Destination On The Left

Nicole Mahoney
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Marketing
  • Updated weekly

Destination On The Left is a travel and tourism industry podcast hosted by Travel Alliance Partnership. Each episode explores successful collaborations, creative marketing ideas and best practices for both consumer and travel trade marketing programs. Interviews are a mix of Destination Marketers, Industry Leaders, Consultants and businesses in the industry.

  1. 12 hr ago

    Leading with Authenticity and Resilience, with Lauren Bennett McGinty

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota. Lauren shares how Minnesota has evolved its destination marketing strategy beyond traditional tourism promotion to focus on storytelling, quality of life, and reputation leadership. We discuss the development of the state's Star of the North brand, how Explore Minnesota responded to unexpected national attention with authenticity and compassion, and why collaboration across agencies, industries, and communities is shaping a stronger future for tourism. Lauren also shares practical leadership lessons for navigating challenging moments while keeping people, partnerships, and purpose at the center of the work. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Explore Minnesota developed the Star of the North brand to tell a more authentic and enduring story Why storytelling rooted in real visitor and resident experiences creates stronger destination marketing How tourism leaders can respond thoughtfully when unexpected events place their destination in the national spotlight Why taking care of your team first is an essential leadership strategy during times of crisis How collaboration across government agencies and industry partners is strengthening Minnesota's tourism economy What Minnesota's innovative Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership can teach other destinations about cross-sector collaboration How destination organizations continue to evolve beyond marketing into leadership, stewardship, and community building Building a Destination Brand That Reflects Authentic Experiences As competition for visitors continues to grow, Lauren explains that creativity alone isn't enough. Successful destination marketing begins with understanding what makes a place genuinely unique and finding authentic ways to share those stories. Explore Minnesota's Star of the North brand was designed to showcase not only the state's tourism experiences, but also its quality of life, outdoor recreation opportunities, business climate, and future growth. Rather than relying on traditional tourism advertising, Lauren shares how her team invited first-time visitors and newer residents to experience Minnesota and tell their own stories. Their genuine reactions, combined with thoughtfully designed itineraries, created marketing that feels relatable, trustworthy, and deeply authentic. The result is a brand that highlights the unexpected moments visitors discover while giving residents a story they are proud to share. Leading Through Uncertainty with Compassion and Purpose Lauren offers an honest look at how Explore Minnesota responded when the state unexpectedly became the focus of national headlines. Rather than reacting immediately with marketing campaigns, she explains why the first priority was ensuring her team and industry partners had the support they needed before developing a broader response. That people-first philosophy shaped the "Come Visit Your Neighbors" campaign, which focused on Minnesota's welcoming spirit and strong sense of community. Lauren shares practical leadership advice for destination organizations facing unexpected challenges, including understanding your organization's role, strengthening partnerships, listening carefully to stakeholders, and communicating with authenticity rather than urgency. The conversation highlights how destination organizations can help strengthen community confidence while remaining true to their mission. Expanding the Role of Destination Leadership Throughout the conversation, Lauren illustrates how destination organizations are increasingly serving as connectors, conveners, and community advocates. Beyond promoting travel, Explore Minnesota now supports initiatives focused on resident attraction, business development, film production, and outdoor recreation, recognizing that all of these efforts contribute to the state's overall reputation and economic vitality. Lauren also discusses Minnesota's Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership, an innovative collaboration that brings together multiple state agencies to support the state's outdoor recreation economy. By connecting government resources with industry stakeholders, the partnership has become a model for other states seeking to strengthen collaboration, grow outdoor recreation, and create long-term economic opportunity. It's a powerful example of how destination leadership continues to evolve through partnerships, shared purpose, and a commitment to serving both visitors and residents. Resources: Website: https://www.exploreminnesota.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenbennettmcginty/

