Destination On The Left

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, about the importance of serving your community and residents first. We discuss how she approached the realities of the cultural divisions in her state and how her organization has helped her community stay true to who they are and share that message with others. We also discuss Visit Lauderdale’s upcoming exciting new projects and creative collaborations. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Stacy approached Visit Lauderdale’s rebrand by focusing on inclusivity and service to the community Why she believes in speaking out against the cultural wars in Florida, and how it reflects the values of her community Strategies Visit Lauderdale uses to stand out in a crowded travel and tourism marketplace Exciting collaborations that Visit Lauderdale has with destinations like Provincetown and Palm Springs What exciting new developments are on the horizon for Visit Lauderdale, including the convention center expansion and partnerships Stacy’s perspective on representing and reflecting community values in destination marketing Rethinking the Brand We dig into the rebranding process for Visit Lauderdale. Dissatisfied with the previous tagline, “Hello Sunny,” Stacy led a brand overhaul to better reflect the vibrant diversity of the area. The new tagline, “Everyone Under the Sun,” focuses on inclusivity and much better represents the multicultural population of Broward County, which includes 170 nationalities and 148 languages. Stacy shares the importance of understanding residents first and genuinely believes that when the community is happy they are positive ambassadors for a destination. Values-Led Leadership Throughout our discussion, Stacy shares her perspective on the importance of values-led leadership. Visit Lauderdale is committed to inclusivity, economic growth, and resident welfare. This values-centric approach improves community relations and helps craft genuinely magnetic marketing campaigns that have an impact. Exciting Developments on the Horizon Visit Lauderdale has some exciting projects on the horizon, including the $1 billion expansion of the Broward County Convention Center and the new 801-room Omni Hotel, expected to open in September 2025. These new projects will significantly improve Fort Lauderdale’s ability to host larger conventions and attract international attention. The renovation of Pier 66, a historical site and iconic building, is just one example of how Fort Lauderdale is preserving its heritage while integrating all the attractions that contemporary travelers are looking for. Stacy is looking forward to these future developments drawing in more visitors and improving the overall experience of the area. Resources: Website: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-ritter-10454917/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gflcvb/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Graeme Labe, Managing Partner and Chief Design Officer at Luxury Frontiers. He discusses how his immersive design firm got started and has gained traction since 2020 as people are seeking more meaningful experiences. Graeme redefines the meaning of luxury travel, explaining that genuine experiences and a connection to nature are important parts of this market. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Graeme transitioned from traditional hotel project management to becoming the managing partner at Luxury Frontiers, a company specializing in immersive and experiential design for the hospitality industry Why the concept of luxury has evolved to focus more on genuine and meaningful experiences rather than just physical amenities How the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for experiential hospitality What specific strategies and design elements Luxury Frontiers use to integrate local communities into their projects, ensuring sustainability and creating mutual benefits Graeme shares insights on creating holistic return on investment by balancing financial gains with environmental sustainability and community engagement The Rise of Immersive Experiences Graeme co-founded Luxury Frontiers, a design firm that creates unique and innovative architectural designs for the hospitality industry. Their goal is to craft unforgettable experiences that blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. By working with well-known clients like Abercrombie and Kent, Graeme’s approach has helped redefine what luxury travel means today. The idea of luxury has changed. It’s no longer about flashy displays of wealth. Today’s Travelers are looking for authentic and meaningful experiences connecting them with nature and local culture. Graeme understands this shift and uses it to create designs that appeal to modern travelers. One example is the Nabiba project in Mexico, collaborating with Four Seasons. This project reimagines hospitality by focusing on unique lodging, interactive dining, and deep engagement with the local area. Guests are encouraged to participate in food preparation, and there’s no traditional reception area. Nabiba offers an immersive experience that goes beyond a typical hotel stay. Strategic Collaboration Graeme believes collaboration is key, whether with other architects, designers, or local communities. He’s convinced that teamwork leads to amazing results, not just in the creative process but in the final product because it brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience. Sustainability is really important to Graeme and Luxury Frontiers. He explained that it’s not just about being eco-friendly – it’s also about creating jobs for the people who live nearby. Their projects often use local architecture and traditional building methods, which means