One of the best parts of being in the Tourism industry for many years has been the people I have met. Our industry has an endless list of talented, hardworking, fun-loving and creative professionals. I decided that I would interview my friends and give you a peek into their lives and careers. Feel free to ask questions in the comments section, and I will follow-up with the guest interviewed. This week we hear from my good friend Tara Hippensteel of Hard Rock Cafe. Tara and I serve on the Board of Directors for U.S. Travel Council of Attractions, now known as the Experience Network
Tell us a bit about how you got started in the tourism industry.
Believe it or not, I majored in Commercial Tourism & Recreation in College at Michigan State University- started early! Always wanted to be a travel agent or work for Apple Vacations…fortunately after getting my feet wet in advertising sales, then event sales, I had a manager at Spirit Cruise in Chicago take a chance on me- move me from Michigan to Chicago as Tourism Development Manager.
Whatis your current job and what are your primary responsibilities?
Director of Tour & Travel for Hard Rock Café, North America. Manage National Client program and support 46 cafes in the US relative to the travel trade.
What are some of the changes you have seen since you began your career?
Digital, digital, digital. Behaviors of our guests are dictated outside our 4 walls: Yelp, Trip Advisor. Itineraries are influenced by social media versus past experiences in a Hard Rock Cafe. So many channels of managing guest expectations!
What tourism trends are you seeing that will impact your job and how you work in the next 2-3 years?
FIT increase/Hybrid FIT/Paperless experience
It’s vacation time – where do you go?
THE BEACH.
What is your favorite app and tell us a bit about it.
United Airlines- keeps me on track weekly! For fun, Akinator. Look it up- fun party trick!
What is your favorite tradeshow and why?
SYTA- 90% student-based group business, most relevant to us!
What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the tourism industry?
Ask questions, listen, find a mentor, work hard, say yes to all areas of your job!