Tourpreneur is a community of passionate tour business owners eager to improve their skills and increase their profits. Our community is passionate about helping each other. As small tour business owners, we understand it’s a lonely job, a daily grind, and easy to become a busy fool… working harder but not smarter. The Tourpreneur community helps you get advice from your peers as well as experts in the areas you need to grow your business and make it more profitable. Whether you explore our ...
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In this series, Mat Newton talks to multi-day tour operators around the world to gain insights on how they started their business, what they've learned along the way, and more. Tourpreneur is a community that offers peer and expert support to tour business owners. Whether you're not sure where to start, or you're already operating tours in multiple destinations, we're here to help you grow your business through our podcast, articles, educational events, and free community platform.
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The Tourism Marketing Agency launches a new podcast that discusses key marketing advice and techniques based on Chris Torres' upcoming book, Lookers into Bookers: The Tourism Marketing Blueprint. Each week, the hosts dive into actionable marketing strategies, practical tips, and real-world examples drawn from Chris’s extensive experience in helping tour operators boost their business growth. Throughout this series, the hosts break down marketing concepts from Chris’s work, providing a clear ...
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Balancing Soul, Scale & Authenticity in Food Tourism (w/ Lauren Aloise of Devour Tours)
56:24
56:24
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56:24What does it take to grow a food tour company without losing what made it special in the first place? Mitch Bach talks with Lauren Aloise, co-founder of Devour Tours and now VP of Marketing and Guest Experience at Walks-Devour Tours, joins us to unpack the hard-earned lessons of scaling with soul. From cooking classes in her Madrid apartment to man…
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Sell More Tours with Social Video and Creator Partnerships
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53:01
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53:01Madison Rifkin leads Mount, a platform that partners with short-term rental hosts to help them feature and promote local tours and activities to their guests. But how do you actually get those guests to book? A static landing page doesn’t cut it. That’s where Madison’s “Creator Army” comes in—a vetted network of content creators trained specificall…
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The Role of Influencer Marketing in Tourism: Is It Right for You
13:31
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13:31🎙️ Podcast Episode: Is Influencer Marketing Right for Your Tourism Business? In this episode, we dive into the world of influencer marketing and how it’s shaping the tourism industry. From Instagram takeovers to TikTok travel diaries, influencers are redefining how travellers discover new experiences. We explore why this approach works—think visual…
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Creating Effective Paid Advertising Campaigns
13:08
13:08
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13:08In this episode, we dive into the world of paid advertising for tourism businesses — and how to use it to truly move the needle. If you’re still relying on organic reach alone, you’re likely leaving bookings on the table. We break down a step-by-step approach to getting the most from your ad spend, starting with how to build customer personas that …
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Demystifying AI for Tour Operators (w/ Janette Roush of Brand USA)
53:40
53:40
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53:40All we hear about is AI this, AI that. And yet trying to keep up with all the changes can be overwhelming. Many operators are simply rejecting it outright, or knowingly keeping their heads buried in the sand. So Mitch Bach sat down with Janette Roush, the "Chief AI Officer" for Brand USA, to ask a fundamental question: what are some practical ways …
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Who are you really marketing to? In this episode, we dive into the power of creating customer personas to sharpen your tourism marketing strategy. You’ll learn how to build fictional—but data-driven—profiles of your ideal travelers, like “Sarah the Adventure Seeker” or “John the Cultural Explorer,” and how these personas can transform the way you c…
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Tourism as a Force for Good: The Untours Foundation's Mission
50:16
50:16
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50:16In this episode of the Tourpreneur podcast, Chris speaks with Jonathan Coleman from the Untours Foundation and Zakia Moulaoui Guery from Invisible Cities. They discuss the transformative power of tourism and how both organizations are making a significant impact in their communities. The Untours Foundation focuses on impact investing in social ente…
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How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Tour Business
11:36
11:36
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11:36Think LinkedIn isn’t for tour operators? Think again. In this episode, we uncover how to turn LinkedIn into a powerful marketing and networking tool for your tourism business. Learn how to position yourself as an industry expert, attract corporate group bookings, and build partnerships with complementary businesses. We’ll cover strategies for creat…
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Selling Tours Through Guide Platforms: Advice, Trends, and Challenges
49:04
49:04
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49:04Mitch Bach is joined by ToursByLocals CEO Lisa Chen and Sherif Abiza, Chief Community Officer of Withlocals. Together they discuss a recent incident of guide poaching amongst tour platforms, and talk about what trust and fairness looks like in our industry. Guide platforms operate differently than other OTAs like GetYourGuide, Viator or Klook, sinc…
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Sell More Tours through Partnerships (w/ Nicole Mahoney of Travel Alliance Partnership)
44:55
