Gather and Go with Brian Jewell

The Group Travel Leader Inc
Gather and Go with Brian Jewell

If you’re involved planning, promoting or leading travel, this is a show you won’t want to miss. On each episode, we’ll share expert insights from our decades in travel and feature conversations with some of the most creative, innovative and fascinating people from around the tourism industry. We’ll cover topics such as traveling through challenging times, discovering authentic cultural encounters, developing new opportunities in culinary tourism, modernizing your travel marketing and much, much more. Plus, you’ll get my hot takes on some of the issues impacting travel every day.

  1. 11 ДЕК.

    And… ACTION: Video Tips to Sell More Trips

    Could a smart video strategy be your key to selling more trips? Tony Gnau believes it might be. A former TV news reporter, founder of a video production company and author of the Amazon bestselling book "Lights, Camera, Impact," Tony has spent his career using video to tell meaningful stories — and helping companies do the same. He joins this episode of the podcast to discuss travel organizations can use video to build trust, extend their brands and grow their sales. Tony shares video storytelling techniques that every traveler can use. He also discusses the number-one issue making DIY videos seem unprofessional and shares a video sales funnel proved to turn viewers into buyers. Plus, we have news about a new fee tax in Mexico; a road tip about holiday season trips; and a Hot Minute about the increasing burden of taxation on tourists. Insights from Tony Gnau Tony had lots of great insights on how travel professionals can capture better videos on the road. Here's his top tip for DIY travel videos: “The camera you have in your pocket is a fantastic video camera… [But] If you’re out in the field somewhere, leading a tour group, you’re in a travel environment, the sound on those cameras stinks. You can buy even just a $15-20 microphone that you can attach to your cell phone that will easily double the quality of the audio.... The #1 way to distinguish an amateur video from a professional video isn’t the video itself at all — it’s the audio. So the best way to improve your DIY video quality is to improve the audio." Plus, he had insightful thoughts on: * Why your travel videos should focus on telling stories * Making your "About Us" video stand out * How to use guide profile videos, customer testimonial videos, and more Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Tony Gnau at tonygnau.com. Learn more about T60 Productions at t60productions.com. Find Ashley Runyon's tips for Christmas trips in Select Traveler magazine. See our latest OnSite FAM opportunities and sign up for more trip announcements here. Key Moments From This Episode 1:18 — Travel News: Mexico implements new cruise passenger fee 2:40 — Road Tip: Leaning into the holiday spirit on trips 6:39 — Five great familiarization tours coming in 2025 10:48 — Why so many corporate videos are awful 16:19 — The power of the video camera in your pocket 17:36 — The biggest problem with your videos is bad audio 22:10 — Why your travel videos should be all about storytelling 26:36 — Should you be on-camera in your travel videos? 32:14 — Making your “About Us” video stand out

    57 мин.
  2. 27 НОЯБ.

    Adult Group Tours Aren’t Dying… Here’s Proof!

    The adult group travel business isn't dying. Just ask Brent Dalrymple. After starting his career in the financial industry, Brent left big business in 2003 to join his parents' small tour company in St. Louis. Since then, he has overseen enormous growth for his family business, Sunrise Tours, as well as the recently acquired Country Travel Discoveries. Brent joins this episode of the podcast to discuss how group travel has changed, why the industry constantly defies critics and how he is leading his companies in into a successful future. Brent shares what fundamental value propositions of group travel keep new generations of travelers coming into the industry. He also shares why his companies are offering more international tours than ever and how his travelers have grown to love a more premium product. Plus, we have news about the bright outlook for group travel in 2025; a road tip about electrical outlets; and a Hot Minute about proving the group travel haters wrong. Insights from Brent Dalrymple Brent had lots of great insights on why group travel keeps succeeding despite headwinds from both the economy and culture at large. Here's how he responds to the idea that generational change will one day render group tours obsolete: “It has never happened… Generations are not monolithic. In the baby boomers, there are people who want to do things on their own and people who like the social aspect of traveling, just like any generation. And the fact is, the baby boomers are a big group of people, so we’re in the heart of the baby boomer bulge right now. And in that population, there are a lot of people who are attracted to a more social group travel opportunity." Plus, he had insightful thoughts on: * How strong relationships lead to competitive advantages * How legacy tour operators should think about transition planning * How to attract and develop great next-generation employees Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Sunrise Tours at travelsunrise.com. Learn more about Country Travel Discoveries at countrytraveldiscoveries.com. Follow the Von Mack Agency on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok See the full results of NTA’s recent destination and tour supplier survey here. Subscribe to Gather and Go in your favorite podcast app or by email here. Key Moments From This Episode 2:18 — Travel News: Destinations and suppliers anticipate group tour growth 3:49 — Road Tip: The perfect travel extension cable 8:24 — Take Gather and Go with you

    55 мин.
  3. 20 НОЯБ.

