Destination On The Left is a travel and tourism industry podcast hosted by Travel Alliance Partnership. Each episode explores successful collaborations, creative marketing ideas and best practices for both consumer and travel trade marketing programs. Interviews are a mix of Destination Marketers, Industry Leaders, Consultants and businesses in the industry.
…
continue reading
The Destination Marketing Podcast is built for tourism marketers across the country who are overworked and understaffed. Our goal is to help these people prioritize the activities that are proven to be most effective in marketing a destination and stay up to date on the latest technologies and trends in the industry. This isn’t a feel-good, motivational podcast. We’re diving deep into what to do and how to do it. Subscribe today if you’re a tourism marketer and want to perfect your craft.
…
continue reading
The Unsung Heroes of Accounting. Who are the people who work behind the scenes in your accounting department? Who are the people who crunch numbers and ensure that everyone gets paid? The unsung heroes at most companies only sometimes get their time to shine. That’s why Behind the Ledger tells the stories of these people. Spotlighting CFOs, controllers, accountants, interns, and everyone in between, the show aims to highlight these unsung heroes and show the true power of the finance world. ...
…
continue reading

1
414. Designing Luxury Immersive Experiences, with Graeme Labe
38:18
38:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:18On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Graeme Labe, Managing Partner and Chief Design Officer at Luxury Frontiers. He discusses how his immersive design firm got started and has gained traction since 2020 as people are seeking more meaningful experiences. Graeme redefines the meaning of luxury travel, explaining that genuine experi…
…
continue reading

1
365: Proving the Value of Tourism in 2025 with The Utah Tourism Collective
44:17
44:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:17In today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, we continue last week’s conversation with The Utah Tourism Collective. Adam, Mo, Jason, AJ, and Sarah return to discuss some of the hottest topics in tourism as we head into 2025. With tightening budgets and increased scrutiny on DMO spending, it's up to us as marketers to demonstrate the val…
…
continue reading

1
413. Thinking Differently, with Andy Clinton
47:31
47:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:31On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Andy Clinton, CEO of Visit York County. He discusses why youth sports tourism is so important to his community and how reaching out to other successful destinations for inspiration has helped them build their visitor numbers. Andy also shares the details of the innovative strategies that Visit…
…
continue reading

1
364: Reflecting on 2024 in Destination Marketing with the Utah Tourism Collective
53:17
53:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:17Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast brings together some of Utah's brightest minds in the destination marketing space: AJ Brau, the CEO of Wander, Mo Parikh, the CEO of Bandwango, Jason Linder, the CEO of Ripe, Sarah Lehman, the CEO of Zartico and of course, our host Adam Stoker, the CEO of Brand Revolt. Each leader reflects on wha…
…
continue reading

1
412. Expanding Accessible Travel, with Arturo Gaona
48:14
48:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:14On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Arturo Gaona, Chief Partnership Officer at Wheel the World. Arturo shares how Wheel the World started with one vision in mind and evolved into a solution for helping visitors of all abilities know what to expect when planning their travels. He shares how Wheel the World collaborates with DMOs …
…
continue reading

1
363: Meet the Familiar Face Behind TourismIQ's Content with Laurie Jo Miller Farr
33:31
33:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:31A few years ago, Adam Stoker and Laurie Jo Miller Farr hosted the Travel Vertical Podcast, a biweekly look at news, trends and jobs in the destination marketing industry. While that podcast isn't releasing new episodes anymore, its spirit lives on within TourismIQ. Laurie is now the Editorial Director for TourismIQ, and she joins Adam on today's ep…
…
continue reading

1
411. Social Media Tips for Travel Advisors, with Nikita France
43:10
43:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:10On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Nikita France, Founder of Travel Agent Collective, who shares her story of how she helps travel agents build their businesses by building their personal brand. She offers great actionable advice on how to stand out on social media so you can build authority, confidence, and trust with potentia…
…
continue reading

1
362: Bringing South Carolina Together to Commemorate American History with Molly Fortune
45:46
45:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:46South Carolina played a large role in the American Revolution and with some big historical anniversaries coming on the horizon in the next few years, the state is putting together an exciting project to commemorate its history while driving tourism and economic development in the process. Molly Fortune, the Executive Director of SC250, the organiza…
…
continue reading

