Growth Powered by FareHarbor

 This episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor brings you an inside look at GetYourGuide, one of the leading online travel agencies (OTAs) in the tourism industry. Rebekah talks with Allie, Senior Account Executive at GetYourGuide, about how operators can succeed on the platform and how FareHarbor clients can leverage that connection. Topics include: What it takes to get listed (and verified) How to write better listings that actually convert Why reviews and visuals matter more than ever The biggest misunderstandings about OTAs How GetYourGuide's global reach and marketing strategy help small businesses thrive New features: AI tools, review responses, pickup UX This episode is for you if you're: ✔️ A FareHarbor client looking to grow your bookings ✔️ Curious about selling through GetYourGuide ✔️ Want to better understand OTA partnerships and strategies Learn more at getyourguide.com/partners Join the FareHarbor Community at fareharbor.com/community Helpful links: GetYourGuide Supply Partner Help Center: https://supply.getyourguide.support/hc/en-us This includes tons of helpful resources, including best practices for responding to reviews and optimizing your listings. How-To Video Series – Creating Products with GetYourGuide: https://supply.getyourguide.support/hc/en-us/sections/14002453180061-Creating-Products-with-GetYourGuide-How-To-Videos These short videos walk through key parts of the setup process and would be great visual additions. Spring 2025 Travel Experience Trend Tracker: https://www.getyourguide.supply/travel-experience-trend-tracker-spring-2025?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=organic&utm_term=feed

Charlie from Adventure Cat Sailing joins Rebekah to share how one of San Francisco's most iconic tour businesses creates a smooth, guest-first booking experience on and off the water. They discuss what it takes to build trust through branding, how FareHarbor tools help remove friction from the guest journey, and why thoughtful pricing, team culture, and follow-up reviews all matter. If you're thinking of upgrading your booking flow, scaling your guest experience, or exploring reservation softwares built for tour operators, this episode is for you! Listen in for insights on marketing, operations, and what makes guests come back for more.

What happens when a growing ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand upgrades to a smarter reservation system? In this episode, Rebekah sits down with Vincent, General Manager of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, to explore how FareHarbor helped them streamline operations, improve guest experience, and scale sustainably. Vincent shares the sanctuary's growth story, including how they survived the pandemic, embraced ethical tourism practices, and now manage up to 300 guests per day—all while protecting their elephants and educating travelers.  We also dive into: - The launch of FareHarbor in Thailand - The benefits of mobile-first booking -Pivoting your business when things go awry - How FareHarbor's tools and support helped Vincent's team scale, automate, and thrive. - What ethical tourism is, especially when it comes to caring for animals Whether you're researching reservation software or already scaling your tourism business, this episode is a great look at how the right tech partner can power thoughtful, impactful growth.

How can tour and activity operators use Google Things to Do (GTTD) to drive more direct bookings and increase visibility? In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, FareHarbor Community Manager Rebekah Costley dives into how operators can leverage Google Things to Do to capture more organic traffic, optimize their listings, and reduce reliance on OTAs. Tune in to learn: ✔ What Google Things to Do is and how it works for tour and activity businesses ✔ How to optimize your listings to appear in Google search results ✔ Strategies for increasing direct bookings using GTTD ✔ Common mistakes operators make with GTTD listings and how to avoid them This is a great episode for anyone looking to improve their Google presence, attract more customers, and stay ahead of industry trends. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! #FareHarborPodcast #GoogleThingsToDo #TourismMarketing #TourOperators #DirectBookings #ScalingYourBusiness #TravelIndustry

Join host Rebekah Costley for a special International Women's Day edition of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, where we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and success of women entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. In this episode, five inspiring women share their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges they've overcome, and strategies for success—from running food tours in Puerto Rico to leading adventure tourism businesses in Australia and Canada. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How these women built thriving tourism businesses The biggest challenges they've faced—and how they overcame them Strategies for scaling, adapting, and staying competitive in tourism What it means to balance business, family, and personal growth The future of women-led tourism and leadership Featured Guests: Paulina Salach (Spoon Experience, Puerto Rico) – Culinary tourism & food-focused experiences Kaija Pack (Break Life, Houston) – Innovating with alternative therapy businesses Margit & Amy (Walk and Eat Spain, Madrid) – Expanding food tourism globally Tanya McCready (Winterdance Dogsled Tours, Canada) – Growing a seasonal adventure business Kate Forrester (Gold Coast Watersports, Australia) – Transitioning into adventure tourism Watch the extended version of this episode on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@FareHarborOfficial Connect with FareHarbor: https://fareharbor.com/blog/category/podcast/ | Join the Conversation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fareharbor |  [Follow FareHarbor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/fareharbor/posts/] 👉 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow tourism entrepreneurs!

