Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
Welcome to the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, where we go far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruises to explore the really cool places, people, and activities that adventurous travelers crave. If your idea of a great vacation is sitting on a beach at an all-inclusive resort, you’re in the wrong place. However, if you’re like me, and a beach resort vacation sounds like torture, stick around. You’ve found your tribe.
My name is Jason Elkins, and as an adventure travel marketing consultant and tour operator myself, I am on a mission to impact the lives of adventure travelers, the tour operators they hire, and the communities that host them, creating deeply meaningful experiences that make this big world feel just a bit smaller.
Are you ready to discover your next great adventure, whether that looks something like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa, SCUBA diving in the South Pacific, or hot air ballooning in Turkey? Then you’ll be happy to know that each episode of the Big World Made Small Podcast features a fascinating interview with an adventure travel expert that has agreed to share, with us, their own personal stories, favorite adventure destinations, and even some incredibly helpful tips and tricks they’ve learned while in the field. I trust that by the end of each episode you’ll feel like booking a ticket to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of these amazing places, and getting to know the incredible people that live there.
I’ll be your guide as we explore this amazing planet and its people on the Big World Made Small podcast. I am a former US Army paratrooper, third generation commercial hot air balloon pilot, paramotor pilot, advanced open water SCUBA diver, and ex-Montana fly fishing guide and lodge manager. I have managed boutique adventure tour operation businesses in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, off-shore in Belize, the Adirondacks in New York, and the desert of Arizona. I also spent nearly a decade with Orvis International Travel, leading a talented team of tour operation experts, putting together and hosting amazing fly fishing and adventure travel excursions around the world. I have tapped into my experience and network of travel pros to put together a weekly series of exclusive expert interviews that I am excited to share with you.
For the last couple of years I have lived a fully nomadic lifestyle, feeding my passion for exploration, creating amazing adventures, and meeting some of the most fascinating people along the way. I record every episode while traveling, so in a sense you’ll be joining me on my journey. Let’s discover some great adventures together and make this big world feel just a bit smaller.
And, don’t forget to take a quick trip over to our website at bigworldmadesmall.com and join our adventure travel community, where you’ll benefit from new episode announcements, exclusive adventure travel opportunities, and special access to the experts you’ve met on the show. You can also follow us on social media, using the links in the show notes below. And, if you’re getting value out of the show please help us grow by sharing it with your friends, family, and anyone else you know that wants to get far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruise ships, the next time they travel.
I’ll publish another episode soon. Until then, keep exploring. It’s the best way to make a big world feel just a bit smaller.
https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/podcast
Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
Adventure Travel with Edward Lyimo - Pristine Trails
Edward Lyimo
Founder & CEO
Pristine Trails
As the founder of Pristine Trails, Edward brings 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, backed by a degree in African Wildlife Management. His commitment to ethical travel, team development and personal growth for his staff sets a unique standard in the local tour industry. Edward’s vision for Pristine Trails is clear: to stand out by embodying ethical travel practices while crafting tailor-made East Africa tours that provide unforgettable tourist experiences. Residing between Los Angeles and Tanzania with his family, Edward thrives on connecting with new and returning travelers.
summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Edward Lyimo, founder and CEO of Pristine Trails in Tanzania. Edward shares his journey from being a local volunteer liaison for international projects to starting his own adventure travel company. He discusses the challenges he faced as a young entrepreneur, the evolution of his business model towards conservation, and the importance of marketing and client engagement in the tourism industry. In this conversation, Jason Elkins and Edward Lyimo discuss the intricacies of relationships in the tourism industry, the importance of sustainability, and how to choose the right tour company. Edward shares insights from his experience in the travel business, emphasizing the need for openness in relationships and the significance of treating local porters fairly. They also explore the unique offerings of East Africa, including its rich wildlife and cultural experiences, while encouraging travelers to do their research and communicate effectively with tour operators.
takeaways
- Pristine Trails specializes in safaris and trekking experiences in Tanzania.
- Edward started working with international volunteers at 18.
- He transitioned from a volunteer liaison to a tour operator.
- Building trust with clients was a challenge due to his age.
- Word of mouth played a crucial role in growing his business.
- He emphasizes the importance of environmental awareness in tourism.
- Edward encourages aspiring tour operators to gain experience through internships.
- The business evolved from budget volunteer trips to upscale safari experiences.
- Marketing strategies have shifted from paper flyers to digital marketing.
- Networking and building relationships are key to success in tourism. Relationships in tourism can be challenging due to differing passions.
- Openness and curiosity are essential in partnerships.
- Sustainability should be a genuine commitment, not just a marketing tactic.
- Fair treatment of local porters is crucial in trekking operations.
- Travelers should research companies to ensure they align with their values.
- Choosing a reputable company may involve a slight cost increase, but it's worth it.
- Effective communication is key in travel planning.
- East Africa offers unique wildlife experiences and cultural richness.
- Travelers should not overthink their destination choices in Africa.
- Building a network of trusted partners enhances service quality.
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.
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