The dialogue in Aqua Talks navigates the dynamic interplay between tourism, culture, and marketing, specifically through the lens of music tourism. Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley lead a rich conversation with Matt Cooper, who shares his extensive experience in promoting travel experiences that are deeply rooted in local culture. The episode highlights the resurgence of interest in music tourism as a result of the pandemic, with travelers increasingly seeking out experiences that celebrate local music and arts. Matt discusses various initiatives he has championed, including the creation of music-based itineraries in Jamaica, which have successfully attracted visitors interested in the rich musical history of the island. The hosts and their guest underscore the essential role of cultural storytelling in marketing, advocating for a more profound integration of local music scenes into tourism strategies. This episode serves as a guide for marketers and tourism professionals to rethink their approach, emphasizing the need to evoke emotional responses through cultural engagement, ultimately enhancing the travel experience and building lasting connections with visitors.

In this Episode:

• 00:07 - Introduction to Aqua Talks
• 06:02 - The Influence of Music on Travel and Tourism
• 13:29 - The Evolution of the All-Inclusive Experience
• 18:14 - The Journey of a Career in Travel and Hospitality
• 25:10 - Cultural Strategies for Promoting Saint Martin
• 28:52 - Travel Marketing Innovations

Key Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the transformative power of marketing in creating meaningful connections with audiences.
• Music tourism is identified as a significant trend influencing travel decisions and cultural engagement.
• Listeners are encouraged to leverage cultural elements in their marketing strategies to foster emotional connections.
• The importance of direct consumer engagement is highlighted as a means to optimize travel experiences and bookings.
• Incorporating local culture into marketing strategies is essential for attracting and retaining travelers to various destinations.
• The discussion includes insights on the evolution of tourism marketing, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America.

RESOURCES:

Aqua Talks - Website

Larry Aldrich - LinkedIn

Mady Dudley - LinkedIn

Matt Cooper - LinkedIn

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Matt Cooper is a tourism marketing and business development strategist, promoting the travel and tourism experience in the Caribbean and Latin America for 30 years. He started Travel Culture Collab in 2019, to offer strategic counsel on various aspects of commercial strategy for hotels and destination marketing organizations, amplifying brand awareness and engaging with new consumer audiences to win over more travelers for his clients. Matt currently works with the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau, Jamaica Tourist Board, Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Grupo Posadas and many independent hotels. He is the former CMO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association where he created collaborative partnerships with JetBlue, Mastercard, STR and many others. As a media professional, Matt represented The New York Times, Conde Nast publications and Travel Agent Magazine. He began his career in public relations