    41 min

  2. 24 Jun

    Customizable Luxury and Brand Stewardship in Beverly Hills, with Julie Wagner

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau. Julie shares her journey from the cruise and hotel industries to leading one of the world's most iconic destination brands. We explore how Beverly Hills continues to evolve while staying true to its legacy, the challenges and opportunities of marketing a globally recognized destination, and the importance of collaboration, innovation, and destination stewardship. Julie also discusses how Beverly Hills is redefining luxury for the next generation of travelers and preparing for a future shaped by major global events, changing consumer expectations, and increased competition. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Beverly Hills is redefining luxury through a philosophy of customizable experiences Why managing a legacy destination brand requires both innovation and perception management How creative campaigns and emerging technologies help Beverly Hills connect with new audiences What lessons destination leaders can learn from Beverly Hills' approach to crisis response and resilience How collaboration across hotels, government, tourism organizations, and businesses strengthens destination success Why protecting and differentiating a destination brand has become increasingly important in a crowded marketplace How Beverly Hills is leveraging major sporting events and global tourism opportunities to build long-term awareness and economic impact Redefining Luxury for a New Generation As one of the most recognizable destination brands in the world, Beverly Hills enjoys extraordinary global awareness. Yet Julie explains that brand recognition alone is not enough. One of the CVB's most important responsibilities is challenging outdated perceptions and ensuring the destination remains relevant to future generations of travelers. Rather than focusing solely on exclusivity, Beverly Hills has embraced the concept of customizable luxury. Whether visitors are seeking a family-friendly getaway, a wellness-focused retreat, a boutique hotel experience, or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury vacation, the destination offers a wide range of experiences that allow travelers to define luxury on their own terms. Julie shares how this flexibility has become a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive tourism landscape. Creativity, Innovation, and Building Brand Relevance Maintaining relevance for a legacy brand requires a willingness to experiment. Julie discusses how Beverly Hills has embraced innovative storytelling and emerging technology to engage new audiences. One example is the destination's creative "Imagine" campaign, which combined AI-generated artistic concepts with real-world experiences to showcase Beverly Hills as a place where imagination and aspiration intersect. Throughout the conversation, Julie emphasizes that innovation is not simply about adopting new tools. It is about finding fresh ways to communicate a destination's unique value while staying true to its core identity. Whether through partnerships with content creators, experiential campaigns, or new marketing channels, Beverly Hills continues to evolve its messaging to resonate with the next generation of luxury travelers. Collaboration, Stewardship, and Preparing for the Future A recurring theme throughout our discussion is the power of collaboration. Julie shares examples of how hotels, city leaders, tourism partners, and neighboring destinations work together to strengthen Beverly Hills' position while supporting broader regional goals. From crisis-response initiatives during COVID-19 and wildfire recovery efforts to international sales missions and cooperative marketing programs, these partnerships demonstrate the value of what I often call coopetition. Julie also discusses how Beverly Hills is preparing for a wave of major global sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. Rather than focusing solely on hotel occupancy, the destination is creating opportunities to build long-term brand awareness, drive visitor spending throughout the city, and reinforce Beverly Hills' position as a world-class destination. Through strategic partnerships, thoughtful stewardship, and a commitment to protecting the integrity of its brand, Beverly Hills continues to balance its celebrated legacy with a forward-looking vision for the future. Resources: Website: https://lovebeverlyhills.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wagner-cdme-a5147210/

