Episode Topic:

In this episode, we dive into the transformative impact of technology on travel for marginalized communities, focusing on the groundbreaking work of Martinique Lewis and the ABC Travel Green Book app. Martinique shares her journey in creating a platform that not only highlights black-owned businesses globally but also aims to fill a gap in the market by addressing the unique needs and preferences of Black travelers. We discuss the app's future, including the integration of AI technology tailored to Black travel preferences, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in the travel industry.

Listeners will gain insights into the challenges and successes of building a tech platform focused on marginalized communities. Martinique shares valuable lessons on perseverance, the importance of mentorship and networking, and how to secure support and resources in an industry that often lacks diversity. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of representation in travel, the necessity of inclusive technology, and the importance of creating community-focused solutions that address the specific needs of underrepresented groups in the travel space.

Martinique Lewis is a trailblazing figure in the travel industry, known for her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity. As the creator of the ABC Travel Green Book app, Martinique has been instrumental in amplifying Black-owned businesses and travel experiences worldwide. She works closely with industry leaders and organizations like TripAdvisor to push for greater representation and understanding of Black travel preferences. With her passion for travel and her commitment to making the industry more inclusive, Martinique continues to break barriers and set new standards in the travel tech space.

This episode covers a range of topics, including the development and future of the ABC Travel Green Book app, the challenges of building a Black-owned travel tech platform, and the importance of AI technology tailored to the needs of marginalized communities. Martinique also discusses the impact of the Black Travel Scorecard on the industry, the role of mentorship and networking in achieving success, and the ongoing efforts to expand the app's reach globally, particularly in Africa and other underrepresented regions

EpisodeTopic:                                                                                                         In this episode of Travel Preneur, Meghan McSwain explores the vibrant world of Belgian beer culture with Liselot Caura, the founder and owner of Beer Secret. The discussion takes listeners on a journey through the unique beer tours offered by Beer Secret, which blend educational insights, cultural history, and personal storytelling. Liselot shares her inspiring journey from a sales career in a Gent brewery to establishing one of the most immersive beer experience companies in Belgium. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the intricacies of curating beer tours that cater to both beer enthusiasts and newcomers, and the importance of integrating local culture and hidden gems into these experiences.

Lessons You’ll Learn:

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the business side of beer tourism, including how to create a successful niche business in a highly specialized industry. Liselot discusses the importance of adaptability, the power of partnerships, and the need for a deep understanding of the product and the audience. The episode also covers the logistics of running a business that relies heavily on local culture, history, and partnerships with breweries and venues. Additionally, Liselot offers practical advice on managing a small team, the benefits of hiring interns, and the critical role of maintaining authenticity and passion in your business.

About Our Guest:

Liselot Caura is the founder and owner of Beer Secret, a company that offers immersive beer tours in Belgium. With a background in sales at a local brewery, Liselot's passion for Belgian beer and culture led her to create Beer Secret in 2019, transforming it from a secondary job into a full-time business. Her tours are renowned for their educational yet intimate approach, combining different beer styles, local delicacies, and hidden gems to provide a holistic experience for tourists and beer enthusiasts alike. Liselot's dedication to promoting lesser-known Belgian beer styles and supporting local breweries has made her a recognized figure in the beer tourism community.

Topics Covered:

The episode covers a wide range of topics related to beer tourism and entrepreneurship. Liselot shares her journey from a sales career to founding Beer Secret, highlighting the challenges and rewards of starting a niche business. The conversation touches on the importance of selecting the right beer styles and venues, the role of partnerships with local breweries and bars, and the significance of integrating local culture and history into the tours. Additionally, Liselot discusses the evolving trends in beer tourism, the impact of online travel agencies (OTAs) on small businesses, and the strategies she uses to maintain a high level of engagement with customers. The episode concludes with Liselot's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team and staying true to one's passion

Episode Topic: In this captivating episode of TravelPreneur, we get into the essence of a culinary food tour in Toronto and how it offers a unique way to experience the city's diverse food scene with Kevin Durkee, the culinary tourism leader and owner of Culinary Adventure Co. Kevin shares insights into what makes these tours stand out, from the authenticity of the experiences to the rich stories behind each local vendor. The discussion also delves into the growth of Culinary Adventure Co and its impact on supporting local businesses. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in culinary tourism and discovering Toronto through its vibrant food culture.

Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of what goes into creating an exceptional culinary food tour in Toronto. Kevin Durkee reveals the secrets to ensuring each tour is authentic and immersive, highlighting the importance of knowing the origins of the food and the stories behind it. You'll learn about the challenges faced in expanding a culinary tourism business and how resilience and adaptability played a crucial role, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin also shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own niche travel business, emphasizing the significance of passion, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

About Our Guest: Kevin Durkee is the owner and driving force behind Culinary Adventure Co, Canada's largest and best-rated food tour company. With a background that includes working with the Walt Disney Company, Kevin brings a unique perspective to culinary tourism. His company specializes in offering award-winning food tours that celebrate small and local businesses. Kevin's passion for food and storytelling shines through as he discusses the intricacies of running a culinary food tour in Toronto. Under his leadership, Culinary Adventure Co has become synonymous with quality, authenticity, and memorable culinary experiences, making it a beloved choice for both locals and tourists. Topics Covered: The enlightening conversation covers a wide range of topics centered around the theme of the culinary food tour in Toronto. We discuss the diverse neighborhoods featured in the tours, such as Chinatown, Kensington Market, and Saint Lawrence Market, and how each area offers unique culinary delights. Kevin shares memorable experiences and feedback from guests, showcasing the profound impact of these tours on both locals and visitors. The conversation also touches on the future of culinary tourism, the importance of supporting local food businesses, and the innovative ways Culinary Adventure Co adapted during the pandemic. Finally, we explore the company's plans for expansion and new offerings, promising even more exciting culinary adventures.

Checkout our website- https://travelpayments.com/

Episode Topic: In this captivating episode of TravelPreneur, we get into the innovative world of city exploration games in travel with Alex Govoreanu, CEO and co-founder of Questo. Questo is a platform that transforms city exploration into an immersive adventure, blending puzzle-solving and role-playing elements to create unique experiences. With games available in over 500 cities, Questo offers travelers and locals alike a new way to discover urban landscapes. Alex shares the inception of Questo, discussing the inspiration behind the platform and how it has changed the way people interact with cities. This episode sheds light on the intersection of travel, gaming, and technology, revealing how city exploration games are revolutionizing urban adventures.

Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain insights into the development and impact of city exploration games in travel from Alex Govoreanu’s perspective. Learn about the challenges faced in creating a scalable and engaging platform like Questo and how it ensures each game offers an authentic experience. Alex shares valuable lessons on the importance of understanding user needs, the role of technology in travel, and how to build a successful travel tech business. Additionally, discover how Questo fosters real-world connections through its innovative approach to urban exploration, making city adventures more personal and memorable.

About Our Guest: Alex Govoreanu is the CEO and co-founder of Questo, a pioneering platform in the realm of city exploration games in travel. Driven by a passion for discovering cities and the world, Alex envisioned a way to make urban adventures more interactive and engaging. His background in technology and love for exploration led to the creation of Questo, a platform that has grown to feature games in over 500 cities globally. Alex’s dedication to improving how people experience cities is evident in his commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring that each game is unique and meaningful. Under his leadership, Questo continues to expand and innovate, offering users unparalleled urban exploration experiences. Topics Covered: This episode covers a wide range of topics related to city exploration games in travel. Megha and Alex discuss the inception of Questo and the inspiration behind merging exploration with gamification. They delve into the unique aspects of each game, the process of creating and maintaining high-quality content, and the importance of user feedback. Alex shares stories of how Questo has impacted users, from connecting families to offering new ways to experience cities. The conversation also touches on the future of urban exploration, the role of technology in travel, and advice for aspiring travel tech entrepreneurs. Listeners will come away with a comprehensive understanding of how city exploration games are transforming travel and urban adventures. Checkout our website- https://travelpayments.com/ 

Episode Topic: In this captivating episode of TravelPreneur, we welcome Kristin Richards, the creative lead and founder of In Flow Design Co. Kristin shares her extensive experience in visual branding with website engagement, emphasizing its critical role in the travel industry. From the importance of a well-designed logo to the psychological impact of color choices, Kristin provides valuable insights for travel business owners looking to create a lasting first impression and establish a strong online presence. This episode dives deep into the strategies and elements that make a travel website not only visually appealing but also highly engaging for potential clients.

Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain a thorough understanding of how visual branding with website engagement can significantly impact their travel business. Kristin Richards explains how to choose the right colors, fonts, and design elements to create a cohesive and professional brand image. Additionally, she discusses the importance of maintaining brand consistency across all digital platforms to foster brand recognition and trust. Kristin also shares practical tips on how to enhance customer engagement through effective website design and messaging, ensuring that visitors are not only attracted to the site but are also motivated to stay and explore further.

About Our Guest: Kristin Richards is the founder and creative lead of In Flow Design Co., a company dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through design and marketing. With a background as an art director, Kristin has a wealth of experience in helping businesses, particularly in the travel industry, develop strong visual branding with website engagement. Her approach combines creative design with strategic marketing to ensure that businesses not only look good but also perform well online. Kristin's passion for travel and design shines through in her work, making her a sought-after expert in the field. Topics Covered: This episode covers a wide range of topics essential for travel business owners looking to enhance their brand and online presence. Key areas of discussion include the importance of visual branding with website engagement, the psychology of color in design, and the role of a professional logo. Kristin Richards also delves into practical strategies for improving website functionality and user experience, from mobile-friendliness to clear and compelling messaging. Additionally, the episode explores how to create a cohesive brand image that resonates with the target audience and encourages customer loyalty.

Checkout our website- https://travelpayments.com/

Episode Topic: In this captivating episode of TravelPreneur, we get into a journey of empowering women travelers and crafting unique itineraries with Becky Lukovic, a luxury travel designer and founder of Bella Travel Planning. Becky brings over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, specializing in crafting bespoke itineraries that cater to the unique interests of her clients. This episode dives deep into her approach to luxury travel, her role in empowering women travelers through the Bella Travel Women's Travel Club, and the future of female travel. Becky shares her insights on creating personalized travel experiences, the importance of knowing one's worth in the travel business, and the emerging trends in women's travel.

Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will learn valuable lessons on how to ensure each travel itinerary is a distinctive and personalized experience. Becky Lukovic emphasizes the importance of starting with an in-depth understanding of each traveler's preferences and interests. She discusses the significance of mentorship in the travel industry, particularly in helping other professionals recognize their worth and charge appropriately for their services. Additionally, Becky offers practical advice on how to pivot and thrive in the post-pandemic travel landscape, including strategies for entering the luxury travel market and scaling a travel business. Her insights are not only applicable to travel professionals but also to anyone interested in enhancing their travel planning skills and creating meaningful travel experiences.

About Our Guest: Becky Lukovic is a renowned luxury travel designer and the founder of Bella Travel Planning. With over two decades of experience in the travel industry, Becky has built a reputation for creating unique, bespoke itineraries that cater to her clients' individual interests. She is also the leader of the Bella Travel Women's Travel Club, known as Ciao Bella, which empowers women travelers to explore the world through curated journeys. Becky's passion for travel and dedication to her clients have made her a respected figure in the industry. Her ability to blend personal interests with luxurious travel experiences sets her apart, making her an inspiring mentor for other travel professionals. Topics Covered: This episode covers a wide range of topics centered around empowering women travelers and creating bespoke travel experiences. Becky Lukovic discusses her meticulous process for designing personalized itineraries, including the importance of understanding each client's unique preferences. The conversation also delves into Becky's efforts to mentor other travel professionals, particularly in the areas of recognizing their worth and navigating the luxury travel market. Additionally, the episode explores the trends and opportunities in post-pandemic travel, especially for solo and group female travelers. Through the Ciao Bella Travel Club, Becky fosters a supportive and adventurous community for women, encouraging them to explore diverse cultures and destinations. This episode is packed with insights and advice for both travel enthusiasts and professionals. Checkout our website- https://travelpayments.com/

Episode Topic

In this episode of TravelPreneur, host Megha McSwain takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through the streets of Buffalo, New York, alongside Marc Moscato, the innovative founder of Buffalo Bike Tours and Rentals. Marc's unique blend of passion for public history and biking culminates in guided bike tours that unveil Buffalo's rich heritage. The episode explores Marc's transition from traditional public history roles to creating engaging bike tours, which offer a fresh perspective on Buffalo's past and present. Listeners will gain insights into how Buffalo’s history, from its industrial heyday to its modern revitalization, can be explored on two wheels.

