Ami Jones
CEO & Founder
TerraFauna Journeys

Ami Jones is a seasoned travel professional, passionate conservationist, and respected leader in sustainable tourism with over 15 years of experience designing and guiding meaningful journeys across the globe. Her path began in 2008 in Placencia, Belize—an early spark that ignited a lifelong commitment to using travel as a force for good.

Since then, Ami has held key roles in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors spanning student travel, wellness, educational tourism, and conservation. She has led innovative sustainability initiatives—including the development of pioneering low-impact travel models—and helped shape strategies that prioritize environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Her work has taken her from the Arctic tundra to the Brazilian Amazon, always rooted in deep partnerships with local people and places.

In 2025, Ami founded TerraFauna Journeys to bring that mission to life. With a bold vision to inspire conservation, one journey at a time, she leads the company committed to reconnecting travelers with the natural world—while directly supporting the people and ecosystems that make each destination extraordinary.

Her belief is simple but powerful: when done thoughtfully, travel can change lives and help protect our planet for future generations.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Ami Jones, CEO and founder of TerraFauna Journeys, a conservation-focused travel company. They discuss Ami's background, her family's influence on her passion for conservation, and the importance of meaningful travel experiences. The conversation delves into the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment, the misconceptions surrounding travel destinations, and the mission of TerraFauna to inspire conservation through travel. Ami emphasizes the need for ethical tourism practices and the importance of listening to both travelers and local communities to create impactful experiences. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with TerraFauna and contribute to conservation efforts.

takeaways

• TerraFauna Journeys aims to inspire conservation through travel.
• Ami's childhood experiences with National Geographic sparked her curiosity about the planet.
• Conservation perspectives can vary greatly based on cultural backgrounds.
• Travel experiences shape our understanding of the world and its challenges.
• Mass tourism can serve as a gateway to more meaningful travel experiences.
• Cultural misconceptions often arise from a lack of firsthand experience.
• Ethical tourism requires listening to local communities and understanding their needs.
• Luxury travel is being redefined to mean access to unique experiences.
• Community engagement is crucial for successful conservation efforts.
• Travel can be a powerful tool for personal growth and global understanding.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Trish Sare
Founder/Owner
BikeHike Adventures
https://www.bikehike.com/

Trish Sare is a passionate adventurer, cultural connector, and founder of BikeHike Adventures, a pioneering travel company that has been curating unforgettable active journeys around the world for over three decades. With a deep love for meaningful travel and cross-cultural experiences, Trish has guided travelers through remote corners of the globe—always with a bike, a pair of hiking boots, and an open heart. Her mission is simple but powerful: to connect the world through active, immersive, and soul-stirring adventures. Trish joins us today to share stories from the road, insights on sustainable travel, and how transformative travel can shape our lives.

summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Trish Sare, founder of BikeHike Adventures. They discuss the evolution of adventure travel, the shift towards custom trips, and the importance of local guides in providing authentic experiences. Trish shares her personal journey into the travel industry, the growing significance of culinary experiences, and the challenges of overtourism. The conversation highlights the need for sustainable travel practices and the joy of connecting with local cultures.

takeaways

• BikeHike Adventures focuses on active experience travel.
• The shift to custom trips has increased since the pandemic.
• Local guides enhance the travel experience by providing authentic insights.
• Culinary experiences have become a significant part of travel itineraries.
• Trish's personal journey into travel was influenced by her mother's wish to explore the world.
• Travelers are increasingly seeking unique, personalized experiences.
• Sustainable travel practices are essential to preserve local cultures.
• Overtourism is impacting many popular destinations, leading to a loss of authenticity.
• Adventure travel is evolving to cater to an aging demographic.
• Connecting with local cultures enriches the travel experience.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Chris Torres
Director
The Marketing Coach & Tourprenuer

I started at 16 illustrating children’s books and never looked back.

After that, I spent years learning on the job—working in design studios and marketing agencies as an art-worker, designer, web developer, and eventually a marketing strategist.

I didn’t go to university. Truth is, I hated school. I was told I’d never amount to much. That doubt didn’t discourage me—it fuelled me. I’ve spent my whole career proving people wrong, building a path on grit, self-teaching, and real-world results.

In 2008, I launched a marketing agency from scratch and built it into a global force, working with travel brands and service-based businesses in over 50+ countries. The Tourism Marketing Agency still thrives today.

A huge middle finger to all those teachers that did not believe in me.

Along the way, I’ve helped launch products, crack new markets, and grow small, local businesses into major players. My approach blends storytelling with data, creativity with clarity—making sure your marketing connects emotionally and converts commercially.

You won’t get recycled “funnel hacks” or empty jargon here. What I offer is real-world strategy that delivers. That’s how we helped Gray Line Iceland generate €2M+ in direct bookings. Overland Ireland? Another €2M and a 6000% ROI. And in the wilds of Alaska, a remote operator saw a 463% sales increase year-on-year using the same methods.

My deep sector knowledge, especially in travel and tourism, comes from nearly two decades of hands-on work. Tour operators, DMCs, travel tech firms, hotels—I’ve helped them all refine their messaging, attract the right customers, and grow sustainably.

I’m also part-owner of Tourpreneur, the global community of nearly 20,000 tour operators. I contribute regularly to the podcast and help lead the charge on educational content, mentorship, and strategy guidance for operators looking to level up. Whether it’s through speaking, writing, or behind-the-scenes coaching, my goal is always to help people in this industry thrive.

I also wrote the book How to Turn Your Online Lookers into Bookers, with a follow-up now published: Lookers into Bookers: The Tourism Marketing Blueprint. I speak at tourism events worldwide, running practical workshops that give attendees tools they can use the next day.

summary

In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Chris Torres, a marketing coach specializing in the tourism industry. They discuss the importance of direct bookings for tour operators, the journey of Chris from art to marketing, and the significance of storytelling in tourism. Chris shares insights on building trust through personal connections, the role of video content, and the impact of reviews and social proof. They also explore the future of marketing with AI, the importance of community support, and advice for aspiring tour operators. Chris introduces his Strategy Builder tool, designed to help operators create effective marketing strategies.

takeaways

• Chris Torres emphasizes the importance of direct bookings for tour operators.
• The journey into marketing often starts from a creative background.
• Niche focus can lead to greater success in the tourism industry.
• Delegation is key for tour operators to focus on what they love.
• Understanding the needs of tour operators is crucial for effective marketing.
• Storytelling enhances the customer experience in tourism.
• Video content is a powerful tool for engagement.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.