Traveling Tribes

In this captivating episode of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, the charismatic host Jeff Gayduk invites distinguished guests from Heritage Clubs International, the premier bank marketing organization in North America. Joining the conversation is Ted Nelson, Andy Ziegler, and Michael Ziegler. Listen as they delve into the fascinating origins of Heritage Clubs International and unravel the organization's pivotal role in supporting the group travel industry. Listeners are treated to insightful discussions on the unique services provided by Heritage Clubs International and its significant impact on the bank travel sector. The podcast explores the organization's close-knit relationship with a vast customer base, predominantly comprising Midwest community banks, highlighting the symbiotic connection between finance and travel. A major highlight of the episode is the revelation of Heritage Clubs International's upcoming Peer Group event in Chicago, scheduled from February 26th to March 1st. The hosts and guests share their enthusiasm for this gathering, anticipating valuable insights and collaborative discussions within the community. As the episode unfolds, the conversation pivots towards Heritage Clubs International's ambitious growth plans for the coming year. Listeners gain valuable insights into the strategic vision that propels the organization forward, leaving them inspired by the dynamic synergy between finance, travel, and community building. Tune in for an engaging exploration of Heritage Clubs International's journey, present endeavors, and promising future on this Traveling Tribes Podcast episode.

In this episode of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, host Jeff Gayduk sits down with Catherine Prather, the dynamic representative from the National Tour Association (NTA), to delve into the challenges facing the travel industry. Prather sheds light on the ever-evolving landscape, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of tour companies amidst global uncertainties. A highlight of the discussion is the Tourism Cares sustainability program, spearheaded by NTA, aiming to foster responsible tourism practices. Prather shares insights into how the program addresses environmental and social impact concerns, ensuring a more sustainable future for the travel industry. The episode explores the emergence of innovative tour companies, navigating shifts in consumer preferences and technological advancements. Prather emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve and adapting to the changing demands of travelers. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain a sneak peek into upcoming National Tour Association events, providing a glimpse into the exciting developments and networking opportunities within the industry. From tackling sustainability challenges to celebrating the growth of new enterprises, this episode is a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future prospects of the travel industry, presented by an influential figure at the forefront of these dynamic changes.

Welcome to the Traveling Tribes Podcast, where we dive deep into group travel and tourism trends. Host Jeff Gayduk, publisher of Leisure Group Travel Magazine and author of Traveling Tribes, brings you engaging conversations with travel industry standouts and influencers. In this episode, Jeff sits down with special guest Steve Ridgway from Criterion Travel. Steve shares insights from his extensive experience in the travel industry, spanning over 50 years. From his roots in Lawrence, KS, to his tenure with Maupin Tour and beyond, Steve provides valuable perspectives on the evolution of group travel and the affinity travel niche. Discover how Criterion Travel has carved a niche in educational group travel, working with prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and the Smithsonian. Steve discusses the challenges and rewards of operating tours worldwide and offers advice for organizations looking to start their own travel programs. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the past, present, and future of group travel with Steve Ridgway on the Traveling Tribes Podcast!

The latest episode of Traveling Tribes features a conversation between host Jeff Gayduk and guest Tim Hines. Tim, a seasoned marketer, shares insights into leveraging AI in the travel industry. Tim's background in marketing spans over 20 years, primarily focusing on fractional CMO work. He emphasizes the importance of helping struggling companies jumpstart their marketing efforts. With experience in technology and travel sectors, Tim highlights the intersection of marketing and travel, offering valuable guidance to businesses in this space. The conversation delves into the role of AI in revolutionizing travel experiences, from operational efficiencies to personalized recommendations for travelers. Furthermore, Tim shares practical advice for small travel businesses and startups looking to leverage AI to compete with larger players. In addition to discussing AI, Jeff and Tim touch upon Tim's book, "The Marketing Starter," which explores how an entrepreneurial mindset can enhance marketing strategies.

