463. Group Travel Trends for 2026: Voices from the ABA Marketplace in Reno Part 1, with Nicole Mahoney
Release Date: 02/11/2026
463. Group Travel Trends for 2026: Voices from the ABA Marketplace in Reno Part 1, with Nicole Mahoney
Destination On The Left
This episode of Destination on the Left is a special roadshow edition recorded live at the American Bus Association’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno, Nevada. I’m joined by a fantastic group of industry leaders to hear first-hand how collaboration is playing a critical, mission-driven role in the future of group travel, moving beyond a “nice-to-have” and becoming essential for success. My guests discuss the economic impact of group travel and the importance of restoring cross-border connections between the U.S. and Canada, to creative regional itineraries, and share ideas for navigating the...
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462. How Tourism Fuels Economic Growth in Rural Livingston County, with Maureen Wheeler and Ashley Comeau
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Maureen Wheeler, Deputy Director of Livingston County Economic Development, and Tourism Director Ashley Comeau to discuss the strategic moves Maureen’s department made to bring tourism under the same roof as economic development. We talk about business retention and expansion, building robust small destinations, and why visitor spending is critical for rural areas. Ashley and Maureen also share more about the business plan contest designed to attract breweries, restaurants, and experiential businesses to the area, and how that...
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461. Using Tech to Create Exceptional Visitor Experiences, with Sondra Shannon
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Tech. Sondra and I discuss the art and importance of creating exceptional visitor experiences and how technology can help attractions remove friction for guests, increase revenue, and stand out in a competitive landscape. She also shares why keeping guests informed leads to happier experiences and how, just by walking around their attraction, leaders can turn firsthand insights into an improved guest experience. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why removing friction from the guest journey is...
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460. Prioritizing Return on Experience (ROX), with Lisa Conarton
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Lisa Conarton, CEO of LC Elevated Hospitality, who shares compelling examples of what it means to be a leader in the hospitality and tourism industry. We discuss the importance of building trust, why collaboration is key to success, and the difference between ROI and ‘return on experience’ (ROX). Lisa also shares how people can be proactive rather than reactive and why understanding how to go with the flow is so important. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Lisa built her career path in hospitality and tourism, moving from...
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459. Local Culture, Design, and Wow Moments at the Mondrian Mexico City, with Claudia Di Gino
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Claudia Di Gino, General Manager at the Mondrian Mexico City Condesa. Claudia tells the story of building a lifestyle brand in the hotel industry, how partnerships play an important role, and what it means to be part of the community. She shares how her hotel delivers an authentic experience that never fails to surprise and delight its guests. We also discuss what’s happening for the brand in 2026 and the opportunities for growth, including the FIFA World Cup coming to Mexico City. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Claudia’s...
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458. How Self Advocacy Fuels Innovation, with Neelu Kaur
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m joined by the dynamic Neelu Kaur, organizational psychologist, self-advocacy champion, author, and keynote speaker. Neelu dispels the myth that self-advocacy is boastful, and we discuss how advocating for yourself can actually be a generous and empowering act. She shares how leaders and teams can create environments where all voices are heard, exploring the innovative concept of “generous exclusion,” and the importance of dialing up the “I” or the “we” when the moment calls for it. Neelu also suggests some great practical strategies...
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457. Inside NTA Travel Exchange, with Nicole Mahoney
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m at the NTA Travel Exchange in Ottawa to speak with eight leading professionals shaping the future of group travel, tourism, and hospitality. You’ll hear insights from leaders who share the latest market trends, traveler behaviors, innovative approaches, and what’s ahead for 2026. The conversations explore the strong resurgence of group tours, the rise of small group and multi-generational travel, and a growing demand for immersive, meaningful experiences—from stargazing in Utah to luxury train journeys. You’ll discover how industry...
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456. How Travel Priorities Have Evolved, with Erin Groh
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Erin Groh, Head of Marketing at iSeatz, a leading but often behind-the-scenes travel tech company powering loyalty programs for brands like American Express, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Qantas. Erin shares her fascinating career journey from traditional and digital media through to travel technology, illustrating how influencer marketing, social media, and travel tech are now converging to reshape the modern travel experience. Listeners will find out why today’s travelers are prioritizing dream trips—even if it means rebalancing...
