Destination On The Left

Nicole Mahoney
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Apr 24, 2024 • 45min

Episode 375: Cultivating a Transformative Mindset, with Meredith Calloway

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Meredith Calloway, Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder of Gifted Travel Network (GTN). She shares more about the inspiration behind her community of luxury travel advisors and her nuggets of wisdom about how to develop and cultivate a brand message that will help you stand out from the crowd by finding your brilliance. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Meredith transitioned from working in finance to starting a travel business and founding Gifted Travel Network Why finding one’s “zone of genius” and pursuing a passion is crucial for any business owner How Meredith’s community fosters connections and holds members accountable through mastermind meetings and group coaching Why travel advisors need to cultivate their brand message and uniqueness to stand out in a crowded market Strategies Meredith’s travel advisors used to navigate challenges during the pandemic and achieve exponential sales growth How a transformative mindset contributes to success and what resources are available for mindset tips in the travel industry Nurturing Community Professional Growth Meredith explains how her community works and the importance of offering solid content, group coaching, and experiences to meet the needs and wants of her members. They use mastermind meetings and group coaching to foster connections, share knowledge, and hold each other accountable. This approach helps them create a nurturing and engaged environment where members can learn from each other and collectively thrive. Embracing Change and Adversity We also dig deeper into the concept of accidental business owners, particularly in the context of the travel advisor profession. The shifts in the travel industry, compounded by the challenges of the pandemic, led many travel agents to become accidental entrepreneurs. Meredith shares how her advisors leaned into the adversity, using their resilience and community support to pivot and find success in turbulent times, even inspiring improvements in many travel advisors’ businesses. Find Your Brilliance Turning toward the future, Meredith expresses excitement about potential opportunities in the luxury travel industry and emphasizes why we need to shift the public’s perception of travel advisors from mere order takers to designers, project managers, and master coordinators. Meredith also encourages travel advisors to fully understand their niche, share their unique brand message, and find their brilliance to stand out in the crowded marketplace. We also discuss the transformative power of mindset and its impact on personal growth. Meredith highlights the importance of an abundant mindset in embracing change and navigating challenges. Resources: Website: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithhill/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/giftedtravelnetwork/ Free Download: Mindset Blocks for Entrepreneurs and How to Overcome Them 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!
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Apr 17, 2024 • 35min

Episode 374: Our Exciting Travel Alliance Partnership Rebrand, with Nicole Mahoney

This week, I’m reflecting on our new brand and why we are so excited about the next chapter. I want to share the branding journey with you to highlight the lessons we learned along the way. I hope that our story will inspire you and give an introduction to our new company and the philosophy behind it. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why we decided to merge two brands, and how the Travel Alliance Partnership will be an economic development partner for destinations What the rebranding process involved, including workshops, visual mapping, and merging of brands Why embracing “cathedral thinking” is important and the impact of building projects for future generations Strategies we used to roll the new brand out and the importance of building a lasting brand foundation How involving employees early in the branding process fostered a sense of community and shared knowledge within the team Community Collaboration and Partnerships I want to talk a little more about the significance of community collaboration and partnerships in the growth of the travel industry. Travel Alliance Partnership is committed to supporting economic growth and prosperity within the communities we serve, and we live out our core values of collaboration and the impact it can have on the overall success of businesses within the industry. I shed light on why we merged the two brands into a single entity with distinct service pillars to reflect our strategic approach and our commitment to creating a cohesive brand architecture. Cathedral Thinking and Lasting Brand Foundations I talk more about cathedral thinking, emphasizing the importance of building projects and brands that leave a lasting impact on future generations. Our forward-thinking approach aligns with the Travel Alliance Partnership’s vision of creating a community based on collaboration and innovation. Empowering Employees The significance of involving employees early in the branding process cannot be underestimated. By encouraging team members to share company milestones and stories, we foster a sense of shared knowledge and unity among employees. During the rebranding process, it also became clear that we had scope to add capacity to the team by creating a new position, director of strategic partnerships, who could help us continue to build long-term relationships and expand our capabilities. Resources: Creating Your Authentic Brand Story, with Karley Cunningham Strategies for Fostering Meaningful Connections in the Workplace, with Nicole Mahoney 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!
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Mar 27, 2024 • 55min