Join Jeff Gayduk, host of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, in an engaging conversation with Sue Arko, a recognized expert in the group travel industry. Sue shares insights from her extensive career, spanning from owning and operating Free Spirit Vacations and Events since 1996 to her current role as project manager for the Accent Travel Network. Discover how Sue's journey into the tour business began in 1981 and evolved into pioneering initiatives like the Accent conferences. Explore the unique features of Accent, formerly known as Spotlight, including the Future Tour Operator category designed to mentor newcomers to the industry. Learn about Accent's innovative programs such as "Accent Supports Local," which highlights and supports small businesses within host destinations. Sue also discusses the "Accent Supports Preservation" initiative, focusing on community service projects aimed at giving back to local areas. Discover the challenges and opportunities facing the trade show business in the group travel sector and the importance of educating both industry insiders and newcomers. Sue and Jeff delve into the significance of bridging connections between tour operators and destinations, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry. As Sue shares her experiences and visions for the future of group travel, listeners gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of group tourism and the role of initiatives like Accent in shaping its trajectory. Join the conversation and uncover the trends and initiatives driving the group travel industry forward.

In this exciting episode of Traveling Tribes, your host Jeff Gayduk takes you on a journey through the frothy landscapes of craft beer, joined by the charismatic Glenn Smith, the founder of Brewery Tours. Discover the hidden gems and local favorites as Jeff and Glenn discuss the symbiotic relationship between beer and travel. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual traveler, this episode promises to be a refreshing exploration of the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the tastes that make Brewery Tours a must-add to your travel itinerary. Join Traveling Tribes for an intoxicating conversation that will leave you thirsty for adventure and eager to embark on your own brewery tour. Cheers to the blend of travel and beer culture, and get ready to sip your way through the world's most remarkable brews!

Our special new episode features two guests, Arden from Girls Who Travel & Alex from G Adventures. Defining women in the travel business, Alex and Arden discuss both of their businesses, how they collaborate and support groups in travelling, their tips to success in the travel business and more! G Adventures is a social enterprise as much as a small group travel company. They have been pioneers of community tourism for 30 years. Their tours, created by building meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefit the people and places they visit. Girls Who Travel is a community dedicated to radically redefining travel to be inclusive, sustainable, and empowering. We believe travel can happen any time you explore beyond your boundaries and we're here to support you on your journey!

This week, we welcome Jim Marini from Railbookers Group, which specializes in creating seamless and convenient train vacations for travelers. Hear about rail travel in the U.S. and overseas, the details of Amtrak Travel, and the benefits to booking rail travel. With Railbookers, booking a train vacation is easy, stress-free, and tailored to meet your specific needs. They offer a wide range of customizable train vacation packages that include transportation, accommodation, and activities. Their expert travel consultants work with customers to create a personalized itinerary that fits their budget and travel preferences.

Time to break the ice with Nicole Mahoney as we hear about how Nicole managed her two companies through a pandemic, acquired Travel Alliance Partners, their unique marketing tactics, the marketing industry and how influencers might be the revolution of modern marketing. Nicole Mahoney owns two companies, and Break the Ice is a marketing agency that works exclusively in the travel and tourism space. They have clients all across the country, a few international, but primarily in the Northeast and US based and they specialize in public relations strategy and digital marketing. Nicole also has her own podcast, Destination On The Left which she's been doing for seven years, "...speaking with people all literally all over the world from all segments of the tourism industry, which is really exciting for me and helps kind of expand my knowledge and my team's knowledge and of course our listeners knowledge of everything that's happening in travel and tourism." Travel Alliance Partners is a collaborative organization that serves tour operators and travel buyers, where they collectively co-market together and collaborate together, maximizing what they can for all their customers.

Our special guest this week hails from Group Travel Odyssey, but he's here today to talk about Group Experience, a great tool for tour Operators. Listen in to learn how tour operators can consolidate their planning to one place with organization and search tools, pricing options, upcoming expansions within the app, and how they give tour operators and travel agents opportunities for more business and connections in the travel industry.   At its core, Group Experience promotes seamless communication and collaboration within teams, whether they are small groups or large organizations. It offers a wide range of tools and functionalities to facilitate real-time interactions, enabling users to exchange ideas, share files, and work on projects collectively.    "It's a different way of looking at how we do group travel, but it's really helping that travel agent or travel advisor get through those steps in a very logical manner so that they can put together a trip, a really solid group package." - Keith Snode One of the key features is its advanced project management system. Users can create projects, assign tasks to team members, and track progress effortlessly. It also provides a centralized hub for storing and organizing files, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest updates and documents.  "We have over 14,000 suppliers domestically now that we've got information for their group packages, what they offer for groups so that when you search for a supplier, you're going to see what the options are." - Keith Snode   Overall, the Group Experience empowers teams to maximize their productivity, creativity, and efficiency. By combining seamless communication, project management tools, and a sense of community, it revolutionizes the group experience, enabling tour operators and travel agents to collaborate seamlessly and book fantastic group trips.

