Adventure Travel with Kelsey Tonner - Guest Focus

Kelsey TonnerFounderGuest FocusKelsey Tonner is the founder of Guest Focus Tour Business Coaching and for two decades he’s been helping tour business owners as a mentor, consultant, speaker,  experience designer, guide trainer, and award-winning tour leader.Since 2015, their programs have helped over 2,000 tour operators from 75+ countries around the world and Kelsey has been a regular speaker at over 35 industry events and conferences.summaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Kelsey Tonner, founder of Guest Focus, a coaching service for tour and activity businesses. Kelsey shares his journey from being a dog sledding guide to leading multi-day tours around the world. He discusses the importance of creating memorable experiences for travelers, the challenges faced by tour operators, and the significance of relationships in the adventure travel industry. Kelsey also delves into the coaching process, the need for effective marketing strategies, and the optimization of sales pages to drive bookings. The conversation highlights the value of understanding guests' needs and the importance of providing practical resources for tour operators.takeawaysKelsey Tonner is the founder of Guest Focus, helping tour businesses thrive.Creating memorable experiences is key to successful tourism.Relationships in the adventure travel industry are crucial.Coaching differs from consulting in its approach and focus.Understanding guests' needs is essential for tour operators.Sales pages should effectively communicate offerings to potential customers.Optimizing marketing strategies can significantly impact bookings.Practical resources can help tour operators improve their businesses.The importance of community and shared experiences in travel.Kelsey emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the tourism industry. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.