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. -4 ДН.

    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.
  2. 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 Brester 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 11 СЕНТ.

    Sell More Travel: Insights From a Social Pro

    Are social media travel influencers full of hot air? Or do they represent legitimate opportunities for tourism professionals? Shanay Braxton firmly believes influencers are a force for good in the travel industry. As the founder of Business in Travel, an agency that connects influencers with travel brands, she has seen firsthand how travel companies and content creators can partner for success. She joins this episode of the podcast to share how travel professionals can leverage influencer relationships to increase sales. Shaney pulls back the curtain on the influencer economy and gives a behind-the-scenes look that goes into building a legitimate travel following. She shares ideas about how tour operators and content creators can work together and gives great advice for anyone running online advertising campaigns. Plus, we have news about falling revenues at theme parks; a road tip about make theme park visits work for your groups; and a Hot Minute about the problem of illegitimate pretenders in tourism. Insights from Shanay Braxton Shanay had lots of insights about the the legitimacy of influencers and content, as well as the opportunities they present for tourism organizations. Here's a sample: “It’s starting to shift slowly, but there is the image that influencers just want to be seen. But it’s bigger than that. I call them travel marketing professionals, because they are. It takes a lot of time, money and resources to create content and educate people on travel. It’s more than just vanity. For a lot of people, it’s their passion and their legacy.... The misconception is around pay. A lot of people don't understand what the return is for influencer marketing and how it can benefit them.... People undervalue it because they don’t know what it looks like on the back end." Plus, she had great things to say about: * How much it costs to work with travel influencers * How tour operators and content creators can partner for success * How to integrate influencer campaigns into your marketing budget Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Business in Travel at businessintravel.co. Follow Business in Travel on Instagram. Find Shanay Braxton on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Find our 2025 Buyer's Guide for the Group Travel Industry. Key Moments From This Episode 1:55 — Travel News: Theme park profits are falling 3:24 — Road Tip: Optimizing theme park visits for groups 9:05 — Your guide to issues facing group travel in 2025 14:42 — How Shanay Braxton became an advocate fo...

    56 мин.
  8. 28 АВГ.

    Winning Tours for Every Age Group

    Is it possible to get travelers of every age group to travel together — and have fun doing it? Kyle Campbell has proven that it is. A lifelong group travel planner and founder of Sudden Journeys, a boutique tour company, Kyle routinely leads trips that include baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials and even Gen Z travelers. She joins this episode of the podcast to share how she builds and markets tours that appeal to every age group. Kyle shares her insights about what each generation needs for successful trips; how intergenerational trips can be more fulfilling; and her secrets to creating deep and meaningful moments on the road. Plus, we have news about an online passport renewal system; a road tip about helping your travelers keep track of their passports; and a Hot Minute about a Thrillist article calling for the end of group trips. Insights from Kyle Campbell Kyle had lots of insights about the different hopes, dreams, needs and aspirations that people of various generations bring to the group travel experience. Here's a sample: “[Retired people] are living out dreams they have had for decades. They have waited to travel. They’re actualizing these dreams, and they have a wealth of experience behind them in their life. “People who are 19 to early 30s are extremely savvy with the technology, but they have a desire for the connection they have missed out on. They are worn out of working from home and online communities. They are craving connection. “I’m having to keep all these needs in mind when I’m planning trips.” Plus, she had great things to say about: * Creating meaningful moments on the road * How travel can be a gateway to healing * Skills she learned from entry-level tourism jobs Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Kyle Campbell and Sudden Journeys at mysuddenjourneys.com. Follow Kyle Campbell on Instagram. Apply to attend our OnSite Familiarization Tour in Louisiana's Capital City Region. Read "Why It's Time to Let the Group Trip Die" at Thrillist. Key Moments From This Episode 1:37 — Travel News: Can you renew your passport online? 3:17 — Road Tip: Stop your travelers from losing their passports 9:48 — Join us for a FAM in Louisiana’s Capital City Region 15:09 — How Kyle Campbell learned to be a tour operator 24:28 — The secret to planning tours for all ages 27:57 — What different generations want from group travel experiences 32:46 — Creating meaningful moments on the road 35:48 — How travel can be a gateway to healing 53:09 — Hot Minute: Is it really time to “let the group trip die?”

    58 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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