One of the best parts of being in the Tourism industry for many years is the people I meet. Our industry has an endless list of talented, hardworking, fun-loving, and creative professionals. I decided to interview my friends and give you a peek into their lives and careers. This week we hear from my friend Debbie Eaton CTIS, TMP from the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Tell us a bit about how you got started in the tourism industry.
I was working in television, when I was asked to do a commercial for the local CVB. The day we shot the commercial, I discovered an exciting industry that I didn’t know existed. A few weeks later, I received a call about an opening in Group Sales at the CVB. I interviewed and was thrilled when I was hired as the Group Sales Director for the Bowling Green Area CVB. Twenty-three years later, I still think it is an exciting industry!
What is your current job and what are your primary responsibilities?
For the past ten years, I have been working in Group Sales at the National Corvette Museum.
From our office, we book tours for the Corvette Museum, Corvette Assembly Plant, NCM Motorsports Park as well as other attractions in our city. We create customized itineraries and provide step-on guide services. The best part is that I have the opportunity to view my hometown through the eyes of our visitors and fall in love with our city again.
What are some of the changes you have seen since you began your career?
I remember handwriting tour bookings and having paper files. Today, we must constantly update databases, scan documents and worry about hackers infiltrating our files.
How did Covid impact your job?
I was very fortunate that I was able to keep working during the pandemic. We were able to assist in other departments and learn more about the way our company functions. I was also encouraged to do a lot of research and as a result, we were able to develop new revenue streams for our company.
It’s vacation time – where do you go?
Vacation is the perfect time to visit my tourism friends and the locations they promote.
We are always delighted with the warm welcomes we receive when visiting their cities and attractions. Aren’t tourism folks the best?
What is your favorite app and tell us a bit about it.
My favorite app is Audible. It allows me to keep up with my reading when I travel or walk. I listen to bestsellers, biographies, classics as well as professional development on sales and leadership.
What is your favorite tradeshow and why?
My favorite show? That is like asking a mother which of her children is her favorite.
Every show is different. The American Bus Association is the show where I get the most leads, but some of the smaller shows allow more access to the buyers. I really think you need a combination of shows. Just like our children, each one is special.
What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the tourism industry?
My best advice is to look for professional training and mentors. Seasoned tourism professionals are happy to share what they’ve learned and help guide you. The American Bus Association has national trainers and speakers. Sally Davis Berry’s programs are such a valuable resource not only for newbies, but veteran professionals as well.[Thanks Debbie!] This business continues to change and evolve. Never stop looking for educational opportunities!
What do you see as an opportunity that will come out of the challenges of the last few years?
I’ve seen my friends, that were displaced due to the pandemic, create new creative tourism positions. They are leveraging their skills and talents to provide services to tourism entities that may not have the funds to hire experienced staff. As needs change, due to funding, labor shortages, and new talent, I believe our “traditional” tourism positions will change as well.
Here are some ways I can help you be a better Tourism Pro in March 2023!
Do you work at a DMO/CVB? I can be your education and training partner to give your members actionable training in group tours, sales, and more. My team and I provide live webinars via Zoom and also record them so you can build a training library. Check out my Online Tourism Training Program to learn more. I am booking 2023 clients now! Your partners need you more than ever and I am here to help!
Free Group Tour Webinar! Join your colleagues from around the country for Group Sales Strategies and Tactics for our New Reality. On Tuesday, March 14th at 1 pm, I will talk about ways you can help in the Group Tour market recovery and bring more business to you in 2023. Register here. If you would like to register more than 20 people ( or partners) let me know and I will create a customized invite for you to send out. And thanks to Groups Today and Serendipity Media for sponsoring the webinar!
Online Courses for Tourism Pros.
Have you had a chance to check out TourismProAcademy yet? There are free resources as well as online courses I have created. Popular courses this month include:
Time Management for Tourism Professionals