Travelpreneur: The Travel Business Podcast

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. Lessons You'll Learn 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. About Our Guest 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. Topics Covered 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/