This episode is #incredible. Rebekah chats with co-founder Lia Garcia of Louisville Food Tours, about her journey from travel blogging to running a successful food tour business. Leah shares how she used SEO, influencer marketing, and affiliate programs to increase visibility and drive sales. Leah also discusses in detail the power of authentic storytelling and using it to build meaningful partnerships with local businesses to grow her revenue. If you're a tour operator looking to enhance your marketing strategy and boost bookings via social media marketing and blogging, this episode has some valuable insights on how to leverage creativity as well as FareHarbor's tools to achieve success!

We're bringing you authentic stories from Spark 2024 in New Orleans in this episode! Join clients from diverse industries like Best Cabo Yachts, Cajun Food Tours, Navajo Tours Direct (and more!) as they share how FareHarbor has helped streamline their operations and boost bookings. From enhancing the customer experience to utilizing powerful features like FareHarbor Dock and our affiliate tools, these tour operators reveal how they're using our platform to grow their businesses. Listen now for key insights on how FareHarbor empowers operators to succeed in an ever-competitive industry!

Rebekah sits down with FareHarbor's CEO, Andrea, to discuss the future of the company and the recent changes that have sparked conversation across the industry. Andrea shares his vision for FareHarbor, insights into new product releases, and the "why" behind recent updates like the API and direct booking fees. Tune in for a transparent conversation on how FareHarbor aims to support clients' growth and keep pace with the evolving tourism landscape.

In this episode of Growth: Powered by FareHarbor, Rebekah sits down with FareHarbor's GA4 experts, Elle and Adam, to give a high-level understanding of everything you need to know about Google Analytics 4. They discuss the key differences between UA and GA4, how tour operators can leverage GA4's event tracking features, and what you are (probably) missing in your tracking. This episode will give you the tools to make data-driven decisions and elevate your online booking strategy. Let us know what you think!

In this episode of Growth: Powered by FareHarbor, Rebekah talks with marketing company Clear Sky Tourism to discuss how they help tour operators boost bookings and grow their businesses with smart marketing strategies. Listen in to learn the basics of leveraging SEO, paid ads, and find out if AI can actually help drive more traffic and increase conversions. This episode offers valuable strategies you can implement right away to drive results and gives you an idea of what to look for when hunting for a quality marketing company. Tune in now and start taking your marketing to the next level! Access $250 off SEO services with Clear Sky Tourism here: https://clearskytourism.com/fareharbor-podcast/ Learn about GA4 and FareHarbor Reporting here: https://help.fareharbor.com/website/integrations/getting-started-with-integrations/ga4/ https://help.fareharbor.com/reporting/getting-started/types-overview/  

In this episode, Rebekah speaks with Cyrus Aldeman, owner of Anchorage Trolley Tours, about his top strategies for driving bookings year-round in a highly seasonal destination. Cyrus shares his methods for managing inventory and leveraging local partnerships, along with a look at his fine-tuned FareHarbor setup that streamlines operations and captures both online and walk-up sales. If you're looking to keep your business thriving through seasonal shifts, this episode is a must-listen! For more tips on managing seasonality, visit our help pages: https://compass.fareharbor.com/guides/articles/extend-your-seasonal-operation-into-a-lucrative-business-all-year-long/ https://help.fareharbor.com/dashboard/availabilities/updating/availability-updater/  

Join Rebekah and FareHarbor's Channel Specialist Cameron Heth as they chat with Danny Pegg, owner of Vagabond Cruises and founder of the successful reseller Let's Book It. In this episode, Danny shares his secrets to successfully reselling other operators' tours through multiple websites across the U.S.. He offers real-world strategies for operators looking to grow their business and revenue through affiliate marketing. Plus! Discover how he optimized partnerships on the FareHarbor Distribution Network to boost sales and expand into new cities — and learn how you can do the same. Learn more about reselling in our help pages: https://compass.fareharbor.com/partners/fareharbor-distribution-network/

This season's opening episode highlights how operators can grow their business leveraging FareHarbor's diverse product lineup. Rebekah sits down with Zack Feld, FareHarbor's Product Enablement Manager, to discuss how these  tools can boost online bookings and streamline day-to-day operations. Zack shares insights into new product developments, upcoming features, and how FareHarbor continuously enhances its software to meet client needs. Tune in for practical tips and expert guidance on maximizing your booking platform's potential!  

