Most tour operators focus on looking professional.

But that’s not always what makes you stand out when every option looks good.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie from Sunny Cove Kayaking, an operator with nearly two decades of experience in Alaska, to break down what actually makes guests choose one tour over another.

Her approach is simple but powerful. She writes her website like she’s talking to a friend. Her emails feel like real updates, not promotions. And that personal tone carries all the way through the experience.

The result? Strong word of mouth, a 30,000-person email list, and a brand people remember.

We also dive into how she’s started using AI in a practical way to improve her website and increase traffic without losing that personal voice.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why sounding “professional” can actually hurt conversions
- How to make your website and emails feel more human
- A simple way to use AI to improve your marketing without overcomplicating it

This episode sits in the Planning stage of the Growth Engine, where guests are comparing options and deciding who they trust.

Note: Stephanie was joining us from Alaska where the internet can be a bit unpredictable, so you may notice some blurriness and lighter editing than usual. But the insights in this one are absolutely worth it.

Learn more about Sunny Cove: https://sunnycove.com

🚀 Take the Growth Engine Assessment to find out where you might need to improve:
https://www.resmarksystems.com/growth-engine-survey

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📈 Want Help Growing Your Tour Business?
Visit https://www.resmarkweb.com
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Call or text us directly: 385-449-4079
Email Nikki: nikki@resmarksystems.com

00:00 Who Is Stephanie from Sunny Cove Kayaking?
00:54 How Do Tour Operators Get Started in the Industry?
02:07 What Do Tour Operators Love Most About the Job?
03:24 What Challenges Do Guests Face When Planning a Trip to Alaska?
05:00 How Do Guests Decide Which Tours to Book?
07:04 What Makes Guests Choose One Tour Company Over Another?
08:35 How Can Tour Operators Make Marketing Feel More Personal?
11:13 How Does a Website Help Turn Visitors Into Bookings?
13:02 How Can Tour Operators Use AI to Improve Website Traffic?
16:48 How Do You Stay in Front of Guests Who Aren’t Ready to Book?
23:58 What Actually Helps Tour Operators Get More Bookings Over Time?
30:42 What Is the Best Advice for Tour Operators Who Want to Grow?