    40 min

  3. 17 Jun

    From Port to Community: Rethinking the Cruise Experience, with Shelly Hartfield

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Shelly Hartfield, Vice President of Destinations for Victory Cruise Lines. Shelly shares how her passion for destinations evolved from a career in maritime operations into a role focused on creating meaningful connections between travelers and communities throughout the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, Atlantic Canada, and the U.S. East Coast. We explore the power of collaboration in cruise tourism, how unexpected challenges often lead to remarkable guest experiences, and why destination stewardship, community partnerships, and strategic planning are at the heart of successful cruise itineraries. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Shelly's career journey led her to become a champion for destination-focused cruise experiences Why Victory Cruise Lines views destinations as communities rather than simply ports of call How understanding traveler motivations helps create more meaningful and memorable experiences What cruise operators can learn from unexpected disruptions and the opportunities they create How collaboration between cruise lines, ports, and destinations benefits entire communities Why destination discovery often requires getting off the beaten path and experiencing places firsthand How sustainability initiatives can simultaneously improve visitor experiences and support local economies Viewing Destinations Through a Community Lens Shelly believes the difference between a city and a destination lies in its people, culture, and stories. At Victory Cruise Lines, this perspective shapes how itineraries are developed and how experiences are curated for guests. Rather than simply bringing travelers to a port, the goal is to connect them with the character of a place and the people who call it home. This philosophy aligns closely with the interests of Victory's guests, many of whom are experienced travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, local history, and meaningful interactions. Shelly shares how these travelers often seek out conversations with residents and appreciate opportunities to learn about communities beyond the typical visitor experience. By focusing on these connections, cruise travel becomes a gateway to deeper destination discovery. When Necessity Becomes Innovation Tourism is filled with variables that cannot be controlled, and cruising is no exception. Weather events, changing water levels, and unexpected operational challenges can quickly require an itinerary to change course. Shelly explains that success in these moments depends on preparation, transparency, and a culture of collaboration across the organization. She shares memorable examples where last-minute changes resulted in unexpected guest favorites. What began as logistical challenges became opportunities to introduce travelers to communities and experiences that were never originally planned. These moments reinforced an important lesson: flexibility and creative problem-solving often reveal hidden gems that might otherwise go undiscovered. Through proactive communication and contingency planning, challenges become opportunities to create unique and memorable experiences for guests. Collaboration as a Driver of Destination Success One of Shelly's strongest beliefs is that collaboration and competition can coexist. Cruise lines may compete for guests, but they share a common interest in supporting the destinations they visit. Whether coordinating schedules to share limited dock space or working together to advocate for infrastructure improvements, collaboration creates benefits that extend beyond any single company. Shelly also discusses how destination partnerships contribute to sustainability and long-term economic development. From encouraging repeat visitation to exploring alternatives to printed materials through digital solutions, she sees opportunities for destinations and cruise operators to work together in ways that improve the visitor experience while reducing waste and increasing measurable impact. Ultimately, Shelly views every cruise itinerary as a collection of stories. Each destination contributes a chapter, and every community plays a role in shaping the traveler's experience. Through thoughtful partnerships, strategic planning, and a commitment to showcasing authentic places and people, cruise tourism can become a powerful catalyst for community growth and destination stewardship. Resources: Website: http://www.victorycruiselines.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-hartfield-1330b919/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/victorycruiselines/

    43 min

  4. 10 Jun

    The Power of Crazy Solutions and Human Imagination, with John Franklin Rinehart

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with John Franklin Rinehart, founder of Austin Film Crew. We talk in depth about his latest project in Gonzalez, Texas, and the Texas Legacy in Lights project, a full-scale live-action film projected onto the Gonzalez Memorial Museum. With the film, John is helping the community prepare for future visitors by developing new branding and digital assets that reflect the community. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How John moved from a career in music to becoming a leader in experiential storytelling How thinking differently can create breakthroughs for small destinations What inspired the Texas Legacy and Lights project in Gonzalez, Texas, and how live-action projection mapping was used to tell a unique local story How John and his team rebuilt Gonzalez's tourism platform after the city lost its website, and what went into creating digital assets for community branding Why translating tourism websites into dozens of languages creates new opportunities to attract international visitors, even for small towns How leadership, vision, and empowering local talent can transform ordinary community assets into extraordinary tourism attractions Lessons John has learned about overcoming skepticism and inspiring communities to believe in bold, world-class projects Challenging the Status Quo in Tourism Marketing Tourism marketing often feels like a tightly-packed field, but John believes the space is less competitive than it is stale. Many marketers follow in others' footsteps, replicating strategies instead of innovating. Real breakthrough requires a willingness to "break your brain a little bit"—to stop asking what everyone else is doing and start challenging your own assumptions. The key is to create something so unique that people and the media cannot help but take notice. If no one is willing to write about your idea or pay attention to it, then it's not bold enough to rise above the noise. The Texas Legacy in Lights Project Gonzalez, Texas, is steeped in history, forever linked to the "Come and Take It" flag and the beginning of the Texas Revolution. But its story has long been overshadowed by the likes of the Alamo. The city's challenge is to tell its tale in a way that stands out not just locally, but on the global stage. Enter Texas Legacy in Lights: a full-scale, live-action film projected using cutting-edge 3D mapping technology onto the city's Memorial Museum. John and his team tackled the much harder task of using live-action film to bring history to life right on the building's facade. The project required extensive technical, creative, and engineering skill, from building accurate period costumes and sets to installing a sound system that's immersive within the venue but virtually silent outside, because of the residential community nearby. Rethinking the Ordinary Tourism Website Tourism starts online, but most tourism websites are mere directories meant for visitors who have already chosen their destination. John's challenge is to ignite aspiration and connection long before travelers decide to visit. Gonzalez's new digital hub goes well beyond the norm: it features content in 50 languages, each tailored and not just run through Google Translate. The site provides unique guides for different cultures, practical tips for international visitors (like where to buy good bread or how to navigate transportation-less Texas), and locally-flavored stories that spark emotion and imagination. This strategic move recognizes overlooked audience segments searching the web, making Gonzalez visible to the world and accessible in unprecedented ways. Resources: Website: https://www.austinfilmcrew.com/