more jobs and skills training for locals. This way, the whole community benefits from each project for years to come. Redefining ROI in Hospitality The COVID-19 pandemic really sped up the demand for immersive experiences. As people started coming out of lockdowns, they really wanted to reconnect with nature and enjoy meaningful interactions. Graeme noticed a big increase in demand for projects that offer genuine engagement with the environment and local culture. This shift has allowed Luxury Frontiers to focus on delivering amazing experiences and solidify their position as a market leader. Graeme wrapped up the conversation by challenging the traditional idea of return on investment (ROI). He suggested that travel marketers need to start looking at the bigger picture and consider both financial returns and environmental impact for the future of hospitality. By prioritizing sustainable practices and immersive experiences, companies can improve their bottom line and make a positive contribution to the world and local communities. Resources: Website: https://www.luxury-frontiers.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-labe-a0332b19 LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luxury-frontiers We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Andy Clinton, CEO of Visit York County. He discusses why youth sports tourism is so important to his community and how reaching out to other successful destinations for inspiration has helped them build their visitor numbers. Andy also shares the details of the innovative strategies that Visit York County uses to grow traffic to their website, increasing it from 500,000 to over 2 million page views annually. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why youth sports tourism is crucial for York County and how the community leverages its local assets to attract major events How Visit York County collaborates with local partners like the Chamber of Commerce and economic development organizations to enhance overall community marketing Why short-form videos and digestible blogs are vital for engagement and how they have transformed their digital presence Andy’s approach to benchmarking and reaching out to other successful destinations for inspiration and best practices How Visit York County uses geolocation data to provide unique insights to local businesses Youth Sports Tourism One of the central themes Andy discussed was the burgeoning field of youth sports tourism. York County’s various state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a nine-court basketball facility and softball complexes, position it as a prime location for national and international sports events. With events like the Adidas 3SSB basketball circuit and the NCAA Cross Country Southeast Regionals, the county has been able to attract substantial hotel bookings. Andy stressed the impact of accessibility on their success, particularly the convenience offered by the nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This airport’s proximity allows for easy travel, attracting teams and visitors nationwide. Focusing on Collaborations Andy shares how Visit York County collaborates with the York County Chamber of Commerce and the county’s economic development department to build united marketing efforts. Their partnership ensures that they present a cohesive message that promotes the county as a tourist destination and a vibrant community with ample business opportunities. We also discuss how Visit York County uses geolocation data to provide unique insights to local businesses. By analyzing mobile location data, they can report detailed information about their customer base to restaurant and brewery owners, such as the percentage of visitors from outside the county and the number of different states that customers are coming from. This approach allows stakeholders to see the tangible benefits of tourism and understand its significant impact on their businesses. Getting Visible Online A huge part of York County’s strategy has been continuously boosting its digital presence. Visit York County’s website has had an impressive transformation over the past few years, resulting in an impressive increase in traffic from 500,000 to over 2 million page views annually. The key to this impressive growth is in creating engaging short-form video content, great imagery, and digestible blogs. Topics like “Top Five Places to Pick Strawberries” and “Where to Find Santa in York County” have driven traffic and engaged tourists and local residents. Resources: Website: https://www.visityorkcounty.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-clinton-05720258/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visityorkcountysc/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Arturo Gaona, Chief Partnership Officer at Wheel the World. Arturo shares how Wheel the World started with one vision in mind and evolved into a solution for helping visitors of all abilities know what to expect when planning their travels. He shares how Wheel the World collaborates with DMOs to map accessibility features and provide accurate, reliable accessibility information for travelers. