Growth Powered by FareHarbor

Episoder

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  How Dig This scaled a one-of-a-kind attraction through data and innovation 17.06.2026 30min

  This epsidoe was recorded at the FareHarbor Spark conference in Las Vegas. Rebekah sits down with Ed, founder of Dig This, to talk about building and growing a one-of-a-kind tourism business. Dig This Las Vegas is a heavy equipment attraction where guests operate real earthmoving equipment in a five-acre adult-sized sandbox. Ed shares how the business started in Steamboat Springs, why he moved the concept to Las Vegas, and what other tour and activity operators can learn from his experience. The conversation covers practical topics for tourism operators, including choosing the right market, improving tourism marketing strategy, hiring for the guest experience, working with corporate groups, tracking marketing spend, and choosing booking software that supports online bookings and better business decisions. Ed also shares why Dig This returned to FareHarbor after trying other booking platforms and how he thinks about tools like analytics, online booking, Pay Later, Combos, and Dynamic Pricing as the business continues to grow. Tune in for a practical conversation on tourism business growth, tour operator marketing, guest experience, and building an activity business guests remember.
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  How Tour Operators Can Show Up in AI Search with Ann Smarty of Smarty Marketing 04.05.2026 1t 13min

  AI is changing how customers discover and plan their travel experiences, but what does that actually mean for tour operators? In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, we break down how AI search works, how it differs from traditional SEO, and what operators should be focusing on right now to stay visible. Rebekah is joined by FareHarbor's Manager of Digital Marketing, Christopher Illes, and GEO expert Ann Smarty to unpack how tools like ChatGPT, Google's AI results, and large language models are influencing booking behavior. We cover: The difference between SEO and AI search (GEO/AEO) How customers are using AI to plan trips Why your website still plays a critical role in discovery How reviews, Reddit, and third-party platforms impact visibility Practical steps to improve how your business shows up in AI-powered search  
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  What It Takes to Build a Destination with P3's Arden Tilghman 02.04.2026 43min

  In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, Rebekah sits down with Arden of Lake Louisa State Park to talk about what it really takes to build a destination, not just operate within one. Arden shares how she grew her business from one park in 2016 to six parks across Central Florida, why persistence matters more than having a perfect plan, and how she thinks about creating experiences that help visitors connect with the outdoors. This episode covers growth, leadership, websites, guest experience, and the long game of building something meaningful. 
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  Inside the Growth of Key West's Danger Charters 16.03.2026 35min

  Recorded live at Spark 2025, this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor features Haig from Danger Charters in Key West, Florida, alongside FareHarbor Account Manager Devin. Together, they unpack what it takes to grow a charter business in a competitive tourism market: building a loyal, repeat customer base and creating a strong team culture while also testing new revenue drivers like combos and trip protection. This is the episode to listen to as a tour or activity operator thinking about repeat business, affiliate strategy, hiring, or when to say yes to a new feature. This conversation will bring you practical takeaways from a business that has continued to grow over time. Learn more about FareHarbor: fareharbor.com/demo Learn more about Danger Charters: https://www.dangercharters.com/
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  Live at Spark: An Interview with FareHarbor CEO Andrea Carini 04.03.2026 46min

  Recorded live at Spark, this special episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor features a dynamic conversation with CEO Andrea Carini. Andrea shares his perspective on how operators can evolve alongside AI innovation, how automation is reshaping free time and demand for experiences, and what it truly means to build for long-term growth in today's tourism landscape. He also pulls back the curtain on how FareHarbor researches, prioritizes, and develops product enhancements that offer insight into the thinking behind the platform. If you're navigating rapid technological change or looking to sharpen your growth strategy, this episode offers practical takeaways and a forward-looking vision for the industry. Listen now and be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow operators.  Get a demo with FareHarbor at FareHarbor.com/demo and register for Spark at spark.fareharbor.com!
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  How Sea the City Drives Demand with Influencers, Affiliates, and Analytics 10.02.2026 28min