For this episode, we welcome Nasi Peretz, the Chief Technology Officer for the Hornblower Group. Mr. Peretz lends his expertise in the many businesses overseen by the Hornblower Group, how he and his team introduced new ticketing technology to attractions with Anchor, how Anchor is personalized for many types of attraction businesses, and tips on how to make businesses stand out in the travel industry. The Hornblower Group is a renowned hospitality and entertainment company that specializes in creating unforgettable experiences on the water. With a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions, the Hornblower Group has established itself as a leader in the travel industry. At the helm of the Hornblower Group's technological advancements is our guest, Nasi Peretz. Nasi Peretz is a highly skilled and visionary technology executive who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the company. As the CTO, Peretz is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies that enhance the company's operations and guest experiences. Peretz's leadership has been instrumental in driving the Hornblower Group's digital transformation initiatives. Under his guidance, the company has embraced emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and immersive digital experiences to improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and personalize guest interactions. With Peretz's innovative mindset and strategic vision, the Hornblower Group continues to push the boundaries of technology in the hospitality and entertainment industry. His commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the guest experience has helped the company maintain its position as a market leader and pioneer in the field.

Our latest guest is Alexander Glos, an accomplished individual working with I2I, a prominent company at the forefront of technological innovation. In this episode, hear about how social media influences travelers from China, how air travel will be affecting the inbound and outbound market, how best to reach Chinese inbound travelers, and the expansion of travel to and from China. I2I, short for "Ideas to Implementation," is a dynamic organization that specializes in transforming visionary ideas into tangible and impactful solutions. As a key member of the I2I team, Alexander Glos holds a pivotal role in driving the company's success. With his vast experience and expertise, he contributes significantly to the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency. Alexander Glos possesses a strong educational background, having pursued advanced degrees in computer science and engineering. His technical acumen and deep understanding of emerging technologies make him a valuable asset to I2I, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analysis. One of Alexander's key responsibilities at I2I is to lead and manage the research and development division. Under his guidance, the team pioneers cutting-edge projects and prototypes that push the boundaries of technological advancements. His proficiency in identifying emerging trends and harnessing the potential of disruptive technologies ensures that I2I remains at the forefront of innovation. In addition to his technical prowess, Alexander Glos is also known for his exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills. He fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment within I2I, inspiring creativity and motivating his team to deliver their best. His strong communication abilities enable him to effectively liaise with clients, stakeholders, and industry partners, forging strategic alliances and cultivating lasting relationships. I2I itself is a renowned company known for its transformative solutions across various sectors. With a diverse portfolio of successful projects, the company has gained a reputation for its ability to bridge the gap between visionary ideas and practical implementation. By leveraging advanced technologies, I2I has empowered businesses to optimize their operations, enhance customer experiences, and stay ahead in the digital era. With Alexander Glos playing a vital role within I2I, the company continues to thrive and make a significant impact in the realm of technological innovation. Through their combined efforts, I2I and Alexander are driving positive change, revolutionizing industries, and shaping the future of technology.

