On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Catherine Alonzo, CEO at Javelina and host of the How to Change the World Podcast. She shares why story and travel are two sides of the same coin and breaks down how we should approach stories when trying to make a change or social impact. We also discuss the stories we tell ourselves, the importance of internal and external stories, and why core values matter in the travel industry. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why internal narrati...
Nov 20, 2024•45 min•Ep. 404
In this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jill Peterson, Founder and Chief Growth Strategist at Clover Insights LLC. We discuss how to improve your mental fitness and build positive intelligence, and she explains the differences between your “survival brain” and your “sage brain.” Jill shares why improving your mental fitness leads to greater happiness, increased productivity, and improved mental resilience. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Jill uses the concept of “sage br...
Nov 13, 2024•42 min•Ep. 403
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Jonathan Kletzel, the Travel, Transportation, and Logistics Sector Leader at PwC, shares insights from the recently released PwC Holiday Outlook. This report examines holiday spending across various consumer segments and industries. We focus on travel trends for the 2024 holiday season and discuss the differences in spending among different generations. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Jonathan became interested in specializing in the travel se...
Nov 06, 2024•25 min•Ep. 402
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands, about the importance of being open, flexible, and courageous as a travel professional. We talk about knowing who you are as a destination, being true to your strengths, and why honoring history, culture, and people is a must for tourism leaders. Rosa also shares examples of several Cayman Island campaigns and how her tourism brand partners with lifestyle brands. What You Will Learn in...
Oct 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 401
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m thrilled to dive into an inspiring conversation that perfectly embodies our brand promise—”impact through connection, community, and collaboration.” We’re exploring the transformative power of strategic planning and emotional connections in the travel and tourism industry with Colleen Onuffer, the Director of Public Relations for Travel Alliance Partnership. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why we rebranded to Travel Alliance Partnership How we...
Oct 23, 2024•33 min•Ep. 400
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Todd Read, Senior Tourism Manager at SoIN Tourism, who shares more about the importance of building relationships for professional growth. Todd discusses the challenges SoIN has faced and how they have overcome them by creating strong partnerships. We also talk about hosting a travel conference in a small destination, what you should consider, and how to pull it off. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Todd Read and his team managed to...
Oct 16, 2024•46 min•Ep. 399
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Kristi Gole, EVP of Strategy at Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), about the importance of collaboration and how the alliance helps these hotels compete against the world’s largest brands. Kristi shares examples of brand partnerships that GHA’s loyalty program has allowed them to start with complementary luxury brands, and she gives us a great formula for evaluating partnership opportunities. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How GHA became th...
Oct 09, 2024•34 min•Ep. 398
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with James R. Ferrara, Co-Founder & President of InteleTravel, about how the business navigated the pandemic, adapted to the shifting preferences of younger travelers, and strategically expanded their services. James also shares more about the company’s commitment to promoting mindful and sustainable travel practices and why travel advisors should encourage their clients to explore lesser-known destinations. What You Will Learn in This Episo...
Oct 02, 2024•42 min•Ep. 397
Anna elaborates on how the integration of AI can be transformative for businesses in the travel industry. AI is another tool in your toolbox, and each tool, whether it’s a simple hammer or a sophisticated AI algorithm, has a particular purpose. The collaboration between humans and AI enables tour operators, DMOs, and travel agents to enhance and personalize customer experiences. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What inspired Anna’s focus on human and AI collaboration to solve complex travel ...
Sep 25, 2024•44 min•Ep. 396
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Liz Owens, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vacations by Rail, who joins me to discuss the trends driving interest in rail experiences, such as slow travel, sustainability, and experiential travel. We also discuss the unique focus of Vacations by Rail, from escorted rail travel to independent itineraries and river cruises. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Vacations by Rail is focusing on multi-country tours to give U.S. ...
Sep 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 395
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Rob Holmes, Founder of GLP Films shares his experience and insights on sustainable tourism. We discuss how you can impact sustainability through storytelling, and Rob shares several components of storytelling and why it must focus on people at the ground level and be story-driven, not sales-driven. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why storytelling and sustainability are integral to the tourism industry What strategic approach Rob uses for authentic...
Sep 11, 2024•45 min•Ep. 294
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Freddie Strebeck, VP of Client Partnerships at EMC Outdoor, all about how travel and tourism brands can use traditional, lifestyle, and experiential out-of-home advertising to improve their marketing campaign outcomes. We also discuss Freddie’s successes, including his work with Visit Seattle and Montgomery County’s creative Date Night in Montco campaign. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Freddie and his team used a branded treat tru...
Sep 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 293
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rob DelliBovi, Owner and CEO at RDB Hospitality Group. He shares his insights on why micromanagement is underrated when it comes to delivering exceptional service because consistency is key. We discuss the strategies Rob’s company uses to provide added value for travelers and suppliers, and Rob shares an amazing example of collaboration in the travel agent world he’s experienced recently. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What strategies...
Aug 28, 2024•41 min•Ep. 392
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sandy Borowsky, Owner of Starr Bus Charter and Tours, about her journey in the tour industry as a third-generation owner and woman-owned business. She shares why technology is so important to running an efficient and profitable business and how working with competitors has led to business growth for everyone. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Sandy utilizes technology for efficiency and communication in her family-owned tour business...