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44:55Nicole Mahoney runs Travel Alliance Partnership, a small group of tour operators banding together to create more buying power with suppliers, resell each others' tours, and much much more. In this Tourpreneur episode Nicole talks with Mitch Bach about how powerful these kinds of B2B partnership models can be when it comes to growing your tour busin…
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In today’s tourism landscape, content isn’t just marketing—it is the engine of growth. In this episode, we explore why content is your most powerful tool for driving discovery, building trust, and turning lookers into bookers. You’ll learn how SEO-optimized content helps travellers find you, why storytelling through blogs and videos forges real con…
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Streamlining Your Customer & Team Communication Flows (w/ Ben Sann of Tour Optima)
50:26
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50:26Benjamin Sann is the CEO of Tour Optima, a communications platform and white-labeled app solution that offers streamlined messaging between your business and your guests, guides, and internal team. Communication is everything. How are your guests receiving the itinerary and important updates? How are they being prompted to review and tip the guide …
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Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s the heart of your business. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to build a tour business brand that stands the test of time. You’ll learn how to define your unique value proposition, connect deeply with your ideal audience, and maintain consistency across every touchpoint. We’ll cover designing …
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In this episode, we walk you through a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to conducting a powerful competitor analysis that actually leads to actionable insights. Learn how to identify your direct and indirect competitors, dissect their offerings and pricing strategies, and evaluate their digital footprint—from websites to social media to advertisin…
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Building a Next-Generation Multi-Day Tour Brand through Community
1:08:40
1:08:40
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1:08:40Katalina Mayorga is the powerhouse founder of El Camino Travel, a multi-day tour company reimagining the group trip experience for a new generation. But she's also much more than a tour operator. To sell her trips she's leaned heavily into community, creating a membership that serves not only as a customer base, but a space for likeminded 'bold wom…
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GetYourGuide analyzed 3.1 Million Reviews. Here’s What Tour Operators Need to Know.
53:41
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53:41We all know good reviews are important, but what deeper insights can reviews give us about our tour businesses, and our industry? To answer that, Anna Cashman, Head of B2B Brand & Insights for GetYourGuide, led an effort to analyze 3.1 million reviews with comments. Her team parsed the data to understand trends and takeaways for tour operators. She…
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A Look at the New Airbnb Experiences Reboot
42:23
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42:23Well, the new Airbnb 2025 Summer Release is upon us. The just hosted a big, splashy launch event for its reboot of Experiences, and also introduced Airbnb Services, featuring dozens of categories of new bookable offerings, from nail care to personal chefs. What does this mean for the future of Airbnb, for the tours & activities sector, and for Expe…
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The Transformational Power of Walking (w/ Joao of Walking Mentorship)
1:22:22
1:22:22
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1:22:22Mitch Bach sat down with João Perre Viana, the founder of Walking Mentorship, to talk one thing we tour operators are all familiar with: walking. But not many of us design week-long trips where all you do is walk. Sometimes alone. Sometimes in a group. That's it. Beyond some shared meals and moments, there isn't much of a plan. Each group takes on …
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In this episode, we explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and how it applies to the tourism and tour operator industry. Chris Torres debunks common AI myths and explains how AI can be a powerful tool for improving customer experience, streamlining operations, and enhancing marketing efforts. If you’re curious…
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Connectivity Series: Multi-Day Tour Connectivity - Past, Present & Future
51:16
51:16
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51:16Kelly Tompkins is the Founder & CPO of ReserveX, building software infrastructure that connects the components of our whole industry: Multi-Day tours, Day tours, Travel Advisors, OTAs, Meta-Search, and more. He's also been in the industry for a long, long time. Together with Tourpreneur host Peter Syme, Kelly talks about where the industry has been…
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In this episode, we discuss how to effectively use social media marketing to promote your tour business without spending a fortune. Chris Torres shares strategies for leveraging platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to build your brand and engage with your audience. We talk about the power of organic reach, creating shareable content, and…
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Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile to Attract Local Customers
8:51
8:51
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8:51In this episode, we dive into the importance of optimizing your Google My Business profile to attract more local customers. Chris Torres explains how to make your profile stand out, including how to manage reviews, optimize your business information, and use Google Posts to engage with your audience. Learn how improving your Google My Business prof…
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How to Compete with OTAs on a Shoestring Budget
16:36
16:36
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16:36This episode focuses on how small tour operators can compete with online travel agencies (OTAs) even when they have a limited marketing budget. Chris Torres offers practical advice on using digital marketing strategies like SEO, social media, and email marketing to increase visibility and drive bookings. We also discuss how building relationships w…