Get a quick look at Season 2 of Growth Powered by FareHarbor! Tune in for more expert tips and real-world insights that will help take your business to the next level. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and don't miss the three-episode premiere on October 13th!

In this episode of Growth powered by FareHarbor, we had the pleasure of diving into the delicious world of chocolate tours with Will Lydgate, owner of Lydgate Farms on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. Will shared his journey of growing a top-rated chocolate farm tour and the unique challenges and rewards of agri-tourism.   Join us again for the next episode of Growth powered by FareHarbor, where we continue to uncover the secrets to thriving in the tour and activity industry.

Think AI is only for the industry giants? Think again! In this episode Christian Watts, CEO of Magpie Travel simplifies the concept of AI and demonstrates how AI tools can bring a transformative impact to your tour and activity business. Christian shares practical examples of how you can use AI to help manage and grow your business. This is the audio version of our most recent webinar.  You can watch this webinar at Compass.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of FareHarbor Client Rob Woodford, the founder of Black Cab Heritage Tours in London.  Rob shares how he transformed the iconic London black cab into a premier travel experience, offering unique tours like James Bond, Downton Abbey, and Harry Potter. We are also joined by Alex Grant, the founder of Travel Curious, who acquired Black Cab Heritage Tours. Together, they discuss the acquisition process, tips for partnering with other providers, and the future of their businesses. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration for running a thriving tour and activity company.

Are you thinking of buying a business or selling one? Or maybe you are just curious what that process looks like?  Then this episode of Growth is just for you. Since  2015, Trish Higgins and the Chenmark team have acquired 30 to 40 different businesses including many in our experiences sector. In this episode, Trish reveals some of the lessons learned that will help you buy or sell your experience business. Trish also) provides insight into the deal process as well as the important questions to ask yourself before making the decision to buy or sell. This session was a recent webinar so Trish also answered questions from the audience. Webinars live in compass which Shane describes as a 'treasure trove' for Fareharbor clients.  Do check it out at compass.fareharbor.com

Listen in to a Q and A with Tourpreneur's Peter Syme recorded at our Edinburgh MeetUp hosted by Shane Whaley. Travel Industry veteran Peter Syme shares his no holds barred insights on how AI is disrupting the customer experience and he shares a traffic light system for each. sector of the tours and activity industry. Is yours red, amber or green? Peter also shares his views on how best to work with OTAs! Shane also asks Peter who from history he would most like to take on a tour and where! We hope you enjoy this one and hopefully we will see you at an upcoming FareHarbor MeetUp. For more details visit FareHarbor

FareHarbor's Digital Marketing Strategist, Tristen, and TikTok guru, Rebekah, spill the beans on harnessing TikTok and Instagram Reels for business growth. No dancing required! On this episode we discuss the effectiveness of short-form videos for tour and activity operators. The Appeal of Short-Form Videos Rebecca, an Enterprise Account Manager at FareHarbor, kicked off the discussion by highlighting the immense reach of platforms like TikTok. She argued that TikTok's short-form video format is a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience compared to Instagram. Shane, the Head of Community at FareHarbor raised an interesting question asking: Are short-form videos only suitable for big companies with large budgets and production crews? Rebecca's response was a resounding no. She emphasized that even with just a phone camera, operators can create engaging content. The casual nature of short-form videos, she argued, is appealing to audiences who are used to seeing polished corporate videos. The Power of TikTok Rebecca, dubbed the "TikTok queen" at FareHarbor shares her insights on the platform. She learned from successful clients and observed what other businesses, like Duolingo, were doing on TikTok. She emphasized the importance of short attention spans in today's age and how TikTok's format of delivering information in short intervals has contributed to its success. She also pointed out that short-form videos require less time and effort compared to longer videos, as they can be edited within the TikTok app itself. Shane related to the frustration of long introductions in podcasts and YouTube videos and highlighted the benefit of short-form videos in capturing attention quickly. The power of short-form videos is undeniable, and with the right strategies, tour and activity operators can harness this power to reach a wider audience and boost their business. What is your experience with TikTok and Reels? Let us know in our FareHarbor Client Online Community. Tristen and Rebekah hang out there too and can answer your questions.