort networking.

Should these beautiful destinations be protected from overtourism?

Connect with Talia on Travel Massive, and join the Washington, DC chapter if you’re in the area.