1
410. Cannabis Travel Trends, with Brian Applegarth
41:12
41:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:12On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Brian Applegarth, founding chair of the Cannabis Travel Association International and owner of Applegarth Strategies, about the burgeoning interest in cannabis tourism. He describes the four archetypes of this growing target market, and we discuss how destinations should think about their cann…
…
continue reading

1
361: Driving International Tourism in Kentucky Through Bourbon with Mike Mangeot
35:00
35:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:00Kentucky is famous for its bourbon and on today's episode, Adam sits down with Mike Mangeot at the Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference to discuss how Kentucky is using bourbon tourism to grow its international market. As the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism, Mike touches on the continued growth he's seen in Kentucky tourism…
…
continue reading

1
360: 2025 New Year's Resolutions For Destination Marketers
37:17
37:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:17Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast continues our yearly tradition of setting resolutions for the New Year. From ditching the reliance on paid media to preparing for the Department of Government Efficiency and more, these are crucial insights that destination marketers need to know heading into 2025. Aside from the resolutions them…
…
continue reading

1
359: Happy Holidays From the Destination Marketing Podcast!
1:15
1:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15The Destination Marketing Podcast is off for Christmas Eve, so instead of a new episode, we have a special holiday message from Adam! The Destination Marketing Podcast will return on Wednesday, January 1st with its 2025 New Year’s Resolutions episode and then go back to its regular Tuesday release schedule starting Tuesday, January 7th. If you’re e…
…
continue reading

1
409. Insights from the National Tour Association Travel Exchange Part Two, with Nicole Mahoney
55:35
55:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:35This week, we’re sharing more insights from travel experts at the NTA Travel Exchange event in Huntsville, Alabama. You’ll hear how improving efficiency in tour operations can enhance customer satisfaction through digital tools and technology integration. We also discuss the impact of AI on tourism and the importance of strategic partnerships in ou…
…
continue reading

1
408. Insights from the National Tour Association Travel Exchange Part One, with Nicole Mahoney
41:11
41:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:11Welcome to the first of a two-part series from NTA, where we dive into tour and travel trends, partnerships, and challenges shaping the industry. In our conversations, we explore the rise of transformative travel, the international tourism rebound, and innovations in payment systems—all key trends driving the travel industry forward into 2025. In t…
…
continue reading

1
358: Bringing DMOs Together Across State Lines with Julie Kirkpatrick
33:10
33:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:10Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast has Adam sit down with Julie Kirkpatrick, the President and CEO of meetNKY, the host DMO of the Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference. They discuss the interesting dynamic of Julie's DMO in Covington, Kentucky bordering Cincinnati, Ohio and how she's been able to work together with her count…
…
continue reading

1
407. Creating Enriching Multi-Destination Travel Experiences, OMCA Marketplace Part Two with Nicole Mahoney
1:19:04
1:19:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:04On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m talking with eight industry professionals at OMCA Marketplace, held in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. These conversations emphasize the evolving nature of the travel industry driven by changes in traveler expectations, strategic international cooperation, and a strong focus on quality and convenience. In t…
…
continue reading

1
357: Capitalizing on Hiking Trails to Drive Tourism in Morehead with Joy Brown
20:19
20:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:19On today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam is still on-location at the Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference. Joy Brown, the executive director of Morehead-Rowan County Tourism in Kentucky, joins the show to discuss Morehead's appeal as a destination and a few ongoing tourism and economic development initiatives in the desti…
…
continue reading

1
356: Bonus Episode: Adam's Keynote Presentation at the Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference
38:18
38:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:18Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a full-length look at Adam's keynote presentation at the Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference. In this keynote, Adam explores the media strategies of both candidates from this past presidential election and how Donald Trump was able to capitalize on podcast appearances during his campaig…
…
continue reading