  In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, we sit down with Adam, founder of Sea the City, a New York City–based water tourism operator offering jet ski tours and hot tub boat experiences. Adam shares how Sea the City has grown from a three–jet ski operation into a multi-location business, and what it takes to stand out in one of the most competitive tourism markets in the world. The conversation dives into how the team approaches marketing and channel mix, including their use of affiliates like GetYourGuide to increase international exposure and drive weekday demand. We also explore how Sea the City thinks about influencer marketing, tracking performance through campaigns, and why they focus on value-added perks over traditional discounting. Adam breaks down how affiliate sales have grown as a percentage of overall revenue, why patience and iteration matter when working with OTAs, and how data and analytics guide their decisions.
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  Cómo una Familia Construyó un Legado en la Isla con Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park 19.11.2025 19min

  En este episodio especial en español, conversamos con Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park en Puerto Rico, un negocio familiar de tercera generación que ha pasado de ofrecer paseos a caballo locales a convertirse en uno de los destinos de aventura más reconocidos de la isla. El equipo comparte cómo la cultura, la familia y el crecimiento sostenible han guiado su trayectoria y siguen dando forma a las experiencias que crean para visitantes de todo el mundo.   In this special Spanish-language episode, we sit down with Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park in Puerto Rico — a third-generation family business that has transformed from a local horseback riding operation into one of the island's most recognized adventure destinations. The team shares how culture, family, and sustainable growth have guided their journey and continue to shape the experiences they create for visitors from around the world.  
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  Evolving Through Adversity: Sea Maui's Journey Forward 18.09.2025 32min

  Peter from Sea Maui joins Rebekah and Monique from FareHarbor for Part Two of our special Hawai'i Series on Growth Powered by FareHarbor. Recording from the FareHarbor Meetup, Peter shares what it means to grow a tourism business in Hawai'i with intention, heart, and community at the core. From navigating wildfires and COVID to strengthening brand loyalty, Peter reflects on the lessons that helped Sea Maui evolve. He also dives into how FareHarbor has streamlined operations, expanded revenue through the Distribution Network, and helped the business stay connected to its values as it grows. This episode is a great listen if you're thinking about long-term growth, finding the right partnerships, or building a company culture rooted in care. Part Two of our Hawai'i Series, spotlighting local operators doing meaningful work with FareHarbor.
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  Building a Tourism Business with Purpose featuring Nā Pali Coast Tours 18.09.2025 38min

  Kamalani from Nā Pali Coast Tours joins Rebekah on-site in Kaua'i for a special episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor. As a Native Hawaiian and second-generation business owner, Kamalani shares what it means to carry on his family's legacy while honoring the land, history, and community of the Nā Pali Coast. They dive into topics like responsible tourism, what it takes to run a cultural tour business in Hawai'i, and why authenticity is critical for growth. Kamalani also shares how FareHarbor helps manage operations while supporting the business's mission of sustainability and education. Part of our Hawai'i Series featuring operators doing incredible things with FareHarbor.
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  Unlocking Earning Potential with GetYourGuide & FareHarbor 02.07.2025 43min

   This episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor brings you an inside look at GetYourGuide, one of the leading online travel agencies (OTAs) in the tourism industry. Rebekah talks with Allie, Senior Account Executive at GetYourGuide, about how operators can succeed on the platform and how FareHarbor clients can leverage that connection. Topics include: What it takes to get listed (and verified) How to write better listings that actually convert Why reviews and visuals matter more than ever The biggest misunderstandings about OTAs How GetYourGuide's global reach and marketing strategy help small businesses thrive New features: AI tools, review responses, pickup UX This episode is for you if you're: ✔️ A FareHarbor client looking to grow your bookings ✔️ Curious about selling through GetYourGuide ✔️ Want to better understand OTA partnerships and strategies Learn more at getyourguide.com/partners Join the FareHarbor Community at fareharbor.com/community Helpful links: GetYourGuide Supply Partner Help Center: https://supply.getyourguide.support/hc/en-us This includes tons of helpful resources, including best practices for responding to reviews and optimizing your listings. How-To Video Series – Creating Products with GetYourGuide: https://supply.getyourguide.support/hc/en-us/sections/14002453180061-Creating-Products-with-GetYourGuide-How-To-Videos These short videos walk through key parts of the setup process and would be great visual additions. Spring 2025 Travel Experience Trend Tracker: https://www.getyourguide.supply/travel-experience-trend-tracker-spring-2025?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=organic&utm_term=feed
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  Bonus Episode! Celebrating World Pride Month: A Conversation with Sundog Sailing 11.06.2025 30min

