Applegarth Strategies offers consulting and marketing services for destinations and brands. We specialize in visitor economy strategies that prepare and develop destinations, and reach and entice the cannabis travel audience.
Applegarth is the Founding Chair of the Cannabis Travel Association International and the sole expert advisor on first-ever cannabis travel audience research in the United States, an ongoing collaborative study since 2019 with MMGY Travel Intelligence.
Applegarth leads the Cannabis and Hemp Task Force for Destinations International, the world’s largest association of destination organizations with over 700 member orgs and more than 7,500 destination professionals from 26 countries and territories around the world. Applegarth leads the Cannabis and Hemp Council for the California Travel Association, an association that serves 240 travel member organizations throughout California.
Applegarth created and co-produced the California State Fair Cannabis Awards & Exhibit, the first-ever state sanctioned cannabis exhibit and awards program. Applegarth’s work has been recognized by the Clio Awards, the Visit California Poppy Awards, US Travel ESTO Awards, and the International Federation of Fairs and Expos Awards. He is a Certified Ganjier cannabis sommelier and a certified Cannabis Therapy Consultant.
“His crossover hospitality and canna-tourism knowledge is an asset. His contacts are sharp and add value to our programs. His approach made it easy to work with him and really helped us gain community support in our work.”
Todd Aaronson, CEO, Visit Modesto
“…recommend highly as a speaker!”
Barb Newton, President & CEO of CalTravel Association
“For me, I wouldn’t launch a canna-‘anything’ program without having Brian at the table! ”
Todd Aaronson, CEO, Visit Modesto
“Brian has his hand on the pulse of the cannabis industry.”
Jennifer Flohr
Sr. Vice President of California Hotel & Lodging Association
California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns
“Brian Applegarth is a pleasure to work with! He has helped educate and facilitate new programs here at Farmhouse Inn with introducing Canna-tourism. He is highly knowledgeable and has a great community to build relationships and programs in the hospitality and cannabis fields.”
Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant
“We were fortunate to have Brian come speak at the recent Wine & Weed Symposium..We have asked him to join our advisory board!”
Samantha Stephey, Wine Industry Network
“Thank you for your informative and really well-received session at the CalTravel Summit in May 2018. It was a popular draw and attendees rated it a strong 4.01 out of 5. You were professional and a pleasure to work. I would recommend you highly as a speaker!”
Barb Newton, President & CEO of CalTravel Association
Our Network & Ecosystem
Affiliations
Founder/Owner
Applegarth Strategies
Consultative services that center around destination development and destination marketing strategies, providing strategic solutions for the visitor economy.
The Cannabis Trail
A fully registered 501c3 organization, The Cannabis Trail weaves throughout northern California and honors the pioneers, places and significant moments that paved the way for legal cannabis access in the United States.
Cannabis Travel Association International
The Cannabis Travel Association International (CTAI) serves to promote the development of safe and responsible cannabis tourism and unify the cannabis and tourism industries.
California Cannabis State Fair Awards & Exhibit
California’s Hemp and Cannabis Experience at the California State Fair includes education and the ‘Best of California’ competition and awards program.
“As a cannabis friendly hotelier for two years in the greater Palm Springs area, I noticed Brian Applegarth as someone who really knows the cannabis tourism industry. His advice has been priceless, and his work developing and promoting the industry is inspiring.”
John Thatcher – Desert Hot Springs Inn, GM of Operations
“Brian has a wealth of knowledge regarding all things cannabis related. History, current events, and rapidly changing laws and regulations….he is a true professional!”
Elie Sasson – Owner of Green Dream Tours
“Brian has shown his commitment to creating and maintaining a culturally accurate portrayal of cannabis in California. He is also a dynamic speaker.”
Amanda Reiman, Founder of Personal Plants
“When it comes to cannabis, entheogens, and psychedelics in travel, Brian is a go-to resource with a wealth of knowledge. He is data-driven and has a knack for connecting dots quickly to drive success.”
Christian Gray, Atlas Consulting Inc.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Brian and watching him gain the trust of the Emerald Triangle farmers. His passion for celebrating the back-to-the-land culture and cannabis craft by elevating our stories and community, is palpable. The Cannabis Trail and beyond, Brian is successfully creating the modern day cannabis travel experience for California.”
Johnny Casali Huckleberry Hill Farms
“Brian has stepped in to link me with many abundant opportunities in the industry. He has great insight of the workings of the cannabis industry, including the history, and connections between all facets from supply chain to tourism. His knowledge has helped keep my company White Fox at the forefront of this budding industry.”
Scarlet Ravin, CEO of White Fox Medicinals