Travel Grow Show

Mark Lamberth

Welcome to The Travel Grow Show, the podcast where host Mark Lamberth dives deep into the world of travel businesses. Each episode features insightful interviews with successful tour operators and travel brands, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what makes these businesses thrive. From their humble beginnings to becoming industry leaders, Mark uncovers the key strategies that drive their growth and success. Through candid conversations, listeners will gain valuable insights into how these entrepreneurs and travel experts navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving travel industry. Mark explores everything from operations and customer experience to the creative marketing tactics that set these businesses apart. You’ll learn what it takes to build a thriving travel company, how to overcome obstacles, and the essential steps to grow your brand in a competitive market. Whether you're a tour operator, travel enthusiast, or someone interested in the business side of travel, The Travel Grow Show is your go-to resource for inspiration, actionable tips, and industry secrets that can help take your travel business to the next level. Tune in, get inspired, and start growing your travel business today!

Episodes

  1. Growing a Walking Tour Business: the power of Mentorship and Focus

    03/21/2025

    Growing a Walking Tour Business: the power of Mentorship and Focus

    In this episode of the Travel Growth Show, host Mark interviews Carolyn Johnson, founder of Welcome to Harlem, a tour company offering unique experiences in New York City's historic Harlem neighborhood. Carolyn shares her inspiring journey from accidental tour guide to successful business owner, providing valuable insights for aspiring tour operators and travel entrepreneurs. Key lessons learned from the episode: - Start small and grow organically: Carolyn began with just a few tours and gradually expanded her offerings over time. - Leverage local resources: Joining organizations like NYC & Company and ALLON provided crucial support and networking opportunities. - Know your area intimately: Thoroughly research local landmarks, history, and interesting facts to create engaging tours. - Focus on a manageable area: Design tours around 10-12 blocks to maintain interest and provide ample content. - Engage with your audience: Encourage questions and create a friendly, conversational atmosphere during tours. - Diversify your offerings: Carolyn expanded into producing jazz and gospel events, which helped attract more customers to her tour business. - Support local businesses: Incorporate local restaurants and shops into your tours to benefit the community. - Utilize online platforms: Partner with companies like Viator and GetYourGuide to increase visibility and bookings. - Create educational content: Develop supplementary materials like games, websites, and podcasts to further engage your audience. - Seek mentorship and guidance: Connect with experienced individuals in your industry for advice and support. This episode offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow a tour business, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and community engagement in building a successful tourism enterprises.

    21 min
  2. Growing a 75-year old Destination Tour Business: Matt Naughton with Stark Caverns

    03/14/2025

    Growing a 75-year old Destination Tour Business: Matt Naughton with Stark Caverns

    Dive deep into the underground world of Stark Caverns with Matt Naughton in this illuminating episode of the Travel Grow Show. Discover how this 75-year-old Missouri attraction has been revitalized under new management since 2017, offering a blend of history, science, and adventure. From daytime historical tours to blacklight explorations and an underground escape room, Stark Caverns showcases innovative ways to engage visitors and grow a tourism business. Key insights for tour operators and travel brands: - Diversify your offerings: Stark Caverns provides multiple tour options, including regular daytime tours, blacklight tours, and an escape room experience, catering to different interests and demographics. - Embrace your history: The caverns leverage their rich 3000-year history of human habitation and even their bootlegging past to create compelling narratives for visitors. - Seasonal adaptability: Offer special programs like Scout camping and school field trips to maximize off-peak periods and attract diverse groups. - Set ambitious growth goals: Stark Caverns aims to increase tours by 100% in the next couple of years, demonstrating the importance of setting clear, aggressive targets. - Balance traditional and digital marketing: While billboards remain effective, the business is focusing on growing online bookings to reduce acquisition costs and gather valuable customer data. - Prioritize customer experience: Stark Caverns' commitment to maintaining a five-star rating and being the top-rated cave tour in Missouri underscores the importance of exceptional service from first contact to post-visit follow-up. - Leverage surrounding attractions: Located strategically between major cities and near Lake of the Ozarks, Stark Caverns capitalizes on its position to attract visitors already in the area. By implementing these strategies, tour operators and travel brands can enhance their offerings, improve customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth in the competitive tourism industry.

    14 min
  3. 03/07/2025

    Welcome to the Travel Grow Show

    Welcome to the Travel Grow Show, your ultimate guide to scaling tour operations and travel brands in the digital age. Hosted by Mark Lamberth, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Travel Marketer, this podcast is your ticket to unlocking seven-figure success in the travel industry. In our debut episode, we're setting sail on an exciting journey through the landscape of travel marketing. Mark sits down with trailblazing tour operators and destination managers who have cracked the code to reaching and surpassing $1M in annual revenue. Get ready to explore: - Innovative travel marketing strategies that drive growth - Techniques for harnessing the power of customer reviews - Smart approaches to collaborating with Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) - Insider tips on boosting direct bookings and reducing OTA dependence Each episode of the Travel Grow Show is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples from industry leaders who've navigated the challenges of digital marketing in the travel sector. Whether you're a seasoned tour operator or a budding entrepreneur in the travel space, you'll find valuable takeaways to fuel your business growth. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind successful travel marketing campaigns, learn how to leverage digital tools effectively, and discover ways to stand out in a competitive market. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey to elevate your travel brand to new heights. The Travel Grow Show – where travel marketing expertise meets business growth. Don't just dream about success – learn how to achieve it with every episode.

    5 min

About

Welcome to The Travel Grow Show, the podcast where host Mark Lamberth dives deep into the world of travel businesses. Each episode features insightful interviews with successful tour operators and travel brands, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what makes these businesses thrive. From their humble beginnings to becoming industry leaders, Mark uncovers the key strategies that drive their growth and success. Through candid conversations, listeners will gain valuable insights into how these entrepreneurs and travel experts navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving travel industry. Mark explores everything from operations and customer experience to the creative marketing tactics that set these businesses apart. You’ll learn what it takes to build a thriving travel company, how to overcome obstacles, and the essential steps to grow your brand in a competitive market. Whether you're a tour operator, travel enthusiast, or someone interested in the business side of travel, The Travel Grow Show is your go-to resource for inspiration, actionable tips, and industry secrets that can help take your travel business to the next level. Tune in, get inspired, and start growing your travel business today!