452. How Dot Vegas Connects Travel, Technology, and Marketing, with Chris Mondini & Dusty Trevino
Release Date: 11/05/2025
460. Prioritizing Return on Experience (ROX), with Lisa Conarton
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Lisa Conarton, CEO of LC Elevated Hospitality, who shares compelling examples of what it means to be a leader in the hospitality and tourism industry. We discuss the importance of building trust, why collaboration is key to success, and the difference between ROI and ‘return on experience’ (ROX). Lisa also shares how people can be proactive rather than reactive and why understanding how to go with the flow is so important. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Lisa built her career path in hospitality and tourism, moving from...
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459. Local Culture, Design, and Wow Moments at the Mondrian Mexico City, with Claudia Di Gino
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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Claudia Di Gino, General Manager at the Mondrian Mexico City Condesa. Claudia tells the story of building a lifestyle brand in the hotel industry, how partnerships play an important role, and what it means to be part of the community. She shares how her hotel delivers an authentic experience that never fails to surprise and delight its guests. We also discuss what’s happening for the brand in 2026 and the opportunities for growth, including the FIFA World Cup coming to Mexico City. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Claudia’s...
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458. How Self Advocacy Fuels Innovation, with Neelu Kaur
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m joined by the dynamic Neelu Kaur, organizational psychologist, self-advocacy champion, author, and keynote speaker. Neelu dispels the myth that self-advocacy is boastful, and we discuss how advocating for yourself can actually be a generous and empowering act. She shares how leaders and teams can create environments where all voices are heard, exploring the innovative concept of “generous exclusion,” and the importance of dialing up the “I” or the “we” when the moment calls for it. Neelu also suggests some great practical strategies...
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457. Inside NTA Travel Exchange, with Nicole Mahoney
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m at the NTA Travel Exchange in Ottawa to speak with eight leading professionals shaping the future of group travel, tourism, and hospitality. You’ll hear insights from leaders who share the latest market trends, traveler behaviors, innovative approaches, and what’s ahead for 2026. The conversations explore the strong resurgence of group tours, the rise of small group and multi-generational travel, and a growing demand for immersive, meaningful experiences—from stargazing in Utah to luxury train journeys. You’ll discover how industry...
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456. How Travel Priorities Have Evolved, with Erin Groh
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Erin Groh, Head of Marketing at iSeatz, a leading but often behind-the-scenes travel tech company powering loyalty programs for brands like American Express, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Qantas. Erin shares her fascinating career journey from traditional and digital media through to travel technology, illustrating how influencer marketing, social media, and travel tech are now converging to reshape the modern travel experience. Listeners will find out why today’s travelers are prioritizing dream trips—even if it means rebalancing...
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455. Making Travel Accessible and Eco-Friendly Across Europe, with Oliver Winter
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Oliver Winter, CEO and Founder of a&o Hostels, for an inspiring conversation about his entrepreneurial journey, from traveling on a shoestring budget to building one of the largest hostel brands in the world. We talk about his focus on being a cost leader, not a price leader, and how that translates to a guest experience that works for small pockets while still serving the needs of his guests. Oliver also shares his passion for sustainability and how his company has been able to move from an 18-kilogram per guest carbon footprint to...
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454. What Makes Atlantic Canada’s Tourism Scene Unique, Atlantic Canada Roadshow 2025 Part 2
Destination On The Left
We’re taking you on a road trip through the future of tourism in Atlantic Canada. You’ll hear firsthand from tourism leaders on how the region captivates new generations of travelers while staying true to its maritime roots. We also spotlight the rise of Indigenous-led travel experiences and the wave of creativity from local artisans. From group travel trends to the power of regional collaboration, each story underscores how Atlantic Canada’s tourism pros aren’t just adapting—they’re shaping what meaningful travel looks like for the years ahead. In this episode, you’ll hear from...
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453. News from the Atlantic Canada Roadshow 2025 Part 1
Destination On The Left
This week on Destination on the Left, we bring you the first special roadshow installment from the Atlantic Canada Showcase 2025 in beautiful Saint John, New Brunswick. In this episode, we dive into the deep-rooted community spirit and storytelling tradition that make Atlantic Canada such a fantastic destination. You’ll hear firsthand from passionate tourism professionals across the region, who will share powerful insights on how authenticity, connection, and collaboration are shaping travel experiences in Atlantic Canada—offering everything from local cuisine and hands-on adventures to...
