Anna elaborates on how the integration of AI can be transformative for businesses in the travel industry. AI is another tool in your toolbox, and each tool, whether it’s a simple hammer or a sophisticated AI algorithm, has a particular purpose. The collaboration between humans and AI enables tour operators, DMOs, and travel agents to enhance and personalize customer experiences.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- What inspired Anna’s focus on human and AI collaboration to solve complex travel industry challenges
- How AI-driven search can enhance user experience by providing personalized travel details
- How smaller brands and companies in the travel sector can also benefit significantly from implementing AI technology
- What Mobi can do for travel businesses, from custom development to ready-to-go products
- How Anna’s experiences have shaped her approach to customer engagement and technology integration
Tailoring AI for the Travel Industry
One of the standout applications of AI in travel is providing highly personalized travel recommendations. With AI-driven search capabilities, users can ask detailed, nuanced questions in natural language and receive tailor-made responses. Using AI allows travel agents to deliver gold-standard service by giving them comprehensive, instant knowledge about destinations that cater to their travelers’ particular needs.
Anna explains how AI tools allow you to automate various service tasks to ensure smooth and efficient operations—including making dynamic changes such as reallocating resources in response to travel disruptions to give your clients the best experience possible even when things are quite going to plan.
How AI Can Work for Smaller Tour Operators
AI can revolutionize small travel brands’ operations by providing personalized, scalable solutions that were previously only accessible to larger companies with significant resources. These AI-powered tools can help smaller operators manage bookings, optimize travel itineraries, and offer tailored experiences to customers.
By implementing AI-driven intent-driven search capabilities, smaller tour operators can provide a user-friendly experience that intuitively answers customer queries in a natural, conversational manner, dramatically increasing customer satisfaction and engagement. This allows operators to offer recommendations tailored to individual needs, such as suggesting local attractions, dining options, or accommodations that align with a traveler’s interests.
Future Proofing and Collaboration
Anna elaborates on how the integration of AI can be transformative for businesses in the travel industry. AI is another tool in your toolbox, and each tool, whether it’s a simple hammer or a sophisticated AI algorithm, has a particular purpose. The collaboration between humans and AI enables tour operators, DMOs, and travel agents to enhance and personalize customer experiences.
Resources:
- Website: www.takemobi.com
- Intent Driven Search: https://www.takemobi.com/solutions/IDS
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-jaffe-14a6084/
- LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobi-systems/
- Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/MobiSystemsInc
- Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/mobi_systems_inc/
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Liz Owens, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vacations by Rail, who joins me to discuss the trends driving interest in rail experiences, such as slow travel, sustainability, and experiential travel. We also discuss the unique focus of Vacations by Rail, from escorted rail travel to independent itineraries and river cruises.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- Why Vacations by Rail is focusing on multi-country tours to give U.S. consumers more immersive experiences
- The importance of learning from other industries, particularly consumer retail, and introducing consumer concepts into the travel world
- The company’s approach to direct-to-consumer sales through a call center and the significance of loyal travel agents in their sales
- Why off-peak travel provides unique opportunities for more personalized and less crowded experiences
- Exciting experiences coming down the pipeline, including winter tours of Alaska and immersive experiences in Europe
Revolutionizing Rail Travel
Rail travel is more than just a means of transportation; it is an experience that offers travelers a unique perspective of the world. On the podcast, Liz shares why the slow travel movement is gaining traction, with more travelers seeking to immerse themselves fully in their journeys rather than rushing from one destination to the next.
To provide U.S. travelers with truly immersive experiences, Vacations by Rail focuses on multi-country tours that allow people to explore the cultural and natural landscapes of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. These tours are designed to offer more than just a visit to various locations; they aim to create long-lasting memories through well-curated, in-depth experiences.
Promoting Sustainability Through Rail Travel
Sustainability in travel is increasingly important, and rail journeys are inherently more eco-friendly compared to other modes of travel. Liz shares how rail travel supports economic and community sustainability, particularly in small towns and communities along the routes. This sustainable practice not only reduces environmental impacts but also boosts local economies.