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Wheel the World was founded and how a crowdfunding trip to Patagonia inspired the start of the company What the Accessibility Mapping System (AMS) is and how it helps both DMOs and travelers Specific challenges travelers with disabilities face and how Wheel the World’s solutions aim to address these issues How the Destination Verified program helps destinations attract more diverse visitors by making accessibility information more transparent and accessible What proactive steps DMOs can take to improve how they share information about accessibility From Personal Experience to Global Impact Arturo shares how Wheel the World was born in 2016, when a trip planned with friends, including a wheelchair user, to Torres del Paine in Patagonia exposed the glaring gaps in accessible travel information. The group’s determination led to creating a hiking wheelchair and a crowdfunded expedition, which went viral, catapulting the concept of accessible travel into the spotlight. The overwhelming internet response to their self-filmed documentary inspired Arturo and his friends to found Wheel the World in 2017. How DMOs Can Create Accessible Destinations The collaboration with Visit Mesa, a trailblazer in destination accessibility, was Wheel the World’s foray into working with DMOs. Arturo explains how their method helps destination marketers take steps to share their accessible locations with potential visitors: 1. Accessibility Information Provide accurate and comprehensive accessibility information. Arturo explains that many destinations lack a centralized repository of accessibility data. By mapping the accessibility of over 90 destinations with its Accessibility Mapping System (AMS) app, Wheel the World can provide travelers with the information they need to plan their trips. 2. Booking Solutions Once accessibility data is collected, the next step is ensuring that travelers can easily book accommodations and services that meet their unique needs. Wheel the World offers a user-friendly platform where accessible travel options are readily bookable, bridging the gap between information and action. 3. Training Another barrier to accessible travel is hospitality professionals’ lack of knowledge and awareness of interacting with people with disabilities. Wheel the World’s Academy provides training that gives industry professionals the skills they need to provide excellent service, break down invisible barriers, and embed inclusivity. Arturo also discusses how marketers can present the destination in a way that resonates with travelers with disabilities, ensuring they feel welcomed and included. Arturo emphasizes that DMOs can start by taking small, actionable steps toward inclusivity. The key starting point is to find out a destination’s accessibility information online and then work on continuously improving accessibility. Resources: Website: https://wheeltheworld.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturo-gaona-ab38a71a/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wheeltheworld/ Destination Verified: https://wheeltheworld.com/destination-verified? We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Nikita France, Founder of Travel Agent Collective, who shares her story of how she helps travel agents build their businesses by building their personal brand. She offers great actionable advice on how to stand out on social media so you can build authority, confidence, and trust with potential customers. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Nikita transitioned from consulting for Caribbean hotels to founding Travel Agent Collective Why personal branding is crucial for travel agents and the methods to build trust and authority in the industry How Nikita advises travel agents to use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to position themselves as industry experts Why email marketing is an indispensable tool for travel agents and how to effectively use personalization and conversational tones How to leverage TikTok trends and move followers to other platforms, ensuring higher engagement and conversions Nikita’s insights and practical advice on repurposing content and using AI to optimize your marketing efforts The Story Behind Travel Agent Collective After consulting for Caribbean hotels and spotting a gap in travel advisors’ marketing strategies, Nikita founded Travel Agent Collective in 2017. Starting as a basic content solution, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform that provides vital marketing tools for travel advisors. The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for the travel industry. Launching her company in November 2019, Nikita quickly pivoted her messaging to assist travel advisors in handling client cancellations and rescheduled trips. The conversation around personal branding was never more relevant, as maintaining a strong social media presence during the pandemic proved essential for staying top-of-mind with clients. Why Personal Branding Builds Authority Personal branding isn’t just about self-promotion—it’s about building trust and establishing authority in your field. For travel advisors, this means cultivating an authentic presence that speaks directly to potential clients. “People relate to people,” Nikita emphasizes. “A strong personal brand lays the groundwork for authentic connections.” Nikita advises blending personal content with business updates to reach as many potential travelers as possible. For example, you could share a mix of family photos and client success stories on Facebook. This humanizes your business, making clients feel more connected to you as a person. On Instagram, maintain a conversational tone like speaking to a friend at a cocktail party. And on LinkedIn, focus on thought leadership: share your industry insights and success stories to establish yourself as an authority. Using Social Media Effectively Each social media platform serves a different purpose, and Nikita shares her tips on how you can use each platform effectively as a business. Facebook: Maintain a business page and use your personal page for broader reach. Share a mix of personal and business content to stay authentic. Instagram: Use a business profile for better insights. Personal stories can blend with business updates to help you stay top of mind with travelers. LinkedIn: Approach it as a platform for thought leadership. Share industry insights and behind-the-scenes content to build authority. Engagement is key to social media’s effectiveness. Nikita stresses that your tone should be conversational, not salesy. Your stories and successes should subtly showcase your expertise without overt selling. Resources: Website: https://www.travelagentcollective.