How I built City Sightseeing San Francisco and now Magpie Travel- Spotlight on Christian Watts. (23)
Sep 11, 2019
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Christian Watts, founder of City Sightseeing San Francisco, shares his journey from pedicab driver to bus tour operator, discussing challenges and growth in the industry. He explores the evolution of hop-on-hop-off buses, navigating entrepreneurial challenges, and the importance of collaboration in the tourism industry. The conversation touches on the development of Magpie Travel and a new software for tour operators, emphasizing the beta testing process and upcoming launch plans.
Collaboration in the tourism industry is key for success, emphasizing the benefits of networking and partnering with others.
Delegate tasks, hire the right people, and focus on strategic business development for achieving work-life balance as an entrepreneur.
Leveraging technology tools like Ventrilo, Slack, and WordPress is essential for efficient business operations and growth in the travel industry.
Engaging proactively at industry events like Arrival, setting challenges to meet new people, and prioritizing learning from diverse interactions are vital for networking and business development.
Deep dives
Shane Whaley's Experience with Magpie and Challenges in Tech Selection
Shane Whaley from Twoveneur podcast delves into his experience with Magpie, emphasizing the challenges of choosing the right technology for your business. He discusses his workshop at Arrival in Orlando, where he guides attendees in selecting the most suitable reservation system amidst a myriad of options available in the market.
Christian Watts' View on Collaborations in the Tourism Industry
Christian Watts, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his belief in collaboration within the tourism industry. He highlights the importance of networking events and advises newer tour business owners to engage with others in the community, emphasizing the benefits of working with partners and building a network for mutual growth and success.
Balancing Work and Life as a Busy Entrepreneur
Christian Watts reflects on achieving work-life balance as an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the significance of hiring the right people to delegate tasks, allowing for personal growth and the ability to step back from day-to-day operations. Watts stresses the importance of systematically replacing oneself with competent staff to focus on strategic business development.
Book Recommendations and Technological Tools for Tour Operators
Christian Watts shares his favorite business books, including 'The E-Myth' and 'Good to Great,' highlighting the inspiration and knowledge he gains from reading. He mentions indispensable technological tools like Ventrilo for reservation systems, Slack for communication, and WordPress for content management, underscoring the importance of leveraging technology for business operations.
Insights on Networking and Approaching Industry Events with Purpose
Christian Watts provides insights on networking and engaging with industry events. He encourages entrepreneurs to proactively approach networking events, set challenges to meet new people, and prioritize learning from diverse interactions. Watts emphasizes the value of engaging with different industry stakeholders creatively and interactively.
Discussion on Red Systems Ownership and the Impact on Tour Businesses
Christian Watts navigates the recent discussions around red system ownership by OTAs and its impact on tour businesses. He advocates for a balanced approach in selecting technology partners that cater to diverse distributors rather than aligning closely with specific OTA brands. Watts underscores the need for tour businesses to focus on inclusive partnerships for long-term sustainability.
Experience at Events like Arrival and Recommendations for Industry Participation
Christian Watts shares his experience at events like Arrival and the importance of workshop participation. He advises attendees on leveraging industry events like Arrival for learning, networking, and reinforcing partnerships. Watts highlights the value of engaging with workshops and demo labs for insights and growth opportunities within the travel industry.
Future Perspectives and Recommendations for Work and Life Integration
Christian Watts concludes with future perspectives on business growth and personal development. He underscores the importance of strategic hiring, continual learning, and embracing challenges for entrepreneurial success. Watts recommends aligning personal and professional goals to achieve a fulfilling work-life integration in the dynamic world of tour entrepreneurship.
Christian Watts, founder of City Sightseeing San Francisco and now CEO at Magpie Travel shares his journey in the travel industry in our Tourpreneur Spotlight series. Christian Watts reveals in a candid conversation with Tourpreneur host Shane Whaley, how he moved to San Francisco and climbed the ladder in the travel industry. Christian started his career in tours and activities as a pedicab driver near Fishermans Wharf and went on to found the hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus tour company which he managed and grew for over two decades.
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