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Connectivity Series: Demystifying APIs, and Why Tour Operators Should Care
47:25
47:25
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47:25TP team members Mitch Bach and Peter Syme talk to Chris Mark, Head of Connectivity for GetYourGuide. As we continue our Connectivity Series, we're looking at the people building the plumbing that make our industry work. When you list your tour on GetYourGuide, you might not understand the way in which it gets shared on other platforms, and how it i…
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Boost Your Bookings with Local Partnerships:
13:14
13:14
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13:14In this episode, we explore how building local partnerships can help boost your tour business bookings. Chris Torres shares how collaborating with local businesses like restaurants, hotels, and attractions can create mutually beneficial relationships that expand your reach. Learn how to create package deals, offer special discounts, and tap into ne…
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How to Rank Higher on Google Without Paying for Ads
8:19
8:19
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8:19In this episode, we explore how to improve your search engine ranking and drive more organic traffic to your tour business website without paying for ads. Chris Torres shares actionable SEO strategies that help boost your visibility on Google, from optimizing your website’s content and structure to getting quality backlinks. We also discuss the imp…
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Building Relationships on Autopilot with Email Marketing
7:38
7:38
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7:38This episode is all about building lasting relationships with your customers through email marketing. Chris Torres breaks down how to use automation to streamline your communication, from welcome emails to post-tour follow-ups. We discuss the importance of personalized content, building trust with your audience, and how to stay top of mind without …
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TP Exclusive: Chris Torres sells Tourism Marketing Agency (TMA) to the Trikon Group
32:06
32:06
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32:06In this episode, Mitch Bach and Pete Syme interview fellow Tourpreneur partner Chris Torres, a seasoned marketing expert, who shares insights from his extensive career in the industry. Chris announces the sale of his business, discusses the evolving landscape of marketing, and emphasises the importance of storytelling and innovation in attracting c…
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In this episode, we delve into the power of word-of-mouth marketing and how tour operators can harness it to boost bookings. We discuss creating memorable experiences that surprise and delight your guests, making them more likely to share their experiences. Chris Torres shares tips on encouraging reviews, leveraging Instagrammable moments, and buil…
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In this episode, we explore how to make your tour listings stand out in a crowded online marketplace. From using authentic, high-quality visuals that capture the essence of your tours to crafting compelling copy that speaks to the emotions of potential customers, Chris Torres shares valuable tips for creating listings that attract attention. Learn …
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Connectivity Series: Understanding How Travel Advisors work with Tour Operators
41:54
41:54
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41:54As we continue our connectivity series, we look at the landscape of B2B sales for tour operators as it evolves thanks to new technology, connectivity, and companies changing how travel is sold. Evan Frank has been the CEO of a tour company (Context Travel), founder of a short-term rental pioneer (onefinestay), and is no co-founder of Fora Travel, l…
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Scaling Your Tour Business on a Small Budget
13:47
13:47
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13:47In this episode, we dive into practical, budget-friendly strategies to help you scale your tour business without breaking the bank. We discuss key steps like optimizing your website with clear calls to action, mobile optimization, and speed. Chris Torres also shares insights on the power of email marketing, from personalized content to automation, …
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Connectivity Series: Leveraging Short Term Rental Partnerships to Sell Tours
58:17
58:17
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58:17This week we begin a mini-series on connectivity: interviews with people helping tour operators grow their B2B partnerships through tech tools that connect with other industry sectors. We start the series off looking at short term rentals. This is often a desired B2B relationship for tour operators, but one that's hard to decipher and connect with.…
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In this episode, we explore the power of guerrilla marketing and how tour operators can use creative, attention-grabbing strategies to stand out without breaking the bank. From leveraging social media to create shareable moments to using offline tactics like chalk art and pop-up events, we cover a variety of ways to market your tours in memorable a…
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Why Your Tour Business Needs a Solid Google Reviews Strategy
8:18
8:18
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8:18In this episode, we take a deep dive into the importance of Google Reviews for tour operators and why they should have a solid strategy in place. We explore how reviews act as digital word of mouth, building trust and credibility for your business without the need for a large marketing budget. We discuss practical strategies for getting more review…
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In this episode, we explore the art of building a customer-centric brand story that resonates with travelers on a deeper level. Instead of simply selling a product, we discuss how to tap into the emotional desires for escape, transformation, and self-discovery that drive people to travel. We share strategies for crafting compelling narratives that …
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Keeping Customer Attention Without Repetition
9:01
9:01
