Tourpreneur Tour Business Podcast

Drew Falkman, a product strategist and no-code app builder, discusses vibe coding—an innovative approach allowing tour operators to create custom software without traditional coding skills. He explains how AI tools can generate apps from simple descriptions, making technology accessible for small businesses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mapping internal processes before going public with new tools and explores how tailored applications can enhance efficiency and boost revenue. Drew encourages operators to experiment with these powerful yet user-friendly tools.

In this episode, Natalie Richard, founder of Joy of Wine Journeys, shares her secrets for crafting memorable multi-day wine tours in off-the-beaten-path regions of Italy and France. Natalie discusses how her deep winery connections lead to a remarkable 75% repeat booking rate and why they prioritize meaningful experiences over quantity. She highlights the importance of feedback, strong partnerships, and knowing your ideal guest. With insights on pricing and adapting tours for guest comfort, Natalie's approach redefines luxury in travel.

Justin Buzzi, Founder of Get Up and Go Kayaking, shares insights from his successful clear kayak franchise, which boasts over 50,000 five-star reviews. He discusses the importance of pre-tour communication and personalized follow-ups that triple their review volume. Dustin Miller, from Conversion Assist, emphasizes leveraging Google reviews to boost visibility and the use of automation for customer engagement. Together, they reveal systems for enhancing guest experience, encouraging referrals, and using reviews as a powerful marketing tool.

Christian Wolters, President for Canada at Intrepid Travel and former CMO at TourRadar, shares insights on reconnecting the brand with its core values. He emphasizes aligning messaging with guest experiences and the power of transparency in marketing. With a focus on sustainability, he discusses tough choices like banning elephant rides and balancing growth with customer loyalty. Christian also highlights the importance of emotional connections in travel, innovative product development, and strategic partnerships that drive future bookings.

Kirstin Reeder and Amber Call from Purple Sapphire Business Solutions bring their expertise in bookkeeping tailored to the tour industry. They discuss common financial mistakes operatos make, emphasizing the importance of separating cash handlers from bookkeepers to prevent fraud. Tips on maintaining good bookkeeping hygiene, handling multi-state operations, and planning for seasonal cash flow are key highlights. They also share insightful advice on choosing between cash versus accrual accounting and managing expense reporting effectively.

As part of our Growth series, recorded live in Berlin at GetYourGuide's 2025 Unlocked Summit, we now turn to Naples, Italy. Tourpreneur host Mitch Bach talks with Jasmine Palmieri, Commercial & Product Director for World Tours Italy.World Tours has scaled by keeping everything in-house—from their fleet of vehicles to employed tour guides—allowing them to maintain strict quality control as they grow. Jasmine explains their strategy of offering small group tours in multiple languages daily, staying ahead of competitors through constant innovation, and creating unique experiences like a Roman-era dining experience paired with archaeological tours. She emphasizes the importance of personal connection, having guides proactively reach out to clients and serve as local advisors throughout their stay, turning tourists into enthusiastic advocates who spread the word to friends and family.Episode sponsored by GetYourGuide. Join Tourpreneur in November for TourWeek 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina!

Join Arzu Tutuk, Founder of Walks in Europe, as she shares her inspiring journey from solo tour guide in Istanbul to leading a thriving European business serving 160,000 customers. She emphasizes the critical role of delegation and technology in scaling operations. Arzu discusses dynamic pricing strategies, effective cash flow management, and the importance of personalized tours. She also highlights the value of building strong partnerships with OTAs and travel agents to boost visibility. Get ready for insightful tips on enhancing customer experiences!

Today Tourpreneur host Mitch Bach goes to Budapest!When a video game designer accidentally lands on MasterChef thanks to his partner’s prank, he doesn’t expect it to change his life. But that twist launched Joseph Szakács into founding Foodapest, one of Budapest’s most unique food experiences. In this episode, Joseph shares how he turned a surprise phone call into a purpose-driven business built around cooking, culture, and human connection.The (Hungarian) meat of this conversation focuses on Emotion Design. Joseph reveals how his background in video game development taught him to craft emotional journeys, not just itineraries. We dive deep into his ideas on “vibe guiding,” emotional storytelling, and why frustration and delight both belong on a tour.Visit FoodapestJoin Tourpreneur for TourWeek 2025 in November!

Explore how emotional design can protect your tour business from competition and AI. Discover the importance of creating memorable experiences through connection and surprise. Learn about the 'connection triangle' and the peak-end rule for lasting impressions. Hear how personal stories and unique access can increase perceived value and customer loyalty. Understand the need for variety in emotional experiences, and why it's crucial to differentiate your offerings in a crowded market. Finally, see the role of storytelling and intentional interactions in building lasting bonds.

Tao Tao, COO of GetYourGuide, leads the company's product strategy focused on curated experiences. In this engaging chat, he shares insights from the Unlocked conference, discussing how emotions can shape tours and the challenge of balancing AI with human curation to maintain trust. Tao argues that the experiences market is growing, not zero-sum, and cites Anthony Bourdain as an inspiration for reconnecting travelers with wonder. He also emphasizes the importance of innovation and authenticity for operators to thrive in a competitive landscape.