Eric Segalstad

Vice President & Partner

Gondwana Ecotours

https://www.gondwanaecotours.com

A Norwegian native now based in Vermont, Eric Segalstad has spent the past two decades working in the travel industry, with adventures spanning five continents. His career has included guiding exploratory ski trips in Kashmir, Patagonia, and Japan, collaborating with leading tour operators, and volunteering with the Rainforest Alliance to support indigenous-owned lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Eric is Vice President & Partner at Gondwana Ecotours, where he oversees brand experience, operations technology, and tour development. Among his projects is the Norway: Western Fjords Adventure, which he also enjoys guiding alongside a local guide.

He contributes to the broader industry as a member of the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Marketing Committee and its Sustainability Subcommittee.

When not working, Eric can be found producing music, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, or honing his surfing skills. He also enjoys hiking and paddleboarding with his wife and their rescue dog.

summary

In this episode, Jason Elkins speaks with Eric Segalstad, the vice president and partner of Gondwana Ecotours. They discuss the meaning behind the name Gondwana, the company's mission to create meaningful connections between travelers and local communities, and the unique travel experiences they offer. Eric shares his personal journey into the travel industry, highlighting the importance of storytelling and the challenges faced during the pandemic. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of travel and the impact it can have on both travelers and the communities they visit.

takeaways

• Gondwana is named after an ancient supercontinent, symbolizing connection.
• The mission is to inspire meaningful connections between travelers and local communities.
• Gondwana focuses on bucket list experiences that promote cultural and ecological awareness.
• Travel is seen as a force for good, aiming to leave destinations better than found.
• Unique experiences, like dining with local families, create lasting memories for travelers.
• Eric's early experiences in Norway shaped his love for adventure and travel.
• The importance of storytelling in travel and how it enhances the experience.
• Gondwana's approach to travel emphasizes sustainability and community support.
• The pandemic presented challenges, but also opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Traveling with like-minded individuals fosters deeper connections and shared experiences.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Jordi Llonch Esteve
Head of Growth
Satlantis
https://satlantis.io/

Jordi Llonch Esteve is a lifelong nomad, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for freedom technologies. After traveling over 50 cities as an airline pilot, he transitioned into entrepreneurship and innovation, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their startups each year. Today, he leads growth at Satlantis.io, a social network built for frequent travelers and digital nomads. Satlantis empowers users to discover their next destination, connect with like-minded nomads, and navigate the world with digital freedom, no centralized platforms needed.

Summary

In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Jordi Llonch, the head of growth for Satlantis, a social network designed for frequent travelers. Jordi shares his journey from being an airline pilot to transitioning into the startup world, discussing the challenges faced in the airline industry and the exciting yet exhausting life of startups. The conversation highlights the importance of community and connection for digital nomads, as well as the unique features of the Satlantis app that cater to travelers seeking like-minded individuals. Jordi emphasizes the significance of digital ownership and the future of social networking for freedom seekers.

Takeaways

• Satlantis is a social network for frequent travelers.
• Jordi transitioned from being an airline pilot to working in startups.
• The airline industry faced significant challenges during the economic crisis.
• Startup life is akin to jumping off a cliff and building a plane before hitting the ground.
• Community and connection are vital for digital nomads and travelers.
• Satlantis offers a unique platform for like-minded individuals to connect.
• The app focuses on user-generated content and personalized experiences.
• Users can create collections of recommended places and events.
• The platform is free to use, with monetization options for event organizers.
• Digital ownership and control over social connections are emphasized.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Dolores Gangotena
Founder
Quasar Expeditions

My husband and myself founded Quasar Expeditions in 1986. Up to then, my life had been filled with several experiences in the Galapagos Islands. My first trip was in 1969 when there was no airport and navigations had to be done from Guayaquil. My first experience visiting Galapagos, still quite young, in the company of a biology teacher and 5 friends truly changed my life. It is since we founded the company that my professional life saw a big turn and suddenly I had to become part of the hospitality department, the human resources department, biology and naturalist guides department, the marketing and sales department which if all different gave me a view of what the business was all about from scratch. It is probably this experience that have helped us create our safari cruises that create an incredible memory in all of our guests.

summary
In this episode, Dolores Gangotena, founder of Quasar Expeditions, shares her journey from her first trip to the Galapagos at 17 to establishing a successful eco-tourism company. She discusses the importance of sustainable tourism, the challenges of operating in the Galapagos, and the need for regulations to protect the islands. Dolores emphasizes the value of local experiences and the role of naturalists in enhancing the travel experience. She also addresses common misconceptions about safety in Latin America and encourages travelers to explore the beauty of the region.

takeaways

• Dolores's first trip to the Galapagos sparked her passion for eco-tourism.
• Quasar Expeditions focuses on small group experiences in the Galapagos.
• The company has expanded to offer services in continental Ecuador and beyond.
• Sustainable tourism is crucial for preserving the Galapagos.
• Local operations enhance the travel experience and support the community.
• Travel agencies are increasingly working directly with Quasar Expeditions.
• The importance of targeting the English-speaking market for tourism.
• Group dynamics can impact the travel experience in the Galapagos.
• Tourism has evolved, affecting wildlife interactions in the islands.
• Regulations are necessary to manage the growing number of visitors.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.