From Digital Travel Executive To Popular Podcast Host - The Story Behind Tourpreneur

On this 100th episode of Tourpreneur the podcast for tour operators, Rob Pitingolo of TripHacks DC turns the tables on founder and host Shane Whaley and pulls back the curtain on Tourpreneur at we celebrate episode 100. Tourpreneur Founder Shane shares his journey, from his decade long career at Booking.com and how he played a pivotal role in what Skift called ‘travel greatest acquisition’ to leading OTA GetYourGuide in the Americas to founding and producing a podcast for tour operators.

On Episode 100 of Tourpreneur the podcast for tour operators, guest host Rob expertly quizzes Shane and asks:

• What is Shane Whaley’s history in the travel industry, what makes him a ‘travel veteran?’
• Why did Shane start a podcast for tour operators?
• Why reaching 100 podcast episodes is not the norm? The average show runs for 7 episodes!
• Was Shane nervous launching a podcast for tour operators? Did he suffer imposter syndrome? Shane reveals that launching a unique podcast is similar to launching a new tour, you ask yourself why is nobody else doing this?
• Why is Shane so passionate about tours, activities, attractions and experiences?
• How did he come up with the name Tourpreneur? Shane also reveals what his first name for his tour operator podcast was and why he ditched it.
• Why did Shane decide to produce a podcast for tour operators rather than a YouTube channel for tour operators?
• How much work goes into producing an episode of the Tourpreneur Podcast?
• What are the main challenges in creating and producing a podcast for tour operators?
• What is the Tourpreneur Mission?
• What is the Tourpreneur business model? How is Shane monetizing the Tourpreneur Podcast?
• What are some things that listeners to the podcast might not realize happen behind the scenes?
• Which of the first 99 episodes is your personal favorite? (episode 32 obviously)
• Where does Shane find his guests?
• You probably get a lot of messages from people who want to come on the podcast to promote or sell something. How do you handle those types of inquiries?  Shane reveals how he has turned down lucrative offers in affiliate commissions and pay to play.
• Covid-19 has financially impacted many of us tour operators – has Tourpreneur felt similar financial pain because of Covid-19? How so?
• Are there any productivity tips that you’ve implemented that you think tour operators could benefit from too?
• You’re in the early stages of starting a tour company in Vermont. What can you tell us about that?
• What’ is Shane’s vision for the next 100 episodes of Tourpreneur?

And Much More!