    BONUS: Unlock India for Your Travel Tribe

    Taking your travel group on the adventure of a lifetime might be easier than you think. Few places on earth can match the mystique of India, a country with thousands of years of rich culture and tradition. And though it's far away, India is surprisingly easy to access. On this episode of Gather and Go, Travel Scope India founder Mohan Narayanaswamy joins us to unlock the secrets of his home country. He shares the places every traveler must see, gives us a peak at his favorite hidden treasures, previews the rich variety of Indian cuisine and explains how he makes it easy for group leaders to plan customized, accessible Indian adventures. This episode is brought to you by the Travel Scope India. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Travel Scope India at travelscopeindia.com. Email Mohan Narayanaswamy at mohan@travelscopeindia.com See a video introduction to Travel Scope India’s experiences here. Key Moments From This Episode 3:15 — How Mohan Narayanaswamy became an India travel expert 7:15 — A customized approach to traveling in India 9:42 — Discovering India’s diverse geography 11:26 — India’s must-see destinations 19:08 — Uncovering India’s hidden treasures 22:20 — Eating your way through India 24:25 — Myths and misconceptions about visiting India 27:45 — How India has changed 29:28 — What kind of hotels do groups stay at in India? 32:12 — The logistics of taking groups to India Watch the Full Interview See the full interview with Mohan on our YouTube channel. About the Podcast Gather and Go with Brian Jewell is a tourism industry podcast that helps group travel leaders plan, promote and lead better trips. There are also tips and insights for destination marketers and others who support the tourism trade. Each episode reaches thousands of professional tour operators, travel agents and the volunteer group leaders they serve. The audience also includes destination museum leaders, church travel leaders and other tourism enthusiasts around the world. Each show includes an interview with a smart travel pro or an insightful person from outside tourism who's expertise can help make travel businesses better. You'll also hear travel news, road tips and more. New episodes are released about twice monthly. You can find Gather and Go wherever your listen to podcasts or subscribe by email.

    43 мин.
  4. 13 НОЯБ.

    Your Ads Don’t Work… Here’s How To Fix Them

    If you run ads for your travel organization online, there's a good chance you've been wasting your money. Marica Mackenroth Brewster has seen it firsthand. As a tourism marketing veteran and founder of the Von Mack Agency, she has helped companies throughout the travel industry combine smart advertising with time-tested, relationship-based selling strategies. She joins this episode of the podcast to discuss what travel marketers should be doing to get their message out in 2025 and beyond. Marica tells us why digital-only strategies fall short and why old-school advertising is making a comeback. She gives examples of how create advertising campaigns that serve customers and boost sales at the same time. Plus, we have news about the booming Millennial cruise segment; a road tip about saving yourself from back pain when traveling; and a Hot Minute about how much you should — or shouldn't — rely on social media to market your travel business. Insights from Marica Mackenroth Brewster Marica had lots of great insights on the changing world of advertising and how small companies can succeed in it. Here's a surprising take she had on the resurgence of traditional advertising: “The old-fashioned stuff is coming back. In the marketing and advertising community nationally, it’s a big, documented movement to go back to creative and back to the old school.... [This] means your creative has to be good. You have to know your unique selling points. You have to know why you’re different from the guy down the street. You need to know why someone would take your tour over the tour next to you…. And then you have to have that human element in your ads." Plus, she had insightful thoughts on: * How to measure the return on your marketing spend * How tour operators should approach their marketing strategies * What you need to know to run your own marketing campaigns... and when to enlist a pro Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about the Von Mack Agency and explore their free marketing resources at vonmackagency.com. Follow the Von Mack Agency on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok Sign up to receive The Group Travel Minute here. Key Moments From This Episode 1:41 — Travel News: Young cruisers are driving growth for Royal Caribbean 2:50 — Road Tip: Save your back with a trolley strap 9:15 — Our best content in your inbox — free 13:37 — How Hurricane Katrina helped Marica Mackenroth Brewster find tourism 16:02 — Lessons learned from real-world tourism sales 20:48 — How to measure return on your marketing spending 23:45 — Why old-school advertising is making a comeback 27:33 — How to advertise online without being creepy

    56 мин.
  5. 30 ОКТ.

