Mitch talks with Catherine Prather of the National Tour Association about her Travel Exchange conference, and the power that a traditional buyer-seller conference holds for tour operators looking to network, learn, and grow their business.
Key topics:
– Introduction to the importance of destinations for tour operators
– Overview of the role of the NTA (National Tour Association)
– Description of NTA’s buyer network forums and travel exchange sessions
– Emphasis on the importance of learning and community support among NTA members
– Background information on NTA and its members
– Focus on the consumer-driven nature of the travel industry
– Discussion on the evolution of tour activities and preferences
– Importance of human connection and relationship building in partnerships
– Explanation of a buyer-seller conference and the value of networking
– Adaptation of tour operators during COVID and the offerings of one-day tours
– Description of multi-day tour operators and their customized experiences
– Importance of events, databases, and connectivity for tour operators
– Recommendation for legal advice
– Introduction to Troop School and its partnership with ITMI and Travel Exchange
– Focus on meaningful travel and sustainability through Tourism Cares
– Explanation of the format and offerings of the podcast’s show, including prescheduled appointments and networking opportunities
– Overview of the registration process and contact information for further inquiries
Timestamps:
02:00 NTA: Association of travel professionals connecting partners.
06:35 Consumer drives product, sustainability and small groups.
08:51 Tourism focuses on meaningful travel experiences, sustainability.
13:24 Business show offers prescheduled appointments for buyers and sellers.
16:54 Quick appointments, like speed dating, build relationships, assess compatibility. Tour operators limit information to 1 sheet. Sellers use technology to pitch trumpeters. Buyers have over 100 appointments.
21:20 DMOs critical; assist with scheduling, troubleshooting, partnerships.
23:45 Networking and learning are crucial for association.
28:42 Jeff: Buzzkill with legal advice for tour operators.
31:50 Register for full access to appointments, education, and events.
35:16 Opportunity and collaboration bring inspiration, connection, growth.