    38 min

  5. 3 Jun

    Turning Environmental Challenges into Tourism Opportunities in Destin Fort Walton Beach with Alex Fogg and Jennifer Adams

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jennifer Adams, Director of Tourism, and Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief, to find out how the destination's innovative Coastal and Natural Resources team is setting Destin Fort Walton Beach apart, transforming environmental challenges into tourism opportunities. You'll hear how an invasive species, the lionfish, became both a tourism driver and an annual event, and how the region has evolved into a family destination through free outdoor adventure programs for kids and teens. Jennifer and Alex also share the inside story of the creation of what will be the world's largest artificial reef, using the repurposed SS United States ocean liner, positioning the area as an international diving hotspot. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Destin Fort Walton Beach has established a Coastal and Natural Resources team  How a challenge with the invasive lionfish species became a key tourism driver for the region How the destination's free Little Adventures program engages kids and families with hands-on outdoor experiences How the team created and rapidly expanded a program offering free outdoor classes, resulting in 700 sessions and serving over 4,000 kids in a year Why the artificial reef project, featuring the SS United States ocean liner, will make the area an internationally recognized dive destination Collaborations and strategic partnerships that have fueled product development and positioned Destin Fort Walton Beach for year-round tourism Lessons Jennifer and Alex have learned about turning ecological challenges into memorable and marketable visitor experiences Expanding Beyond Traditional Tourism Marketing Historically recognized for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, Destin Fort Walton Beach has long attracted vacationers seeking a quintessential Florida getaway. But as the tourism market grew more competitive, especially against all-inclusive options like cruise vacations, Jennifer Adams realized something had to change. This insight spurred the creation of a coastal and natural resources team, making their tourism office one of the few in the U.S. with in-house marine and forestry biologists, aimed at protecting and enhancing the very environment that draws visitors. Free Outdoor Classes Fueling Family Connection One of the standout programs redefining the visitor experience is the Little Adventures initiative. Recognizing statistics that highlight children's lack of outdoor engagement, Jennifer and her team built a brand promise: "get kids outside on the water to give their adventure side room to grow". Through this program, local experts, including fishing guides, dive instructors, and even astronomers, offer free hands-on classes to vacationing families. What began with 70 sessions in 2021 exploded to over 700 in a single season, reaching more than 4,000 kids. This investment brought significant returns for the community, circulating an estimated $4 million back into the local economy, while giving families a broader, authentic experience that's hard to replicate elsewhere. Partnership, Collaboration, and Global Reach Collaboration is foundational to every initiative. Regionally, Destin Fort Walton Beach works closely with seven other Florida Panhandle counties via the Northwest Florida Tourism Council, pooling resources for international marketing and product development. Partners like Yamaha and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute have also joined artificial reef efforts, while the "Ask a Scout" feature on the destination's website connects incoming families with local moms to provide real, trusted advice. "We all work collectively," Jennifer emphasizes, ensuring that local character, environmental strength, and visitor experiences remain connected. Resources: Website: https://www.destinfwb.com/

