Insights from the National Tour Association Travel Exchange Part Two, with Nicole Mahoney

Episode 409

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This week, we’re sharing more insights from travel experts at the NTA Travel Exchange event in Huntsville, Alabama. You’ll hear how improving efficiency in tour operations can enhance customer satisfaction through digital tools and technology integration. We also discuss the impact of AI on tourism and the importance of strategic partnerships in our industry. Our space has some promising new initiatives and exciting future plans, and I’m sure you’ll love our guests’ golden nuggets of advice.

In this episode, you’ll hear from these knowledgeable leaders:

• Eileen Gutierrez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileengutierrez/
• Evan Krofchick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-krofchick-78b4b623/
• Jason Murray: https://www.southwestadventuretours.com/about-us/our-team/jason-murray/
• Jeremy Hundt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-h-69547166/
• Jill Daly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilldaly/

More Insights from The National Tour Association Travel Exchange

Eileen Gutierrez of Wetravel

Eileen discusses the increasing importance of customization and the shift toward online and installment payment options, reflecting trends emerging from her platform, WeTravel. She also shares how their new AI-driven itinerary builder, set to launch in 2025, aims to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Eileen loves the sense of community and collaboration fostered by the NTA Travel Exchange, likening it to a family. She highlights the importance of networking events for exchanging ideas and strengthening industry bonds.

Evan Krofchick of Trakkables Travel Software Systems

Evan dives into the critical importance of improving operational efficiency in tour operations to improve customer satisfaction. He also discusses the profound impact of reducing wait times and leveraging digital tools for itinerary management and logistics, such as proper luggage handling, to avoid costly and inconvenient errors. Evan can’t praise the collaborative environment fostered by the NTA Travel Exchange enough because of the way it enables travel industry professionals to come together and provide exceptional travel experiences.

Jason Murray of Southwest Adventure Tours

We discuss 2025 trends, including the impact of AI on tourism, a significant shift towards customization, and the strategic importance of time management for entrepreneurs. Jason addresses the challenges of remote work in maintaining team cohesion, emphasizing the need for intentional communication and shared alignment with company values. Our conversation also covers Jason’s strategic pivot from hands-on tour guiding to assuming a leadership role, illustrating the company’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

Jeremy Hundt of Landmark Tours

Jeremy and I dive into the reasons behind the growing appeal of slow travel, where tourists are encouraged to immerse themselves in destinations over longer stays, reducing the stress of daily movement. Jeremy highlights the crucial role of partnerships, particularly with Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), in orchestrating successful tours and fostering group-friendly environments. He enjoys the NTA Travel Exchange because it’s a vibrant community where competitors come together to advance the industry, sharing data and strategies to overcome mutual challenges.

Jill Daly of The Israel Ministry Of Tourism

Jill focuses on the theme of resilience in maintaining tourism during conflicts, specifically highlighting Israel’s current situation post-October 7th attacks. Despite the challenges, she outlines ongoing efforts to keep tourism viable, she also touches on the emerging trend of voluntourism, where visitors participate in service activities helping local communities, such as picking citrus fruits. Jill shares her personal experience of how the tourism industry can thrive even amidst adversity.

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