Podcast: Seasonal Strategies for Year-Long Success: Insights from Anchorage Trolley Tours

Listen to the episode: Seasonal Strategies for Year-Long Success: Insights from Anchorage Trolley Tours

Host: Rebekah Costley, Community Manager at FareHarbor
Guest: Cyrus Aldeman, Owner of Anchorage Trolley Tours

Episode overview

Rebekah sits down with Cyrus to uncover his key strategies behind maintaining consistent bookings in a highly seasonal market like Anchorage, Alaska. Cyrus shares his methods for managing inventory, maximizing local partnerships, and optimizing FareHarbor’s tools to streamline operations. 

Whether you’re working in a seasonal destination or looking to extend your peak season, this episode offers applicable insights that can help you sustain your business year-round.

Key takeaways:

1. Managing inventory for seasonal success

• Adjusting availability: Cyrus explains how he adjusts inventory based on real-time demand and seasonality, ensuring flexibility during high and low seasons.
• FareHarbor’s availability tools: He leverages FareHarbor’s availability updater to quickly make mass updates to his inventory without overcommitting resources.

2. Leveraging local partnerships

• Collaborating with local businesses: Building partnerships with local operators and businesses has allowed Cyrus to maintain consistent customer traffic even during the off-season.
• Cross-promotion opportunities within the community: Partnering with other tour operators helps both parties fill gaps in their services, attracting more customers throughout the year.

3. Streamlining operations with FareHarbor

• Smooth online and walk-up sales: Cyrus discusses which features  he uses to manage both online bookings and walk-up customers, ensuring efficient sales and improved guest experiences.
• More time in the day with automation benefits: Automating tasks like availability updates and customer communications has freed up time for Cyrus and his team to focus on delivering top-notch tours.

4. Tips for thriving in a seasonal market

• Plan for your off-season: Cyrus offers strategies on extending your operating season and driving revenue year-round through creative promotions and local partnerships.
• Tailor your offering: Adjust your tour packages or pricing for the off-season to attract both locals and off-season visitors.

Quotes from the episode:

“You have to treat the off-season as an opportunity, not a problem. It’s all about adjusting your approach.” – Cyrus Aldeman

“FareHarbor helps us not only manage the busy season but allows us to streamline during slower times so we can still generate revenue.” – Cyrus Aldeman

Continue your learning on seasonal strategies:

• Extend your seasonal operation into a year-round venture
• See how our availability updater works
• Listen to the full episode

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