In this episode of Traveling Tribes, host Jeff Gayduk welcomes Fred Ferguson, the new President and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA). Fred, a seasoned industry professional with deep roots in tourism and public policy, shares his journey from his upbringing in the tourism-driven town of Park City, Utah, to his current leadership role at ABA. Together, Jeff and Fred discuss Fred's vision for the future of ABA, touching on topics like sustainable travel, economic growth through tourism, and the impact of motorcoach travel on local communities. They also dive into Fred's experience transitioning into his role and working alongside his predecessor, Pete Pantuso. Fred’s passion for expanding the bus and travel industry, combined with his insights on environmental responsibility and infrastructure development, make this a must-listen for travel professionals and tourism enthusiasts alike.

In this episode, we sit down with Shirley, a leading expert in group travel at Goway, to discuss the latest trends in the industry. We dive into the growing appeal of multi-generational family trips, special interest groups, and the increasingly adventurous destinations these travelers are seeking. From families jetting off to South Africa and Argentina to shared heritage trips to Ghana, Shirley reveals how travel is evolving beyond the traditional, creating richer, more meaningful experiences for groups of all sizes.

We also touch on the surge in niche travel, including pilgrimages and community-driven trips. Shirley shares the secret to Goway's success: a high rate of repeat customers who seek out new destinations with every trip. Whether it’s playing chess in Italy or connecting with ancestral roots, group travel is more diverse and adventurous than ever.

Finally, Shirley offers valuable travel advice for long-haul journeys, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, experiencing destinations in-depth, and taking time to acclimate.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with travel tips, trends, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of group travel with Goway.

Find out more about Goway and group travel opportunities at:

• https://www.goway.com/
• Call: 1-800-387-8850

Join Jeff Gayduk on this episode of the Traveling Tribes podcast, where he sits down with special guest Paula Reynolds, founder of Paula's Concierge Tours. With over 15 years in the industry, Paula shares her journey from California's wine country to the historic cities of the East Coast.

They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the tour industry, including the impact of COVID-19 on wine tours, the rising costs of travel, and the importance of trade shows for networking. Paula also reveals her excitement for America 250, sharing insights on how she's gearing up for this monumental event.

Whether you're in the travel industry or simply love a good story about adventure and history, this episode is packed with valuable insights and experiences. Tune in to learn more about the evolving world of travel and how Paula is leading the way with bespoke tours that cater to every traveler’s needs.