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikitafrance/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Brian Applegarth, founding chair of the Cannabis Travel Association International and owner of Applegarth Strategies, about the burgeoning interest in cannabis tourism. He describes the four archetypes of this growing target market, and we discuss how destinations should think about their cannabis experience and how to develop it alongside their brand. Brian also shares some case studies of destinations that are innovating with cannabis experiences right now. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Brian categorizes cannabis travelers into four distinct archetypes and the marketing strategies tailored for each Why there is a growing interest in cannabis tourism, with approximately 70 million Americans expressing interest What role data and storytelling play in effectively marketing and integrating cannabis tourism into travel destinations How destinations like Travel Santa Ana and VISIT Oakland are innovating with cannabis experiences, including the introduction of cannabis trails What the cannabis travel industry can learn from craft brewery and vineyard tourism Understanding the Cannabis Tourism Market With over 70 million Americans interested in cannabis tourism, Brian shares the importance of understanding the varied subgroups within this demographic. His insights into what kinds of travelers are interested in exploring cannabis culture help DMOs create targeted marketing and refine their strategies to better attract this rapidly growing group. From the ‘canna-curious’ to the ‘transformative/ceremonial traveler,’ understanding these traveler personas enables more precise, meaningful engagement. Brian outlines four distinct archetypes that highlight varying niches of cannabis engagement and interest: 1. Canna-Curious: Individuals who are interested in exploring cannabis experiences but aren’t necessarily consumers. 2. Cannabis Wellness: People focused on enhancing their quality of life and well-being through cannabis. 3. Cannabis Connoisseurs: Enthusiasts who are interested in the intricacies of cannabis cultivation and different varieties. 4. Transformative/Ceremonial Traveler: Those seeking spiritual or consciousness-expanding experiences through cannabis. Understanding these subgroups is crucial for destinations aiming to effectively cater to the diverse needs and preferences of cannabis tourists. Leveraging Data to Inform Strategy Brian emphasizes the power of data in creating successful cannabis tourism strategies. His data-driven approach allows destinations to design engaging and personalized cannabis experiences. We dig into the details of Brian’s work with destinations like Travel Santa Ana, with its 30 cannabis shops and how they collaborate with a local cannabis farm, or Oakland’s ‘Visit Oakland’ cannabis trail which stands out by combining lounges, shops, and equity-focused activities, promoting diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. Opportunities in Cannabis Tourism As cannabis legalization spreads, destinations can innovate with creative cannabis-centric experiences. The synergy with craft beverages, especially in agriculturally rich regions, offers destinations really exciting prospects and the integration of cannabis has huge potential for capturing the imagination of a new group of visitors. Brian highlights the importance of collaboration and an inclusive approach that respects local cultures and histories. Resources: Website: https://brianapplegarth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Brian-Applegarth/ Canna-Starter Kit for Destinations: https://brianapplegarth.gumroad.com/l/starterkit We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

This week, we’re sharing more insights from travel experts at the NTA Travel Exchange event in Huntsville, Alabama. You’ll hear how improving efficiency in tour operations can enhance customer satisfaction through digital tools and technology integration. We also discuss the impact of AI on tourism and the importance of strategic partnerships in our industry. Our space has some promising new initiatives and exciting future plans, and I’m sure you’ll love our guests’ golden nuggets of advice. In this episode, you’ll hear from these knowledgeable leaders: Eileen Gutierrez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileengutierrez/ Evan Krofchick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-krofchick-78b4b623/ Jason Murray: https://www.southwestadventuretours.com/about-us/our-team/jason-murray/ Jeremy Hundt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-h-69547166/ Jill Daly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilldaly/ More Insights from The National Tour Association Travel Exchange Eileen Gutierrez of Wetravel Eileen discusses the increasing importance of customization and the shift toward online and installment payment options, reflecting trends emerging from her platform, WeTravel. She also shares how their new AI-driven itinerary builder, set to launch in 2025, aims to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Eileen loves the sense of community and collaboration fostered by the NTA Travel Exchange, likening it to a family. She highlights the importance of networking events for exchanging ideas and strengthening industry bonds. Evan Krofchick of