Lessons You’ll Learn

Listeners will learn about the power of combining interests to create unique business opportunities, as Marc shares his journey from disinterest in history to becoming an influential tour guide and community activist. The episode digs into the importance of grassroots efforts and community support in building a successful business. Marc’s experience highlights the significance of understanding local history and how it shapes current societal and economic conditions. Additionally, listeners will discover the intricacies of running a seasonal business and the creative ways to diversify offerings, such as integrating culinary experiences into historical tours.

About Our Guest

Marc Moscato is the dynamic founder of Buffalo Bike Tours and Rentals. With a background in public history and community activism, Marc has turned his passions into a thriving business that connects people to Buffalo's heritage through guided bike tours. Despite an initial lack of interest in history, Marc's curiosity about his hometown's social and economic factors led him to explore historical narratives deeply. His innovative approach combines historical education with physical activity, making history accessible and engaging for both locals and tourists. Marc's dedication to his community and his ability to adapt to market demands have earned him recognition from major media outlets.

Topics Covered

The episode covers a range of topics, starting with Marc’s personal journey from disinterest in history to founding Buffalo Bike Tours. Listeners will hear about Buffalo's industrial past, the city's decline, and its recent revitalization. The discussion includes the challenges and rewards of starting a business with minimal resources and the importance of community involvement. Marc also shares the story behind Buffalo’s famous chicken wings and how culinary tours have become a part of his offerings. The conversation touches on broader themes such as cultural appropriation, race, and class in America, framed within the context of Buffalo’s local history and the impact of the Great Migration.

Check out our website- https://travelpayments.com

In this episode of TravelPreneur, Megha McSwain takes listeners on a creative journey into the world of travel photography with Christy Hunter, the visionary CEO and founder of Photowalk Nashville. Christy has redefined the vacation experience by blending photography with local exploration, offering tourists a unique way to capture their travel memories. Through Photowalk Nashville, guests can enjoy personalized photography sessions while discovering hidden gems in the city. This episode delves into how Christy’s passion for travel and photography inspired her to create a business that not only provides stunning photos but also an insider’s guide to Nashville.

Listeners will learn about the innovative approach Christy Hunter has taken to combine travel and photography. She shares insights on how to make photography sessions more than just a photoshoot by incorporating local culture and experiences. Christy discusses the importance of building strong partnerships with local businesses to enhance the guest experience. Additionally, she provides tips on how to pose and feel confident in front of the camera, ensuring that everyone can enjoy beautiful, Instagram-worthy photos. The episode also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the travel and photography industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding and engaging with the tourism sector.

Christy Hunter is a Nashville-based photographer, influencer, and petite style icon who has transformed the way people capture their travel memories. As the CEO and founder of Photowalk Nashville, Christy combines her extensive background in weddings, fashion, and portrait photography with her love of travel to offer unique and memorable photography experiences. Her business not only provides high-quality photos but also serves as a tour guide, introducing visitors to the best local spots in Nashville. Christy’s passion for connecting with people and helping them feel confident in front of the camera shines through in her work, making her a beloved figure in both the photography and travel communities.

This episode covers a wide range of topics related to travel photography and local exploration. Megha and Christy discuss the inspiration behind Photo Walk Nashville and how it differs from traditional photography sessions by offering an immersive, guided tour experience. They explore the impact of social media on travel photography and the strategies Christy uses to ensure her clients get stunning, shareable photos. The conversation also highlights the significance of building relationships with local businesses and how these partnerships enhance the overall guest experience. Additionally, Christy shares personal anecdotes, including memorable client stories and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the travel or photography industry.