    37 min

  6. 27 May

    Using AI to Transform the Visitor Experience, with Michael Herrmann

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Michael Herrmann, President and Founder of Tour Connect AI. Michael shares how operating a bike rental company in Sydney, Australia, led him to develop a technology to help DMCs become more efficient. You'll hear why Michael believes AI won't replace the human touch in tourism, it will amplify creativity, improve collaboration, and drastically improve efficiency. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Michael transitioned from a technology consultant to founding a bike tour company in Australia, then creating Tour Connect AI Why understanding regional differences and customer behaviors is critical when adapting across global tourism markets How using AI allows tour operators to focus more on human-centric tasks, such as building relationships Why rapid response to itinerary requests significantly increases booking conversion rates How AI-driven collaboration supports efficiency and customer experience How Tour Connect uses AI integration to build better customization Why AI in tourism is set to democratize advanced technology for organizations of all sizes From Hands-On to Digital Solutions Michael began his career as a technology consultant with Ernst and Young, but a leap to starting a bicycle tour company in Sydney, Australia, opened his eyes to the complexities of tourism operations. His American roots and European business model faced unique challenges in the Australian market, though travelers stayed longer and booking patterns were drastically different. This experience exposed Michael to the inefficiencies in the travel industry, especially for DMCs and inbound tour operators who juggle thousands of suppliers and use outdated processes. These operational bottlenecks, combined with the travel industry's dependence on static annual contracts, paper forms, and institutional knowledge, inspired Michael to found Tour Connect, which aims to streamline collaboration through technology and, eventually, AI. Breaking Down AI-Powered Itinerary Building The industry conversation about AI usually focuses on generic tools like ChatGPT. Michael stresses that genuine transformation only comes from integrating AI into the actual business environment. Tour Connect's approach uses a company's real supplier contracts, negotiated rates, and established relationships. By tapping into existing booking systems, AI can pull all necessary information—dates, guest counts, preferences, allergies—and compose an accurate, bookable itinerary with remarkable speed and consistency. Collaboration and Speed Speed isn't just a matter of convenience, it's a key driver of conversion. Failing to respond to a group itinerary request within 24 hours can result in a devastating 40% drop in the likelihood of booking. With travelers often sending concurrent requests to operators in various destinations, it's the fastest, most polished reply that captures their imagination first, building anticipation and attachment to a particular place. AI-powered workflow automation enables faster supplier confirmations, quote turnarounds, and itinerary delivery, helping teams to focus on relationship-building rather than firefighting. Resources: Website: www.tourconnect.ai LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-herrmann-768ab6/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourconnect-llc/

    42 min

  7. 20 May

    Reinventing Rental Logistics and Customer Experience, with Jason Bullock

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jason Bullock, Founder of Bodhisys and owner of Carolina Rides, about how delivering excellent customer service depends on systems and processes that support the many moving parts of reservations, inventory, and deliveries. He shares why he developed Bodhisys, a reservation management system tailored for the unique needs of rental businesses, optimizing everything from inventory management to delivery efficiency. Listen in as we discuss the importance of streamlined operations in creating exceptional customer experiences and fostering industry collaboration. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Jason transitioned from a background in logistics and packaging to owning and operating multiple vacation rental and bike businesses Why customer service and efficient logistics are crucial for success in the rental industry Challenges Jason faced with existing reservation and booking platforms, and how this led to the creation of Bodhisys How Bodhisys uses technology to streamline inventory, delivery logistics, and communications, to provide a better customer experience Why seasonal pricing and adaptability in operations are important How Jason is partnering with competitors through technology and shared platforms to uplift the industry as a whole What impact technology-driven efficiencies have on customer satisfaction, repeat business, and overall profitability in the rental space The Art and Logistics of Rentals When most people think of the travel industry, glamorous destinations and dazzling activities come to mind. But Jason's world is more about the nitty-gritty of inventory management, deliveries, and keeping up with vacationers' evolving needs. His business delivers thousands of bikes and equipment items to vacationers at resorts and private rentals in the Hilton Head and Charleston areas. COVID-19 only magnified these challenges, as business whiplashed from 4% to 140% of historical sales within a week—forcing immediate innovation to keep up with demand and ensure guests received what they needed, when and where they needed it. The Birth of Bodhisys As business boomed, so did complaints—especially from frustrated guests who had trouble finding their rentals amid the sea of bikes and equipment. Seeing that traditional booking software wasn't designed for the logistics-heavy rental of "stuff," Jason was motivated by dissatisfied customers and exhausted employees to build a smarter system. The solution was building Bodhisys, a reservation management system purpose-built for logistics, inventory, and delivery—as opposed to the "activity first" platforms dominating the market. With features like photo geolocation of delivered items, automated customer messaging, and dynamic inventory management. Systems = Better Business, Better Experiences While the technology behind Bodhisys is robust, its true value lies in the ripple effect it creates for business owners and travelers alike. With real-time communications, automated reminders, and demand prediction, operators can plan staffing, adjust inventory, and meet seasonal swings without being blindsided. Importantly, these changes aren't just about operational ease, they have an impact on customer satisfaction. Similar to Amazon's familiar delivery notifications, Bodhisys provides travelers with the same transparency and reliability during their vacations. Which, in turn, leads to happier guests, less on-site confusion, and more repeat business. Resources: Website: https://bodhisys.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbullock/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bodhisys/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

