As a 22-year-old, after backpacking around the world, Bruce Poon Tip, founder of tour operator G Adventures and the current chairman of G Travel Community, basically invented a new type of travel product that emphasized more local experiences and interactions, and sought a deeper connection with destinations and the people who live there. Over the years, G Adventures has become a leader in this kind of travel all over the world. The company’s brands have won numerous awards — including several TravelAge West WAVE awards.

Tip himself has emerged as a strong voice for responsible travel, writing books, speaking around the world — including at the United Nations — and recently producing “The Last Tourist,” a feature film.

In this episode, Tip returns to Humans of Travel to talk about his view of the travel industry today. (He was previously on the podcast in April 2020 talking about his background and the early days of his company.) Now, Tip shares his take on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the travel industry and what it taught him personally, as well as how he sees the state of responsible travel and community engagement today. Tip also discusses how he sees G Adventures evolving to continue to be a leader in the industry.

Throughout the episode, listeners will hear Tip share his insights on what travel advisors can do to improve their business and build better relationships with their customers. As one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the travel industry, Tip has very straightforward thoughts on how agents can achieve their goals. It’s a conversation with one of the true visionaries in travel, and you won’t want to miss it.

Know a great Human of Travel who has a compelling story to share? Send us an email at [email protected].

This sponsored interview was conducted by Kenneth Shapiro, Vice President/Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West. This episode is sponsored by G Adventures.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Humans of Travel, April 27, 2020: Bruce Poon Tip on Lessons From Getting Fired, Asian Representation and Founding G Adventures on Two Maxed-Out Credit Cards

G Adventures

Planeterra

“Looptail” By Bruce Poon Tip

“Unlearn, The Year the Earth Stood Still” By Bruce Poon Tip

“The Last Tourist” Film

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

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