What’s going on out there? From astrotourism to wheelchair accessibility, it’s all happening and it’s all good. Boom, boom, and boom…read more about it!

Wheel the World: A program by Colorado Tourism Office collaborates to help destinations achieve rigorous “Accessibility Verified” status for travelers with mobility needs from Wheel the World. Certification for inclusivity now goes to mountain destinations Aspen and Snowmass Village. Also in Colorado, Visit Estes Park held a symposium to the symposium to highlight the recent jump from 11 to 36 accessibility-verified businesses and experiences across the region. To get the word out in other certified destinations, VisitSeattle launched a full media production campaign featuring Maggie and Brad Smith — a real couple who both use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, and who document their adventures as @team.mb.adventures. Discover LA has written an extensive accessibility guide in partnership with TravelAbility.

Mindtrip: The AI trip planning tool is now on WhatsApp, introduced in partnership with Meet Boston.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In Georgia, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has officially been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a first for the state and the first national wildlife refuge earning this distinction.
International Dark Skies: In South Dakota, Badlands National Park has officially been named an International Dark Sky Park (DarkSky), first in the state and one of only 40 throughout the National Park Service.
Route 66 Centennial: At the western terminus of the legendary road, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism has launched an original song contest with a $10K prize. santamonica.com/route66.
Tourism Improvement District: The local city council has endorsed the creation of a new TID in Colorado, says Visit Loveland.