For this quarter’s Supplier Spotlight, we’d like to recognize PhotoTrek Tours based out of New York City!
Established in 2003 and a valued partner of Virgin Experience Gifts for over eight years now, PhotoTrek Tours offers private, award-winning photography tours of NYC. The company truly creates unique and memorable outings for its participants, and we are honored to have them as one of our experience providers!
Get the inside scoop on PhotoTrek Tours and how it has become such a success in the competitive NYC market! Discover the famed tour company's secret to success in our interview with the legendary owner himself, Mr. Marc Samuels.
Tell us a little about PhotoTrek Tours and how it got started.
PhotoTrek Tours was founded in 2003. As a native New Yorker with a passion for photography, I decided to combine two areas of great interest to me: photography and showcasing New York City. I started the tour in the early days of the internet, and I believe I was the only personal photographer/tour guide, anywhere, at that time. With the creation of the internet and digital photography, I was able to reach people and take numerous photos at little cost. It was sort of a “lightbulb” moment back then. I am grateful to still be in business nearly 15 years later.
Did you experience any challenges starting a tour company in the competitive NYC market? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes. There are always challenges starting a new business. I worked three jobs in the early years, allowing me the flexibility to take tours as they trickled in. Eventually, I got to the point (after about three years) where I felt I could survive on just giving tours. I thankfully said goodbye to my waiter and insurance sales jobs.
Most recently, the challenges are being found via search engine, [ranking in internet results] high enough for people to see. Let’s face it, most people are not going past page two, maybe three, on Google. Therefore, if we are not seen on the first couple of pages, our tours may never be discovered by potential guests. Additionally, with the importance of social media, again we are having a difficult time getting traction. Many companies can allocate a person or staff to SEO and Social Media Marketing. We do not have that luxury.
We have just tried to provide an outstanding tour for every guest and hope word of mouth will drive sales. We also try to link with well-respected companies, such as Virgin Experience Gifts.
There is no easy answer to overcoming the obstacles. We are always trying to utilize social media and optimize our website. At the end of the day, it is word of mouth that is the greatest selling point. We also take pride in virtually an unblemished track record of five-star reviews for nearly 15 years.
How many photographers/tour guides do you currently have, and how many NYC tours do you give each year?
Including myself, we have three photographer/guides. Collectively, we provide about 500 tours annually.
Any words of wisdom for other NYC tour providers?
Yes. For one, I treat every guest as if I am their introduction to NYC. I want every guest to feel special, and we try our best to make sure each tour is as memorable an experience as possible.
Guests have many ways to spend their time and money while in NYC; [and they’re] often in New York for a once in a lifetime, dream trip. I want to not only meet, but exceed, their expectations while showcasing NYC. I hope all NYC tour operators feel the same way.
What’s your favorite part about working with Virgin Experience Gifts?
What I enjoy about Virgin Experience Gifts is knowing the guests you refer to us are always super-excited about the tour. At PhotoTrek Tours, we always give it our all. Every one of the guests referred to PhotoTrek Tours from Virgin Experience Gifts seems to be extra-excited about taking the tour, and we certainly feed off their energy.
