Seeing the Front Door Travel Industry, Through the Back Door

Last week, I squeezed in a quick trip to New York City to give three talks at an industry conference hosted by Visit Britain (the national tourist board for Great Britain). In order to fit the event into my schedule, I had to sleep on the plane and give my first talk in a pretty disheveled state of mind. The impressive conference was run to the minute with a frantic series of 12-minute, one-on-one meetings at little tables where tour wholesalers tried to sell their products (hotels, tours, experiences) to retailers (travel agents). The energy in the room was intense. I was hired to provide three breaks over two days, giving 30-minute talks on Great Culture in Britain, Great Heritage in Britain, and Great Nature in Britain. It was a bit unnerving to give my talks to a room full of professionals — half of whom were actually British — but it turned out just fine. I accepted the gig on the condition that I could talk candidly about what I really like and don’t like about Britain, and I think the crowd actually found that refreshing. But I was cornered by the Birmingham promoter, who wondered why I never mentioned her city.

In any event, here’s a quick look behind the scenes of the mainstream travel industry.

If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.

Comments

5 Replies to “Seeing the Front Door Travel Industry, Through the Back Door”

  1. RS’s reference to his quick trip to NYC is poignant as I write this on Oct 30 in the aftermath to Hurricane Sandy. There will be no quick trips to NYC for awhile with the airports and other transportation shut down. As for tour travel, I can only speculate about the inconveniences those Americans trying to get home from various completed RS tours are experiencing with 16,000 international and domestic flights cancelled. And I’ll bet the RS lead guides have been stretched trying to assist their customers with extended lodging requirements, flight rearrangements and communications.

  2. Sort of like speed dating. Have you ever sensed the planet is all about who is the best huckster.

  3. Though I am not a frequent awesome Traveler, this time even in my nation the popularity of “Visit Britain” has been much more because of their campaigns. I am sure you would had a great experience, thanks for sharing the video.

  4. Thanks Rick,

    To learn more about American History I spent a week in England.

    Wow!

    Der Doppelganger
    WEDU Tampa

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