Episode 373: Understanding American Traveler Sentiment, with Amir Eylon

Amir Eylon, a veteran in Travel & Tourism, discusses American traveler sentiment, use of chat GPT in trip planning, and the impact of research in marketing decisions. The podcast also explores Longwoods International's evolution, the transformation of industry tools, and the positive effects of destination marketing on community vitality.
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Mar 20, 2024 • 46min

Episode 372: The Impact of Coopetition in Creating Meaningful Travel Experiences, with Greg Takehara

Greg Takehara has been the CEO of Tourism Cares since 2019. He previously served on its Board, acting as its Chairman before becoming CEO. Prior to Tourism Cares, Greg was the President of Trip Mate, Inc., a travel insurance administrator. He began his thirty-five year career in the travel and tourism industry at The Mark Travel Corporation, where he served as General Counsel. Greg serves on the Board of the US Travel Association and has served on the Boards of NTA and the IGLTA Foundation, as well as numerous industry committees. He is from Chicago and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Juris Doctor degree from Washington University in St. Louis. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares. We discuss the evolution of Tourism Cares’ meaningful travel map and how it helps draw attention to social enterprises and encourages travelers to explore new aspects of a destination. Greg also gives us a great framework for strategically aligning with these goals for our own organizations. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Why Tourism Cares focuses on volunteerism, collaboration, and the formation of the Future of Tourism Coalition What the meaningful travel map is, and how it fosters responsible and meaningful travel experiences How Tourism Cares aligns with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of destination stewardship What creative solutions Greg offers to some of the challenges in the travel industry, emphasizing sustainability and diversity How Greg empowers local communities and enriches travel experiences through collaborative efforts with destination marketing organizations Coopetition in the Tourism Industry Greg and I dig into the concept of coopetition, where perceived competitors come together to create a collaborative ecosystem that benefits the entire industry. He shares examples of coopetition in the tourism industry, emphasizing Tourism Cares’ focus on volunteerism and collaboration. By highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and resources, we can connect various stakeholders in the travel industry and increase impact. The Role of the Meaningful Travel Map Greg discusses Tourism Cares’ meaningful travel map initiative, which serves as a platform highlighting social enterprises and local community-based ventures. This innovative approach aims to drive attention to lesser-known attractions, promote sustainable tourism, and empower local communities through collaboration with destination marketing organizations. The map has been successfully implemented in Jordan, leading to increased visitor stays and a broader distribution of tourism beyond popular attractions. The Role of the Meaningful Travel Map Greg and I touch upon the alignment of Tourism Cares with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They highlight the organization’s integration of the SDGs into their work and emphasize the importance of prioritizing sustainability, diversity, and inclusion in the travel industry. By emphasizing small, collective steps towards making a difference, they underscore the potential for significant impact through the collaborative efforts of the industry. Resources: Website: https://www.tourismcares.org/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-takehara/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourism-cares/ 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 of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/
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19 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 46min

Episode 371: Leaning into the Uniqueness of a Destination, with JoAnna Haugen

JoAnna Haugen, an award-winning writer and founder of Rooted, discusses the future of tourism by advocating for responsible travel and authentic storytelling. She emphasizes the need for collaboration and innovative approaches to redefine success metrics in tourism—shifting focus from quantity to community well-being. Haugen shares actionable steps for tourism marketers to embrace unique narratives and foster meaningful connections between travelers and locals. Her passion for sustainable tourism shines through as she encourages a more inclusive and impactful industry.
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Mar 6, 2024 • 38min