Check out our website- https://travelpayments.com

Episode Topic:

In this episode of TravelPreneur, host Megha McSwain welcomes Meghan Forbes, the Director of Sales at Fotaflo. The discussion centers around how Fotaflo is revolutionizing the way tour and activity operators engage with their guests through an innovative customer referral and remarketing platform. Forbes explains the origins of Fotaflo and the significant gap it aims to fill in the market by transforming the transient nature of tour experiences into lasting memories. This episode gets into the importance of capturing and sharing these moments to extend customer relationships far beyond the tour's end, ultimately driving long-term business growth.

Listeners will learn about the critical role of customer memories in enhancing tour experiences and fostering lasting connections. Meghan Forbes shares insights into how capturing a single, high-quality memory can significantly impact guest satisfaction and engagement. The episode also highlights the importance of leveraging social media for peer-to-peer discovery and the benefits of nurturing existing customers over constantly acquiring new ones. Forbes provides concrete examples of how Fotaflo's approach has led to substantial business growth for its clients, emphasizing the importance of customer referrals and repeat business in the travel and tourism industry.

Meghan Forbes is the Director of Sales at Fotaflo, a company dedicated to transforming the way tour and activity operators connect with their guests. With a background in sales and marketing, Forbes brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. Her expertise lies in identifying market gaps and developing innovative solutions to bridge them. At Fotaflo, she plays a pivotal role in helping businesses harness the power of photo and video sharing to create lasting memories and drive customer engagement. Forbes is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and foster long-term relationships in the travel and tourism sector.

The episode covers a range of topics related to the travel and tourism industry and the innovative solutions offered by Fotaflo. Key topics include the genesis of Fotaflo and its mission to extend the magic of tour experiences beyond their conclusion. Meghan Forbes discusses the principles of capturing and sharing memories, the impact of social media on customer discovery, and the importance of focusing on repeat business and customer referrals. The episode also includes real-world examples of businesses that have benefited from implementing Fotaflo, showcasing substantial increases in repeat customers and overall business growth. Additionally, Forbes addresses how Fotaflo’s technology simplifies the process of capturing and sharing guest memories, ensuring a seamless and impactful guest experience.

Check out our website- https://travelpayments.com

Episode Topic

In this episode of TravelPreneur, host Megha McSwain gets into the innovative realm of culinary tourism with Angee  Johnson, the founder of Taste of Slo Walking Food Tours in San Luis Obispo, California. Angee  shares her journey of starting a unique food tour business that blends culinary delights with local culture and history. The episode uncovers how Taste of Slo Walking Food Tours offers a distinct and immersive experience for visitors, making them feel connected to San Luis Obispo in a meaningful way. Angee  discusses the inspiration behind her venture, her passion for food tours, and how she leverages her extensive hospitality experience to create memorable tours that highlight the best local eateries.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the logistics of starting a niche tourism business and the importance of building strong local partnerships. Angee  emphasizes the significance of being organized, enthusiastic, and present to create a compelling customer experience. She also discusses overcoming initial challenges, such as finding the right ticketing software and marketing strategies. Additionally, Angee  highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and the community, showcasing how collaboration and mutual support can drive success. Listeners will also learn about the benefits of participating in free educational resources like SCORE to enhance their business acumen.

Angee Johnson is the visionary behind Taste of Slo Walking Food Tours in San Luis Obispo, California. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Angee  brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for food and travel to her business. Originally from Minnesota, Angee fell in love with San Luis Obispo and its unique charm, which inspired her to start her food tour company. Her tours offer a blend of culinary experiences, local culture, and history, providing guests with a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the area. Angee ’s dedication to her business and her community shines through in her commitment to promoting local eateries and supporting fellow entrepreneurs.

This episode covers a range of topics, starting with Angee ’s inspiration and journey to founding Taste of Slo Walking Food Tours. She discusses the challenges she faced, such as logistics, ticketing, and marketing, and how she overcame them with the help of resources like SCORE. Angee  explains how her tours support the local economy by promoting restaurants and collaborating with other small businesses. The conversation also touches on her experiences with large groups, including a memorable middle school field trip, and her approach to catering to diverse customer needs. Additionally, Angee  shares her future plans, including potential expansions and the idea of creating a digital guide for visitors to San Luis Obispo.

Check out our website- https://travelpayments.com/