Tourpreneur Tour Business Podcast

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.

If there's one thing we at Tourpreneur have learned about running an online community, it's how important it is to have in-person gatherings to anchor the online conversations in the friendships that develop in-person.So far this year we've welcomed nearly 1,000 people to our small group "Shindigs" (meetups) held all around the world.And we're planning on more, plus launching a brand new style of conference for the whole industry, TourWeek.So in this special episode, Mitch, Peter and TP Head of Events Kyle Campbell sit down for a chat about the importance of tour operators meeting up together in-person and how we want YOU to join or host an in-person gathering!

Mikaela Toczek, founder of More to Explore in Slovenia, blends her skills as a documentary photographer with her passion for guiding. She discusses how 'conscious photography' enhances guest experiences by encouraging mindfulness while capturing memories. Mikaela shares insights on balancing social media with authentic moments, the art of vertical photography, and the importance of visual storytelling. She emphasizes being fully present in nature and building connections with local cultures as essential to enriching travel experiences.

**Don't forget to register for our upcoming conference: TourWeek, Nov 10-13!**The whole TP gang of Mitch, Peter, Chris and Kyle were in London together recently for a Tourpreneur party. And our friends at GetYourGuide emailed and said—hey, while you're in London, do you want to take a tour?We said, sure! When we asked what it was, they said: trust us, this is a good one.They weren't kidding.It was such an interesting experience that we surprised the owner-guide by asking him to record an impromptu podcast episode right after finishing his 3-hour tour of Afro-Carribean Foods of Brixton, London.Obi owns Gorgeous Tours UK, and operates African and Caribbean food tours in Brixton, London's historically black neighborhood, sharing deeply personal stories of his Nigerian family's immigration experience alongside the complex cultural evolution of the area.What began six years ago as a slow-starting venture inspired by his wife's suggestion during a Bangkok food tour has transformed into a thriving full-time business running twice daily, six days a week, thanks to an unexpected boost from Beyoncé's London concerts in May 2023 that brought thousands of American tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.His tours combine eight to nine food tastings with intimate storytelling that doesn't shy away from difficult truths about gentrification, historical neglect, and community displacement, instead embracing honest narratives that guests appreciate for their authenticity. Operating as a solo entrepreneur, Obi faces the classic scaling challenges of managing all aspects of his business while maintaining the personal touch and local relationships that make his tours special.

Stuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish and a Southeast Asia travel expert, joins Matthew Barker of Horizon Guides, specializing in quality travel content. Together, they dive into the chaotic impact of AI on travel writing, discussing its implications on job security and content quality. The duo critiques the rise of AI-generated experiences, stressing the need for genuine human connection in travel. They also ponder over the superficiality that technology often brings, advocating for meaningful interactions over curated photo ops in an increasingly automated world.

Lauren Aloise, co-founder of Devour Tours and VP of Marketing at Walks-Devour Tours, shares her journey in food tourism, discussing how to scale a company while staying true to its roots. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and strong local partnerships in creating memorable experiences. Lauren tackles the challenges of training guides to foster connections over information and adapting to modern trends like AI and social media. Her insights on maintaining authenticity amid expansion provide valuable lessons for purpose-driven businesses.

Madison Rifkin, Founder of Mount, discusses how her platform connects short-term rental hosts with local tour businesses. She dives into the power of social video, emphasizing the importance of her "Creator Army" in creating engaging content that converts viewers into bookings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Madi shares insights on authentic storytelling and how tailored marketing strategies can meet diverse guest needs. Her journey, starting Mount at just 12, demonstrates her innovative approach to evolving the tourism sector.

Janette Roush, SVP of Innovation and Chief AI Officer for Brand USA, shares her insights on integrating AI into the tour business. She simplifies complex AI concepts for operators, encouraging them to embrace technology rather than shy away. The discussion highlights AI's transformative potential in enhancing operational efficiency and personalized services. Janette emphasizes the balance between human insight and AI capabilities and suggests practical first steps for tour operators eager to innovate while maintaining that essential human touch.