Episode 370: Transforming Marketing with AI, with Paul Roetzer

Paul Roetzer is the Founder and CEO of Marketing AI Institute; co-author of Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing and the Future of Business; host of The Marketing AI Show podcast; and creator of the Marketing AI Conference (MAICON). As a speaker, Roetzer is focused on making AI approachable and actionable for marketers and business leaders. A graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Roetzer has consulted for hundreds of organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Previously, he was Founder and CEO of PR 20/20, a digital marketing agency that he sold in 2021. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Paul Roetzer, the Founder and CEO of Marketing AI Institute. We dig into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in marketing and business. Paul shares insights on the evolution of AI, discusses the distinction between predictive and generative AI, and offers strategies for incorporating AI into marketing strategies. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Why destinations should start incorporating AI into their marketing strategies What the difference is between predictive AI and generative AI Getting started with applying AI in marketing and business Why AI literacy is so important for marketers The resources and education available to help destination marketers master AI How Paul implements AI tools to automate and optimize his event planning tasks How to Use AI in Marketing Paul shares his invaluable insights into the evolution of AI and its application in marketing. We dig into how AI software helps marketers to automate tasks, learn from user actions, and make data-driven decisions. Paul also discusses how AI advancements open new doors for marketers to create compelling content, personalize customer experiences, and leverage AI-generated insights. We spotlight ChatGPT’s capabilities in generating text, images, audio, video, and code, and Paul emphasizes the huge strides made in generative AI, which have opened new doors for marketers to create compelling content and personalize customer experiences. AI Education and Resources for Marketers A real highlight of the discussion was Paul’s emphasis on AI education and the resources available to marketers. He details the importance of continuous learning in using AI for marketers to stay safe in an ever-changing environment. We also discuss the increasing accessibility of AI for marketers and the practical ways in which AI can be incorporated into marketing strategies. Paul provides helpful examples of using AI assistance in tasks such as content creation, data analysis, and lead scoring. Resources: Website: https://www.marketingaiinstitute.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulroetzer/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mktgai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketingAIinstitute/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mktgai 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 of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/
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Feb 28, 2024 • 51min

Episode 369: The Power of Owned Media, with Adam Stoker

Adam Stoker is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Relic, a full-service destination marketing agency. For over 15 years, Adam has excelled in the leisure travel, stakeholder engagement, and destination branding spheres. Immersed in the world of tourism, Adam has spent time as a member of the Utah Tourism Industry Association Board. He is a frequent speaker and collaborator at industry events nationwide, speaking at the Utah Tourism Conference, Texas Travel Summit, several Destinations International events, and more. A passionate thought leader in the world of owned media, Adam speaks on the power of branded content and the success his clients have seen with this bold strategy. Adam hosts the Destination Marketing Podcast, a weekly podcast with over 115,000 total listens that shares insights and experiences from worldwide industry professionals. Published in 2020, Adams’s book, “Touchpoints: The Destination Marketers Guide to Brand Evaluation and Enhancement,” is available on Amazon. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Adam Stoker about his three-part formula for putting owned media to work for your DMO. He shares examples of destinations using an owned media strategy to deliver big results and how he’s helping them leverage ChatGPT to make content easily accessible and actionable. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Adam’s insights on using owned media to attract today’s travelers How Adam uses ChatGPT strategically to make content more accessible by creating chatbots for destinations Adam shares the 3 C’s for building an audience — content, community, and commerce and how they influence purchase decisions How technology allows for building a community beyond geographical limitations, expanding destination marketing opportunities Adam’s scalable vision for a network of destination marketing podcasts, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth Embracing Owned Media for Audience Engagement and Influence On this episode, we’re talking about the importance of owned media in attracting today’s travelers. Owned media is a company’s website, blog, and social media channels, and they allow brands to build connections with their audience and potential visitors. Adam shares his three-part formula for using owned media in organizations – content, community, and commerce – and provides a strategic framework for building and leveraging an audience. Adam discusses the strategic use of ChatGPT, to make content more accessible. He has found that by using it, destination marketers can provide accessible and engaging content experiences for their audience, such as responsive chatbots that boost their brand’s reach and keep them top of mind. Shifting from Geographic to Interest-Based Marketing We dig into the paradigm shift from geographical marketing to interest-based marketing. As developing technology allows for precise audience targeting based on specific interests, destination marketers can capitalize on this shift to engage niche audiences within communities. Adam shares examples like The Palm Beaches and Visit Myrtle Beach, which have successfully focused on specific audience interests, demonstrating how interest-based marketing can yield more impactful results than traditional geographical marketing approaches. Diving into Branded Entertainment and Long-Form Content Adam also introduces the concept of branded entertainment and emphasizes the need to prioritize entertainment over traditional advertising methods. Destination marketers can create content that resonates with their ideal audience by understanding current visitor preferences for longer and more engaging content. Building a community around this infotainment is a great way to engage your audience. Resources: Website: relicagency.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstoker/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relicadvertising/ Destination Marketing Podcast: https://destinationmarketingpodcast.com/
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Feb 21, 2024 • 50min