1
406. Creating Enriching Multi-Destination Travel Experiences, OMCA Marketplace Part One with Nicole Mahoney
1:02:34
1:02:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:34On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m sharing the first of a two-part series from the OMCA Marketplace that was held in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I know you’ll find the wisdom these eight influential industry professionals offer invaluable. We dig into the recent tour and travel trends, including cross-border travel and the importance of …
…
continue reading

1
355: Utilizing Short-Term Funds For Long-Term Improvements with Hank Phillips
21:14
21:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:14For today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam is on the road at the Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference. Hank Phillips, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, sits down with Adam to discuss the ways that this conference will reinforce foundational aspects of tourism and benefit destination markete…
…
continue reading

1
405. PACE Forum 2025 Preview, with Gregory LaDuca, Maureen Martin, & Bryan Kubel
45:06
45:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:06On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with three tourism industry leaders about the power of partnership and community engagement. Maureen Martin, Vice President of Partnerships and Community from Destination Madison, Bryan Kuebel, Senior Partnership Manager from Visit Milwaukee, and Greg LaDuca, Senior Vice President of Industry Relat…
…
continue reading

1
354: Using Esports to Level Up Your Destination Marketing with Ed Tomasi, Allister Scorgie and Loren Gold
51:01
51:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:01Video game competitions, or esports, are a growing industry that allows DMOs to grow their visitation and increase travel by inviting the esports community into their destinations. Ed Tomasi, an esports consultant for DMOs, Allister Scorgie, the Director of Sport Hosting at Explore Waterloo Region and Loren Gold, the Executive Vice President of the…
…
continue reading

1
353: Taking Risks in Destination Marketing: A Special Bonus Episode Featuring Destination Discourse
52:07
52:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:07Today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is the final episode of our collaboration with Destination Discourse, a podcast recently launched by Adam along with Stuart Butler, the CMO of Visit Myrtle Beach. Will Seccombe, the president of Revolution Strategy and a recurring guest on The Destination Marketing Podcast, joins Adam and Stuart …
…
continue reading

1
404. Building Emotional Connections Through Storytelling, with Catherine Alonzo
44:34
44:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:34On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Catherine Alonzo, CEO at Javelina and host of the How to Change the World Podcast. She shares why story and travel are two sides of the same coin and breaks down how we should approach stories when trying to make a change or social impact. We also discuss the stories we tell ourselves, the imp…
…
continue reading

1
352: Discover DeKalb's Podcast Development Journey with James Tsismanakis
36:51
36:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:51Today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a conversation with James Tsismanakis, the Executive Director of Discover DeKalb. After discussing his background in tourism, James highlights how DeKalb has been using podcasting as a marketing tool for his destination to promote economic development, arts, culture and festivals. He tells the…
…
continue reading

1
351: How Branded Entertainment Can Transform Destination Marketing: A Special Bonus Episode Featuring Destination Discourse
50:43
50:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:43Today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast continues our collaboration with Destination Discourse, a podcast recently launched by Adam along with Stuart Butler, the CMO of Visit Myrtle Beach. The second episode of Destination Discourse is a deep dive into branded entertainment. They emphasize the need for DMOs to adapt to the changing adv…
…
continue reading

1
403. The Power of Positive Intelligence, with Jill Peterson
41:59
41:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:59In this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jill Peterson, Founder and Chief Growth Strategist at Clover Insights LLC. We discuss how to improve your mental fitness and build positive intelligence, and she explains the differences between your “survival brain” and your “sage brain.” Jill shares why improving your mental fitness leads to…
…
continue reading

1
350: A New Vision for Visit Anaheim with Scott Oklin
36:27
36:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:27On today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Scott Oklin, the new CMO of Visit Anaheim. Scott talks about how he found his way into this role after working at Travelzoo and how he's looking to use that prior experience in his new role. He also touches on his goal to make Visit Anaheim into a lifestyle brand and capit…
…
continue reading

1
349: AI’s Impact on the Future of DMOs: A Special Bonus Episode Featuring Destination Discourse
47:37
47:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:37Today’s episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast is a collaboration with Destination Discourse, a podcast recently launched by Adam along with Stuart Butler, the CMO of Visit Myrtle Beach. Starting today and over the next few weeks, we’ll be releasing the first three episodes of Destination Discourse as bonus episodes of The Destination Marketi…
…
continue reading