If you're looking for the group tour leader that can do it all, you've found her. Theresa Nemetz is the Founder & President of Great Lakes Shore Excursions, Milwaukee Food & City Tours, Chicago Food Tours, and Travel Deliciously. Drawing on her expertise in the market, find out from Theresa Nemetz what type of groups are getting back into tours, how she uses mentorship in the companies to increase group tour business, how the company is breaking into cruising on The Great Lakes as well as offering short excursions for six to seven different cruise lines in 12 different ports, and what tools the company uses to service travelers and upkeep communication between employees and customers. "Whether it's a delicious tour in Milwaukee or in Chicago or Detroit or Minneapolis, wherever we're going to next, you know, it's all about that commonality of making food, the attraction and then finding some really great partners to go around that and build out full itineraries." - Theresa Nemetz Great Lakes Shore Excursions is a company that provides guided tours and shore excursions for cruise ship passengers visiting ports of call along the Great Lakes. Great Lakes Shore Excursions offers a variety of tours, including city sightseeing tours, cultural and historical tours, outdoor adventure tours, and food and drink tours. The tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about sharing the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of the Great Lakes region with visitors. Great Lakes Shore Excursions has received high praise from customers for its informative and enjoyable tours, and is a popular choice among cruise ship passengers looking to explore the Great Lakes. Milwaukee Food & City Tours is a company that offers guided tours of the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a focus on exploring the local food and drink scene. The tours offered by Milwaukee Food & City Tours range from walking tours of historic neighborhoods to bus tours of breweries and distilleries, and include stops at local restaurants, markets, and other food-related destinations. Along the way, participants learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Milwaukee while sampling a variety of delicious foods and beverages. Milwaukee Food & City Tours has received numerous awards and accolades for its tours, and is widely regarded as one of the best food tour companies in the Midwest. Chicago Food Tours is a company that offers guided food tours of the city of Chicago, Illinois. The company's tours are designed to showcase the diverse food culture of the city, from traditional Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza to more contemporary and international cuisine. Chicago Food Tours offers a variety of tours, including walking tours of neighborhoods like Chinatown and Wicker Park, as well as bus tours that explore the city's iconic landmarks and food scene. Along the way, participants learn about the history and culture of Chicago, and sample a variety of delicious foods and beverages. Chicago Food Tours has received numerous awards and accolades, and is considered one of the top food tour companies in the city. Travel Deliciously offers customized travel planning and booking services. Travel Deliciously's services are designed to help travelers plan and book unique and personalized travel experiences, whether it be for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo adventure. The company works with a network of trusted travel partners to provide clients with access to exclusive perks and experiences. In addition to travel planning, Travel Deliciously also offers a blog with travel tips, inspiration, and destination guides.

A magical guest appears this week, Kevin Ricks from Concept Attractions! Jeff Gayduk talks about his own experience in Wizard Quest, and Kevin explains the ever-changing scene of the attractions, including Wizard Quest, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Ye Old Nerd Shop, Oddlesmack Popcorn, and The Point. Concept Attractions is a company that specializes in the design and creation of unique and immersive entertainment experiences. With a focus on creating engaging and memorable attractions, Concept Attractions offers a wide range of services to its clients, including concept development, design, fabrication, installation, and ongoing support. The company's portfolio includes a diverse range of attractions, including interactive exhibits, immersive environments, themed entertainment, and virtual reality experiences. From museums and theme parks to corporate events and retail spaces, Concept Attractions has worked with a variety of clients across different industries to create customized experiences that captivate and entertain audiences. Concept Attractions prides itself on its ability to combine creativity, technology, and storytelling to create immersive environments that transport visitors to different worlds and eras. Whether it's a high-tech interactive exhibit or a fantastically themed attraction, the company's team of designers, engineers, and project managers work closely with clients to bring their vision to life. In addition to its design and fabrication services, Concept Attractions also provides ongoing support to ensure that its attractions remain engaging and relevant over time. This includes regular maintenance, updates, and enhancements to keep attractions fresh and exciting for visitors. Overall, Concept Attractions is a leading provider of innovative and immersive entertainment experiences, with a commitment to delivering exceptional quality and customer service to its clients.

Riviera River Cruises is a UK-based company that specializes in river cruises throughout Europe. The company was founded in 1984 and has since become one of the leading river cruise operators in the UK. Riviera River Cruises offers a wide range of river cruise itineraries on some of Europe's most beautiful waterways. Jeff Gayduk welcomes their Vice President of Sales & Marketing in North America this week to discuss how Riviera River cruises differentiates itself, popular river cruises, unique types of river cruises, the river cruise marketplace and more! One of the unique features of Riviera River Cruises is that the company operates its own fleet of ships, which are all custom-built to provide an exceptional river cruising experience. Each ship is elegantly designed and features spacious cabins with ensuite bathrooms, as well as on-board amenities such as restaurants, bars, and lounges. Riviera River Cruises also prides itself on providing exceptional customer service and offers a variety of excursions and guided tours as part of its cruise itineraries. These excursions give passengers the opportunity to explore the local culture, history, and cuisine of the destinations visited on the cruise.