Episode 368: Uniting Communities through Memorable New York City Tours and Events, with Rowena Sahulee

Rowena Sahulee is a marketing executive with over 20 years in the dual realms of tourism and economic development. She has worked in marketing functions at organizations such as Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry and Harbor Cruises, the first concessionaire to the Statue of Liberty. The Greater Houston Partnership, the main business organization in the Houston, Texas, 10-country region. Choose NJ, the economic development marketing organization for the State of New Jersey. After Choosing NJ, she started with Empire State Development in the Division of Tourism, I LOVE NY, as the Director of Tourism Marketing, Licensing, and Public Relations for New York State. She worked with their PR agency for journalists to write about the States’ 11 vacation regions. Additionally, she oversaw the multi-million dollar retail licensing program for the I LOVE NY logo and tourism segment marketing programs. Her next role was with the Long Island City Partnership, the local neighborhood economic development entity in Long Island City, Queens, as their Director of Marketing & Communications. Today, she has started her own tour operation, Meaningful Experiences, utilizing her expertise to offer NYC experiences, day trips outside of NYC, and overnight getaways to the local market. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rowena about the importance of serving the locals in your destination, how important relationships are to success, and why protecting the integrity of your brand is so important. Rowena also shares details about her unique business model and how she found a niche not already covered in New York City. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How Rowena found a gap in the market for hassle-free trips and meaningful experiences Her vision of creating collaborative initiatives that enhance the community’s connection to New York’s attractions Why Rowena is collaborating with a local talent agency to create a monthly Broadway program Rowena’s vision for future collaborations that enrich the local community The importance of being open to unexpected opportunities, staying adaptable, and remaining open-minded Embracing Unexpected Opportunities Rowena and I discuss the importance of being open to opportunities, even unexpected ones. She shares how her career trajectory, spanning the public sector, private sector, and nonprofits, has equipped her with a deep understanding of destination marketing and community engagement. I love that Rowena’s passion for capturing meaningful moments and her dedication to offering unique experiences really shine through in our conversation. Meaningful Experiences in a Changing Market Rowena shares more about how she identified a gap in the market for meaningful experiences, especially for families and corporate groups. Drawing from her extensive experience in the travel and tourism sector her company, Meaningful Experiences, brings tours directly to New York communities, aiming to make experiencing the city easier and more enriching. Rowena’s focus on collaboration and shared goals exemplifies her approach to creating impactful local initiatives. Innovations in Tourism Marketing On the show, Rowena expresses her excitement about bringing tourism experiences to the local market and discusses her recent collaboration with a friend who owns a talent agency to create a monthly Broadway program. This collaboration illustrates her innovative approach to promoting Broadway and fostering a love for the arts within local communities. Rowena’s vision for future collaborations with other local groups demonstrates her commitment to pioneering amazing and unique experiences that really do enrich the local market. Resources: Website: www.meaningfulexp.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenasahulee/ 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 of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/
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Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 6min