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452. How Dot Vegas Connects Travel, Technology, and Marketing, with Chris Mondini & Dusty Trevino
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Chris Mondini, Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director of Europe for ICANN, and Dusty Trevino, CEO of Dot Vegas. We will learn how top-level domains are created and what domains like Dot Vegas can do to help a brand stand out. Our conversation is informative, educational, and will give you a whole new perspective on your brand’s Internet address. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How top-level domains (TLDs) are created and why the addressing system of the Internet matters Why distinctive TLDs, like Dot...
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451. How Travel Alberta’s Wild Side is Bringing International Visitors to Canada, with Tannis Gaffney
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Tannis Gaffney, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Alberta. Tannis walks us through the strategy behind Canada’s wild side branding and the secret behind making their brand permeate everything they do. She shares more about Travel Alberta’s collaboration with Indigenous Tourism Alberta and how that relationship has evolved, opening up new immersive cultural experiences for the right types of travelers. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Alberta chose to reposition its brand around “Canada’s Wild Side” and how leaning into...
info_outlineOn this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Chris Mondini, Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director of Europe for ICANN, and Dusty Trevino, CEO of Dot Vegas. We will learn how top-level domains are created and what domains like Dot Vegas can do to help a brand stand out. Our conversation is informative, educational, and will give you a whole new perspective on your brand’s Internet address.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How top-level domains (TLDs) are created and why the addressing system of the Internet matters
- Why distinctive TLDs, like Dot Vegas, offer a strategic advantage for destination branding and marketing
- What it takes to register your own top-level domain, including the technical, financial, and organizational requirements necessary
- How geographic domains (such as .vegas, .nyc, and .brussels) can strengthen place identity and foster trust
- Why cities and entrepreneurs collaborate in launching city-based TLDs, and how community endorsement is essential for successful implementation
- How adopting new TLDs can make brands more memorable to prospective visitors, and help organizations stand out from the crowd
Demystifying Top-Level Domains
A memorable web address is more than just a convenience, it’s an essential tool for branding, discoverability, and trust. Chris Mondini, Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director of Europe for ICANN, and Dusty Trevino, CEO of Dot Vegas, discuss how TLDs like .vegas, .paris, and .nyc can be invaluable assets for destination marketers, tourism professionals, and place branding experts.
Most consider internet domains an afterthought, but as Chris explains, they’re the backbone of online connectivity. The Internet isn’t a single global network—it’s tens of thousands of independently operated networks that agree to connect using common protocols and a shared addressing system. Fifteen years ago, there were only a handful: .com, .net, .org, and so on. Today, there are TLDs for cities (.nyc, .paris), concepts (.guru, .xyz), and more, opening new doors for personalized branding and community-building online.
The Dot Vegas Story
Dusty offers an inside look into operating Dot Vegas, which shows how a custom domain can amplify a destination’s brand. Unlike some city domains, .vegas is globally accessible; anyone can register, regardless of residency. This flexibility enables local businesses, tour operators, and organizations worldwide to associate themselves with the Vegas brand, strengthening their ties to the city’s renowned excitement and appeal.
Why Top-Level Domains Matter for Marketers
A custom TLD isn’t just a vanity URL. Operating a TLD means running a piece of internet infrastructure and directly controlling your digital address, data queries, policies, and trust signals. For marketers, there are lots of benefits:
- Brand Identity: A city or region TLD immediately communicates place and can reinforce local pride.
- Discoverability: Words like “weddings.vegas” are memorable, making campaigns more effective and easier to recall.
- Trust & Security: A TLD operated or endorsed by local government or a trusted entity assures users of authenticity—crucial for e-commerce, municipal services, and tourism.
- Data Insights: TLD operators gain visibility into traffic and usage, supporting more targeted digital strategies.
If you see “.yourcity,” you can trust you’re connecting with the real brand.
Top-level domains aren’t just technical jargon; they’re strategic marketing tools that can transform destination branding, promote community engagement, and build trust with global audiences.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.icann.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmondini/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-trevino-743064a/
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