Episode #59 - The LIVE Show 12 - We ❤️ NY

Here's the replay from Episode #12 of our LIVE Show from May 21 with special guests from New York to discuss the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the local and global tourism industry.

This discussion is moderated by Kevin O'Shaughnessy, co-founder of City Hook and Dublin Travel Massive leader.

Catch the LIVE Show recording below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krbakTCdlh8

In this episode we hear from:

Alex Shebar, Director of Experiences at Culture Trip

Tuning in directly from Brooklyn, Alex Shebar is the new Director of Experiences at Culture Trip, one of the world's leading travel, media and entertainment sites. Previously, he was also the first Brand Manager for Bumble and Director of Community for Yelp.

For the time being, Culture Trip's motto has changed from "created for the curious traveler" to #StaySafeStayCurious. The content strategy is also changing. Alex also shared his thoughts about the recent launch of Culture Trip's own OTA.

Jared Alster, NYC Travel Massive co-leader, co-founder at Wildebeest

Native New Yorker Jared Alster is co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Wildebeest, a digital strategy and brand marketing agency focused on travel and tourism. He's also co-chapter leader of NYC Travel Massive.

Jared talked about how the lockdown in NY looks right now. He also discussed what it's like to launch a business in January, just before the crisis.

Kelley Louise, Executive Director at Impact Travel Alliance

Kelley Louise is a freelance digital market and brand strategist, and founder of Impact Travel Alliance, a global community of socially and eco-conscious travelers. She has lost 95% of her work, but on the flip side – more brands are seeing the importance of sustainability. As part of her other business ViaHero – a platform that connects travellers with locals, Kelley was able to create a new virtual product over the last weeks to keep supporting locals around the world.

She also argued that the post-covid future holds an opportunity to avoid issues like overtourism and exacerbating climate change. Kelley thinks it's time to ditch the quantity-over-quality approach and work on building a more sustainable and impactful industry. Listen to the recording to hear more.

John Matson, Co-Founder and COO of Stealth Travel and Smart Cities Startup, former Managing Director of Voyager HQ

John Matson co-founded and was Managing Director for Voyager HQ, a global community for over 2,000 startups in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, connecting them with enterprise partners, investors and advisors.

John talked about the decision to cease operations at Voyager HQ when the crisis hit, as their business model relied on events and working with corporate innovation teams at enterprise travel brands. He's now working on something new and stealthy. Tune in to hear what he was willing to share.

The Travel Massive LIVE Show – Season 1

The Travel Massive LIVE Show is a weekly online discussion on the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on travel and tourism worldwide, featuring members from all over the globe.

The LIVE Show is hosted by Dublin chapter co-leader Kevin O'Shaughnessy, and produced by Sofia chapter leader and Content Manager at Travel Massive Maria Stoyanova and Travel Massive founder Ian Cumming.

Catch up on all 12 episodes from Season 1 of the LIVE show on our blog, and podcasts.

👉 If you want to take part of Season 2 or sponsor the Travel Massive LIVE Show, get in touch with us at live@travelmassive.com.