Episodes
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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!
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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!
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Missing episodes?
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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.
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This episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor is recorded at the historical Molly Brown House! Rebekah visits the home of the “unsinkable” Molly Brown to chat with the team behind the Molly Brown House, Historic Denver. They share how they’ve leveraged FareHarbor tools like FareHarbor Dock to streamline operations and boost walk-up sales. Plus, they dive into what it takes to stay relevant in the tourism industry while preserving Denver’s rich history.
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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!
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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
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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 -
Shane Whaley talks with Byron Kay, owner of Kona Honu Divers and Snorkel Tours, and Sarah Ellis, Senior Account Manager at FareHarbor They discuss the unique challenges of marketing a dive and snorkel tour business in Hawaii, strategies for business growth, and the importance of SEO.
Byron shares his experiences with using SEO tools like SEMrush and CausalFunnel an AI platform for boosting conversion. They also discuss the benefits of dynamic pricing and the use of nudges to increase online conversions. Byron also reveals why he thinks its crucial for businesses to hire SEO experts.
Got a queston for Byron - he is a regular poster in our FareHarbor Community and is happyto answer your questions -
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 VideosRebecca, 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?
The Power of TikTok
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.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. -
Join Adam Doolittle of Jamie's Whaling Station in Tofino, BC as he shares insights on a wide range of topics, from the tour business's digital marketing success to hiring/retaining key talent.
#####Join our FareHarbor Client Online Community Today#####
In this episode, we chat with Adam Doolittle, General Manager of Jamie's Whaling Station in Tofino, BC, about growing and sustaining a tour and activity business over decades.
Key Takeaways:
Making major changes during slow periods - Jamie's overhauled systems and processes during 2020 COVID shutdowns to operate more efficiently. Driving growth through tech stack upgrades - Switching to integrated FareHarbor platform with new website and booking engine boosted online bookings. Leveraging digital marketing and tracking ROI - Optimized Google/Bing ads to scale up traffic. Measuring returns gave confidence to increase ad spending. Hiring for passion over prior experience - Personality and company culture fit are top priorities. Relevant skills are preferred but can be taught. Maintaining innovation and momentum - Avoid complacency even after achieving success. Always be learning and evolving operations. Using AI as a marketing and ops booster - Experiment with AI to enhance productivity but don't rely on it solely. Refine AI outputs.Ask Adam a question in our online FareHarbor Client Community.
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Our guest Torin Kexel reveals how, with no previous travel industry experience, he built a tour business on Craigslist! Plus he reveals the three key strategies responsible for the Flying Bike's rapid growth.
The Skinny - We highly recommend giving this episode a listen if you are interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a successful bike tour company. Torin's journey is filled with valuable lessons and strategies that can be applied to various tour and activity businesses.
Torin dives deep into the challenges they faced, the strategies they implemented, and the important role that their booking software, FareHarbor played in their growth. From their initial struggles with bike damages to the introduction of rental insurance and partnerships with Pedigo, Torin shares valuable insights about ensuring a seamless customer experience.
We also explore their unique approach to guide recruitment, diversity, and employee satisfaction. Discover how Torin and their team built a strong sense of community within their organization, leading to low turnover and happy, dedicated guides.
Furthermore, Torin discusses their experience with FareHarbor, their go-to booking software. They highlight the exceptional customer service they receive, the helpful features that streamline their operations, and the upcoming improvements in their online rebooking and cancellation processes.
The episode also delves into the importance of data analysis, questioning assumptions, and refining social media marketing strategies. Torin shares surprising insights about their customer demographics, challenges they faced during COVID, and the exciting plans they have for expanding their offerings to include multi-day tours.
Additionally, Torin addresses the pricing dilemma and the considerations they face in a competitive market. He shares their goals of maintaining quality and value, even as they navigate local market challenges, economic headwinds and the increased costs of running their business.
We highly recommend giving this episode a listen if you are interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a successful bike tour company. Torin's journey is filled with valuable lessons and strategies that can be applied to various businesses.
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In this brief episode of Growth powered by FareHarbor, Head of Community Shane Whaley and AM Trainer Sam McCabe reveal what we hope to achieve with our new podcast and share more about what's coming up.