  In this Pride Month special, Rebekah speaks with Captain Jen and Captain Janet of Sundog Sailing about their journey as queer women in the sailing and tourism industry. They share how they built a business rooted in inclusion, hospitality, and joy all while creating a safe space on the water for everyone. Together, they reflect on the importance of visibility and representation in tourism, the personal stories that shaped their business, and how being themselves has been the most powerful form of leadership. Captain Jen and Captain Janet encourage donations to the following organizations: PFLAG The Trevor Project We Are Team Jake This episode must-listen for queer entrepreneurs and anyone who's ever built something from the ground up with heart. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube!
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  What Tour Operators Can Learn from Adventure Cat's Seamless Booking Process 09.06.2025 52min

  Charlie from Adventure Cat Sailing joins Rebekah to share how one of San Francisco's most iconic tour businesses creates a smooth, guest-first booking experience on and off the water. They discuss what it takes to build trust through branding, how FareHarbor tools help remove friction from the guest journey, and why thoughtful pricing, team culture, and follow-up reviews all matter. If you're thinking of upgrading your booking flow, scaling your guest experience, or exploring reservation softwares built for tour operators, this episode is for you! Listen in for insights on marketing, operations, and what makes guests come back for more.
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  Smart Booking, Happy Elephants: The Tech Behind a Thai Sanctuary's Success 15.05.2025 43min

  What happens when a growing ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand upgrades to a smarter reservation system? In this episode, Rebekah sits down with Vincent, General Manager of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, to explore how FareHarbor helped them streamline operations, improve guest experience, and scale sustainably. Vincent shares the sanctuary's growth story, including how they survived the pandemic, embraced ethical tourism practices, and now manage up to 300 guests per day—all while protecting their elephants and educating travelers.  We also dive into: - The launch of FareHarbor in Thailand - The benefits of mobile-first booking -Pivoting your business when things go awry - How FareHarbor's tools and support helped Vincent's team scale, automate, and thrive. - What ethical tourism is, especially when it comes to caring for animals Whether you're researching reservation software or already scaling your tourism business, this episode is a great look at how the right tech partner can power thoughtful, impactful growth.
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  How Tour Operators Can Maximize Revenue with Digital Ads and Sales Strategy with Andrew Slaga 14.03.2025 38min

  How can tour and activity operators use Google Things to Do (GTTD) to drive more direct bookings and increase visibility? In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, FareHarbor Community Manager Rebekah Costley dives into how operators can leverage Google Things to Do to capture more organic traffic, optimize their listings, and reduce reliance on OTAs. Tune in to learn: ✔ What Google Things to Do is and how it works for tour and activity businesses ✔ How to optimize your listings to appear in Google search results ✔ Strategies for increasing direct bookings using GTTD ✔ Common mistakes operators make with GTTD listings and how to avoid them This is a great episode for anyone looking to improve their Google presence, attract more customers, and stay ahead of industry trends. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! #FareHarborPodcast #GoogleThingsToDo #TourismMarketing #TourOperators #DirectBookings #ScalingYourBusiness #TravelIndustry
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  Tourism Trailblazers: Women Who Lead and Build (International Women's Day) 07.03.2025 32min