Collaboration Opportunities
Collaboration is at the heart of Vacations by Rail’s strategy, especially after its acquisition by Great Rail Journeys in 2019. This partnership has maximized expertise from different markets and fostered a collaborative environment where teams can innovate and share best practices. Liz also discusses the continued importance of networking and building relationships within the travel industry to drive creative change and growth.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vacations-by-rail
- Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizowens1/
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Rob Holmes, Founder of GLP Films shares his experience and insights on sustainable tourism. We discuss how you can impact sustainability through storytelling, and Rob shares several components of storytelling and why it must focus on people at the ground level and be story-driven, not sales-driven.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- Why storytelling and sustainability are integral to the tourism industry
- What strategic approach Rob uses for authentic and engaging storytelling in destination marketing
- How sustainability has evolved as a term and its significance in tourism
- Why targeting responsible travelers through storytelling can make a meaningful impact on sustaining a place
- Some of the sustainable travel campaigns Rob’s team has worked on, including sustainability in the Finger Lakes Region, and rewilding in Chile
- How education in sustainability and involving various stakeholders are crucial for the industry’s success
How the Tourism Sector Can Thrive with Sustainability and Meaningful Narratives
We discuss the concept of rewilding—integrating natural, wild elements back into ecosystems, and how incorporating conservation and biodiversity into a destination enriches not just the environment but increases the opportunities for visitors. Rob digs into how the tourism industry can tap into nature-focused tourism, make environmental gains, and improve economic resilience by adopting greener practices.
The Power of Storytelling in Tourism
We go deep into the significance of compelling storytelling. Rob shares why purpose, story arc, characters, and landscape are some of the key components of a great story, whether it’s in a film or a marketing campaign. He describes why authenticity is pivotal and why he believes that stories driven by passion—rather than sales and marketing objectives—enhances sustainable tourism initiatives.
Sharing memorable and emotionally resonant stories does more than attract tourists; it fosters a deeper connection to the destination and its people. When crafted well, these stories invigorate both local charm and environmental consciousness, leading to lasting impressions and repeat visitors.
Real-world Applications
Rob leaves us with actionable insights learned from several campaigns his company has spearheaded. In the Finger Lakes region, a two-year campaign aims to reposition this destination as a sustainable outdoor recreation hotspot. By highlighting local culture and nature-centric activities, the campaign seeks to draw responsible outdoor travelers.
Another campaign in Chile promotes community tourism, encouraging travelers to immerse themselves in local life and support the community economically. Rob’s examples underscore how targeted, authentic storytelling can drive sustainable tourism while benefiting the local community.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.glpfilms.com/
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbholmes/
- LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glp-films/
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Freddie Strebeck, VP of Client Partnerships at EMC Outdoor, all about how travel and tourism brands can use traditional, lifestyle, and experiential out-of-home advertising to improve their marketing campaign outcomes. We also discuss Freddie’s successes, including his work with Visit Seattle and Montgomery County’s creative Date Night in Montco campaign.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Freddie and his team used a branded treat truck to deliver a taste of Seattle to feeder cities such as Sacramento, Dallas, and Minneapolis for Visit Seattle’s I Know a Place campaign
- Why planning collaborations in advance and integrating out-of-home marketing effectively is crucial for amplifying a campaign’s message
- What out-of-home channels are and the importance of selecting the right channel for a positive business impact for clients
- Why out-of-home advertising is an important amplification tactic, especially in reaching audiences outside of their homes in a non-intrusive way
- What role artificial intelligence plays in the out-of-home industry, and its potential to improve overall campaign efficiency
The Power of Out-of-Home Advertising
Freddie Strebeck, VP of Client Partnerships at EMC Outdoor, and I dig into some ways his team has creatively used out-of-home advertising in the travel and tourism industry. He shares details of a campaign involving a branded tree truck for Visit Seattle that targeted feeder cities like Dallas, Minneapolis, and Sacramento.
The campaign demonstrated the power of creativity and strategic collaboration by partnering with local businesses, such as an ice cream shop, and earning a spot on Good Morning Sacramento. Freddie emphasizes that pre-planned collaborations are vital to integrating out-of-home marketing effectively and standing out from competitors.
Adapting to a Post-Pandemic World
We chatted about how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped out-of-home advertising strategies. Freddie explains EMC Outdoor’s adaptive measures, such as focusing on contextually relevant advertising locations and refining client messaging. Freddie discusses the enduring relevance of out-of-home advertising, particularly in today’s hybrid lifestyle, where people toggle between home and traditional work environments. Freddie also describes why out-of-home is a non-intrusive yet potent way to amplify your brand beyond digital channels
Next Steps for Out-of-Home
We rounded off the show by discussing the future potential of out-of-home advertising, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance campaign efficiency and creativity. According to Freddie, AI is not just a futuristic concept but a strategic asset that can accelerate the creative process and enhance client deliverables. EMC Outdoor uses AI to show clients how to use out-of-home to stand out in a competitive landscape by creating more personalized and impactful campaigns.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.emcoutdoor.com/
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickstrebeck/
- LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emc-outdoor/
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!