Episode 367: Uniting for Success in the Travel Industry, with Nicole Mahoney

This week we’re coming to you directly from the ABA Marketplace in Nashville, where I’m talking to eight amazing travel industry experts about why there’s a sense of energy and forward focus in 2024. They share more about the experiences visitors to their destinations are requesting and dig into the importance of authenticity and making genuine connections between visitors and locals. In this episode, you’ll hear from these travel and tourism industry leaders: Lorey Hall: Leisure Sales Manager, Meet Northern Kentucky Kris Hoff: President & CEO, Happy Times Tours, and Experiences Adam Jacobson: Director of Sales & Marketing, Villa Roma Sonya Nash: Executive Director at LaGrange County, IN CVB/Visit Shipshewana Jill Shorkey: Director of Group Tours, Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region Marlene Smith: Sales Manager, Traverse City Tourism Greg Takehara: CEO at Tourism Cares Darrin Thurman: Tourism Manager, Visit Springfield, IL Key Insights from ABA Marketplace 2024 The ABA Marketplace 2024 conference brings together travel and tourism professionals to share insights, discuss industry trends, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect and exchange ideas, and it emphasizes the significance of partnership and sustainability in the industry. Lorey Hall: Leisure Sales Manager, Meet Northern Kentucky Lorey discusses the significance of building relationships in the travel and tourism industry and shares why attending industry events is such a great idea for new professionals. She also stresses the importance of authenticity, professionalism, and persistence in building successful partnerships. Kris Hoff: President & CEO, Happy Times Tours and Experiences Building strong connections with tour operators enhances visitor offerings. Kris shares why he prioritizes offering exclusive, hands-on, immersive experiences and discusses the trend towards experiential travel. He also digs into the value of the connections made at events like ABA Marketplace and why they’re crucial for building relationships, not just for business but also for future personal connections. Adam Jacobson: Director of Sales & Marketing, Villa Roma Adam reflects on the meaning of partnership and shares his reaction to winning the Spirit of Partnership Award at ABA. His word for the ABA Marketplace is ‘partnerships’; and he describes why he enjoys making connections and meeting other people in the industry. Sonya Nash: Executive Director at LaGrange County, IN CVB/Visit Shipshewana Sonya emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships in the travel and tourism industry, which takes time and dedication. She encourages new professionals to be authentic, provide results, and maintain professionalism while being actively engaged in industry organizations and events. Jill Shorkey: Director of Group Tours, Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region There’s no doubt that the last few years have been tough for the travel and tourism industry, which is why Jill is so excited about the returning numbers of visitors and travelers post-pandemic. She discusses the interest in creating memorable group experiences and highlights the importance of making connections with industry colleagues, and partners to enhance offerings, entice travelers, and encourage repeat visits. Marlene Smith: Sales Manager, Traverse City Tourism Marlene shares her excitement for the tourism industry in 2024, mentioning increased business for tour operators and the opportunity to explore new destinations. There is a focus on developing more tour products, including group-friendly restaurants and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. Marlene encourages future tourism professionals to find their niche, hone their skills, and not be afraid to network and meet new people. Greg Takehara: CEO at Tourism Cares Greg discusses the impact of the travel industry on sustainability and social-economic issues. He discusses the interest in responsible travel and carbon offsets, emphasizing the importance of meaningful travel experiences. We also discuss the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing industry challenges, particularly in the context of sustainability and addressing social, environmental, and economic issues. Darrin Thurman: Tourism Manager, Visit Springfield, IL Darrin discusses the limitless opportunities within the tourism industry, emphasizing the potential for diverse career pathways and growth. He expresses excitement about the steady improvement in business post-pandemic and the renewed energy from staff and visitors in his location. Darrin describes the ABA Marketplace as a place of “heart,” emphasizing the sense of family, camaraderie, and love within the industry, and encourages young professionals to explore the incredible potential the industry has to offer. The Importance of Building Lasting Relationships We explore the dynamic world of travel and tourism, and explore the impact of the industry on sustainability and social-economic issues. Our amazing guests highlight the importance of building lasting relationships, the excitement of the resurgence of post-pandemic travel, and the value of learning and making connections within the industry. 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 of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/
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Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 12min

