A PODCAST FOR TOURISM

AND TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS

Hosted by our Tourism & Destination Marketing General Manager, Bob Gilbert, Tourism Heads & Their Tales invites travel and tourism leaders and influencers to share their take on key industry issues. Throughout the series, we will bring you into the conversation with top professionals who are shaping the industry. We’ll speak to research gurus, destination marketing professionals, airline leaders, policy makers, hoteliers, and travel agents… all with unique tales and perspectives that they’re ready to share.

Catherine Prather

Catherine Prather is a recognized face of leadership in the travel industry. Joining the National Tour Association in 1994, today she is president of the organization, whose members create and promote packaged travel to, from, and within North America.

Join us for a great discussion about the origins of NTA, the fight for member advocacy, the pandemic, labor shortage issues, and economic impact, IPW takeaways, NTA events such as Contact and Travel Exchange (TRex), Foodie Tourism, Faith Travel, Tourism Cares’ role in the industry, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion code of ethics, and so much more.

Liz Bittner

Liz Bittner is President and CEO for Travel South which is the largest regional alliance in the USA. Join Liz and myself as we talk about the genesis of Travel South and how it has evolved. We discuss cooperation between states with common interests, the value of inbound tourism, leveraging the outdoor recreation, foodie tourism, Brand USA and much more. Join us on Tourism Heads and their Tales…

Travis Christ

For three decades, Travis Christ, known for his transformational thinking, has been at the forefront of integrated marketing for some of the world’s most iconic travel brands including American Airlines and Continental Airlines. In his current role, Travis is Head of Marketing for Avelo Airlines – America’s first new airline in more than a decade. Hear Travis talk about the background to Avelo launched in the pandemic, the selection process for new destinations, its marketing strategy, new routes, and how agility is a key to success. Join us on Tourism Heads and their Tales…

Bob Gilbert

Bob Gilbert has led Hospitality Sales and Marketing International for 26 years. His knowledge and experience are second to none. Bob and I discuss the challenges and changes in the world of hospitality hitting on key topics that include distribution, channel management, technology, revenue optimization, and talent acquisition. Join the two Bob Gilbert’s on Tourism Heads and their Tales…

Brian Wright

Join us as Brian Wright, Head of Marketing for Mammoth Lakes Tourism, California discusses why understanding the voice of the community is vital to marketing a destination and that we are all stewards of these special places we call home. We talk about key takeaways from the Pandemic and the impacts increased visitation has on marketing decisions in smaller sought-after outdoor rec destinations, the value of data-driven decisions, risk-taking, and much more. Join us on Tourism Heads and their Tales.

Esra Calvert

Esra in a couple of words humanizes data. Her background includes Zartico, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Virginia Tech. Hear Esra’s insight on trends that the pandemic accelerated, dispelling the fear of data, transformational technology, what’s important for DMO’s to measure, community-based marketing, the Big Quit and changes in workforce behaviors, accessible affordable data, and so much more. Join us on Tourism Heads and their Tales.

Bob Gilbert

MEET YOUR HOST:

Bob Gilbert

Over his 30+ year career, Bob has had the privilege to have worked with iconic global brands including Disney, Choice Hotels, Yosemite and Shenandoah National Parks, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, and Best Western International, and served on the boards of the U.S. Travel Association, National Tour Association, and as an elected commissioner for Visit California.

We’d Love to Stay in Touch!

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