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455. Making Travel Accessible and Eco-Friendly Across Europe, with Oliver Winter
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Oliver Winter, CEO and Founder of a&o Hostels, for an inspiring conversation about his entrepreneurial journey, from traveling on a shoestring budget to building one of the largest hostel brands in the world. We talk about his focus on being a cost leader, not a price leader, and how that translates to a guest experience that works for small pockets while still serving the needs of his guests. Oliver also shares his passion for sustainability and how his company has been able to move from an 18-kilogram per guest carbon footprint to...
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454. What Makes Atlantic Canada’s Tourism Scene Unique, Atlantic Canada Roadshow 2025 Part 2
Destination On The Left
We’re taking you on a road trip through the future of tourism in Atlantic Canada. You’ll hear firsthand from tourism leaders on how the region captivates new generations of travelers while staying true to its maritime roots. We also spotlight the rise of Indigenous-led travel experiences and the wave of creativity from local artisans. From group travel trends to the power of regional collaboration, each story underscores how Atlantic Canada’s tourism pros aren’t just adapting—they’re shaping what meaningful travel looks like for the years ahead. In this episode, you’ll hear from...
info_outlineThis episode of Destination on the Left is a special roadshow edition recorded live at the American Bus Association’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno, Nevada. I’m joined by a fantastic group of industry leaders to hear first-hand how collaboration is playing a critical, mission-driven role in the future of group travel, moving beyond a “nice-to-have” and becoming essential for success. My guests discuss the economic impact of group travel and the importance of restoring cross-border connections between the U.S. and Canada, to creative regional itineraries, and share ideas for navigating the political and economic headwinds facing the industry.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How ABA’s leadership is addressing current challenges in group travel, including restoring the crucial relationship between the U.S. and Canada
- Why collaboration between industry partners, including operators, suppliers, associations, and destinations, is mission-critical for the future of group travel
- Trends are shaping group travel in 2026 and beyond, such as the rise of experiential itineraries, smaller group sizes, and the impacts of major events like the FIFA World Cup and MA250
- How regional and cross-border partnerships are creating unique travel experiences and tour products that benefit entire ecosystems, not just individual destinations
- Collaborative initiatives, such as Tour in 64 are demonstrating the value of teamwork
- How industry organizations like ABA can accelerate personal and professional growth
The Future of Group Travel is Collaboration
The ABA 2026 Marketplace is filled with optimism, but nobody shies away from today’s realities. Fred Ferguson sets the stage by underscoring the economic importance of group travel—$158 billion in economic output and 800,000 jobs in North America.
The entire travel flywheel, operators, destinations, restaurants, and attractions, only spins when everyone works in sync. Fred Ferguson and Terry Fischer both stress that now, more than ever, strategic alliances and industry unity are essential for lasting impact. It’s no longer enough to operate in silos. As Terry puts it, “It takes a village,” and internal and external collaboration are the most important ingredients in weathering disruptions, from politics to pandemics.
Collaboration in Action
My guests also share what deep collaboration looks like in practice. Across the group travel ecosystem, leaders are getting creative. We hear how DMOs are embracing regionalism, and Todd Read from SoIN Tourism and Whitney Lubbers of Dubois County described how Tour in 64, a partnership among destinations along Interstate 64, helps smaller markets punch above their weight. By pooling marketing budgets, sharing top experiences, and even jointly running an ABA booth, collective impact outweighs any competition for hotel nights.
With mega-events like the FIFA World Cup and MA250 (America’s 250th anniversary) on the horizon, Stacey David detailed how municipalities, nonprofits, small businesses, and big attractions can co-create fan zone festivals that benefit everyone. Every stakeholder has a seat at the table for shared successes.
The Power of Relationships
The ABA conference is a great way to build relations, get involved, and engage with others in the travel and tourism industry. Jim Warren of Anderson Vacations credits strong partnerships as the industry’s lifeblood, helping everyone survive the inevitable economic and political storms.
Those connections are formed and deepened at conferences like ABA Marketplace. Investments in community, from Women in Buses initiatives to association days, make all the difference for newcomers and veterans alike. Leaders are putting collaboration-first strategies in place—whether it’s regional joint marketing, creating new products, or advocating for the sector at the policy level.
Resources:
- Fred Ferguson: https://www.buses.org/staff/fred-ferguson-mba-ms/
- Terry Fischer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-fischer-31895b122/
- Patricia Cowley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcowley/
- Jim Warren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-warren-1b2b59187/
- Stacey David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-david-940a214/
- Todd Read: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-read-182ab73a/
- Whitney Lubbers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-lubbers-07374360/
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