    41 min

  8. 13 May

    Building Relationships and Long-Term Growth Through Travel Trade, with Rhonda Carges & Jordan Herson

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rhonda Carges, Executive Vice President at TAP, and Jordan Herson, Travel Trade Account Manager at TAP. Together, they share an inside look at the travel trade segment of the tourism industry and explore how destinations can build meaningful relationships with tour operators, meeting planners, media, and buyers. From trade show strategy and FAM tour planning to stakeholder education and long-term relationship building, Rhonda and Jordan discuss how thoughtful collaboration and integrated planning can help destinations create sustainable growth opportunities and stronger industry partnerships. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What travel trade includes and why it plays such a critical role in tourism marketing How destinations can build integrated travel trade strategies that align stakeholders and partners Why relationship building and intentional communication are essential for successful trade show activations How FAM tours help destinations create stronger buyer engagement and measurable results What destinations should consider when vetting buyers and planning trade trade outreach How education supports stronger collaboration between destinations, attractions, and travel professionals Why travel trade should be viewed as a long-term investment rather than a short sales cycle Understanding the Power of Travel Trade Rhonda and Jordan explain that travel trade represents the business-to-business side of tourism, connecting destinations with tour operators, meeting planners, event organizers, and other professionals who sell travel experiences to consumers. While leisure marketing often receives the spotlight, travel trade creates an important pathway for destinations to reach new audiences, including international travelers and organized group markets that may otherwise be difficult to access. The conversation highlights how integrated travel trade strategies require strong communication, clear priorities, and collaboration across partners and stakeholders. For statewide tourism organizations like New York State Division of Tourism, this means coordinating efforts across regions while helping destinations stand out through targeted messaging, relationship building, and strategic engagement opportunities. Creating Meaningful Connections Through Trade Shows and FAM Tours Trade shows remain one of the most valuable opportunities for building long-term industry relationships. Jordan shares how successful trade show activations begin with careful planning, buyer vetting, and alignment around goals, while Rhonda emphasizes the importance of using these events to strengthen authentic human connections across the industry. They also explore the role of FAM tours in helping buyers and media experience destinations firsthand. Jordan explains TAP's approach to FAM planning, and Rhonda adds that FAM tours often provide some of the clearest opportunities for measuring success because destinations can more easily track resulting coverage, itineraries, and future bookings. Education, Collaboration, and the Long-Term Value of Travel Trade Throughout the episode, Rhonda and Jordan return to the importance of education within the travel trade ecosystem. They discuss how destinations must educate not only buyers, but also their own stakeholders and partners about what it means to be "group ready," from accessibility and logistics to creating experiences that work for group travelers. The conversation also reinforces that travel trade is a long-term investment built on trust, consistency, and ongoing communication. Whether attending trade shows, hosting FAM tours, or participating in industry education, destinations that stay engaged and intentional are better positioned to build lasting partnerships and future visitation. Rhonda and Jordan share how follow-up, collaboration, and relationship management often become the deciding factors in turning industry connections into meaningful business opportunities over time. Resources: Website: https://travelalliancepartnership.com/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

    36 min
See All (483)

About

Destination On The Left is a travel and tourism industry podcast hosted by Travel Alliance Partnership. Each episode explores successful collaborations, creative marketing ideas and best practices for both consumer and travel trade marketing programs. Interviews are a mix of Destination Marketers, Industry Leaders, Consultants and businesses in the industry.

Information

You Might Also Like