Trackables Travel Software Systems Evan dives into the critical importance of improving operational efficiency in tour operations to improve customer satisfaction. He also discusses the profound impact of reducing wait times and leveraging digital tools for itinerary management and logistics, such as proper luggage handling, to avoid costly and inconvenient errors. Evan can’t praise the collaborative environment fostered by the NTA Travel Exchange enough because of the way it enables travel industry professionals to come together and provide exceptional travel experiences. Jason Murray of Southwest Adventure Tours We discuss 2025 trends, including the impact of AI on tourism, a significant shift towards customization, and the strategic importance of time management for entrepreneurs. Jason addresses the challenges of remote work in maintaining team cohesion, emphasizing the need for intentional communication and shared alignment with company values. Our conversation also covers Jason’s strategic pivot from hands-on tour guiding to assuming a leadership role, illustrating the company’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach. Jeremy Hundt of Landmark Tours Jeremy and I dive into the reasons behind the growing appeal of slow travel, where tourists are encouraged to immerse themselves in destinations over longer stays, reducing the stress of daily movement. Jeremy highlights the crucial role of partnerships, particularly with Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), in orchestrating successful tours and fostering group-friendly environments. He enjoys the NTA Travel Exchange because it’s a vibrant community where competitors come together to advance the industry, sharing data and strategies to overcome mutual challenges. Jill Daly of The Israel Ministry Of Tourism Jill focuses on the theme of resilience in maintaining tourism during conflicts, specifically highlighting Israel’s current situation post-October 7th attacks. Despite the challenges, she outlines ongoing efforts to keep tourism viable, she also touches on the emerging trend of voluntourism, where visitors participate in service activities helping local communities, such as picking citrus fruits. Jill shares her personal experience of how the tourism industry can thrive even amidst adversity. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Welcome to the first of a two-part series from NTA, where we dive into tour and travel trends, partnerships, and challenges shaping the industry. In our conversations, we explore the rise of transformative travel, the international tourism rebound, and innovations in payment systems—all key trends driving the travel industry forward into 2025. In this episode, you’ll hear from these industry leaders: Kelly Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydeanottawa/ Kim Ricaurte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-ricaurte-510588285/ Patrick McIntyre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcintyre-2b61914 Sheryl Porto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-porto-489189b1/ Zach Harrison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-harrison-a63481194/ In my interviews at the NTA, each guest shares examples of successful collaborations from DMOs and hotels to technology providers that help them create unique and memorable travel experiences. Kelly Dean from Ottawa Tourism Kelly emphasizes transformative and experiential travel, including immersive experiences such as culinary tourism and engaging deeply with local cultures. She shares more about how the travel industry can grow and adapt post-pandemic to meet evolving consumer expectations for the future. Kim Ricaurte from Airwallex We discuss Kim’s approach to helping people embrace new solutions without criticizing their existing methods, and she emphasizes the importance of partnership and support through these transitions. Kim also discusses significant trends in financial technology, particularly a shift away from traditional credit cards to alternative payment methods such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and local systems like ACH, and explains the benefits of educating travel operators on these new financial solutions. Patrick McIntyre from Image Tours Patrick shares some new things he is working on for 2025—including a new Greek tour. He digs into the importance of responding to customer feedback and making tweaks that keep itineraries fresh and attractive to travelers. Building stronger relationships with your clientele helps support sales. Patrick describes the NTA Travel Exchange as “new” and says it’s an exciting place to learn, get to know some new people, and continue to develop relationships with people he’s already met. Sheryl Porto from Merani Hotel Group Sheryl and I dig into the exciting resurgence in international travel, particularly in Niagara Falls, USA, highlighting the unique cross-border tourism challenges and opportunities between the US and Canada. She shares her thoughts on the recovering international market post-pandemic and anticipates seeing significant business growth in 2025, especially from the Indian market. Zach Harrison from Anderson Vacations Zach and I discuss his focus on small-group travel, especially in remote Canadian areas. He highlights the shift from large 55-passenger buses to smaller 16-passenger groups, which allows for more intimate travel experiences and access to unique destinations that larger buses cannot reach, such as early morning wildlife tours in the Rockies. Zach also shares the importance of mentorship in the evolving travel industry, acknowledges generational gaps, and emphasizes the warm, collaborative community fostered at the NTA Travel Exchange. