In this episode of Traveling Tribes, host Jeff Gayduk welcomes Fred Ferguson, the new President and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA). Fred, a seasoned industry professional with deep roots in tourism and public policy, shares his journey from his upbringing in the tourism-driven town of Park City, Utah, to his current leadership role at ABA. Together, Jeff and Fred discuss Fred's vision for the future of ABA, touching on topics like sustainable travel, economic growth through tourism, and the impact of motorcoach travel on local communities. They also dive into Fred's experience transitioning into his role and working alongside his predecessor, Pete Pantuso. Fred’s passion for expanding the bus and travel industry, combined with his insights on environmental responsibility and infrastructure development, make this a must-listen for travel professionals and tourism enthusiasts alike.

In this episode, we sit down with Shirley, a leading expert in group travel at Goway, to discuss the latest trends in the industry. We dive into the growing appeal of multi-generational family trips, special interest groups, and the increasingly adventurous destinations these travelers are seeking. From families jetting off to South Africa and Argentina to shared heritage trips to Ghana, Shirley reveals how travel is evolving beyond the traditional, creating richer, more meaningful experiences for groups of all sizes.

We also touch on the surge in niche travel, including pilgrimages and community-driven trips. Shirley shares the secret to Goway's success: a high rate of repeat customers who seek out new destinations with every trip. Whether it’s playing chess in Italy or connecting with ancestral roots, group travel is more diverse and adventurous than ever.

Finally, Shirley offers valuable travel advice for long-haul journeys, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, experiencing destinations in-depth, and taking time to acclimate.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with travel tips, trends, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of group travel with Goway.

Find out more about Goway and group travel opportunities at:

• https://www.goway.com/
• Call: 1-800-387-8850

Join Jeff Gayduk on this episode of the Traveling Tribes podcast, where he sits down with special guest Paula Reynolds, founder of Paula's Concierge Tours. With over 15 years in the industry, Paula shares her journey from California's wine country to the historic cities of the East Coast.

They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the tour industry, including the impact of COVID-19 on wine tours, the rising costs of travel, and the importance of trade shows for networking. Paula also reveals her excitement for America 250, sharing insights on how she's gearing up for this monumental event.

Whether you're in the travel industry or simply love a good story about adventure and history, this episode is packed with valuable insights and experiences. Tune in to learn more about the evolving world of travel and how Paula is leading the way with bespoke tours that cater to every traveler’s needs.

In this episode of the Traveling Tribes Podcast, host Jeff Gayduk sits down with Karen Trevino, President and CEO of North Little Rock Tourism. The conversation dives into Karen's illustrious career and her recent induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame.

Karen shares her journey, beginning at the Arkansas Tourism Department at the age of 19, and discusses the evolving landscape of tourism in Arkansas. She emphasizes the state's focus on outdoor recreation and the cooperative spirit that drives the tourism industry in Arkansas.

They explore the impact of technology on tourism, highlighting the shift from traditional print and broadcast media to digital platforms and the role of influencers. Karen touches on the innovative ways North Little Rock Tourism is leveraging AI to enhance their operations and stay ahead in the rapidly changing industry.

The episode also delves into the unique aspects of North Little Rock, such as the Burns Park Sports Complex and the various community-focused initiatives, like the "Setting the Table" culinary branding program. Karen explains how these initiatives help to build strong community ties and attract visitors.

Karen and Jeff discuss the blurring lines between leisure and group travel, with Karen providing insights into the integrated approach her team takes to manage and promote North Little Rock as a destination. She also highlights the importance of maintaining strong local media relationships and the evolving role of CVBs in community events.

The episode concludes with a discussion on Karen's involvement with Skål International, a professional organization for tourism leaders. As the President of Skål International USA, Karen talks about the benefits of the organization, including networking, business opportunities, and the focus on sustainability.

Tune in to learn more about Karen Trevino's journey, the innovative strategies of North Little Rock Tourism, and the future of tourism in Arkansas.

In this episode, host Jeff Gayduk reconnects with an old friend and industry veteran, Michael Lundquist, now with Croisi Europe, a family-owned river cruise company based in Strasbourg, France. With nearly 50 years in the business, Croisi Europe boasts a diverse fleet of over 50 ships and 170 itineraries worldwide, ranging from 3 to 27 days. Lundquist highlights the company's unique value in the river cruise market, emphasizing their flexible offerings and strong presence in lesser-known European rivers and canals, including the Loire Valley and the Elbe River.

They discuss the growth of Croisi Europe in the American market, the challenges and opportunities of operating during major events like the Paris Olympics, and the benefits of exploring second and third-tier destinations. The conversation also covers the appeal of canal barge cruises, which offer an intimate and unique way to explore Europe's waterways, ideal for groups, families, and special interests such as biking and hiking.

Lundquist shares insights into the future of river cruising, noting the increasing popularity of more unique destinations and the need for adaptability in a crowded market. He also elaborates on the types of groups Croisi Europe caters to, from leisure travelers to specialized charters, and the company's commitment to providing a flexible and personalized experience for all guests.

In this episode of the Traveling Tribes podcast, host Jeff Gayduk interviews Luisa Mendoza of Global Tourism and Sports Entertainment (GTSE). Luisa shares her experiences at IPW, the largest tourism trade show in the U.S., and her recognition at the Women in Tourism event. She reflects on her family's immigration from Colombia and how their journey fueled her determination to succeed. Luisa recounts her diverse career in the travel industry, including roles at notable companies and organizations, which eventually led her to found GTSE. She discusses the company's mission to bridge the gap between sports and tourism, enhancing travel experiences for sports enthusiasts.

Luisa highlights the significant potential of upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing their economic impact and job creation. She introduces My Ticket Pro, a B2B platform providing real-time access to sports tickets, streamlining the process for the tourism industry. This innovation simplifies collaboration between sports teams and tour operators, enhancing scalability and efficiency. Looking ahead, Luisa envisions global expansion for both GTSE and My Ticket Pro while focusing on inspiring and giving back to the community.

Welcome to the Traveling Tribes Podcast, where we dive deep into group travel and tourism trends. Host Jeff Gayduk, publisher of Leisure Group Travel Magazine and author of Traveling Tribes, brings you engaging conversations with travel industry standouts and influencers.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with special guest Steve Ridgway from Criterion Travel. Steve shares insights from his extensive experience in the travel industry, spanning over 50 years. From his roots in Lawrence, KS, to his tenure with Maupintour and beyond, Steve provides valuable perspectives on the evolution of group travel and the affinity travel niche.

Discover how Criterion Travel has carved a niche in educational group travel, working with prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and the Smithsonian. Steve discusses the challenges and rewards of operating tours worldwide and offers advice for organizations looking to start their own travel programs.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the past, present, and future of group travel with Steve Ridgway on the Traveling Tribes Podcast!

The latest episode of Traveling Tribes features a conversation between host Jeff Gayduk and guest Tim Hines. Tim, a seasoned marketer, shares insights into leveraging AI in the travel industry.

Tim's background in marketing spans over 20 years, primarily focusing on fractional CMO work. He emphasizes the importance of helping struggling companies jumpstart their marketing efforts. With experience in technology and travel sectors, Tim highlights the intersection of marketing and travel, offering valuable guidance to businesses in this space.

The conversation delves into the role of AI in revolutionizing travel experiences, from operational efficiencies to personalized recommendations for travelers. Furthermore, Tim shares practical advice for small travel businesses and startups looking to leverage AI to compete with larger players. In addition to discussing AI, Jeff and Tim touch upon Tim's book, "The Marketing Starter," which explores how an entrepreneurial mindset can enhance marketing strategies.