    Don’t Fall Into These Travel Business Fiascos

    Could one simple oversight bring your entire travel business to a halt? Sheila Folk has seen it happen. In fact, as an up-and-coming travel advisor, it almost happened to her. So she started Travel Industry Solutions, a company that helps small travel businesses avoid legal and financial fiascos. She joins this episode of the podcast to discuss what travel entrepreneurs should be doing to minimize risk and avoid business nightmares. Sheila explains why she thinks travel is "the riskiest business in the world" — and how too many travel sellers are leaving themselves dangerously unprepared. She goes into detail about avoiding credit card chargebacks and explains why proper terms and conditions can be a lifesaver for travel businesses. Plus, we have news Biltmore's reopening after Hurricane Helen; a road tip about new airline refund rules from the Department of Transportation; and a Hot Minute about who should be required to refund travelers when their plans are disrupted. Insights from Sheila Folk Sheila had lots of great insights on why travel can be risky and what tourism entrepreneurs should do about it. Here's a sample: ““There’s a lot of risk around this industry because we’re expected to know so much about every inch of the earth. I have never been in a job where I have been asked so many crazy questions. What can I say and not say that isn’t going to put my business at risk? How do I fulfill my duty of care without putting my business on the line? ... There are lots of crazy things that happen that put our businesses at risk. And many people who are sellers are not thinking about those little nuances to protect their business.” Plus, she had insightful thoughts on: * Using your communication flow to reduce risk and increase sales * Why you must offer travel insurance to every customer * The biggest risks tour operators don't know they're taking * How to choose a payment processor that protects your interests Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Travel Industry Solutions at travelindustrysolutions.com. Follow Travel Industry Solutions on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Learn more about the DOT’s new rules on airfare refunds in this article from Travel Weekly. Apply to attend our Spring 2025 OnSite familiarization trip in Kentucky here. Key Moments From This Episode 1:00 — Travel News: Biltmore reopening on November 2 2:12 — Road Tip: How the DOT’s new airline refund rules could impact you 7:59 — Join us for a familiarization tour in Kentucky 12:09 — How a midlife crisis led Sheila Folk to the ...

    55 мин.
  6. 16 ОКТ.

    “Tourist” Isn’t a Dirty Word

    "Tourist" isn't a dirty word. Or at least it doesn't have to be. Paige McClanahan is redefining the word "tourist" and the ideas that go with it. As a travel journalist and the author of "The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel," she is on a mission to help people understand how mindful tourism can help create a better world. She joins this episode of the podcast to discuss what tour planners can do to make tourism work better for destinations and travelers alike. Paige shares why we should embrace the fact that we're all tourists — and how we can be better at it. She gives examples of how tourism is working well for communities around the world and offers advice on how travel professionals can help open their customers' minds. Plus, we have news about proposed restrictions on cruising in Alaska; a road tip about making sure passengers don't get lost on tours; and a Hot Minute about the roles governments should — or shouldn't — play in addressing overtourism. Insights from Paige McClanahan Paige had lots of great insights on why it's ok to be a tourist and how we can learn to be better tourists together. Here's a sample: “I don’t think the stigma around the word tourist is really helpful. I think if we own our identity as tourists, we can sort of give ourselves back the power to actually transform this massive thing we’re all part of. And we don't see headlines about overtourism and think ‘Oh, that’s other people, that’s not me.’ ... Remembering that we’re tourists is an important step we can take to owning all of the good and all of the bad that comes with tourism. And I hope it might serve as an inspiration.” Plus, she had insightful thoughts on: * The lifecycle of a tourism destination * How entrepreneurs created the tourism economy * What a "new tourist" is and how travel professionals can aid the transformation Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Paige McClanahan and "The New Tourist" at paigemcclanahan.com. Follow Paige McClanahan on Instagram. Find the entire Gather and Go library and subscribe to the show here. Key Moments From This Episode 1:40 — Travel News: Alaska voters reject cruise ship restrictions 3:00 — Road Tip: Use location services to keep customers from getting lost 9:29 — Great podcast episodes to boost your travel business 13:10 — How Paige McClanahan became an international travel journalist 16:28 — The idea that sparked “The New Tourist” 19:25 — How entrepreneurs created the tourism industry 22:30 — The lifecycle of a tourism destination 24:55 — Destinations loving — and hating — tourism 30:33 — Why it’s ok to be a tourist 32:39 — What the new tourist looks like

    54 мин.
  7. 2 ОКТ.

