Crafting Connections Across Cultures with Akila McConnell of Unexpected Virtual Tours & Training

Episode Topic: In this episode of Travel-Preneur, host Megha McSwain shares the digital realm with Akila McConnell, the visionary behind Unexpected Virtual Tours and Training. They discuss how this platform is reshaping the way we think about travel and team building through unique virtual experiences that combine storytelling, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles, as well as immersive elements like treat boxes. Lessons You'll Learn: Listeners will learn about the power of storytelling in virtual experiences and how it can create engaging and informative content. Akila shares insights into designing virtual tours that are both entertaining and educational, highlighting the importance of integrating storytelling into every aspect of the experience, from the narrative arc to the selection of locations and sensory elements like food. About Our Guest: Akila McConnell is the founder of Unexpected Virtual Tours and Training and has a rich background in storytelling and tour guiding. She started Unexpected Atlanta in 2015, with a focus on sharing unexpected stories that matter, such as the role of restaurants in the civil rights movement. Akilah's passion for DEI is evident in the platform's virtual tours, which explore diverse topics like Black History Month and AAPI Heritage Month, using storytelling to connect people with history and culture. Topics Covered: The conversation covers the journey from in-person tours to virtual experiences, highlighting the pivot during the pandemic and the intentional design of treat boxes to complement storytelling. Akila shares how these virtual tours have made a significant impact on teams and individuals by offering immersive experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, providing a deeper understanding of historical events and cultural movements. Check out our website- https://travelpayments.com/