Mariam Khuberashvili

Product Supervisor

Magic Roads Georgia

https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/mariam-khuberashvili/

Mariam is an experienced tour guide and product manager with deep expertise in the Caucasus region, particularly in her home country, Georgia. She currently serves as Product Manager at Magic Roads Georgia, where she designs and develops unique travel experiences across Georgia and the wider Caucasus. With her background in guiding and her passion for cultural discovery, Mariam brings an authentic and insightful perspective to every journey she creates.

Summary

In this episode, Jason Elkins speaks with Mariam Khuberashvili, a product supervisor at Magic Roads, Georgia. They explore Mariam's journey from growing up in Georgia, the impact of the Soviet Union on Georgian identity, and the rich cultural heritage of Georgia, particularly its wine-making traditions. Mariam shares her experiences in the tourism industry, the influence of foreign teachers, and the unique aspects of Georgian cuisine, including cha-cha and tatara. The conversation highlights the safety and hospitality of Georgia, as well as the pride Georgians have in their culture and history.

Takeaways

• Georgia is known as the birthplace of wine, with a history of 8,000 years.
• The Soviet Union attempted to erase Georgian identity, impacting language and culture.
• Generational divides exist in perceptions of the Soviet era and modern Georgia.
• Tourism has played a significant role in shaping Mariam's career and identity.
• Foreign teachers had a profound impact on the English language skills of Georgian youth.
• Wine is a central part of Georgian culture, with families often making their own.
• Cha-cha is a traditional Georgian spirit made from fermented grape skins.
• Tatara is a unique Georgian candy made from grape juice and flour.
• Georgia is considered one of the safest countries for travelers.
• Georgians take pride in their culture and are eager to share it with visitors.

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Danielle Finch

Founder & CEO

Equera

https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/danielle-finch/

Mission-driven and people-centered leader with 10+ years of experience driving global initiatives in operations, product, and project management. Passionate about creating scalable solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities, combining strategic execution with empathy-led leadership. Proven track record of mobilizing teams, fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, and delivering measurable social and organizational impact through innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Danielle Finch, founder and CEO of Equera, a SaaS platform that promotes community-based tourism. Danielle shares her journey from a childhood influenced by international students to her first travels abroad, her education in business and sociology, and her corporate experiences at Michelin. She discusses the challenges of moving to Berlin during the pandemic, the importance of vulnerability in adapting to new cultures, and her insights on customer experience in the travel industry. Danielle's story is one of passion, purpose, and the desire to make the world feel smaller through meaningful connections. In this conversation, Danielle shares her journey of discovering her purpose through literature and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of community-based tourism and equity in the travel industry. She discusses her transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a community-based tourism platform, and the complexities of volunteerism. Danielle highlights the need for professionalization in community-based tourism and the importance of mentorship and support in her entrepreneurial journey.

Takeaways

• Equera is a SaaS platform for community-based tourism.
• Danielle's childhood experiences shaped her passion for travel.
• International students influenced Danielle's worldview.
• Her first trip abroad was to Kenya at age 22.
• Danielle studied business and sociology at Purdue University.
• She transitioned from corporate roles to focus on customer experience.
• Moving to Berlin during the pandemic was challenging but rewarding.
• Vulnerability is key when adapting to a new culture.
• Working at Michelin taught her about digital transformation.
• Danielle's current role focuses on enhancing customer experience in travel. Everyone has a purpose that needs to be uncovered.
• Using technology for social impact is crucial.
• Community-based tourism can empower local communities.
• Quitting a stable job can lead to fulfilling opportunities.
• Traveling can provide valuable insights into community needs.
• Professionalizing community-based tourism is essential for growth.
• Volunteerism should be approached with equality in mind.
• Building trust is key in community-based tourism.
• The tourism industry needs to focus on local ownership.
• Mentorship is invaluable for entrepreneurs.

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.

Emma Valahu
Founder
Inbox Journeys

https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/emma-valahu/

Emma is the founder of Inbox Journeys and helps experiential travel founders build an automated system that turns website visitors and social media followers into warm, qualified leads—without them having to manually nurture every prospect.

summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Emma Valahu, founder of Inbox Journeys, about her journey in transformational travel and education. Emma shares her experiences living in various countries, including Ecuador and Romania, and discusses the importance of capturing potential customers early in their travel journey. The conversation delves into Emma's decision to homeschool her children, the challenges of balancing family life with travel, and her philosophy on education and curiosity. Emma's story is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the importance of following one's passions. In this conversation, Emma Valahu shares her journey from teaching English online to becoming a business consultant for tour operators. She discusses the importance of effective communication in the tourism industry, the challenges of relying on word-of-mouth marketing, and the critical role of email marketing in building trust and relationships with customers. Emma emphasizes the need for businesses to create valuable lead magnets to attract the right audience and overcome the emotional hurdles associated with unsubscribes. The discussion highlights the significance of nurturing customer relationships through consistent and meaningful communication.

takeaways

• Transformational travel begins before booking.
• Capturing potential customers early is crucial.
• Emma's journey reflects a passion for travel and education.
• Teaching English abroad opened new opportunities.
• Homeschooling was a response to traditional education pressures.
• Family dynamics influenced Emma's career choices.
• Living in Ecuador felt like home for Emma.
• Nature plays a significant role in Emma's life.
• Balancing travel desires with family responsibilities is challenging.
• Education should foster curiosity and a love for learning. Emma transitioned from teaching English online to consulting for tour operators.
• Effective communication is crucial for tour operators to connect with international clients.
• Relying solely on word-of-mouth marketing is not sustainable for businesses.
• Email marketing offers the highest return on investment compared to other marketing strategies.
• Building trust with customers requires multiple touchpoints and valuable content.
• Unsubscribes can be emotionally challenging for business owners, but they are a natural part of email marketing.
• Lead magnets should provide real value to attract the right audience.
• Understanding your target audience is essential for creating effective marketing strategies.
• Businesses should focus on nurturing relationships rather than just making sales.
• Transforming potential customers through valuable content is key to successful marketing.

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.