  Join host Rebekah Costley for a special International Women's Day edition of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, where we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and success of women entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. In this episode, five inspiring women share their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges they've overcome, and strategies for success—from running food tours in Puerto Rico to leading adventure tourism businesses in Australia and Canada. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How these women built thriving tourism businesses The biggest challenges they've faced—and how they overcame them Strategies for scaling, adapting, and staying competitive in tourism What it means to balance business, family, and personal growth The future of women-led tourism and leadership Featured Guests: Paulina Salach (Spoon Experience, Puerto Rico) – Culinary tourism & food-focused experiences Kaija Pack (Break Life, Houston) – Innovating with alternative therapy businesses Margit & Amy (Walk and Eat Spain, Madrid) – Expanding food tourism globally Tanya McCready (Winterdance Dogsled Tours, Canada) – Growing a seasonal adventure business Kate Forrester (Gold Coast Watersports, Australia) – Transitioning into adventure tourism Watch the extended version of this episode on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@FareHarborOfficial Connect with FareHarbor: https://fareharbor.com/blog/category/podcast/ | Join the Conversation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fareharbor |  [Follow FareHarbor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/fareharbor/posts/] 👉 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow tourism entrepreneurs!
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  Driving Traffic with Content: How Lia Garcia Scales Tours with Blogs and Influencers 04.12.2024 34min

  This episode is #incredible. Rebekah chats with co-founder Lia Garcia of Louisville Food Tours, about her journey from travel blogging to running a successful food tour business. Leah shares how she used SEO, influencer marketing, and affiliate programs to increase visibility and drive sales. Leah also discusses in detail the power of authentic storytelling and using it to build meaningful partnerships with local businesses to grow her revenue. If you're a tour operator looking to enhance your marketing strategy and boost bookings via social media marketing and blogging, this episode has some valuable insights on how to leverage creativity as well as FareHarbor's tools to achieve success!
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  In the Spotlight at FareHarbor Spark: Authentic Stories from Our Community 03.12.2024 26min

  We're bringing you authentic stories from Spark 2024 in New Orleans in this episode! Join clients from diverse industries like Best Cabo Yachts, Cajun Food Tours, Navajo Tours Direct (and more!) as they share how FareHarbor has helped streamline their operations and boost bookings. From enhancing the customer experience to utilizing powerful features like FareHarbor Dock and our affiliate tools, these tour operators reveal how they're using our platform to grow their businesses. Listen now for key insights on how FareHarbor empowers operators to succeed in an ever-competitive industry!
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  Leading FareHarbor Forward: Insights from Our CEO Andrea Carini 19.11.2024 20min

  Rebekah sits down with FareHarbor's CEO, Andrea, to discuss the future of the company and the recent changes that have sparked conversation across the industry. Andrea shares his vision for FareHarbor, insights into new product releases, and the "why" behind recent updates like the API and direct booking fees. Tune in for a transparent conversation on how FareHarbor aims to support clients' growth and keep pace with the evolving tourism landscape.
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  Innovating Tradition: Historic Denver's Journey to Advanced Booking Technology 12.11.2024 37min

  This episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor is recorded at the historical Molly Brown House! Rebekah visits the home of the "unsinkable" Molly Brown to chat with the team behind the Molly Brown House, Historic Denver. They share how they've leveraged FareHarbor tools like FareHarbor Dock to streamline operations and boost walk-up sales. Plus, they dive into what it takes to stay relevant in the tourism industry while preserving Denver's rich history.   
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  GA4 for Tour Operators: Unlock Your Potential with Simplified Actions and Insights 05.11.2024 38min

  In this episode of Growth: Powered by FareHarbor, Rebekah sits down with FareHarbor's GA4 experts, Elle and Adam, to give a high-level understanding of everything you need to know about Google Analytics 4. They discuss the key differences between UA and GA4, how tour operators can leverage GA4's event tracking features, and what you are (probably) missing in your tracking. This episode will give you the tools to make data-driven decisions and elevate your online booking strategy. Let us know what you think!