Aug 21, 2024•39 min•Ep. 391
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad, accessible destination marketer and board member of NYC Tourism + Conventions, who explains why it’s so important to create inclusive experiences for everyone with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. Lakshmee shares specific actions that any destination or attraction can take now to make themselves more accessible and provides practical advice on becoming more welcoming to people with a wide range of abilit...
Aug 14, 2024•38 min•Ep. 390
This summer, I’m sharing five powerful life lessons I’ve learned since graduating high school. So join me as I discuss the importance of adopting appreciation over expectation, choosing faith over fear, managing self-talk, directing focus to cultivate positive energy, practicing radical self-belief, and find out how they can shape and enhance your personal and professional life, too. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why learning to appreciate the moment rather than being disappointed that an...
Aug 07, 2024•21 min•Ep. 389
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Nicole Boyer joins me to discuss why learning how to effectively build relationships leads to business growth. We talk about the importance of being authentic and paying attention to the small details to stay top of mind with potential partners. She also shares more about her Ginger Sales Ninja brand and why you don’t necessarily have to be the loudest person in the room to be great at sales. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The significance of und...
Jul 31, 2024•36 min•Ep. 388
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Nikki Hellyer, Vice President of Marketing at ToursByLocals, about the importance of building a brand from the inside out and why having a purpose and principles that everyone in the company lives by gives your team the freedom to deliver excellent service every time. You’ll also hear more from Nikki about how her company used the pandemic downtime to focus on planning their future growth. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How ToursByLoc...
Jul 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 387
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO of China Trading Desk. We discuss Chinese travel trends and how his company keeps a finger on the pulse of Chinese travelers’ international aspirations. We discuss why the old days of large-group travel are behind them and why they seek authentic experiences in 2024. Subramania walks us through the return of the Chinese traveler and where the top five outbound markets are for them right now. What You Will L...
Jul 17, 2024•36 min•Ep. 386
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra about making successful small talk and creating authentic connections. She shares examples of what to say to start a conversation, what the serious conversation killers are, and tactical ways to exit a conversation gracefully. If you’ve ever wondered how to set yourself up for success when attending networking events, then you’ll love this episode. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Debra emphasizes the importance of showing genuine...
Jul 10, 2024•47 min•Ep. 385
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Mary Charleson, President of Five Minute Marketing and founder of Carry On Queen, about her formula for creating marketing plans that align with your target audience. We discuss how giving without expectation applies to Marketing and how Mary views volunteering with purpose as part of this philosophy. Mary also shares the importance of growing your business through referral and repeat business and why the quality of an audience is more impo...
Jun 26, 2024•46 min•Ep. 384
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Tiffany Gallagher, Vice President of Operations at Civitas about what Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs) mean for the communities where they are established. She shares more about creative funding opportunities designed as a benefit-based vehicle for the travel industry forward. Tiffany also discusses the Civitas Pro database and why they created a one-stop shop for all data related to funding for DMOs and other organizations that operate...
Jun 19, 2024•39 min•Ep. 383
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m sharing my recent appearance on the Desuckify Work podcast with TJ Bennett. We discuss why people crave purpose-driven work, why it’s important to have a vision, and, more importantly, how to communicate that vision throughout the company. We also discuss building a strong team and how structure and operationalization of your vision and values lead to more flexibility and creativity. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Travel Alliance Partners...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 382
On this episode of Destination on the Left, you’ll hear my conversation with Sharon Toerek about the importance of finding your niche and how growth happens once you commit to it. We also discuss how becoming a thought leader in your niche leads to new relationships and opportunities. While this interview centers around building a marketing agency, I’m sure you’ll find value in the insights we share in our discussion. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why having a clear vision is crucial for ...
Jun 05, 2024•56 min•Ep. 381
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Geoff Thatcher about telling great stories and why they impact how people experience your brand. Geoff shares examples of his revolutionary experiential framework in action and gives his insights into staying focused, finding the right partners, forgiving allowable weaknesses, and remembering to have fun. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why experiencing new things is essential for inspiring creativity in the hospitality and experience ...
May 29, 2024•46 min•Ep. 380
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sonya Nash, Executive Director of Visit Shipshewana. She shares how she honors the local community through the work her DMO does and describes her role as creating an experience that visitors love and positively impacts the local community. Sonya also talks about a countywide collaboration she is part of and the importance of building bridges between stakeholders for the greater good. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why understanding t...
May 22, 2024•37 min•Ep. 379
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Emily about how her creative skills and early experience in theater led her to the hospitality industry. She walks us through a process for evaluating your brand and thinking about it from a people-first perspective and shares her approach to addressing challenges that cover planning for short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs in that order. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The importance of building relationships before seeking mento...
May 15, 2024•44 min•Ep. 378
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Megan Grant and I talk about how her tours are designed to create a positive social impact. She highlights the trends that are helping her business grow and thrive, including mindful purchasing and lone female travelers. We also discussed the importance of community and how Megan’s tours build community. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What inspired Megan to start Cherish Tours during the pandemic and how she is creating a positive impact through ...
May 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 377
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Sean Hebert goes deep into the backstory of TourRadar, an organized adventure platform. He shares his perspective on the importance of trust, what adventure travelers are looking for in terms of new experiences, and how TourRadar facilitates amazing collaboration between travelers, tour operators, and travel advisors. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How TourRadar evolved from a consumer-only marketplace to serving travel agents as a time-saving se...
May 01, 2024•44 min•Ep. 376
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...
Apr 24, 2024•45 min•Ep. 375