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m talking with eight industry professionals at OMCA Marketplace, held in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. These conversations emphasize the evolving nature of the travel industry driven by changes in traveler expectations, strategic international cooperation, and a strong focus on quality and convenience. In this episode, you’ll hear from these travel industry professionals: Jeffrey Goldwasser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-goldwasser-36264711/ Brittany Dykla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-dykla-cpa-7a50b036/ Jennifer Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernealmiller/ Karine Boudreau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karine-boudreau-722355205/ Marcy Barnes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-barnes-8b98092b/ Mary Ellen Hudson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ellen-hudson-4807071b/ Ray DeNure: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-denure-7852805b/ Ben Rome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhrome/ Jeffrey Goldwasser – Sales Representative For Amaya Seating Jeffrey reflects on how many industry shows he attends each year and underscores the importance of networking outside the booths, such as in elevators, meals, or after-parties, where meaningful connections often occur. He also talks about supporting the “Women in Buses” initiative under the ABA, recognizing women’s critical role in the bus industry. Jeffrey describes the OMCA Marketplace as “evolving,” appreciating the opportunity to meet new people and establish future business connections. Brittany Dykla – CFO Of Brilliant Edventures Brittany discusses the integral role of collaboration in tourism, which distinguishes it from other sectors where collaboration often requires additional encouragement. She notes the importance of leveraging the current travel boom for long-term growth through immersive, storytelling-driven experiences that feel exclusive to the group and resonate with younger generations. She loves the OMCA Marketplace, praising its collaborative, productive atmosphere! Jennifer Miller – Manager, Domestic Tourism From Visit Detroit We discuss the vibrant tourism offerings available in Metropolitan Detroit that help visitors enjoy the city’s rich history and fun distillery scene. She highlights valuable cross-border collaborations with Windsor, Ontario, such as the Detroit Grand Prix and the Freedom Festival fireworks. Jennifer describes the OMCA Marketplace as “comfortable” with effective networking opportunities that help build valuable industry relationships. Karine Boudreau – Sales And Marketing Coordinator From Destination Moncton Dieppa Karine describes her first time attending the OMCA Marketplace as welcoming and says it’s an excellent opportunity to make new contacts. She shares the increasing popularity of real-life experiences that revolve around food, leisure activities, and spending time outdoors such as the enchanted night walk that depicts the Acadian culture in the best possible way. Marcy Barnes – Market Development Specialist From Tourism New Brunswick Marcy identifies sustainability as a growing trend in the tour and travel sector for 2025, which includes practices like using reusable water bottles and alternative transportation methods. She mentions the advantage of taking longer trips to improve sustainability, reducing the need for multiple short flights throughout the year. Marcy uses a gardening analogy to emphasize the importance of relationship building at events like OMCA, comparing initial meetings to planting seeds and subsequent interactions to nurturing a relationship. Mary Ellen Hudson – Travel Trade From Fredericton Capital Region Tourism Mary Ellen highlights the growing interest in astrotourism, following significant astronomical events like the total eclipse observed in Fredericton. She mentions partnerships with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to promote events such as star-watching and telescope observations, which cater to this upcoming trend. She describes the OMCA Marketplace as “fun,” leaning into the energetic and social nature of the travel industry event. Ray DeNure – Owner From DeNure Tours Ray discusses taking a long-term view of the industry, understanding the broader context, and integrating forward-looking strategies to sustain and grow the business while accommodating shifting travel behaviors and preferences. He emphasizes events like the OMCA Marketplace’s positive role in making business connections and creating informal networking opportunities in social settings. Ben Rome – Director Of Communications And Brand From American Bus Association We discuss the resurgence of travel bookings and the increased numbers of solo travel and single-family travel. People now seem to be open to traveling to international destinations right now too, whereas over the past couple of years travel has mostly been land-based domestic travel. Ben also shares his experience of experiential travel demand and why younger people, particularly, are drawn to immersive travel as they want to be part of the story. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m sharing the first of a two-part series from the OMCA Marketplace that was held in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I know you’ll find the wisdom these eight influential industry professionals offer invaluable. We dig into the recent tour and travel trends, including cross-border travel and the importance of connections for business success. My guests also explore key themes such as a shift towards smaller and specialized group travel and the rise of the Fully Independent Traveler (FIT) and how these types of small group offerings cater to niche interests, allowing travelers to enjoy intimate, customized, and immersive experiences that larger groups might miss out on. Our discussions also cover why networking is key in creating new cross-border itineraries and enriching multi-destination travel experiences. In this episode, you’ll hear from these industry leaders: Ryan Robutka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-robutka-b6b1927/ Diane Meglino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-meglino-ctis-67585523/ Cheryl Rash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-rash-1078917/ Shawn Geary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-geary-13003127/ Todd Stallbaumer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-stallbaumer-3650295/ Tillie Youngs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tillieyoungs/ Elaine Moulder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainemoulder/ Steve Vance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vance-66949422/ Ryan Robutka, Senior Manager For Market Development With Via Rail Canada I love Ryan’s insights on why travelers are looking for more personalized experiences that give them access to off-the-beaten-path destinations. He shares why train travel is the perfect opportunity to go offline and experience different parts of Canada that they wouldn’t have considered before the pandemic. Ryan’s word for the OMCA Marketplace is “partnership” because the experience is about strengthening partnerships, meeting new people, and building relationships. Diane Meglino, Business Development Managers For Premier Travel Media Diane discusses the trends she is seeing coming for 2025/2026, including the America 250th anniversary, and why it’s such a great opportunity to promote destinations all across the East Coast area. She also shares some creative ideas, such as mystery tours, sports tours, military reunions, and girlfriend getaways that involve fun, hands-on activities such as cooking or painting classes. Cheryl Rash, Business Development Managers For Premier Travel Media In Cheryl’s experience, there’s nothing better than meeting face-to-face to really make connections. The tourism industry, in general, is such a family-connected industry where we can build friendships and relationships and coming to events such as the OMCA Marketplace is a great way to catch up with peers in person. Diane and Cheryl’s words for the event are “connections” and “beneficial,” and I couldn’t agree more! Shawn Geary, Mccoy Bus Service And Mccoy Getaways The trend that Shawn is seeing is that people want to go further afield. The popular destinations these days are within a couple of days travel rather than day trips, as people are prepared to spend a little longer on a bus now than they were before. This has been made much easier by a more streamlined experience going through international borders where passengers are quickly and efficiently screened, allowing them to continue their trip with as little friction as possible. Shawn notes that the connections you make at OMCA Marketplace are so important when it comes to planning tours to new destinations. Todd Stallbaumer, Consumer And Trade Marketing Director At Oklahoma Tourism And Recreation Department Right now, Todd is seeing lots of interest in multigenerational travel, especially grandparents and grandchildren traveling together and engaging in their tour. Todd shares that immersion and cultural tourism activities are very popular right now, including experiences such as getting to know the Vietnamese community in Oklahoma City. He also shares more about current multi-state collaborations that his organization is involved in. What Todd loves about the OMCA Marketplace is all the ways you can incorporate knowledge and experience with others in the travel and tourism space. Tillie Youngs, Sales Director With Thousand Islands International Tourism Council Tillie Youngs shares more about the experiences her groups most want right now, including getting out on the Saint Lawrence River to see the Thousand Islands from a different vantage point. We discuss the rise in popularity of smaller group travel and how that creates opportunities for personalized experiences in the region, such as diving to see the shipwrecks or enjoying kayaking or canoe excursions. Tillie loves attending in-person events such as the OMCA Marketplace to build those relationships with tour operators as clients and partners. Elaine Moulder, Founder and CEO Of Brilliant Edventures Elaine and I chatted about the cross-border travel changes, and she shares why it’s starting to come back in 2024/2025. Many Brilliant Edventures’ clients coming up to Michigan or New York are extending their trips into Canada, too. We also dig into why connections are of the utmost importance in the travel and tourism industry and why it truly feels like one big family. We all want the people who travel to have an impeccable experience, and when you build relationships with people, you can count on them. Creating trust is paramount, so Elaine describes the OMCA Marketplace as “welcoming.” Steve Vance, Director Of Sales And Marketing From The Grand Adirondack Hotel As a hotelier, one of the most exciting things Steve is seeing for 2025 is that groups are a foundation of business. Steve says it’s pure joy for his team to see the enjoyment of the authentic, unique Adirondack experience that their carefully curated itineraries bring. His one word for the OMCA Marketplace is “vital,” and he emphasizes that it’s absolutely critical to have the opportunity to have candid conversations about how you can improve your offer, and create potential collaborations to make traveler experiences even better. We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!