This week, give a warm welcome to Tami Manton from Group Tix & Tours. Before Covid, this company provided group tickets to non-Broadway theater events in Chicago and is now expanding to different locations and tour ticket offerings for groups. In this episode, hear about how Tami got her start in the business, her advice for attracting and retaining clients, the current group travel booking market, and what travelers are looking for on their next trip.  "As much as I saw theater as a child, I didn't really embrace that love for it until then, and then I just had so much fun putting people in." - Tami Manton Tami has not only been exploring the Chicago Theater scene, but has recently started traversing, researching, and organizing trips in Detroit, Michigan. Having grown up a few minutes away from the city, Tami admits that she never truly explored it until her colleague, Kris Hoff of Happy Times Tours, encouraged a partnership to expand the tour opportunities in Detroit.  "People have really embraced the uniqueness of what we are offering." - Tami Manton

A warm welcome to Fred Dixon, the President and CEO of NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization. With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Dixon has the overall responsibility for developing and implementing New York City’s tourism, meetings, and convention development strategy. In this episode, Fred Dixon and Jeff Gayduk dive in to the state of travel business in New York City, the recovery rates of business sectors, news about conventions and meetings in NYC, local attractions, the old classics, exciting new additions, what struggles the tourism bureau faced during Covid-19 and the inbound travel market. "…the New York you know and love is there…the theaters are full with productions and broadways back to its cycle of shows opening, running their life and then closing and new ones coming in, which is incredibly exciting and we're seeing with the museums and the major exhibitions, you know, a calendar that's chock full of events." - Fred Dixon "Organizations like ours, you know, it is really about keeping the faith and keeping the focus and support of the community. We're so fortunate in New York to have an amazing industry of suppliers and supporters and stakeholders that really kept the faith throughout everything that was going on." - Fred Dixon

Jeff Gayduk and Meegan Winters first met when she spoke in an Illinois CVB conference meeting about accessible travel. Her story was so compelling that Meegan was invited to share her passion for shining a bright spotlight on accessible travel. In this episode, learn about Meegan's background as a special education teacher, her personal struggles with accessibility, her journey to the creation of AbleVu, and how this technology helps both destinations and travelers assess, plan and expand their accessibility opportunities. "I have talked to hundreds and hundreds of people with disabilities that have said they feel embarrassed or like a nuisance calling and asking questions all the time, it just becomes tiring calling businesses to ask their accessibility. AbleVu is a way to anonymously ask a question on the platform."

Peter Van Berkel from IITA live is live with Jeff Gayduk from San Diego, California at the IITA Conference. This is the first time their conference is being held since before Covid, and the way the international community has banded together to bring travel back and better than ever. "We have lofty goals, but we're looking at this from a perspective of the rising tides lifts all ships and I think that's a message that should carry out to the supplier community as well." In this episode, hear about how the international inbound travel association is working on expanding advocacy, networking, and helping members expand business, expansions on the inbound travel market, how staffing changes are affecting travel, and the different international market trends. "We are in very open organization where we're asking our membership what is the number one issue, what can we do about it, and the cooperative model is working very, very good for us."

Welcome to the Traveling Tribes Podcast, the latest insight into group travel and tourism trends. Joining us live from Georgia is Mindy Shea from Visit Savannah to talk all things Savannah, with the tourism, culture, historical legacy, local businesses, live music scene, group travel opportunities, how they managed to recover visitors after the pandemic and exciting new developments in Savannah. Even though Savannah is only a 2 1/2 mile square historic district, they get over 14 million visitors a year.  "We see our visitors really as our family coming to visit us and our friends not so much as strangers coming into our town and I think that's so much of the charm of the city of Savannah and it's welcoming nature and that everybody feels comfortable here." - Mindy Shea As a walkable city, Savannah has lots of outdoor space, they have an island which is he beach community, just 20 minutes away. The overwhelming majority of activities that people can do in Savannah are outdoor spaced, leaving plenty of activities for travelling groups to visit end enjoy the authentic America that Savannah offers. Visit Savannah has a handy website that you can visit to learn more.