# Connecting People to Iconic Places: The Pursuit Approach to Experience-Led Travel

An episode of [Travel Trends with Dan Christian](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1689330635), 29 May 2026, 1 h 48 min.

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2172036/episodes/19258751-connecting-people-to-iconic-places-the-pursuit-approach-to-experience-led-travel.mp3

Send us Fan Mail Travel is being rewritten in real time, and it’s not being led by hotels or airlines. It’s being led by experiences that create real connection to place. Dan sits down with David Barry, President and CEO of Pursuit, to unpack how a true “category of one” company gets built. With a 40-year career across hospitality, aviation, and travel, David shares how Pursuit has evolved into a global portfolio of attractions, lodging, and transportation designed to connect guests to some of the world’s most iconic destinations. We break down Pursuit’s concept of experiential infrastructure, why owning access to extraordinary places, and building the systems around them, is becoming one of the most valuable strategies in travel. From Banff and Jasper to Alaska, Iceland, and Costa Rica, David explains the criteria behind expansion: iconic, hard-to-replicate locations paired with strong local teams and long-term demand. The conversation also explores how Pursuit’s model turns experiences into a compounding growth engine, where great guest moments drive demand, reinvestment, and sustained growth over time . We also discuss Promise to Place, responsible tourism, and the operational realities of scaling experiences while protecting authenticity. David closes with practical leadership insights you can apply immediately, from simple decision-making frameworks to how to build and lead high-performing hospitality teams. Learn more at pursuit.com. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

## Chapters

- 0:00 Welcome And Why Experiences Matter
- 4:44 From Ski Coaching To Hospitality
- 8:18 IntraWest Lessons And Servant Leadership
- 11:40 Canada And The Borderless Traveler Mindset
- 17:18 Building Pursuit From Disparate Assets
- 25:41 Portfolio Tour Across Iconic Destinations
- 32:34 Alaska And Glacier Park Magic
- 37:36 How Sky Lagoon Went From Rocks
- 44:08 Category Of One And Integration Choices
- 50:31 Earning Trust Through Hospitality Culture
- 55:42 What Experiential Infrastructure Really Means
- 59:57 Compounding Growth With Community Impact
- 1:05:26 Where Pursuit Expands Next
- 1:10:14 Promise To Place And Honest Sustainability
- 1:18:38 Team Member Housing And Operational Details
- 1:21:13 Working With Travel Advisors And Partners
- 1:28:43 The Future Traveler And The Power Of Story
- 1:35:38 Career Advice And Self-Assessment Tools
- 1:45:50 Final Thanks And Where To Learn More

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