With AirBNB removing many tour operator experiences out the blue, Peter, Mitch and Chris explore the recently turbulent landscape of AirBNB Experiences and what it means for operators depending on digital platforms.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google

Guests Sherri Brown and Cherrye Moore discuss their experiences and the strategies that have helped them target new markets, focusing on both local and corporate sectors.

Host Peter Syme shares his insights on effective pricing strategies, managing business growth, and best practices for training and integrating new team members.

Throughout the episode, topics such as adapting to market changes, optimising group tour logistics, and customising experiences are explored.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google

In this episode, our host Peter Syme dives deep into the intricate world of tour operations with our guests, Sean from Taylor Made Tours in Ireland, Luksa from Rewind Dubrovnik and Edin from Meet Bosnia Tours.

Today, we're exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that come with expanding tour operations, integrating technology, and adapting to market demands in the dynamic travel industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google

Peter McGovern, a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for international education gives us his forward-thinking approach to building successful teams.

From creating detailed scorecards for potential candidates to embracing diversity and fostering strong internal communication, Peter and Nikki explore the practical strategies and wisdom necessary for nurturing an international team and the critical role of company culture in achieving sustainable growth.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google

Mitch Bach talks with Brian Jewell, the Vice President and Executive Editor of Group Travel Leader, a media company representing tens of thousands of tour operators, travel agents, trip planners, many of whom have been in business for decades. Brian provides endless free resources for his community of small travel provider, and has learned countless lessons from decades in the industry.

There's a whole community of small, outbound multi-day tour operators who have been in business since the years and decades after WWII, since the beginning of the explosive growth of mass tourism. Those operators are at the ends of their careers, and the companies they've built offer a huge opportunity for acquisition, and also have learned lessons about finding niche markets and solidifying their business through personal relationships.

• Show notes
• Visit Group Travel Leader
• Brian on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google

In this episode, Dan & Casey from Untethered Media join Chris to delve deep into the strategies that make your marketing click.

From the subtle art of Facebook ads that work like modern-day flyers, to the critical role of a well-designed website, we're covering all the bases.

We'll explore why it's not just about selling but building trust with potential customers and how the first impression your site makes can be the deal-breaker.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google

Mitch Bach talks with Corey William Schneider, founder of the New York Adventure Club, about his unique approach to building a tour business focused on delivering unique, special-access experiences to primarily a crowd of locals.

From those experiences, which grew out of his personal desire to explore more of his home of New York City with other likeminded friends, he pivoted during Covid towards a wide variety of virtual tours.

Today the Adventure Club still does both. Corey's story can help operators everywhere understand how to develop product lines aimed at locals, and ancillary high-profit revenues through virtual tours at scale.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google

Mitch Bach speaks with Jessica Off, founder of Guess Where Trips, an e-commerce company creating physical and digital surprise road trips for customers across Canada and the U.S.

Jessica is a serial travel entrepreneur, including work at G Adventures. In this episode, she talks about what led her to start an e-commerce product-based travel business, after looking into tour operating and multi-day trips.

This episode will give tour operators the inspiration to think about ancillary product revenue streams that can complement their in-person business, utilizing the same destination knowledge and supplier connections to offer experiences to a new customer base!

• Visit Guess Where Trips home page
• Episode show notes

We talk about:

• the design thinking behind crafting self-guided tours
• why the element of surprise is so crucial to the experience
• her experience working with content creators
• how B2C trade shows have worked out for her trying to sell her product
• why she decided to ditch multi-day surprise trips
• the importance of collecting email addresses at trade shows
• finding the right market for the trips, and why big cities don’t work
• working with local vendors to support them

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Google 'Things to do'

Want more direct bookings and greater exposure on Google? Then go check out Tourpreneur's free course on using Google 'Things to do', a new program offering tour operators a chance to display their tours across new Google locations. Learn more here: tourpreneur.com/google