1
402. Exploring 2024 Holiday Travel Trends and Consumer Insights, with Jonathan Kletzel
25:15
25:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:15On this episode of Destination on the Left, Jonathan Kletzel, the Travel, Transportation, and Logistics Sector Leader at PwC, shares insights from the recently released PwC Holiday Outlook. This report examines holiday spending across various consumer segments and industries. We focus on travel trends for the 2024 holiday season and discuss the dif…
…
continue reading

1
348: The Unique Marketing Strategies That Help Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Stand Out with Neil MacKenzie
39:51
39:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:51Neil MacKenzie, the CEO of Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism in Nova Scotia, joins Adam on today's episode to discuss the tactics and strategies that have helped his small destination stand out in larger markets like the Northeastern U.S. He also goes into his background and how the time that he and his wife spent in Japan teaching English became…
…
continue reading

1
401. Building Success through Bravery and Flexibility, with Rosa Harris
44:26
44:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:26On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands, about the importance of being open, flexible, and courageous as a travel professional. We talk about knowing who you are as a destination, being true to your strengths, and why honoring history, culture, and people is a must for tourism …
…
continue reading

1
347: The Importance of Vendors in Industry Innovation with AJ Brau
31:25
31:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:25In this episode, Adam is joined live in the studio by AJ Brau, co-founder and CEO of Wander. She discusses the recent upgrades Wander has made to their technology and explains why it’s crucial for destinations to collaborate with vendors to drive industry innovation forward. Listen and learn how to own your visitor attribution using tools that capt…
…
continue reading

1
346: Haunted History and Tourism with Brandon Schexnayder
36:28
36:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:28Brandon Schexnayder, the founder of Southern Gothic Media, joins Adam on today's episode to talk about his podcast, which tells the ghost stories of various communities in the Southern United States. He details his background in the music industry, how he found his way into the podcasting space and what the initial stages were like in creating his …
…
continue reading

1
400. Preserving Legacy and Building Connections, with Nicole Mahoney and Colleen Onuffer
32:33
32:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:33On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m thrilled to dive into an inspiring conversation that perfectly embodies our brand promise—”impact through connection, community, and collaboration.” We’re exploring the transformative power of strategic planning and emotional connections in the travel and tourism industry with Colleen Onuffer, the Dir…
…
continue reading

1
345: Standing Together in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene with Thomas Salley
30:20
30:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:20On today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam sits down with Thomas Salley, the director of Great State of Wilkes, Tourism in North Carolina. Thomas joins the podcast in the wake of the impact of Hurricane Helene and he discusses his experiences with the storm and what role DMOs play when this kind of natural disaster takes place. H…
…
continue reading

1
399. Event Hosting and Tourism Success in Small Destinations, with Todd Read
45:35
45:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:35On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Todd Read, Senior Tourism Manager at SoIN Tourism, who shares more about the importance of building relationships for professional growth. Todd discusses the challenges SoIN has faced and how they have overcome them by creating strong partnerships. We also talk about hosting a travel conferenc…
…
continue reading

1
344: AI's Impact on the Present and Future of Destination Marketing with Tony Carne
37:27
37:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:27Tony Carne, a thought leader in AI and the creator of the Everything AI in Travel newsletter, joins Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast to discuss his background in the travel industry and how he fell in love with AI. Tony also touches on some AI-related things he's seeing in the international travel space, such as AI educa…
…
continue reading

1
398. Building Strong Industry Partnerships in the Travel and Tourism Industry, with Kristi Gole
34:00
34:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:00On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Kristi Gole, EVP of Strategy at Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), about the importance of collaboration and how the alliance helps these hotels compete against the world’s largest brands. Kristi shares examples of brand partnerships that GHA’s loyalty program has allowed them to start with compleme…
…
continue reading