Episode 366: Nurturing Relationships in the Tourism and Travel Sector with Nicole Mahoney

This week, the podcast is coming to you from the ABA Marketplace in Nashville, where nearly 3,000 tour and travel professionals convened to learn and network with their peers. From indigenous experiences in Alberta to the revitalization of destinations like Philadelphia and Branson, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives on collaboration, envisioning the future of travel, and the power of personal connections in the tourism industry. In this episode, you’ll hear from these extraordinary leaders: Vince Accardi: President at Ontario Motor Coach Association and Motor Coach Canada Richard Arnold: President & Director of Fun Atlantic Tours Canada Marcy Barnes: Market Development Specialist, Tourism New Brunswick Aaron Brown: Marketing & Experience Manager at Visit Cheyenne Greg Caren: President & Chief Executive Officer at Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Ryan Elliott: Manager – Business Development at Travel Alberta Bud Geissler: President, Group Collect and ABA Marketplace 2024 Chair Insights from ABA Marketplace in Nashville At the ABA Marketplace in Nashville, we dug deep into tourism partnerships, connections, and relationships. Our industry experts discuss the importance of building connections, the impact of border closures on the industry, and the resurgence of group travel post-COVID. Guests share their experiences of being part of the travel industry in 2023, make predictions for 2024, and highlight the vibrant energy of the travel industry right now. Vince Accardi: President at Ontario Motor Coach Association and Motor Coach Canada Vince and I discussed the increasing interest in indigenous experiences for group travel in Canada. He also touched on the upcoming recovery of the country’s tourism industry and why connection-building is the most vital part of attending shows like ABA Marketplace. Richard Arnold: President & Director of Fun Atlantic Tours Canada I loved hearing Richard’s thoughts on the challenges and rewards of promoting hands-on experiences in tour itineraries for a post-COVID new normal. He emphasizes the need to be dynamic and creative when planning tours and looks ahead to new opportunities and collaborations in 2024. Marcy Barnes: Market Development Specialist, Tourism New Brunswick Marcy highlights what she is most excited about for the tour and travel business in 2024, including new or expanded itineraries that come into the beautiful province of New Brunswick. She also discusses why networking is the most important thing at events like ABA Marketplace and how the event allows her to connect with buyers and build collaborations with other PMOs. Aaron Brown: Marketing & Experience Manager at Visit Cheyenne Aaron shares his excitement for the upcoming year in the tourism industry as someone who is new to the industry, particularly focusing on the trend of slow travel and why taking time to really connect with a destination is so important for visitors. His word for ABA Marketplace is ‘amazing,’ and it’s not hard to see why! Greg Caren: President & Chief Executive Officer at Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Greg and I discuss the importance of authenticity in travel experiences, and he shares more about how his destination is meeting this need by highlighting their historical visitor attractions. He dives into the value of face-to-face interactions and the significance of industry events like ABA Marketplace in rebuilding the tourism economy. Ryan Elliott: Manager – Business Development at Travel Alberta Ryan discusses the importance of cultivating relationships and trust within the tour and travel industry, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of partnerships in driving shoulder season growth. He underscores the energy and passion crucial to the industry and highlights ABA Marketplace as a vital event for fostering connections and collaboration. Bud Geissler: President, Group Collect and ABA Marketplace 2024 Chair I was interested to chat with Bud about the travel industry’s adoption of technology, the shift towards cashless options for student travel, and the trend of longer and more exotic experiences for adult travelers. Bud also shares personal experiences that underline the transformative impact of travel experiences and how they shape people’s lives. The Power of Partnerships The enriching insights I got from travel industry leaders at ABA Marketplace underscores the transformative potential of partnerships and connections in shaping the tourism industry’s future. As the industry continues to rebound, the value of collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for creating remarkable travel experiences emerge as guiding forces. Through a commitment to building meaningful relationships and fostering inclusive partnerships, the tourism industry is poised for a future defined by innovation, authenticity, and sustainable growth. 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 of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!: https://breaktheicemedia.com/rating-review/

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