    BONUS: Don’t Miss This New England Travel Treasure

    There are few places more spectacular than New England in autumn. But if you want to have a great fall foliage tour without being overwhelmed by crowds, you need to work with a local expert. Carol Sullivan might be just the expert you're working for. Her family operates White Mountain Hotel and Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire. But far from simply offering accommodations, this organization helps group travel leaders plan and package every element of their New England experiences. Carol joins this special bonus episode of the podcast to share her favorite New England activities and give travel planners tips to streamlining their New England travel experiences in any season. Carol tells us about the cities, towns and mountain landscapes that make New England an essential American travel treasure. Plus, she explains how tour planners can arrange ground transportation, hotels, first-class dining and all their sightseeing activities with a single point of contact. This episode is brought to you by the White Mountain Hotel and Resort. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about the White Mountain Hotel and Resort at whitemountainhotel.com. Contact Jennifer in the White Mountain Hotel sales department at 800-533-6301. Key Moments From This Episode 2:23 — What exactly are the White Mountains of New Hampshire? 4:10 — Carol Sullivan’s journey from tour operator to hotelier 5:08 — Packing New England tour products 9:38 — Can’t-Miss New England travel experiences 11:59 — New England tours beyond fall foliage season 15:44 —A different approach to tour group dining 19:30 — Enjoying the White Mountain Hotel amenities 24:26 — Making the most of the New England outdoors 27:05 — Undiscovered treasures of New England Watch the Full Interview About the Podcast Gather and Go with Brian Jewell is a tourism industry podcast that helps group travel leaders plan, promote and lead better trips. There are also tips and insights for destination marketers and others who support the tourism trade. Each episode reaches thousands of professional tour operators, travel agents and the volunteer group leaders they serve. The audience also includes destination museum leaders, church travel leaders and other tourism enthusiasts around the world. Each show includes an interview with a smart travel pro or an insightful person from outside tourism who's expertise can help make travel businesses better. You'll also hear travel news, road tips and more. New episodes are released about twice monthly. You can find Gather and Go wherever your listen to podcasts or subscribe by email.

    33 мин.
  8. 25 СЕНТ.

    The Secret to Magical Europe Trips in 2025

    There are memorable trips, and then there are magical trips. Sandra Weinacht believes that group tours should be magical — especially tours in Europe. As the founder of Inside Europe, she has been taking groups to her native Germany, as well as Italy, Ireland and other popular European destinations — for decades. She joins this episode of the podcast to share her secrets to planning magical European trips in 2025. Sandra tells us how she leverages the economies of group trips to create once-in-a-lifetime experience for her customers. She share tips for navigating the economics of European travel in the midst of rising prices and gives tips on where travel beginners and travel pros should travel in Europe next year. Plus, we have news about new tech tools for U.S. passport holders; a road tip about falling asleep on international flights; and a Hot Minute about common meal-planning mistakes tour operators make. Insights from Sandra Weinacht Sandra had lots of great insights on how travel planners can build magical tour experiences, whether in Europe or in any other destination. Here's a sample: “We organize their concerts, we prepare exchanges, and that’s where the magic happens. And when you have a certain number of people, you can privatize things, and that’s when it gets unique. You can go into the Vatican museums on private tours. Occasionally, your group gets to sing in the Sistine Chapel.... If you privatize with a larger group, it becomes really affordable. You have more buying power and more opportunities, and you can give people a better deal, and make travel affordable for young people.” Plus, she had insightful thoughts on: * The most common misconceptions about travel to Europe * What European destinations are best for your first international tour * How to manage the high price of European travel in 2025 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Inside Europe at inside-europe.com. Follow Sandra Weinacht on Instagram and LinkedIn. Email Sandra at sandra@inside-europe.com. Visit our Start Here page for growing your group travel organization. Key Moments From This Episode 2:11 — Travel News: U.S. passports can be added to Google Wallet 3:31 — Road Tip: Sleeping on transatlantic flights 10:19 — The ultimate resource for getting started in group travel 14:33 — How Sandra Weinacht went from sports journalism to group travel 20:14 — Creating magical moments for tour groups in Europe 25:28 — The most common misperceptions about European travel 27:14 — Tips for planning your first group trip to Europe

    56 мин.
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If you’re involved planning, promoting or leading travel, this is a show you won’t want to miss. On each episode, we’ll share expert insights from our decades in travel and feature conversations with some of the most creative, innovative and fascinating people from around the tourism industry. We’ll cover topics such as traveling through challenging times, discovering authentic cultural encounters, developing new opportunities in culinary tourism, modernizing your travel marketing and much, much more. Plus, you’ll get my hot takes on some of the issues impacting travel every day.

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