1
343: A Masterclass in Destination Marketing with Cody Chomiak and Tom Loftus
41:12
41:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:12Cody Chomiak from Travel Manitoba and Tom Loftus from Visit Richmond, Virginia join Adam on today's episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast to discuss various tourism topics. They give their perspectives on issues facing the destination marketing industry, such as navigating small budgets and discerning important metrics. The conversation then…
…
continue reading

1
342: Bonus Episode: Adam Stoker as a Guest on The Econ Dev Show
36:10
36:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:10On this special episode of The Destination Marketing Podcast, Adam joins Dane Carlson as a guest on The Econ Dev Show to discuss the symbiotic relationship between destination marketing and economic development. They discuss how DMOs and economic developers can collaborate and improve on things like site visits to create positive memorable experien…
…
continue reading

1
397. The Evolution of the Travel Advisor, with James R. Ferrara
41:59
41:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:59On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with James R. Ferrara, Co-Founder & President of InteleTravel, about how the business navigated the pandemic, adapted to the shifting preferences of younger travelers, and strategically expanded their services. James also shares more about the company’s commitment to promoting mindful and sustainab…
…
continue reading

1
341: Building A Community Around Your Content with Kristina Ainge
33:47
33:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:47In this episode, Adam sits down with Kristina Ainge, PR and Content Director at Relic. They talk about the changing landscape of social media and content marketing and why destinations need to pay attention to both micro and macro trends. With nearly a decade of experience in social media, PR, and influencer marketing, Kristina offers a treasure tr…
…
continue reading

1
396. How AI Can Improve Traveler Experience, with Anna Jaffe
43:59
43:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:59Anna elaborates on how the integration of AI can be transformative for businesses in the travel industry. AI is another tool in your toolbox, and each tool, whether it’s a simple hammer or a sophisticated AI algorithm, has a particular purpose. The collaboration between humans and AI enables tour operators, DMOs, and travel agents to enhance and pe…
…
continue reading

1
340: Ice Cream Flavors, Paint Colors and More with Glorianna Yamin
34:29
34:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:29In this episode, Adam is joined by Glorianna Yamin, Vice President of Marketing for Discover Puerto Rico. Glorianna shares her career journey, discusses her recognition as one of Destinations International's 30 Under 30, and highlights Discover Puerto Rico’s innovative marketing initiatives, including a collaboration with Pantone to create a color …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 395:Creating Immersive Travel Experiences by Rail, with Liz Owens
35:10
35:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:10On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Liz Owens, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vacations by Rail, who joins me to discuss the trends driving interest in rail experiences, such as slow travel, sustainability, and experiential travel. We also discuss the unique focus of Vacations by Rail, from escorted rail travel to …
…
continue reading

1
339: Targeting Niche Sporting Events with Nathaniel Sweetman
29:42
29:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:42In this episode, Adam is joined by Nathaniel Sweetman, Sports Marketing Coordinator for Visit Sarasota County. Nathaniel shares his journey into sports marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and community engagement. He discusses Sarasota's unique facilities, strategies for attracting niche events, and the economic impact of sports t…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 394: The Essential Role of Authentic Storytelling in Sustainable Tourism, with Rob Holmes
44:35
44:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:35On this episode of Destination on the Left, Rob Holmes, Founder of GLP Films shares his experience and insights on sustainable tourism. We discuss how you can impact sustainability through storytelling, and Rob shares several components of storytelling and why it must focus on people at the ground level and be story-driven, not sales-driven. What Y…
…
continue reading

1
338: How To Win The Board Back with Bill Geist
36:10
36:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:10In this episode, Adam Stoker and guest Bill Geist discuss a critical issue facing destination marketing organizations: a growing disconnect between boards, CEOs, and political stakeholders. They discuss the misalignment between boards and destinations, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the importance of effective board orientation. Bill e…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 393: Elevating Travel Marketing through Out-of-Home Advertising, with Frederick Strebeck
41:40
41:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:40On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Freddie Strebeck, VP of Client Partnerships at EMC Outdoor, all about how travel and tourism brands can use traditional, lifestyle, and experiential out-of-home advertising to improve their marketing campaign outcomes. We also discuss Freddie’s successes, including his work with Visit Seattle …
…
continue reading