Growth Powered by FareHarbor

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Aug 2026

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Growth: Powered by FareHarbor is your go-to podcast for real stories and actionable insights on building and scaling a successful tour and activity business. Join FareHarbor Community Manager and host Rebekah Costley as she chats with thriving operators, industry experts, and FareHarbor pros about the strategies that drive growth and how to make the most of FareHarbor's tools. In each episode, we'll dive into everything from marketing tactics to leveraging software features, celebrating the wins and overcoming the challenges that come with running a tourism business. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, Growth has something for you. Tune in and discover how to elevate your business with expert advice and practical takeaways from those who know the industry best.

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36 recent

August 12, 2026Episode 634 min

How a Pandemic Side Project Evolved into an 8 City, Locals-First Experience of Denmark

Most tour operators think they need more tourists. Christoffer agrees, but also challenges operators to try building a local cult following first - he's turned that very idea into a beer walk business that now spans across eight cities. What started as a lockdown side project in Copenhagen became an outdoor experience locals actually book again and again: city stories, Danish craft beer, and a walking format designed to spark conversation instead of rushing people through bar after bar. Rebekah digs into how that simple concept became a scalable tourism business with 40-plus guides, strong repeat demand, and partnerships with some of Denmark's most recognizable breweries and cultural institutions.

June 17, 2026Episode 630 min

How Dig This scaled a one-of-a-kind attraction through data and innovation

This epsidoe was recorded at the FareHarbor Spark conference in Las Vegas. Rebekah sits down with Ed, founder of Dig This, to talk about building and growing a one-of-a-kind tourism business. Dig This Las Vegas is a heavy equipment attraction where guests operate real earthmoving equipment in a five-acre adult-sized sandbox. Ed shares how the business started in Steamboat Springs, why he moved the concept to Las Vegas, and what other tour and activity operators can learn from his experience. The conversation covers practical topics for tourism operators, including choosing the right market, improving tourism marketing strategy, hiring for the guest experience, working with corporate groups, tracking marketing spend, and choosing booking software that supports online bookings and better business decisions. Ed also shares why Dig This returned to FareHarbor after trying other booking platforms and how he thinks about tools like analytics, online booking, Pay Later, Combos, and Dynamic Pricing as the business continues to grow. Tune in for a practical conversation on tourism business growth, tour operator marketing, guest experience, and building an activity business guests remember.

May 4, 2026Episode 51 hr 13 min

How Tour Operators Can Show Up in AI Search with Ann Smarty of Smarty Marketing

AI is changing how customers discover and plan their travel experiences, but what does that actually mean for tour operators? In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor , we break down how AI search works, how it differs from traditional SEO, and what operators should be focusing on right now to stay visible. Rebekah is joined by FareHarbor's Manager of Digital Marketing, Christopher Illes, and GEO expert Ann Smarty to unpack how tools like ChatGPT, Google's AI results, and large language models are influencing booking behavior. We cover: The difference between SEO and AI search (GEO/AEO) How customers are using AI to plan trips Why your website still plays a critical role in discovery How reviews, Reddit, and third-party platforms impact visibility Practical steps to improve how your business shows up in AI-powered search

April 2, 2026Episode 443 min

What It Takes to Build a Destination with P3's Arden Tilghman

In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor, Rebekah sits down with Arden of Lake Louisa State Park to talk about what it really takes to build a destination, not just operate within one. Arden shares how she grew her business from one park in 2016 to six parks across Central Florida, why persistence matters more than having a perfect plan, and how she thinks about creating experiences that help visitors connect with the outdoors. This episode covers growth, leadership, websites, guest experience, and the long game of building something meaningful.