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9:01In this episode, we explore effective strategies for capturing and maintaining customer attention without falling into the trap of repetitive content. We delve into the importance of building relationships through subtle, engaging content rather than hard-selling tactics. From using Google search suggestions to creating fresh, varied perspectives o…
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Dan Christian's 5 Lessons From Large Multi-Day Tour Operators on Marketing & Scaling
1:24:07
1:24:07
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1:24:07Dan Christian has spent decades in the industry working at some of the world's largest travel brands: The Travel Corporation, G Adventures, Lonely Planet. Today he's the host of the Travel Trends podcast and CEO of the Acceleration Team, helping travel companies achieve rapid growth. Dan knows marketing and business transformation like nobody else,…
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In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of business travel and the growing shift toward B2C (Business-to-Consumer) travel. Based on a blog post by Chris Torres, we explore the rise of remote work, workations, and digital nomads, and how these trends are reshaping the way we travel for business and leisure. We discuss how travel businesses …
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GetYourGuide’s Evolving Approach to Curating an Experience Marketplace (w/ Tao Tao, COO)
1:02:46
1:02:46
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1:02:46GetYourGuide has recently surpassed 200 million tickets sold. Co-Founder & COO Tao Tao sits down with Tourpreneur's Mitch Bach, Peter Syme and Chris Torres to talk about the challenges and surprises of 16 years of scaling an online experiences marketplace. As always, we focus on takeaways for tour operators as Tao Tao shares data and insights. We e…
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In this episode, we explore the rise of self-guided experiences and how technology is reshaping the travel industry. We dive into why self-guided tours are more than just a trend – they’re here to stay. Chris Torres, a tourism expert, argues that self-guided options are expanding the market and attracting a new type of traveler seeking independence…
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TikTok as a Search Engine, A New Frontier for Tour Operators
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8:17
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8:17In this episode, we explore the surprising rise of TikTok as a search engine, especially among Gen Z, who are turning to the platform more than Google to find everything from travel tips to destination inspiration. Join us as we dive into how TikTok is revolutionizing the way travelers discover and book tours, and how tour operators can harness its…
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10 Tips for Recording Video for your Tour and Travel Business
8:03
8:03
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8:03Welcome to another episode of Lookers into Bookers, the podcast that helps tour and travel businesses turn their audience into loyal customers. I’m your host, Chris Torres, and today, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools at your disposal: video marketing. In this episode, we’ll be exploring 10 tips for recording video for your tour and …
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Welcome to Lookers into Bookers, the podcast where we share strategies to elevate your tourism marketing game. In today’s episode, we’re diving into how to market luxury travel experiences to high-net-worth clients. We’ll explore eight key strategies, including the power of high-quality visuals, the importance of a sophisticated website, and how pe…
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Welcome to Lookers into Bookers, the podcast where we explore the trends shaping the future of tourism. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the rise of solo female travel and how businesses can tap into this growing demographic. With more women choosing to travel alone, understanding their motivations, spending habits, and desired experiences is …
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A Christmas Eve gift for you! We're just days away from 2025, so it's clearly time to start thinking about how you're going to grow and improve your business next year! Tourpreneur hosts Mitch Bach and Peter Syme have a conversation about what Pete calls the 70-20-10 rule for how to spend your time doing business development in the off season. (You…
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Welcome to Lookers into Bookers, the podcast where we explore the future of the tourism industry. In today’s episode, we’re taking a look at how technology could reshape the tours and activities sector over the next 15 years. From the rise of AI-powered tour guides to the decline of physical cash, the future is filled with exciting possibilities. W…
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6 Easy Fixes to Improve Your Tour Business Immediately
47:02
47:02
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47:02TP hosts Mitch Bach, Peter Syme and Chris Torres have just returned from their California Road Show, in partnership with GetYourGuide. We spent a week hosting business development workshops in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles, meeting dozens of operators in all sorts of verticals. Thanks to everyone who showed up, and to Ge…
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The Psychology of Consumer Behaviour in Marketing
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13:03Welcome to Lookers into Bookers, the podcast that helps you tap into the psychology of your customers to drive bookings. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the psychology behind consumer behavior in tour operator marketing. We’ll explore six key psychological factors that can influence a traveller’s decision to book: social proof, fear of missin…
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Scaling a DMC that's Challenging Conventions & Changing Communities (w/ Rodrigo Atuesta of Impulse Travel)
1:11:19
1:11:19
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1:11:19This episode is going to inspire and surprise you. Rodrigo Atuesta is the CEO of Impulse Travel. From humble beginnings as a guide and Couch Surfer, Rodrigo and his partners have built a DMC in Colombia that has now served over 30,000 travelers. But the way he's built it has been extraordinary, challenging assumptions about how DMCs should work, an…
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