On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m talking with eight industry professionals at OMCA Marketplace, held in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. These conversations emphasize the evolving nature of the travel industry driven by changes in traveler expectations, strategic international cooperation, and a strong focus on quality and convenience.

In this episode, you’ll hear from these travel industry professionals:

Jeffrey Goldwasser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-goldwasser-36264711/
Brittany Dykla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-dykla-cpa-7a50b036/
Jennifer Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernealmiller/
Karine Boudreau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karine-boudreau-722355205/
Marcy Barnes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-barnes-8b98092b/
Mary Ellen Hudson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ellen-hudson-4807071b/
Ray DeNure: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-denure-7852805b/
Ben Rome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhrome/

Jeffrey Goldwasser – Sales Representative For Amaya Seating

Jeffrey reflects on how many industry shows he attends each year and underscores the importance of networking outside the booths, such as in elevators, meals, or after-parties, where meaningful connections often occur. He also talks about supporting the “Women in Buses” initiative under the ABA, recognizing women’s critical role in the bus industry. Jeffrey describes the OMCA Marketplace as “evolving,” appreciating the opportunity to meet new people and establish future business connections.

Brittany Dykla – CFO Of Brilliant Edventures

Brittany discusses the integral role of collaboration in tourism, which distinguishes it from other sectors where collaboration often requires additional encouragement. She notes the importance of leveraging the current travel boom for long-term growth through immersive, storytelling-driven experiences that feel exclusive to the group and resonate with younger generations. She loves the OMCA Marketplace, praising its collaborative, productive atmosphere!

Jennifer Miller – Manager, Domestic Tourism From Visit Detroit

We discuss the vibrant tourism offerings available in Metropolitan Detroit that help visitors enjoy the city’s rich history and fun distillery scene. She highlights valuable cross-border collaborations with Windsor, Ontario, such as the Detroit Grand Prix and the Freedom Festival fireworks. Jennifer describes the OMCA Marketplace as “comfortable” with effective networking opportunities that help build valuable industry relationships.

Karine Boudreau – Sales And Marketing Coordinator From Destination Moncton Dieppa

Karine describes her first time attending the OMCA Marketplace as welcoming and says it’s an excellent opportunity to make new contacts. She shares the increasing popularity of real-life experiences that revolve around food, leisure activities, and spending time outdoors such as the enchanted night walk that depicts the Acadian culture in the best possible way.

Marcy Barnes – Market Development Specialist From Tourism New Brunswick

Marcy identifies sustainability as a growing trend in the tour and travel sector for 2025, which includes practices like using reusable water bottles and alternative transportation methods. She mentions the advantage of taking longer trips to improve sustainability, reducing the need for multiple short flights throughout the year. Marcy uses a gardening analogy to emphasize the importance of relationship building at events like OMCA, comparing initial meetings to planting seeds and subsequent interactions to nurturing a relationship.

Mary Ellen Hudson – Travel Trade From Fredericton Capital Region Tourism

Mary Ellen highlights the growing interest in astrotourism, following significant astronomical events like the total eclipse observed in Fredericton. She mentions partnerships with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to promote events such as star-watching and telescope observations, which cater to this upcoming trend. She describes the OMCA Marketplace as “fun,” leaning into the energetic and social nature of the travel industry event.

Ray DeNure – Owner From DeNure Tours

Ray discusses taking a long-term view of the industry, understanding the broader context, and integrating forward-looking strategies to sustain and grow the business while accommodating shifting travel behaviors and preferences. He emphasizes events like the OMCA Marketplace’s positive role in making business connections and creating informal networking opportunities in social settings.

Ben Rome – Director Of Communications And Brand From American Bus Association

We discuss the resurgence of travel bookings and the increased numbers of solo travel and single-family travel. People now seem to be open to traveling to international destinations right now too, whereas over the past couple of years travel has mostly been land-based domestic travel. Ben also shares his experience of experiential travel demand and why younger people, particularly, are drawn to immersive travel as they want to be part of the story.

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