Travel Pulse's Brian Major takes us behind the scenes of Caribbean tourism reporting
Manage episode 490892155 series 2979289
When Brian Major accidentally "fell into" travel journalism after covering home furnishings, he couldn't have imagined it would lead to a remarkable career spanning over two decades of Caribbean expertise. His journey from cruise editor to public relations director and back to journalism offers a fascinating window into how travel media has evolved.
During our conversation, Brian offers rare insights from his current role as Managing Editor of Digital Guides and Publications at Travel Pulse, where he's remained for 15 years covering 32 Caribbean nations. His methodical approach to finding stories—monitoring local Caribbean newspapers, nurturing relationships with tourism boards and embarking on monthly press trips—demonstrates the dedication required in specialized travel journalism. This comprehensive approach ensures travel advisors receive accurate, timely information that serves both their business needs and their clients' travel aspirations.
The conversation takes unexpected turns as Brian shares personal favorites among Caribbean destinations. His special appreciation for Nevis stems from its quiet, unspoiled beauty, while Jamaica earns his praise for remarkable geographical diversity—"mountains, rivers, beautiful beaches, as well as great culture." His perspective on travel advisories offers balanced wisdom: take warnings seriously but contextualize them, understanding that millions visit Caribbean destinations safely each year by exercising the same caution they would anywhere unfamiliar. As someone with Caribbean heritage, Brian's connection to the region adds meaningful depth to his reporting, contributing to his awards from the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Jamaica Tourist Board. Looking ahead, he identifies exclusive villa accommodations and diverse cruising options as major post-pandemic trends reshaping Caribbean travel.
Connect with Brian at bmajortraveling on Instagram to follow his continuing Caribbean adventures and gain insights that go beyond the beaches.
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Brian Major (00:00:00)
2. Journey from Journalism to PR (00:03:28)
3. Travel Pulse and Caribbean Coverage (00:05:45)
4. Favorite Caribbean Destinations (00:09:32)
5. Career Highlights and Travel Trends (00:12:55)
6. Final Thoughts and Contact Info (00:22:19)
114 episodes