When tourism leaders talk about success, the conversation often turns to visitor spending, economic impact, hotel occupancy, or marketing performance.

But Greg Takehara sees things differently.

As CEO of Tourism Cares, an organization dedicated to advancing meaningful and responsible travel, Greg has spent much of his career helping destinations, businesses, and travelers think beyond short-term metrics and toward long-term impact. During a recent conversation on Business Class, he reflected on leadership, stewardship, sustainability, and a question that becomes more important with each passing year:

What legacy are we leaving behind?

His answer wasn't found in organizational achievements or industry accolades. Instead, it centered on relationships, community impact, and the responsibility each of us has to use our time wisely.

"It's not just a résumé," Greg said while reflecting on the recent passing of tourism leader John Tanzella. "It's how many people he affected."

That idea became the thread connecting every topic we discussed—from destination stewardship and meaningful travel to organizational culture, professional development, and the future of tourism itself.

Because at its best, tourism isn't simply about places. It's about people.

And the legacy we leave through them.