March 16, 2026Episode 335 min

Inside the Growth of Key West's Danger Charters

Recorded live at Spark 2025, this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor features Haig from Danger Charters in Key West, Florida, alongside FareHarbor Account Manager Devin. Together, they unpack what it takes to grow a charter business in a competitive tourism market: building a loyal, repeat customer base and creating a strong team culture while also testing new revenue drivers like combos and trip protection. This is the episode to listen to as a tour or activity operator thinking about repeat business, affiliate strategy, hiring, or when to say yes to a new feature. This conversation will bring you practical takeaways from a business that has continued to grow over time. Learn more about FareHarbor: fareharbor.com/demo Learn more about Danger Charters: https://www.dangercharters.com/

March 4, 2026Episode 246 min

Live at Spark: An Interview with FareHarbor CEO Andrea Carini

Recorded live at Spark, this special episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor features a dynamic conversation with CEO Andrea Carini. Andrea shares his perspective on how operators can evolve alongside AI innovation, how automation is reshaping free time and demand for experiences, and what it truly means to build for long-term growth in today's tourism landscape. He also pulls back the curtain on how FareHarbor researches, prioritizes, and develops product enhancements that offer insight into the thinking behind the platform. If you're navigating rapid technological change or looking to sharpen your growth strategy, this episode offers practical takeaways and a forward-looking vision for the industry. Listen now and be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow operators. Get a demo with FareHarbor at FareHarbor.com/demo and register for Spark at spark.fareharbor.com!

February 10, 2026Episode 128 min

How Sea the City Drives Demand with Influencers, Affiliates, and Analytics

In this episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor , we sit down with Adam, founder of Sea the City, a New York City–based water tourism operator offering jet ski tours and hot tub boat experiences. Adam shares how Sea the City has grown from a three–jet ski operation into a multi-location business, and what it takes to stand out in one of the most competitive tourism markets in the world. The conversation dives into how the team approaches marketing and channel mix, including their use of affiliates like GetYourGuide to increase international exposure and drive weekday demand. We also explore how Sea the City thinks about influencer marketing, tracking performance through campaigns, and why they focus on value-added perks over traditional discounting. Adam breaks down how affiliate sales have grown as a percentage of overall revenue, why patience and iteration matter when working with OTAs, and how data and analytics guide their decisions.

November 19, 2025Episode 919 min

Cómo una Familia Construyó un Legado en la Isla con Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park

En este episodio especial en español, conversamos con Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park en Puerto Rico, un negocio familiar de tercera generación que ha pasado de ofrecer paseos a caballo locales a convertirse en uno de los destinos de aventura más reconocidos de la isla. El equipo comparte cómo la cultura, la familia y el crecimiento sostenible han guiado su trayectoria y siguen dando forma a las experiencias que crean para visitantes de todo el mundo. In this special Spanish-language episode, we sit down with Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park in Puerto Rico — a third-generation family business that has transformed from a local horseback riding operation into one of the island's most recognized adventure destinations. The team shares how culture, family, and sustainable growth have guided their journey and continue to shape the experiences they create for visitors from around the world.

September 18, 202532 min

Evolving Through Adversity: Sea Maui's Journey Forward

Peter from Sea Maui joins Rebekah and Monique from FareHarbor for Part Two of our special Hawai'i Series on Growth Powered by FareHarbor . Recording from the FareHarbor Meetup, Peter shares what it means to grow a tourism business in Hawai'i with intention, heart, and community at the core. From navigating wildfires and COVID to strengthening brand loyalty, Peter reflects on the lessons that helped Sea Maui evolve. He also dives into how FareHarbor has streamlined operations, expanded revenue through the Distribution Network, and helped the business stay connected to its values as it grows. This episode is a great listen if you're thinking about long-term growth, finding the right partnerships, or building a company culture rooted in care. Part Two of our Hawai'i Series, spotlighting local operators doing meaningful work with FareHarbor.

September 18, 202538 min

Building a Tourism Business with Purpose featuring Nā Pali Coast Tours

Kamalani from Nā Pali Coast Tours joins Rebekah on-site in Kaua'i for a special episode of Growth Powered by FareHarbor. As a Native Hawaiian and second-generation business owner, Kamalani shares what it means to carry on his family's legacy while honoring the land, history, and community of the Nā Pali Coast. They dive into topics like responsible tourism, what it takes to run a cultural tour business in Hawai'i, and why authenticity is critical for growth. Kamalani also shares how FareHarbor helps manage operations while supporting the business's mission of sustainability and education. Part of our Hawai'i Series featuring operators doing incredible things with FareHarbor.